US-Iran War: Live Updates

Mar 9, 2026 7:31 PM

Arvin Jayasuriya

Comprehensive coverage of US-Iran war with latest updates as it happens brought you by Financial Chronicle in collaboration with NewsDive

03/12/2026, 8:14:50 AM, Sri Lanka (user’s local time)

Explosions at Oman’s Salalah Port: Multiple drones struck fuel storage tanks, causing large fires; Iran denies involvement.
Israel’s Air Strikes in Lebanon: Large-scale air strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs raise fears of Hezbollah’s heartland becoming a new Gaza.
US Strategic Petroleum Reserve Release: 172 million barrels released to counteract oil price spikes caused by the war.
Satellite Imagery Restrictions: US companies limit access to Middle East satellite images, impacting intelligence and media coverage.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Wounded: Reports indicate Iran’s new Supreme Leader was wounded early in the conflict.
Flight Cancellations: Airlines like KLM have canceled flights to Dubai until late March due to the conflict.

03/11/2026, 10:48:34 PM, Sri Lanka (user’s local time)

Iran’s Military Moves:

Iran has mined the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, escalating tensions in the region. (Source: ایران اینترنشنال)
Iran launched fresh missile and drone strikes targeting Gulf countries, including oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and commercial ships near the UAE coast. (Sources: The Sunday Guardian, PBS)
Iran’s military declared ships of the US, Israel, and their allies in the Hormuz Strait as “legitimate targets.” (The Defense Post)
Coordinated strikes by Hezbollah and Iran on Israel have intensified the conflict. (Fox Business)
Iran threatened to target US and Israeli banks and tech firms, including Microsoft and Google HQs in Dubai, prompting evacuation of bank staff in Dubai. (The Sunday Guardian, kurdistan24.net)

Israel and US Responses:

Israel reported missile attacks from Iran as the conflict widens. (Middle East Monitor)
US and Israeli forces continue coordinated strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. (The Sunday Guardian)
Former US President Donald Trump claimed the war could end “any time I want,” asserting Iran has “practically nothing left to target.” (The Sunday Guardian, Reuters)

Global Energy and Economic Impact

Nations agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from reserves to stabilize the global energy market amid the war’s disruption. (The Washington Post, Mint)
Oil prices are soaring, with Iran warning that prices could hit $200 per barrel due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. (The Sunday Guardian)
The conflict has caused significant disruptions to air travel, with airlines like KLM canceling flights to Dubai until March 28. (BBC)
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating heating oil suppliers for profiteering amid the crisis. (The Guardian)
SLB (Schlumberger) has curtailed its Middle East operations due to the ongoing war. (Upstream Online)

Diplomatic and Political Reactions

The Turkish president called for an end to the US-Israeli war with Iran to prevent further escalation. (Middle East Monitor)
Spain withdrew its ambassador from Israel in protest against the war and the situation in Gaza. (Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye)
Switzerland closed its embassy in Tehran but maintains communication channels between the US and Iran. (Al Arabiya English)
Criticism of middle powers like Australia and Canada for their stance on the Iran war has been voiced. (Middle East Monitor)
Discussions continue on the divergence between US and Israeli war goals in Iran. (Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com)
China remains silent on the conflict, raising questions about its strategic position. (orfonline.org)

Latest

In maps: Thirteen days of attacks in Iran and the Middle East
March 12, 2026
'Fingers on the trigger': Deadly warnings for Iranians being urged to take action
March 12, 2026
Explosions reported on two foreign vessels in the Gulf, authorities say
March 12, 2026
'Kill the regime but not people': BBC speaks to Iranians crossing into Turkey
March 11, 2026

03/11/2026, 9:10:47 AM, (Sri Lanka Time)

The US-Israel war on Iran has now entered its second week, with global repercussions being felt widely. (Facebook)
Tehran endured its “worst night of strikes” recently, with mixed messages from the US about the possibility of more attacks. (The Guardian)
Iran has launched multiple heavy, multi-warhead missile salvos targeting Israel overnight. (Al Jazeera, The Times of Israel)
Israel responded by hitting Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut and conducting airstrikes across southern Lebanon, resulting in at least 7 deaths and numerous casualties in Qana, Tyre, and Bint Jbeil. (The Sunday Guardian, Middle East Eye)
The death toll in Lebanon from Israeli attacks has reached 570. (Middle East Eye)
The US and Israel have intensified their strikes on Iran, with the Pentagon describing them as the heaviest yet. (The New York Times, The Times of India)
The US destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels amid threats from Iran to block Gulf oil exports. (AP News, France 24, BBC)
Over 140 US service members have been wounded in the conflict, with 8 severely injured. (CBS News, Santa Maria Times, Al Jazeera)
Iran is showing increased defiance in the face of the US-Israeli onslaught, refusing ceasefire calls. (The Guardian)
Iran’s military is adapting effectively to the conflict, putting unprecedented strain on US forces. (The New York Times, Bloomberg.com)
Explosions were reported in Doha as Qatar intercepted Iranian missiles, with no damage reported. (The Sunday Guardian)
Saudi Arabia intercepted several Iranian drones heading towards oil fields. (MSN)
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile attacks on US military facilities in the Middle East, including a major base in Kuwait. (MSN)
The conflict has caused significant civilian casualties, including over 1,300 civilians killed in US and Israeli strikes. (Sök News)
The war has sparked political reactions globally, with some UK officials denying calls to join the conflict and Australian MPs expressing concern over their government’s response. (The Guardian)
Public opinion in the US is divided, with some Americans questioning the purpose of the war, while 68% of connected American Jews support the US-Israel war against Iran. (BBC, Washington Jewish Week)
Former US President Trump claims the war is nearly won, though Israel appears to have different views on the conflict’s duration. (WSJ)
Economic impacts of the conflict are being analyzed, with concerns about global markets and oil supply disruptions. (Oxford Economics, Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

03/11/2026, 12:17:29 AM, (Sri Lanka Time)

The Pentagon reports 140 to 150 US service members wounded since the start of the Iran war, with 8 severely injured. (Sources: KSL TV 5, Boston 25 News, The Times of Israel, Reuters)
US Defense Secretary Hegseth vows the most intense day yet of US strikes on Iran, signaling escalation. (Middle East Eye, San Antonio Express-News, DW.com)
Iran endures its worst night of strikes amid mixed US messages about the continuation of attacks. (The Guardian)
US President Donald Trump has given contradictory statements about the war, saying it could end “very soon” but also that the US hasn’t “won enough.” (The Guardian, The Sunday Guardian, Truthout)
The US has reportedly asked Israel to halt strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure to avoid further escalation. (Axios)
Iran’s foreign minister accuses the US of bombing a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, raising fears of attacks on critical water infrastructure in the Gulf. (Facebook)
Iran warns it will target US and Israeli infrastructure if its own is attacked further. (The Hill)
Israel’s President Herzog calls the cost of the war the price for Middle East peace, emphasizing the high stakes. (CNBC)
Global airlines have hiked ticket prices due to soaring costs linked to the Iran war. (Al Jazeera)
The International Energy Agency (IEA) is meeting to discuss the possible release of oil reserves amid the conflict. (Al Jazeera)
US military involvement includes the strategic role of the Ramstein Air Base in Germany in the Iran war. (Caspianpost.com)

03/10/2026, 6:31:16 AM, (Sri Lanka time)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a broad wave of strikes against terror targets in Tehran, marking Day 10 of the Israel-Iran war. [Haaretz]
Israel has begun broad strikes on Iran’s infrastructure, intensifying the conflict. [The New York Times]
U.S. Tomahawk missiles hit a naval base near an Iranian school, with video evidence surfacing. [The New York Times]
Hezbollah rockets have reached central Israel, escalating the regional tensions. [The Jerusalem Post]
Toxic rain fell over Tehran following airstrikes on oil facilities, indicating environmental and civilian impact. [NBC News]
Former President Donald Trump repeatedly stated that the war with Iran will end “very soon” but warned of continued threats, especially concerning global oil supplies. [The Guardian, Bloomberg, Al Jazeera, CBS News]
Trump claimed the U.S. is “achieving major strides” toward military objectives in Iran and suggested lifting oil sanctions post-conflict. [NPR, Bloomberg]
U.S. public opinion shows strong opposition to sending ground troops into Iran, with roughly 75% against it according to recent surveys. [The Hill, CT Insider]
Democrats have filed new war powers resolutions and called for public hearings on Iran strikes, reflecting political tensions in the U.S. [The Guardian]
G7 nations pledged to take necessary measures to support global energy supplies amid the conflict. [BBC]
Oil prices and stock markets have been highly volatile, swinging wildly as Iran and Israel launch new strikes. Brent crude prices dropped to $90 but later recovered to $96 per barrel after G7 intervention. [The New York Times, The Financial Express]
The conflict is expected to have significant economic repercussions, including impacts on Americans’ wallets due to fluctuating oil prices. [The New York Times]
Bahrain’s state-owned energy company declared force majeure after Iranian strikes targeted its facilities, highlighting regional energy supply disruptions. [MSN]
Finland’s President remarked that there is currently “no one stopping the Iran war,” emphasizing the conflict’s intractability. [Bloomberg]
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham issued threats to Saudi Arabia over the Iran war, indicating broader regional involvement. [The Guardian]
Analysts note the emergence of a new era of drone warfare taking root in Iran, changing the dynamics of the conflict. [Council on Foreign Relations]

Links: Iran – Tehran Burns, the Numbers Climb, and the Hospitals Stretch

03/09/2026, 8:02:03 PM, (Sri Lanka Time)

Russia and China have pledged unwavering support to Mojtaba Khamenei amid the ongoing war.
EU leaders held a video conference with Middle East leaders to assess the escalating war situation.
NATO intercepted another Iranian missile over Turkish airspace, highlighting the regional security concerns.
US Senator Lindsey Graham expressed strong support for the US war effort, indicating potential economic gains.

03/09/2026, 7:04:16 PM, (Sri Lanka Time)

Military Developments:

Israel and the US have launched large-scale airstrikes targeting Iranian regime infrastructure.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Gulf nations, including a significant strike on America’s largest military base in the Gulf, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
NATO intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles over Turkish airspace twice in recent hours.
A torpedoed Iranian warship, Iris Dena, was reportedly offered sanctuary in India.
Casualties continue to rise, with Iran reporting over 1,255 deaths, mostly civilians. The US has lost its 7th soldier in the conflict recently.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late supreme leader, has been named the new supreme leader of Iran amid the ongoing war. This transition has drawn international attention and reactions, including from China and Russia.

Political and Diplomatic Updates:

Former US President Donald Trump has promised a “mutual” decision with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on when the war will end.
The White House reportedly sent a “WTF” message to Israel following an Israeli strike on an Iranian oil field, indicating tensions even among allies.
G7 nations are holding emergency meetings on oil as stock markets plunge due to the conflict.
EU leaders are set for meetings amid soaring oil prices and the escalating war.
China opposes targeting Iran’s new supreme leader, while Russia has congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei.
Hundreds gathered in Union Square, New York, to protest the escalating US and Israel-backed war in Iran.

Economic Impact:

Oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel, driven by fears of supply disruptions due to the conflict.
Stock markets worldwide have plunged amid uncertainty and rising energy costs.
Bahrain’s state-owned energy company declared force majeure after Iranian strikes targeted the country’s oil infrastructure.
Iran’s strategic oil island has become a focal point in the conflict, affecting global energy security.
Reports suggest the US is spending approximately $2 billion per day on the war effort in Iran.
US and Israeli military companies are profiting significantly from the ongoing conflict.

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