Iran, large-scale Israeli attacks. Tehran sets 5 conditions for end of war. White House: negotiations continue

The number of people injured in Israel since the start of the US-Iran war has exceeded 5,000, according to the Israeli Ministry of Health. The tally stands at 5,165 wounded, including 247 in the last 24 hours, according to an update posted on social media. Currently 106 people are hospitalised, 12 of whom are in serious condition, the ministry specified.

Russia is preparing to complete a series of drone shipments, along with food and medicine to Iran, the Financial Times claims, citing 'Western intelligence reports describing Moscow's activities to support its troubled partner'.

According to the financial daily, negotiations between officials in Tehran and Moscow on these supports had begun in secret a few days after the first US and Israeli bombings. The drone deliveries should be completed by the end of the month.

Iran wants to 'end the war on its own terms'. Tehran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said this. "We seek to end the war on our own terms, of course, and so that it does not happen here again," he told state television.

A source added that the US Central Command, Centcom, maintains almost constant surveillance on the island, allowing the military to detect changes in the terrain and possible signs of traps.

Kharg is a crucial hub for Iran's hydrocarbon trade.

The United States and Israel have reportedly temporarily removed Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi from the hit list, while contacts with Tehran are ongoing. The Wall Street Journal wrote this, citing US officials. According to the newspaper, the removal of the two Iranian leaders from the hit list would be temporary and last up to five days.

The Strait of Hormuz is 'closed only to enemies'. This was stated in an interview tonight by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The head of Iranian diplomacy also indicated that Iran demands compensation for the destruction caused, suggesting that any future political solution must also include responsibilities and commitments for reconstruction.

Finally, Araghchi criticised Washington's role in the region, arguing that the US has failed to protect the countries in the region while maintaining numerous military bases in the Middle East.

Since the start of the war in Iran, 290 American military personnel have been wounded and, with the exception of 35, all have been treated and returned to duty. This was announced by the Pentagon's Central Command. Ten servicemen remain hospitalised with serious injuries, while the remaining 25 suffered less serious injuries, but have not yet returned to duty. Since the beginning of the conflict on 28 February, thirteen American soldiers have been killed.

Italia along with the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Japan denounced the attacks on commercial ships in the Persian Gulf and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran. The six governments agreed to contribute to efforts to ensure safe passage through the area. "No war mission," clarified Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, "no entry into Hormuz without a truce and without an extended multilateral initiative. We are aware, however, of the importance for everyone to work for the safe reopening of Hormuz and we believe that it is right and proper that the United Nations provides the legal framework for a peaceful and multilateral initiative to achieve this goal'.

"Should the conflict in the Middle East continue, the negative effects on growth could extend beyond the short term, with a more persistent impact on both energy supply conditions and business and consumer confidence". This is what the Mef writes in its programme on government bond issues. "These developments," the Ministry of the Economy stresses, "will be incorporated in the update of the macroeconomic forecasts within the Annual Progress Report 2025, within the Public Finance Document to be published in April.

The United States does not have a precise timeline for when oil tankers will be able to sail "freely" through the Strait of Hormuz, but it is working to make that happen as soon as possible, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said today. "I don't have a precise timeline to give you today, but it is clear that the administration is working to achieve this goal as quickly as possible," Leavitt said when asked when it would be possible to allow the first oil tankers to sail "freely" through the Strait.

Further reading

Nearly 1,200 ships blocked in Hormuz, cargo premiums rise

19 March 2026

Donald Trump "does not bluff and is ready to raise hell" if Iran does not accept defeat. This was said by White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, stressing that "Iran should not make any miscalculations".

La portavoce della Casa Bianca Karoline Leavitt interviene durante una conferenza stampa alla Casa Bianca a Washington, D.C., Stati Uniti, il 25 marzo 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper

Donald Trump will be in Beijing on 14 and 15 May, while the US president and first lady will host Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington later this year. This was stated by White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.

According to the Financial Times, Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte 'irritated' European capitals with his unambiguous support for Donald Trump's war against Iran as the continent grapples with an energy shock caused by the conflict, which puts further pressure on the transatlantic alliance. Rutte's suggestion that European allies would end up "joining" the US president's call to deploy naval assets in the Strait of Hormuz has angered officials in several European capitals, alliance diplomats told Ft, exacerbating internal tensions within Nato over how far to go in supporting its largest member. "It puts us in a really uncomfortable and difficult position," one EU diplomat said. "We want to show willingness, but it is also true that we are not in a position to be involved" in any way. On Sunday, recalls the Ft, Rutte said that Trump had decided to bomb Iran 'to make the world safer', adding how it was 'logical for European countries to take a couple of weeks to coordinate'. Trump for his part chided Nato allies for not responding immediately to his appeal, calling them "cowards", warning that without the US, Nato would be "a paper tiger"" Three European diplomats from NATO member states expressed concern to Ft. Ft. about the divergence between Rutte's statements and the position of the majority of European capitals. While they see no reason to criticise Trump directly, they also disagree in supporting his decision to go to war. A NATO official told the financial daily that the Alliance 'is not involved in the Iran war, but is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the security of the allies. The secretary general is in constant contact with the allied leaders'.

Further reading

Trump to Nato allies: 'Cowards'. London grants bases for Iran raids

20 March 2026

Israel is reportedly accelerating its attacks against Iran's military industry amid fears that a possible peace plan between the US and Iran could lead to a rapid cessation of hostilities before Tel Aviv's strategic objectives are achieved. According to Israeli sources told the New York Times, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the armed forces to intensify operations over the next 48 hours, specifically targeting Iranian missile and nuclear programmes. The decision was reportedly made after the Israeli government obtained the draft of the US 15-point plan for ending the conflict, which was reportedly sent to Tehran. Israel fears that an eventual agreement promoted by President Donald Trump could lead to an 'end to the war without achieving the three goals stated by Tel Aviv: neutralising the Iranian ballistic missile threat, preventing the development of nuclear weapons, and creating the conditions for the fall of the Tehran regime.

If the US were to attack Iranian territory or its islands, Iran could open a new front in the Strait of Bab el-Mandab, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. This was stated by an anonymous Iranian military source to the Tasnim news agency, believed to be close to the Revolutionary Guards. "If the enemy wants to take land actions in the Iranian islands or anywhere else in our territory, or inflict damage on Iran with naval movements in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, we will open other fronts by surprise, so that their action will not only bring them no benefit, but also double the cost," the Iranian military source says. "The Bab el-Mandab Strait is considered one of the world's strategic straits and Iran has both the will and the ability to create a completely credible threat against it. Therefore, if the Americans intend to resolve the issue of the Strait of Hormuz with rash measures, they would do well not to add another strait to their problems and difficulties," the source added, saying Iran is fully prepared to escalate the situation.

US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war with Iran calls for the Islamic Republic to dismantle its main nuclear facilities and limit its missile arsenal to self-defence purposes only.

Washington has drawn up a list of about a dozen demands, accompanied by three concession points for Iran, presented to Tehran as part of an overall 15-point proposal. The main conditions include the dismantling of Iran's three main nuclear sites, the suspension of uranium enrichment, and the cessation of certain missile programmes. In return, the US would commit to lifting certain sanctions and providing assistance under strict international supervision.

The White House is working to arrange talks on the Iran war over the weekend in Pakistan. Cnn reports this, citing two administration officials, who say current plans call for JD Vance to fly to Pakistan along with other administration representatives. Turkey, Cnn reports, is another possible venue for the talks.

The glimmers of negotiation with Iran reopened by Donald Trump were greeted with relief by the markets: the stock exchanges immediately turned positive, Brent oil slipped about 10%, to around USD 95 per barrel, while gas at Ttf fell back to EUR 56 per megawatt hour (-5.4%). But the hopes did not erase the risks.

Even if the Strait of Hormuz became safe again as of tomorrow - a hypothesis that has no chance of coming true - the rift in the supply chains would not automatically be healed.

"The issue of dismantling Hezbollah remains a priority. It is linked to the broader campaign against Iran, which is still ongoing, despite what the media reports. We are determined to do whatever it takes to radically change the situation in Lebanon. Israel is stronger than ever and Iran is weaker than ever'. This was stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the forum of the heads of government ministries and with the heads of local authorities. "Iran still continues to try to act by various means, as you see and know. However, we have changed the way we are perceived. I am not saying it: the countries in the region are saying it. Opportunities are being created for alliances that we would never have imagined. This is all thanks to the perception of Israel's strength, the determination of the Israel Defence Forces, and the resilience of its citizens,' Netanyahu added.

Israel fears that the US may declare a one-month ceasefire to facilitate negotiations with Iran, CNN reports, citing Jewish state government sources.

Iran has informed Pakistan 'that it cannot accept' the American 15-point proposal to end the war. This was reported by the Iranian Tasnim agency, quoting a source quoted by the Al-Mayadeen portal. According to the source, the US proposals 'are not among Iran's priorities. "It is unlikely that there will be any change even in this situation," he added.

Tehran: 'Excessive US demands, end of war not Trump's decision'

"It has been forcefully reaffirmed that we cannot become accustomed to war nor to the language that justifies or trivialises it". Thus the Italian Bishops' Conference in its final communiqué at the conclusion of the Permanent Council that closes today.

"Welcoming the points offered by the Cardinal President," the text reads, "the bishops renewed their closeness to the Churches of the Middle East, marked by violence, insecurity and fear. They shared their concern for an international scenario in which war continues to present itself as an ordinary instrument for resolving disputes, with dramatic consequences for entire populations and with repercussions at the global level, including the energy crisis that risks weighing on the most vulnerable families and people".

Israeli vehicles and tanks are advancing towards the Christian-majority Lebanese town of Debel, in the district of Bint Jbeil, less than 10 kilometres from the demarcation line with Israel. This was reported by a correspondent in southern Lebanon to the daily L'Orient-Le Jour. According to the same sources, in the early hours of the day, an Israeli artillery shell hit a house in the area, injuring two people. Hezbollah claimed to have targeted a group of Israeli soldiers in the same area twice, at 8.30am and 12pm.

The president of the Spanish government, Pedro Sánchez, reiterated Spain's pacifist stance when addressing Congress on the crisis related to the war with Iran, harshly criticising Israel's action and the consequences of the conflict. "Netanyahu wants to inflict on Lebanon the same destruction as in Gaza," said Sánchez, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of wanting to replicate in the Land of the Cedars "the same destruction and suffering" already seen in the Strip. In his rejoinder to the debate in the House, the premier defended the government's line: "Spain says no to war" and said he was "proud" of the country's pacifist stance. Sánchez harshly criticised the effects of the conflict in Iran: 'What have the promoters of this war achieved? Undermining international legality, reigniting the conflicts in Iraq and Lebanon and burying Gaza in oblivion. Giving Putin over 8 billion to finance his war, changing one Khamenei for an even worse one who, yes, is in favour of nuclear weapons,' he retorted. 'This is an absolute disaster,' Sanchez added.

The Israeli government has authorised the IDF to recall up to 400,000 reservists to service in the context of the ongoing conflicts with Iran and Hezbollah. This was reported in the Times of Israel. The Israeli army stated that this does not represent the actual number of reservists the IDF will call up, but "an upper limit that allows flexibility according to operational needs".

The Israeli government has authorised the IDF to recall up to 400,000 reservists to service in the context of the ongoing conflicts with Iran and Hezbollah. This was reported in the Times of Israel. The Israeli army stated that this does not represent the actual number of reservists the IDF will call up, but "an upper limit that allows flexibility according to operational needs".

The UK and France will preside over a technical meeting this week between chiefs of staff with some 30 allied countries, European and non-European, to draw up plans for a future naval mission committed to ensuring the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz: closed to most commercial and oil traffic by Iran in response to US and Israeli attacks. The Guardian reported this. Yesterday, The Times had reported a renewed British willingness and a possible meeting in Portsmouth, after the London declaration signed by 22 countries (including Italia) in which initiatives after a truce were hypothesised.

London and Paris plan to chair a meeting this week of some 30 countries willing to contribute to the security of the Strait of Hormuz, with the aim of creating an international coalition for the security of this strategic transport route. This was reported by some British media. This meeting - at the level of defence chiefs - would be chaired by the British Chief of Staff Richard Knighton and his French counterpart Fabien Mandon, according to these media, including the Times and the Guardian, which cite a source in the British Ministry of Defence. According to the same source, London has also proposed hosting an international conference on the security of the Strait of Hormuz in Portsmouth or London at a later date, to form a coalition of countries committed to this mission. Contacted by Afp, the British Ministry of Defence did not confirm the information.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene the security cabinet in the evening to discuss the war situation "in all theatres", the Times of Israel reports, citing sources in the prime minister's office. The meeting takes place in the context of the alleged talks between the US and Iran on the end of hostilities announced by the White House but not officially confirmed by Tehran.

Pakistani sources tell Anadolu that a breakthrough in the talks between the US and Iran is expected within 48 hours, with Tehran demanding guarantees, keeping the missile programme off the table and demanding compensation. Turkey is acting together with Pakistan as a mediator to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.

The Iranian Navy announces that it will strike the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln as soon as possible. The ship's battle group," announced Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, "is being 'constantly monitored'. "As soon as the hostile attack group is within range of the missile systems, it will become the target of overwhelming attacks," he added.

The Iranian Navy announces that it will strike the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln as soon as possible. The ship's battle group," announced Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, "is being 'constantly monitored'. "As soon as the hostile attack group is within range of the missile systems, it will become the target of overwhelming attacks," he added.

An Iranian-launched missile hit the coast of Lebanon yesterday just hours after the Beirut government expelled Tehran's ambassador. This was reported by sources in Iran International, who pointed out that the rocket was not intercepted in Lebanese airspace, as reported by some media, and instead landed on the coast. Diplomats from several Gulf states told Iran International that Tehran is behaving like a 'runaway horse', warning that attacking another Arab country would cross a new red line and would not be tolerated

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned the US about troop movements in the region. 'We are closely monitoring all US movements.... Do not test our determination to defend our territory,' he told X. Ghalibaf added that US forces could "become victims of Netanyahu's delusions". The warning comes as the US moves to deploy thousands of marines and additional warships in the region, while talks to end the war with Iran are attempted.

Donald Trump's approval rate fell to its lowest level in a week since he returned to the White House, mainly due to soaring petrol prices and widespread disapproval of the war against Iran. This is according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted over four days and concluded yesterday. The survey found that only 36% of Americans approve of Trump's actions, down from 40% in the same poll the week before. He also failed on economic management, approved by only 29%, a figure worse than Joe Biden's.

The Iraqi Defence Ministry stated that an air raid against a military clinic in the Habbaniyeh area of Anbar province killed seven soldiers and wounded thirteen. Baghdad did not provide further details on the attack, merely saying that rescue teams are still on the ground. The Iraqi authorities condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international law and asserting their right to retaliate.

Between 1,000 and 2,000 paratroopers are being sent by the United States to the Middle East, bringing the number of reinforcements for the war against Iran to about 7,000. Operation 'Epic Fury' has about 50,000 assigned. The US media are reconstructing the numbers. Cnn reports that the 82nd Airborne Division has 'around 1,000' soldiers, the Associated Press speaks of 'at least 1,000', while the New York Times speaks of 'about 2,000'. The NYT further writes: "The combat forces would come from the division's 'Rapid Intervention Force,' a brigade of about 3,000 soldiers capable of being deployed anywhere in the world within 18 hours. The contingent includes Major General Brandon R. Tegtmeier, the division's commander, and dozens of his staff members, as well as two battalions, each with about 800 soldiers, the newspaper's sources said. More soldiers from the brigade could be sent in the coming days. Including the approximately 4,500 Marines already on their way to the region, the deployment of the Army's elite forces brings the total number of additional ground troops sent to the war zone since the beginning of the conflict to almost 7,000, and marks a new escalation of the conflict. It is unclear where Army paratroopers will be sent to the Middle East, writes the New York Times, but the location would be within Iran's range, officials said. For example, paratroopers could be deployed to take the island of Kharg. About 2,300 Marines from the 31st Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive in the Middle East by the end of this week and US commanders could also deploy them to take Kharg Island or to help reclaim the Strait of Hormuz. A similar number of Marines from the 11th Expeditionary Unit left Southern California last week and are expected to arrive in the region by mid-April, Pentagon officials said. The Kharg airport was damaged by recent US attacks, so according to former US commanders, it would be more likely to deploy the Marines first, whose combat engineers could quickly repair the airport infrastructure. Once the airport has been repaired, the Air Force could start sending materials and troops, if necessary, via C-130 transport aircraft. In this scenario, it is possible that troops from the 82nd Airborne Division could be deployed in support of the Marines. Although paratroopers may arrive overnight, they do not carry heavy equipment, such as armoured vehicles, which would offer protection in the event of a counter-attack by Iranian forces.

In an interview with India Today, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said that there are no talks or negotiations between Iran and the US. "There are no talks or negotiations between Iran and the US, just as there have been no negotiations in the last 25 days of their illegal war against Iran," Baqaei said, stressing the "really catastrophic experience" Tehran has had with US diplomacy. "We were attacked twice in the space of nine months, just when we were in the middle of a negotiation process to resolve the nuclear issue," he remarked, "not once, but twice. So no one can trust US diplomacy'.

Some 290 US military personnel have been wounded since the start of the joint Israeli-US military operation launched on 28 February against Iran. This was reported to Nbc News by a US official familiar with the operation. Of the wounded soldiers, 255 have already returned to duty, while 10 are seriously injured. Thirteen US military personnel were killed in the conflict, and two others died from non-combat related causes, the Nbc added.

Iran has received a 15-point proposal from the US to reach a ceasefire in the war, two Pakistani officials said on Wednesday. Pakistani officials described the proposal in broad terms as covering the easing of sanctions, civil nuclear cooperation, a reduction in Iran's nuclear programme, monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, missile limitations, and access for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. The officials spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorised to divulge details.

Iran has insisted that it is not engaged in negotiations with the US and a military spokesman derided American diplomatic efforts on Wednesday.

Iran demands reparations for its attacks, the lifting of all sanctions and the closure of all US military bases in the Persian Gulf as conditions for ending the war with the US and Israel. The Wall Street Journal writes this, citing sources with knowledge of the facts.

In addition, Iran demands guarantees that the war will not resume and an end to Israeli attacks against Hezbollah. Iranian demands also include a new agreement in the Gulf that would allow the Islamic Republic to collect tolls from ships crossing the strategic Strait of Hormuz on the model applied by Egypt to the Suez Canal.

The Israeli army announced that it had struck two naval cruise missile production sites in Tehran, under the control of the Iranian Ministry of Defence. "In recent days, the Israeli Air Force, acting on the basis of military intelligence information, struck two important naval cruise missile production sites in Tehran," the army stated. These facilities were being used to 'develop and produce long-range naval cruise missiles capable of rapidly destroying targets at ;;sea and on land', according to the military statement, which boasted of increased 'damage inflicted on the regime's military production infrastructure'. Last week, Israel announced that it had conducted large-scale bombardments against Iranian ships and naval installations in the Caspian Sea, north of Iran.

Iran suspects that Donald Trump's proposal to start negotiations to end the war is a new attempt at deception. Axios writes this. The White House, for its part, made it clear to the Iranians that Trump is serious and presented the possible participation of Vice President JD Vance in the talks as proof of his willingness to negotiate.

An Iranian military spokesman mocked US attempts to reach a ceasefire agreement. The news is reported in the international media. "The self-proclaimed global superpower would have pulled out of this mess by now if it could. Do not disguise your defeat as an agreement. Your era of empty promises has come to an end. Your internal conflicts have come ;;to the point where you are negotiating with yourselves ? Our first and last word has been the same from day one, and it will remain so: someone like us will never compromise with someone like you. Not now, not ever"

The International Energy Agency is ready to release new oil stocks 'if and when necessary' in the face of the Iranian crisis. This was made clear by the director of the IEA, Fatih Birol, during a meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Takaichi herself had asked Birol to 'prepare to implement' a new release of oil stocks should the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continue'.

The US has drawn up a 15-point plan to end the war with Iran, according to sources close to the matter, demonstrating the Trump administration's increasing urgency to resolve the conflict, given its growing economic impact.

President Donald Trump has pushed for talks with Iran in an attempt to stop the fighting. However, these efforts have been overshadowed by uncertainty over the structure of the negotiations, the Iranian participants and how an eventual agreement would be structured.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards overnight announced that they had carried out a new wave of attacks against Israel and US bases in the Gulf. This was reported by the Iranian news agency Fars. The Pasdaran claimed to have targeted a military base in the northern Israeli city of Safad, as well as sites in the cities of Tel Aviv, Kiryat Shmona, and Bnei Brak. The Revolutionary Guards also claimed to have targeted US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.

Mediators from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan are pressing for a meeting between US and Iranian officials within the next 48 hours in Islamabad. The Wall Street Journal writes this, explaining that the positions between the parties remain distant. According to the newspaper, the Gulf Arab states, starting with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are 'alarmed' by Trump's haste to reach an agreement and are pressurising the tycoon to continue the war until Iran is sufficiently weakened to no longer pose a threat.

If the price of oil reaches $150 per barrel, it will trigger a global recession. Larry Fink, the head of US financial giant BlackRock, told the BBC. The man at the head of the world's largest asset management company said that if Iran 'remains a threat' and oil prices remain high, it will have 'profound implications' for the world economy. For Fink, it is too early to determine the final scope and outcome of the conflict, but he believes two scenarios can be drawn. In the first, if the conflict is resolved and Iran returns to being a country accepted by the international community, oil prices could fall below pre-war levels. In the second, on the other hand, there could be 'years with oil above $100, closer to $150, which would have profound implications for the economy' and result in 'a probably sharp and steep recession'.

The Pentagon has ordered the deployment of some 2,000 soldiers of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East. This was reported to the US media by two Defence Department officials, pointing out that these are soldiers from the division's 'Immediate Response Force', consisting of about 3,000 soldiers capable of being deployed anywhere in the world within 18 hours. More soldiers from the brigade may be deployed in the coming days.

As the New York Times reminds us, some 4,500 marines are already on their way to the region, bringing to almost 7,000 the total number of additional troops sent to the area since the beginning of the 'Epic Fury' operation against Iran, with some 50,000 soldiers.