According to the IRNA news agency, Iran has given ten conditions as it seeks a permanent end to the war, and the country has rejected a ceasefire, calling instead for a permanent end to the conflict. S. had received a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but the specific terms of Iran's conditions and the current status of that proposal remain unclear.
This diplomatic stance comes amid a sharp military escalation, with Israel striking a key petrochemical plant at Iran's South Pars natural gas field, according to research from five sources. Those same sources report that IRGC intelligence chief Majid Khademi has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, though Iranian officials say the situation is 'under control'. Iran has responded with attacks across the region.
The Saudi Defense Ministry says Saudi Arabia shot down seven ballistic missiles from Iranian attacks. In Iraq, Governor Omed Khoshnaw reported that two civilians were killed when a drone hit their house near Erbil, and Kurdistan's Counter-Terrorism Service said the drone had been fired from Iran. S.
embassy in Erbil as well as an airbase. Further afield, research from five sources states Iran responded to American and Israeli attacks with missile and drone strikes across the United Arab Emirates, hitting Dubai International Airport, though the extent of damage and casualties from these strikes is not yet confirmed. S.
said no ships have passed through its blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas in the first 24 hours. However, tracking data verified by the BBC showed four Iran-linked ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz after the blockade began. S.
pressed ahead with its blockade. S. blockade is lifted, warning that approaching vessels will be targeted.
The Iran war has caused a 'major supply shock'.
India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed India's 'deep concern' after two India-bound energy-carrying vessels were prevented from transiting the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian naval guards. The blockade has drawn international condemnation. China has condemned the blockade, calling it 'dangerous and irresponsible'.
Iran said the blockade is a 'grave violation' of its sovereignty. The Iranian military also rejected Trump's 'arrogant rhetoric', according to military spokesperson Khatam Al-Anbiya. S.
concluded with both parties agreeing to 'direct' negotiations, research from five sources indicates. In Tehran, Iranian outlets reported an explosion, with IRGC commander Mohammad Balideh calling it a 'minor explosion' caused by 'traitorous and unpatriotic elements'. The IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency said the explosion was caused by 'two homemade explosive packages based on liquefied gas', injuring three people.
The exact cause and full impact of the explosion, and the identity of those blamed for it, have not been disclosed. S. State Department is urging Americans in the Middle East to leave the region immediately due to escalating conflict.
Research from five sources notes that attacks from Iran, closed embassies, and shuttered airspace have created difficulties for Americans trapped in the region. The number of Americans and other foreign nationals who remain stranded, and the specific repatriation plans for them, are not fully known. Air travel has been severely disrupted.
Research from five sources states the UAE closed its airspace, canceling flights and stranding travelers. More than 20,000 flights have been canceled in recent days due to the conflict, with major Gulf hubs like Dubai severely restricted, according to research from five sources. According to Flightradar24, some 21,300 flights have been canceled at seven major airports including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi since the strikes started.
The world is regressing to the 'law of the jungle'.
Delta Air Lines paused New York-Tel Aviv flights through March 22 due to the conflict. S. securing military and charter flights, research from five sources reports.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said several repatriation flights for French nationals in the Middle East were planned. The details of these international repatriation efforts are still emerging. Amid the turmoil, Iranian officials reiterated their position.
As noted, Iranian officials say the situation is 'under control', and Iran said the blockade is a 'grave violation' of its sovereignty. Key unknowns persist in the conflict. Beyond the unclear terms of Iran's conditions and the status of the proposed ceasefire, the full damage and casualty toll from strikes on Dubai International Airport and other targets has not been confirmed.
The precise number of stranded foreigners and the specifics of repatriation operations remain uncertain, as does the complete investigation into the Tehran explosion. The implications of this escalation are profound for regional stability, global energy supplies, and diplomatic relations. The blockade and closure of the Strait of Hormuz threaten a critical chokepoint for oil shipments.
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey warned the Iran war has caused a 'major supply shock'. Diplomatic channels are strained, with China's President Xi Jinping stating the world is regressing to the 'law of the jungle'. S.
S. and Iran could resume talks 'over the next two days', but the path to de-escalation appears fraught as military actions and travel disruptions continue to mount.