The US-Israel war against Iran entered its 16th day on Sunday, March 15, 2026, with Israel launching a fresh “wide-scale” wave of airstrikes targeting infrastructure in western Iran, while US forces struck 90 targets on Kharg Island — Iran’s main oil export terminal — raising fears of a prolonged global energy crisis. The conflict has now drawn in multiple regional and global powers, with Russia and China openly backing Tehran, and the United Nations warning that the Middle East has been “pushed to breaking point.”
Israel Launches Wide-Scale Strikes on Western Iran
Israel’s military confirmed it had begun a broad wave of strikes on western Iran on Sunday morning. “A short while ago, the IDF began a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting the infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in western Iran,” the Israeli army said in an official statement.
Simultaneously, Iran responded by launching fresh barrages of ballistic missiles toward Israel, with air raid sirens alerting residents and air defence systems being fully activated across central and southern Israel. Israeli authorities confirmed that air defences successfully intercepted the majority of incoming missiles, though some areas sustained damage.
US Strikes 90 Targets on Kharg Island
In a significant escalation, US forces struck approximately 90 military and infrastructure targets on Kharg Island — Iran’s primary oil export hub located in the northern Persian Gulf. The strikes have severely damaged the island’s oil loading, storage and pipeline facilities, dealing a major blow to Iran’s ability to export crude oil.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes and threatened further action in characteristically blunt terms, telling NBC News that the US had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island and that “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.” The remarks drew sharp international condemnation but underscored Washington’s aggressive posture in the conflict. Energy markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude prices rising further on fears that Iran’s oil export capacity may be permanently damaged.
Iran Fires Over 1,800 Missiles and Drones at UAE
In one of the most dramatic developments of the war, Iran has reportedly fired over 1,800 missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates — more than at any other country targeted by Tehran since the conflict began. The attacks have targeted logistics hubs, ports and key infrastructure across the UAE.
Dubai moved swiftly to contain the fallout, with authorities reassuring residents and international business partners that the emirate “is safe and will always be safe.” The UAE, which hosts significant US military assets including Al Dhafra Air Base, has been directly drawn into the conflict despite its efforts to maintain a neutral position since the war began.
Iran Strikes US Bases in Iraq and Kuwait
Iran has also claimed responsibility for attacks on US military installations in both Iraq and Kuwait, further widening the geographic scope of the conflict well beyond the original Iran-Israel theatre. Six US service members were reported killed in a military plane crash in Iraq amid the volatile security environment.
A drone struck the US embassy compound in Baghdad, following the deaths of two Iran-backed fighters in US airstrikes on the Iraqi capital. Washington confirmed it is sending additional military reinforcements to the region — a move that analysts say could open options beyond the current airborne campaign, potentially including ground or naval operations.
Iran Vows to Kill Netanyahu; Isfahan Strikes Kill 15
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued an extraordinarily provocative statement, vowing to “pursue and kill” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “If this child-killing criminal is alive, we will continue to pursue and kill him with full force,” the IRGC said, amid widespread speculation on social media about Netanyahu’s whereabouts after he was reportedly not seen in public for several days.
Separately, US-Israel airstrikes on Isfahan — a major cultural, scientific and industrial hub in central Iran — have killed at least 15 people and destroyed Iran’s Space Research Centre. The strikes on Isfahan have been particularly alarming for Iranian civilians and the international community, given the city’s historical and cultural significance.
Five Indians Killed; India on High Alert
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that five Indian nationals have been killed in the conflict, with one person still reported missing. The Indian government has activated emergency consular services and has been in contact with all parties to ensure the safety of Indian citizens across the conflict zone. India’s Navy has been placed on standby to escort commercial vessels, and two Indian LPG tankers — MV Shivalik and MV Nanda Devi — successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after Iran granted safe passage.
China and Russia Back Iran; UN Warns of Breaking Point
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that intelligence indicates Russia has been supplying drones to Iran and actively exchanging military information with Tehran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi also confirmed that both China and Russia are helping Iran resist the US-Israel offensive — a development that significantly raises the geopolitical stakes of the conflict.
The war is now threatening the global economy, rattling energy markets, disrupting supply chains, and raising fears of a potential food crisis across import-dependent nations. The US has said it will begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz “very soon.” Britain announced it was “intensively looking” at ways to support the operation with Royal Navy vessels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the Middle East has been “pushed to breaking point” and urgently called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
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