March 16, 2026 — Tehran/Washington The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran entered its third week since beginning on February 28, with U.S. and Israeli forces conducting airstrikes on Iranian cities including Tehran, Hamadan and Isfahan, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied reports of ceasefire requests and vowed continued defense.
President Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export facility, which handles 90% of the country’s crude exports, claiming the attacks “totally demolished” much of it. Trump warned of additional strikes, stating, “We may hit it a few more times just for fun.” Iran’s retaliatory ballistic missiles carrying cluster bombs targeted Israel, injuring eight people.
“No, we never asked for a ceasefire, and we have never asked even for negotiation. We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes. And this is what we have done so far, and we’ll continue to do that until President Trump comes to the point that this is an illegal war with no victory.”
— Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, per Democracy Now! headlines
Casualties and Damage
Iran’s U.N. ambassador reported 1,348 civilians killed, with at least 56 museums and historic sites damaged. Strikes killed 15 people at a factory in Isfahan. In related operations, six U.S. service members died in a plane crash in Iraq, bringing total U.S. military deaths to 12 since the war began.
Iran conducted retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, including drone attacks on a U.S.-hosted base in Kuwait and infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates near Dubai airport and Fujairah port.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Trump demanded about seven countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, send warships to police the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of global oil supplies. No commitments have been made, with Japan and Australia declining and European countries rejecting the call. Trump threatened NATO allies with a “very bad future” if they refuse.
Brent crude rose to $106.12 per barrel, and U.S. oil to $101.53, per recent X posts.
Iranian Perspectives and Fears
Iranians expressed despair over a potential prolonged war. Mohammad Taheri, whose home was damaged, said:
“It’s a terrible incident, very bitter. Many people have been killed, and so many have lost their homes and lives. However, because of that heroic spirit that has arisen among all the people of Iran… we’re trying to get through these days.”
A Democracy Now! report highlighted fears among Iranians of extended conflict and its aftermath.
Regional Escalations
Israeli ground operations began in southern Lebanon, displacing nearly 1 million amid 850 deaths. FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke broadcasters’ licenses over Iran war coverage, prompting criticism from Sen. Chris Murphy as a totalitarian move.