Trump: 15-point deal, Iran agreed not to have nuke. But Tehran denies it

"Iran is fighting for humanity". Tehran's Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf said this in a post on X. "The world is either on the side of Gaza and against this colonial terror regime, or it sides with Epstein's class and child torturers. There is no middle ground,' he added. According to the Israeli media, Ghalibaf would be the Iranian figure with whom the US has begun to negotiate - indirectly - to find an agreement to end hostilities.

Pakistan has said it is "already ready" to host eventual talks between Iran and the United States. This was stated by Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi to CNN, just hours after Tehran dismissed claims that the US and Iran had opened a diplomatic channel last weekend. "If both sides agree, Pakistan is always ready to host talks," he said.

The US Central Command reported that the US has conducted more than 9,000 attacks in Iran since the beginning of the war, damaging or sinking more than 140 Iranian naval units.

The Israeli army announced that it had captured two Hezbollah members during ground operations in southern Lebanon after they surrendered. "During an operation aimed at locating weapons in southern Lebanon, troops identified several armed terrorists from Hezbollah's Radwan forces, who were planning to launch an anti-tank missile," the army explained, referring to the Lebanese group's command force. "After being identified, the terrorists surrendered. They were captured by troops and transferred to Israeli territory for further interrogation," the statement read.

"Don't hit our infrastructure. If you do, it will no longer be an eye for an eye; it will be a head for an eye, limbs for an eye'. This was the warning issued by Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of the Revolutionary Guardians and member of Iran's Council for the Discernment of State Interest. "You will be crippled and drown in the Persian Gulf. The last days of American salvation are coming to an end," he added on state TV, referring directly to US President Donald Trump. The official pointed out that "the war will continue until all damages are repaired, all economic sanctions are removed, and a guarantee is obtained that the US will not interfere in Iran's affairs. This is the decision of our nation, our leader and our armed forces'.

Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has summoned coalition leaders "for an urgent discussion to be held within the next hour". Ynet reports this, pointing out that the subject of the meeting has not been disclosed, but that the participants assume it concerns negotiations between the US and Iran on a possible agreement

Saturday's fall of two Iranian missiles that injured dozens of people in two southern Israeli cities, including Dimona, was caused by a malfunction of the 'Slingshot of David' anti-missile system, the Israeli army announced today.

On Saturday evening, two missiles fired by Iran hit the towns of Dimona and Arad in the Negev desert. Dimona is located about five kilometres from a strategic nuclear research facility.

The Pentagon is considering sending some 3,000 paratroopers from the US 82nd Airborne Division as an immediate response force to support possible operations in Iran, with the aim, if necessary, of occupying Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export hub. This was reported by the New York Times, according to which the brigade, part of the 'Immediate Response Force', can be deployed anywhere in the world within 18 hours and could, at a later stage, flank Marine units already heading to the region. According to military sources, the Marines could intervene first to secure and repair the infrastructure of the island's airport, damaged by recent US raids, then allow C-130 transport planes to bring in materials, supplies and troops. The paratroopers of the 82nd, although lacking heavy equipment, would offer rapid support and could replace or reinforce Marine units after the initial assault.

"I spoke with Trump today. He believes that there is an opportunity to use the great successes of the IDF and the US military to achieve the war aims of the agreement, an agreement that will protect our vital interests. At the same time, we continue to attack both Iran and Lebanon. We are annihilating their missile and nuclear programmes and continue to inflict severe damage on Hezbollah. Only a few days ago we eliminated two more nuclear scientists and the hand is still outstretched. We will protect our vital interests in any situation'. Benjamin Netanyahu stated this in a video.

An Israeli official said that Washington has set 9 April as the target date for the end of the war, leaving about 21 days for continued fighting and negotiations. This was reported by the Israeli news outlet Ynet, adding that the official said that talks between Iran and the US should take place by the end of this week in Pakistan and that Washington has not updated Israel on its contacts with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The end of the war by that date could allow Trump to visit Israel on Independence Day (which this year is celebrated on 22 April) to receive the Israel Prize, the official concluded.

A senior Iranian official confirmed to Al Jazeera that in recent days "messages have been conveyed through Egypt and Turkey between Tehran and Washington, in a spirit of goodwill to ease tensions". The same official added that the US reportedly rejected two conditions set by Iran to end the fighting: the payment of reparations and the recognition of 'aggression' against Tehran. "The US president does not have the authority to set definitive terms or deadlines in negotiations," he added.

The Israeli Air Force hit the 'main security headquarters' of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during a series of attacks in Tehran. This was announced by the Israeli Armed Forces. The IDF announced that the headquarters was integrated into 'civilian infrastructure' and was used by the Revolutionary Guards to 'synchronise regional units responsible for maintaining regime order and internal security', including the paramilitary Basij force. Measures were taken to minimise damage to the civilian population during the attack, the armed forces said.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry published a video in which a hand appears to place a sign with Sanchez's face on a missile and a quotation of his statements when he called the war 'illegal' and 'inhuman'. The video was circulated on several Iranian agencies including Fars.

The Spanish executive said it found Iran's campaign in bad taste. "It is deplorable," commented Spain's Minister of Youth and Children Sira Rego. "We have defended international law and common sense; any attempt to distort this position will be short-lived," stressed Social Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy, of the progressive Sumar platform.

Syed Ali Mousavi, Iran's ambassador to the UK, has been summoned by the Foreign Office because of Tehran's 'reckless and destabilising actions' in the UK and abroad. A Foreign Office statement in London says the decision follows the indictment of two men suspected of providing assistance to a foreign intelligence service. Nematollah Shahsavani, 40, and Alireza Farasati, 22, were arrested earlier this month as part of an Iran-related investigation and are accused of carrying out reconnaissance of targets, including Britain's oldest synagogue. And Defence Minister John Healey also confirmed in recent days that Iran had fired two missiles at the Anglo-American military base in Diego Garcia on Friday.

Several loud explosions and sirens were heard in Bahrain, the first in the Gulf since US President Donald Trump announced the resumption of negotiations with Iran. This was noted by a journalist on the spot. The country's Interior Ministry on social media called on 'citizens and residents to remain calm and go to the nearest safe place'.

"Our people demand complete and severe punishment for the aggressors. All officials firmly support their leader and their people until this is achieved. No negotiations have been held with the US. Fake news is being used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and to get out of the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped'. This was written on X by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, denying that negotiations with the US are taking place and that he himself is involved in the talks.

Pakistan wants to play a 'constructive role' for peace. This was confirmed by the Pakistani premier, Shehbaz Sharif, in a telephone conversation with the Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian. "As a neighbour and brotherly country of Iran, the premier conveyed Pakistan's solidarity with the brave people of Syria in the midst of hostilities," the Pakistani premier's office let it be known. He expressed "strong concern over the dangerous hostilities in the Gulf region" with the Iranian response to the military operations against the Islamic Republic launched on 28 February by the US and Israel. For Sharif, who spoke of a 'serious situation', it is 'urgent to work together for de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy among all neighbouring countries'. Pakistan insists on the 'crucial importance of unity' among Islamic countries. "The premier assured the Iranian authorities that Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role in facilitating peace in the region," the note concludes. Meanwhile, according to Axios journalist Barak Ravid, the mediating countries - Pakistan with Egypt and Turkey - are working on a meeting in Islamabad between Iran and the US.

Countries mediating between the US and Iran are trying to arrange a meeting this week in Islamabad between Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other Tehran officials with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Axios reports this, pointing out that Vice President JD Vance may also be at the meeting.

The Kremlin is monitoring the many contradictory statements made today about the Iran negotiations, but is counting on a quick resolution of the conflict. Spokesman Dmitri Peskov told Tass, commenting on the news that US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to postpone raids against Iranian energy infrastructure by five days. "Today there are many different statements, including some contradictory ones. We continue to closely monitor the situation and hope for a quick return to normal," Peskov said, responding to a question whether such a US move gives hope for a resolution of the conflict.

It would be the Speaker of Parliament, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, the 'respected' member of the Iranian government with whom, according to Israel, the US is conducting a dialogue to end the war. This is reported by the Israeli media, according to which it is not clear whether the Americans actually have direct contact with Ghalibaf.

Further reading

Who is the negotiator for Iran, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

23 March 2026

Donald Trump claimed, speaking to reporters before leaving for Memphis, that regime change is taking place in Iran. The president then reiterated that the US and Israel 'have eliminated the leadership' in Tehran.

++ Trump, agreement on 15 points, Iran agreed not to have the atomic bomb ++

(ANSA) - WASHINGTON, 23 MAR - Donald Trump said Iran has agreed not to have a nuclear weapon. Speaking to reporters before leaving for Memphis, the president also pointed out that an agreement had been reached with Tehran on 15 points, including the atomic weapon. (ANSA).

Further reading

'Shoulder to shoulder with the Iranian regime only if the army is divided'

21 March 2026

The United States and Iran will 'today' hold a new round of talks 'probably via telephone' after last night's US talks in which 'important points were found on which we agree, almost all points'. This was said by Donald Trump, the US president, speaking to the press from Palm Beach, Florida. The occupant of the White House reiterated that yesterday the two countries 'had strong negotiations, we will see where they lead'; according to him 'they went perfectly, if they continue the war will end'.

As for the denial of negotiations that came from Tehran, Trump explained that the Iranians 'need to find a better PR' and that they 'may not be able to talk to each other as communication has been broken down'. Asked who the Iranian negotiator with whom the US would be negotiating is, Trump replied: 'A high-level person, the man I think is the most respected, not the supreme leader: we haven't heard from him, we don't know if he's alive'. According to Trump, 'nobody wants to be the leader of that country'. According to the US president, in Iran 'they want to make a deal, we want it too' but without it 'we will keep bombing'.

The US is talking to the 'most important person' in Iran, but it is not the Supreme Leader. Donald Trump said so.

"We do not foresee an imminent end to the war and we intend to continue operations, avoiding hitting energy infrastructure." This is what an Israeli official claimed in statements to Bloomberg news agency relayed by al-Jazeera after President Donald Trump's Truth Social post. "We were informed in advance of Trump's post regarding Iran," the official pointed out, commenting on the White House chief's words about stopping raids against the Islamic Republic's energy infrastructure.

"We have reached an agreement on the main points with Iran." This was said by Donald Trump speaking to reporters before leaving for Memphis.

A 50-year-old man was seriously injured in Kiryat Shmona following a rocket attack from Lebanon. This was reported by an Mda team, the Israeli first aid service, which arrived on the scene. Another person was also slightly injured by shrapnel caused by the impact.

"Iran's position on the Strait of Hormuz has not changed". This was stated by the Iranian state broadcaster Irib. "There has been no conversation between Iran and the United States, and Trump's claim about these talks is false," Irib added, after a source quoted by Fars news agency had already denied that any talks had taken place between Trump and Tehran, while the US president announced a five-day postponement of "all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure" after "very positive and productive conversations" with Iran. "Trump's false claim is an attempt to escape the consequences of his recent threat to Iran's energy infrastructure," Irib said in a message on X.

"We deny what US President Donald Trump said about the ongoing negotiations between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran." This was stated by the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement reported by the BBC. Quoted by the Bbc's US partner Cbs News, the Foreign Ministry added: "The Islamic Republic of Iran maintains its position of refusal of any kind of negotiations prior to the achievement of Iranian objectives arising from the war."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said today he was grateful to US President Donald Trump for the decision to postpone the raids against Iranian power plants: 'I am grateful to Trump for announcingthe five-day postponement and for paving the way for direct and immediate contacts with the Iranian leadership,' he said at a press conference.

"The Iranian regime's long-range missiles already reach Europe. This is not a distant threat, it is a present reality," the Israeli Foreign Ministry wrote on its X Foreign Ministry profile, attaching a graphic showing four missiles aimed at four European capitals, including Rome.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry alerts London, Paris and Berlin, along with Rome, to possible Iranian attacks.

Counter denial by the US president to that of Iran, according to which the country is not engaged with the US in talks to end the conflict as claimed by Donald Trump in a post. Speaking to Fox Business' Maria Bartiromo, Donald Trump explained that 'an agreement is possible in five days or sooner and that negotiations with Tehran took place last night. I don't know what the Iranian media is talking about,' the White House tenant said. According to Bartiromo's explanation, Trump stated that the negotiations involved special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner (recently appointed peace envoy) and their Iranian counterparts. According to the president, the Iranian denial could be explained by the fact that the Iranian leadership is scattered and communication may not be aligned.

Israel probably will suspend, as will the United States, air raids on Iranian energy sites and power plants. The Times of Israel writes this, citing a security source informed about Israel's war plans. Washington, according to the source, has kept the Israelis abreast of the talks with Tehran. Israel has not explicitly threatened to strike Iranian energy sites, but Defence Minister Israel Katz stated yesterday that attacks against Iran and 'the infrastructure on which it depends will increase significantly'.

Iran wants a deal and a deal could be in place in five days or less. This was said by Donald Trump in an interview with Fox, pointing out that he did not know exactly what the Iranian media, which has denied talks with the US, were referring to. The most recent talks, he reported, took place last night between Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with their counterparts.

One possible framework of agreement under discussion between the US and Iran is that Iran would allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with the US refraining from attacking Iranian power plants. A broader ceasefire would be pursued in a second phase. This is written by the Israeli media outlet Ynet, which quotes Israeli officials as saying that intensive contacts are underway between Washington and Tehran, both directly and through Qatar and Turkey, for an understanding. According to these sources, Israel was not surprised by Trump's announcement of 'productive talks' with Iran. Iran has denied that negotiations have taken place.

For more: Who betrayed whom? The Hormuz fault that divides Trump from Europe

The Israeli Air Force announces it has launched a new wave of attacks on Tehran. The Times of Israel reports. The Israel Defence Forces say the air strikes are directed against infrastructure sites of the Iranian regime. The attacks come shortly after US President Donald Trump announced that his administration had engaged in fruitful talks with Iran to reach a 'complete and total resolution' of hostilities and announced a postponement of raids on power plants and infrastructure.

Iranian media deny that there have been any contacts with the US administration to end the war and call the announcement by US President Donald Trump, who spoke of "very positive" talks in the last 48 hours with the Islamic Republic, announcing a postponement of the ultimatum on raids against the country's energy facilities and infrastructure, a "reverse". "There is no direct communication with the US or through intermediaries," said a source quoted by Iran's Fars news agency, and Isna speaks of a "retreat" by the US president. A senior security official also denied Trump's words to the Tasnim news agency, claiming that the White House chief had 'given up attacking critical infrastructure when Iran's military threats became credible'. According to the source, pressure in the financial markets was "an important factor in this reversal," adding that "from the beginning of the war until now, a number of mediators have sent messages to Tehran, the clear response to which has been that we will continue to defend ourselves until we achieve the necessary deterrence." "There has been no negotiation and there will not be," the source added, threatening that "the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions nor will there be peace in the energy markets."

US President Donald Trump ordered a 'five-day truce of any military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure' after 'positive' talks with Tehran.

"Based on the tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the War Department to postpone any military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a period of five days, subject to the success of ongoing meetings and discussions," Trump said.

Telephone talks between the foreign ministers of Iran and Russia. This was reported by Moscow, after Donald Trump on Truth social spoke of 'very good and productive talks for a comprehensive settlement of hostilities'. According to Russian Foreign Ministry reports, Sergei Lavrov called for 'an immediate cessation of hostilities and a political solution that takes into account the legitimate interests of all parties involved, especially Iran'.

"I am pleased to announce that the United States and Iran have had, over the past two days, very positive and productive talks regarding a full and complete resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East." US President Donald Trump writes this on Truth.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar reacted harshly to a post on X by German AmbassadorSteffen Seibert. "Ambassador Seibert finds it difficult to condemn attacks on Israelis without mentioning Palestinians. It is good to know that a new ambassador will soon arrive, one who will strengthen Israeli-German relations," Saar wrote in X. The Israeli Foreign Ministry accused Seibert of a lack of empathy towards Israel. In a post on Sunday evening, Seibert spoke of a day of mourning and indignation following the death of an Israeli citizen due to Hezbollah bombings and the wounding of hundreds of people by Iranian missiles. At the same time, he wrote about settler violence against Palestinian villagers in the West Bank, following the death of a settler.

Tehran threatens new surprises. As Donald Trump's ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz expires, Abdullah Haj-Sadeghi, the Supreme Leader's representative in the Revolutionary Guard Corps, warns: 'The enemy must know that new surprises are on the way'. Iran will never surrender, the Tasnim news agency reported, quoting Haj-Sadeghi: 'We have grown up in a school of thought that considers surrender a humiliation'.

At least nine people died and several others were injured in an air attack carried out overnight yesterday against a residential area in the Iranian city of Khorramabad, in the western province of Lorestan. This was reported by the Nour News agency, citing local authorities.

The agency writes that the 'Zionist-US enemy' struck a housing area in the city, causing the total collapse of at least six houses and severe structural damage to neighbouring buildings.

"We believe that attacks on nuclear facilities are potentially extremely dangerous and fraught with consequences, perhaps even irreparable". This was stated by the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, referring to the situation around the Bushehr nuclear power plant, located on the Persian Gulf coast, adding that Russia is sending warning signals on the issue: "they are also being transmitted to the American side". Ria Novosti reports. "Russia is in constant dialogue with the IEA", Peskov added.

A senior UAE official criticised the 'big' Arab and Islamic countries for their failure to support the Gulf countries in the face of what he called 'Iranian aggression', accusing the main regional organisations of absence and incapacity.

"Where are the Arab and Islamic operating institutions, starting with the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, while our peoples and countries face this treacherous Iranian aggression? Where are the great Arab and regional countries?" wrote on X Anwar Gargash, an advisor to the Emirati president.

Air raids conducted by the United States and Israel against Iranhave damaged at least seven facilities used by the authorities in Tehran to detain political prisoners, putting their lives at risk. This was revealed in an investigation conducted by the Wall Street Journal that examined satellite images of dozens of prisons, military and intelligence complexes known to be used for detention. Among the damaged sites was the notorious Evin Prison on the northern outskirts of Tehran, as well as a compound of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pasdaran, with two detention centres in Kermanshah. Also partially damaged by an attack on a nearby police station was the Marivan prison in the Kurdistan province in western Iran.

Several prisoners held in security compounds in the neighbouring provincial capital Sanandaj were reportedly injured and hospitalised after air raids severely damaged the Ministry of Intelligence complex and the Revolutionary Guards military base in Shahramfar.

A full-blown j'accuse to Keir Starmer's government for 'abandoning' them: this is the content of a dramatic phone call made by a British couple, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, from the Iranian Evin prison, where the couple have been prisoned for over a year on a contested 'espionage' conviction, after having departed in Iran as part of an Asianmotorcycle tour. The Foremans, who call themselves bikers and deny any suspicion of being spies as a fabrication, obtained permission to call family members in the UK, who then released a recording of the conversation. In the phone call they say they feel 'abandoned and completely frustrated' and blame the Starmer government for never publicly proclaiming their innocence despite knowing them not guilty of the charge for which they were sentenced to 10 years by the Islamic Republic's courts. Craig's voice denounces the 'serious lack of commitment' on London's part and adds: 'We are now in prison in a war zone, our lives are threatened, and the government has chosen not to give us any information about what may happen to us or where to go if the prison doors were opened'. No mention, however, of mistreatment or locked cells in Evin, according to claims by Iranian opposition sources abroad in recent days. The Foreign Office, for its part, has reacted by expressing "sympathy" for the anguish of the Foremans, but assuring that diplomacy is doing all it can and considers the safety of British citizens "a priority". 'The sentence against Craig and Lindsay,' reads a note, 'was totally horrific and unjustifiable. We will continue to relentlessly raise their case with the Iranian regime until they return safely to the UK to be reunited with their family."

Another four were slightly injured, the news agency added, pointing out that the attack caused significant damage to a residential area.

Iranian-led attacks on Qatar's energy infrastructure have triggered a crisis in helium supplies that threatens to cripple the global semiconductor industry in the coming weeks. According to the Associated Press online, Qatar, which accounts for more than a third of the world's gas production, has suspended operations at the Ras Laffan site after recent missile raids. Helium is a primary component in the cooling processes of silicon wafers and in the etching of the latest generation of integrated circuits required for artificial intelligence. The gas is cooled to a liquid state in Qatar and stored in isothermal containers for transport through the Strait of Hormuz. About 200 of these containers are stuck in the Middle East. "This makes the situation even worse," Phil Kornbluth, president of Kornbluth Helium Consulting, told the newspaper, "at best, you could resume helium production within six weeks or so. At present, however, this is highly unlikely'. The newspaper points out that industry giants such as Samsung Electronics and Sk Hynix import around 65% of their helium requirements directly from Doha. Helium is among the 14 materials in the semiconductor supply chain that South Korea has flagged for constant monitoring because of criticality due to wartime actions. (ANSA).

Eight people died and several were injured in an attack by Israel and the United States on a residential area inKhorramabad, the capital of the Lorestan region in northern Iran. This was reported by the Iranian news agency Mehr.

An Israeli civilian, killed on Sunday on the border with Lebanon, died from friendly fire and not from a rocket attack by Hezbollah. This was stated by the IDF, the Israeli army.

Initial findings indicate that the man, Ofer Moskowitz, was killed by artillery rounds fired in support of forces engaged in southern Lebanon, the army added. Reuters reported.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will chair an emergency meeting today on theeconomic consequences of the war in Iran, which will also be attended by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, the British government announced. The Guardian writes. Financial markets are bracing themselves for another turbulent week after Iran said it would hit the energy and water systems of its Gulf neighbours if Donald Trump follows through on his threat to 'annihilate' Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully opened.

Iran's new Supreme Guide, Mojtaba Khamenei, is "wounded, isolated, and unresponsive to the messages conveyed to her". The Washington Post writes this, citing American and Israeli security officials. According to Israeli sources, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and some clerics have tightened their control over Iran. The Axios news site reported on Saturday that the CIA, Israeli Mossad and other intelligence services are working to detect traces of Khamenei, who has remained unaccounted for since he was proclaimed the new supreme leader following the assassination of his father.

The government of Spain has condemned the attacks against critical energy infrastructure in the Middle East, citing the Israeli raid against the South Pars field in Iran and subsequent Iranian attacks against facilities in the Gulf countries, including the 'brutal bombing' of the Ras Laffan site in Qatar. Madrid rejects "in the most vigorous terms" these actions, described asa new escalation with unforeseeable human and environmental consequences, the Foreign Ministry reported in a note. The Iberian executive has also condemned the evacuation warning issued by Tehran to civilian populations living near energy facilities in the Gulf, deemed "illegal, unjustified and impossible to implement". Madrid recalls that attacks against energy infrastructure represent a violation of international and humanitarian law and put the lives of innocent civilians at risk. The Spanish government urges all parties to exercise restraint in order to avoid further destabilising effects with possible global repercussions, while expressing support for the Gulf countries' efforts for urgent de-escalation.

"Added to the harshness of this time of war, which affects us all, is that of not being able to celebrate Easter together in a dignified manner. It is a wound added to so many others inflicted by the conflict. But we must not let ourselves be discouraged. If we cannot come together as we would like, let us not give up prayer". This was stated by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins, regarding the changes to the Easter services in the Holy Land. From the cardinal comes the call to prayer and the initiative of a rosary for peace next 28 March: "We desire peace, first of all for our troubled hearts. Only prayer can give it. I therefore invite you to join in prayer next Saturday, 28 March, by praying the rosary to implore the gift of peace and serenity, especially for those who suffer as a result of the conflict. We will do so with humble hearts, certain that our prayer, even if physically distant, is capable of drawing on the power of God's love, which unites us in a spirit of hope and trust".

The war between the US, Israel and Iran changes Easter in the Holy Land. As communicated by the Cardinal of Jerusalem of the Latins, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, "the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives up to Jerusalem is cancelled. It will be replaced by a moment of prayer for the city of Jerusalem, in a place to be defined'. With regard instead to the Chrism Mass on Maundy Thursday morning, "it is postponed to a date to be decided, as soon as the situation allows, possibly by Easter time". For the rest of Holy Week, Pizzaballa said, given the situation that remains in constant evolution, "it is not possible to provide definitive indications for the days to come; we will therefore be forced to coordinate day by day", but what is certain is that "no ordinary celebrations open to all will be able to take place". "The churches of the diocese will remain open. Parish priests and priests, in the forms and ways possible, will do everything possible to encourage prayer and the participation of the faithful in the Easter celebrations," it is emphasised.

Japan does not intend, at least for the time being, to ask Iran for special permission to allow Japanese oil tankers to cross the Strait of Hormuz, despite Tehran's readiness to facilitate their passage, while Tokyo remains grappling with the risk of disruptions on a route crucial to its energy supply. This was stated by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

In a programme on broadcaster Fuji TV, the head of Japanese diplomacy excluded the possibility of a Japanese request to Iran for Japanese-flagged ships to transit. "For the time being, we are not thinking about it," he said.

Beijing 'urges all parties to stop military operations in the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations'. This was stated by the Chinese Foreign Ministry speaking of the war by Israel and the United States against Iran. The Russian Foreign Ministry also stated that the Kremlin opposes a 'blockade' of the Strait of Hormuz, but that the issue should be considered 'in the broader context of the situation'.

Iran's Defence Council has threatened to deploy naval mines throughout the 'Persian Gulf' in the event of a land invasion. The statement comes as concern grows in Tehran over the possible arrival of US Marines in the region. "Any attempt by the enemy to strike Iran's coasts or islands will, naturally and in accordance with established military practice, lead to the deployment of mines in all access routes in the Persian Gulf and along the coast," the Council stated.

An American fighter jet allegedly crashed in Kuwait. This was claimed by the Iraqi television station Alahad Tv. The news was relayed by the Iranian news agencies Irna and Mehr.

The Milan Stock Exchange under pressure from the outset due to the escalation in Iran and the run-up in oil prices. The top Ftse Mib dropped 2.13% to 41,929 points, while Tim climbed 5.5% at the open after Poste (-3.36%) took a full stake. Then Banco Bpm (+0.31%) rose as it awaited the listing of Credit Agricole. Mps lost 1.92% with uncertainty over future governance after the presentation of a list that includes the outgoing CEO Lovaglio among the candidates.

Six people were killed in attacks on homes and a park in Tabriz, Iran. This was reported by Majid Farshi, director general of crisis management for the Iranian province of East Azerbaijan, quoted by Al Jazeera, explaining that four people were killed and six wounded in an attack on a residential complex in the Marzdaran area, while two other victims were reported in a park in Rabe Rashidi.

Israeli fighter planes destroyed the Jisr Qa'qayah bridge over the Litani River in southern Lebanon. This was reported by Lebanese sources. The one hit is one of the five main bridges connecting the two banks of the Litani River, three of which have already been destroyed by Israel. The Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar reported that the bridge 'was completely destroyed after being attacked a few days ago'. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had previously announced that he had given orders to destroy all bridges over the Litani river that were used by Hezbollah to transport weapons.

Tehran's Ministry of Intelligence said in a statement that 25 "mercenaries from the United States and Israel" werearrested, including 23 in Central Province and 2 in Golestan Province. "Those arrested had connections with the dissident television network Iran International and sent it information on the location of military centres and security forces, as well as having links with separatist groups planning street riots in the event of appeals from the US-Israeli enemy," adds the statement, quoted by Irna, pointing out that15 of those arrested will have property confiscated. Meanwhile, other "elements of Iran International Tv" were arrested in Bojnourd, North Khorasan Province. Iranian security forces, in messages to the public, threatened to take action against members of Iran International's social pages, urging them to leave the pages.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the Central Operations Command of the Iranian Armed Forces, issued a new provocative statement towards US President Donald Trump.

"Hey Trump, YOU ARE LICENSED! You know this phrase well. Thank you for your attention," Zolfaghari says in an English video published by Iranian media.

China has warned that the situation in the Middle East could escalate if US President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to destroy Iranian power plants. "If the war escalates and the situation deteriorates further, the entire region could plunge into chaos," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a previously scheduled press conference. Donald Trump has said that the US will 'destroy' Iranian power plants if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by tonight.

A heart-stopping start to the week for Asia-Pacific stock exchanges, once again under pressure from fears of a further escalation in the US-Israeli war against Iran. A new ultimatum by Donald Trump to Tehran triggered a general flight from risky assets. Tokyo dropped 3.48% and Seoul 6.5% with Japan and Korea being considered, along with India, the countries most vulnerable to global energy supply disruptions. Also heavy were Hong Kong (-4.16%), Shanghai (-3.6%) and Shenzhen (-4.19%). Europe is expected to be in the red, as are Wall Street futures.

"The US is a friend, we have important long-standing strategic relations. Washington defenestrated Saddam Hussein's dictatorship in 2003, then helped defeat Isis.Our relations are strong and we have close economic relations, especially in the oil field. We also have very good relations with Iran, that is why we can act as mediators. This was stated to Corriere della Sera by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

"Among the main causes is the Israeli-Palestinian issue, which destabilises the entire region. With regularityevery few years Israel provokes wars, tragedies and deaths, it puts itself above international law. For a long time now, Iran has posed as a defender of the Palestinian cause and this has led to both the June 2025 war and this latest one. Unfortunatelythe United States has allowed itself to be drawn into a new attack, but it is still unclear with which objective: it oscillates between regime change, the destruction of atomic material and missiles, or the defeat of Iran's allies. The problem remains that we are all involved, he said. Donald Trump threatens to destroy Iran's energy system if Tehran does not stop attacks in the Gulf and open Hormuz. 'It is a dangerous spiral of violence. Iran in turn promises it will retaliate. And even more affected will be the energy infrastructure throughout the region,' he explained.

Iran will react to a possible attack on its energy sector by targeting power plants in Israel, as well as those that supply energy to US bases in countries in the region. This was stated in a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The communiqué seems to downplay previous threats aimed at desalination plants, which are crucial for the supply of drinking water in the Gulf countries. "The lying president of the United States claimed that the Revolutionary Guardians intend to attack the desalination plants and cause hardship to the people of the countries in the region," reads the statement released by the official media.

Gold prices fell to their lowest level in four months. The conflict in the Middle East is weighing on inflation fears and expectations of higher global interest rates. The spot trade is down 6% at $4,220 an ounce, extending losses to the ninth consecutive session. The metal lost more than 10 percent last week. Futures fell 7.67% to $4,257.

Iran said over the weekend that it will strike the energy and water systems of Gulf countries in retaliation if US President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to attack Iran's power grid within 48 hours. Other precious metals also fell, with silver dropping 7.57% to $62.83, platinum to $1,779 (-7.6%) and palladium to $1,360 (-3.46%).

The price of Brent crude oil, the benchmark in Europe, rose by more than 2% around 8:00 a.m. and before the opening of the European stock markets was trading on the brink of $109, well above the level of $72 it had before the attack on Iran by the US and Israel. For its part, the barrel of West Texas Intermediate (Wti) crude oil, the benchmark in the US, rose 2.3% to $100.50 per barrel. The price of Brent oil rose above $119 last week after attacks on refineries in the context of the Middle East war. Specifically, Iran attacked a liquefied natural gas complex located in the Qatari city of Ras Lafan, after Israel bombed one of its most important gas fields, the South Pars field. Crude oil prices, which are very volatile, are also affected by the prediction that the war will last longer than expected - it has already been going on for three weeks - and by the problems in the Strait of Hormuz, a trade route through which one fifth of the world's gas and oil circulates.

Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command (CentCom), said Iran was increasingly targeting civilian targets in the region 'out of desperation' due to its deteriorating military capabilities, in an interview with London-based opposition media Iran International. ''They are acting out of desperation. In the last two weeks, they have attacked civilian targets in a very deliberate way, more than 300 times," he said. Cooper also pointed out that 'at the beginning of the conflict, you could see large numbers of drones and missiles. Now they are no longer seen. It's one or two at a time'. The US administration claims that Iran's capability to fire has been drastically reduced. In the first week of March, the Pentagon claimed that missile launches were down by 90% compared to the first day of fighting and drone attacks by 86%.

The war is still in its infancy and may hold surprises in the next phase. This was stated by Wafiq Safa, a member of the Political Council of Hezbollah to Iran's state broadcaster, adding that Israel has failed to achieve their "fundamental objectives" in Lebanon or Iran. "Hezbollah has astounded enemies, friends, and adversaries with the level of its potential and capabilities," he explained in the interview picked up by Arab media. Safa stressed that "the resistance has surprised enemies, friends and adversaries in terms of missiles, drones and human resources". "The war may prolong, butthe goal for victory is to prevent Israel from achieving its goals," he said. Safa then refuted rumours about the decline in popularity of Hezbollah and its supporter base in Lebanon, believing rumours about the collapse of its image or its exit from the political scene to be unfounded.

The International Energy Agency (Iea) is in talks with member countries for the release of additional oil reserves in response to the supply crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East, Iea Executive Director Fatih Birol said today in Canberra. Speaking at the National Press Club. Birol said he was in daily contact with international colleagues about a second oil release, after the agency's member countries agreed in March to release 400 million barrels from strategic reserves. "If necessary, of course, we will do it," he said about a second release, but warned that it would not solve the supply shortage. "A supply release will help reassure markets, but it is not the solution. It will only help alleviate economic hardship,' he said, describing the situation as 'very serious'. Birol will meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra and said the two will discuss measures recommended by the Iea for citizens to limit oil demand, such as using public transport where possible, telecommuting and reducing air travel.

The US sees no alternative to a military ground operation to take the Iranian island of Kharg and is accelerating the deployment of troops in the region. This was reported by the Israeli daily Jerusalem Post, citing sources familiar with the situation.

On 20 March, Axios reported that US President Donald Trump would be ready to seize the island of Kharg to pressure Tehran to reopen traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

Explosions were heard in the central, eastern and western areas of the Iranian capital Tehran and throughout the country, where air defences were activated. In Bandar Abbas, a radio station was targeted and one person was killed. In Khorramabad and Urmia, two residential areas were also hit, causing civilian casualties. Loud explosions were also heard in Isfahan, Karaj and Ahvaz. In Ahvaz, a hospital was damaged by the explosions as reported by al-Jazeera. Overall, the Iranian Red Crescent said that over 80,000 civilian sites were affected, some were completely destroyed.

Further reading

US ultimatum and Iran's six conditions, Trump to create negotiating team

22 March 2026