Despite President Trump's denial of sending troops, the US and Israel are deeply engaged in an escalating military conflict with Iran, marked by strikes in the Strait of Hormuz and on energy infrastructure. The conflict has led to significant economic repercussions, including soaring oil prices, and UN warnings of potential war crimes. Israel has claimed to act alone in some attacks, even after Trump reportedly asked them to hold off, while Iran warns of 'zero restraint' if its energy infrastructure is targeted again, as countries navigate safe passage deals and global tensions rise.
Your support helps us to tell the story SUPPORT NOW From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. Read more The US has launched a fresh offensive to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, after Donald Trump told Israel not to repeat strikes on Iranian natural gas infrastructure. Washington deployed low-flying jets and Apache helicopters to strike Iranian vessels and drones near the shipping lane after Tehran has allowed a small number of vessels safe passage through the narrow waterway. US general Dan Caine said: “The A-10 Warthog is now in the fight across the southern flank and is hunting and killing fast attack watercraft in the Straits of Hormuz. In addition, AH-64 Apaches have joined the fight on the southern flank, and they continue to work on the southern side.” Israel also launched a fresh wave of attacks on Tehran this morning after bombing the South Pars gas field, which was considered a significant escalation of the US-Israel war on Iran. Mr Netanyahu said Israel had acted alone in the bombing of the South Pars gas field and confirmed that Mr Trump had asked Israel to hold off on such attacks. RECOMMENDED Iran oil attacks trigger 35% gas price spike – and warning of interest rate rises How Trump’s Iran war could derail the economy – and the Labour government Trump makes Pearl Harbor joke before Japanese PM when pressed on lack of warning over Iran attack Netanyahu is copying Putin’s tactics by bombing Iran’s energy system – it will backfire badly KEY POINTS Netanyahu says Israel 'acted alone' in Iran gas field attack Fire breaks out at Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery after drone attack Israel launches new wave of attack on Iran Iran warns of 'zero restraint' if energy infra attacked again UAE says it disrupted 'terrorist network' backed by Hezbollah and Iran Oil prices ease at $105 a barrel UN Secretary General suggests both sides committing war crimes UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has suggested both sides may be committing war crimes in the Iran war Speaking exclusively to POLITICO on a visit to Brussels before Thursday's European Council summit, Guterres said: “If there are attacks either on Iran or from Iran on energy infrastructure, I think that there are reasonable grounds to think that they might constitute a war crime.” Israel attacked Iran’s South Pars gas field on Wednesday, a key piece of infrastructure for the country, while Tehran launched a retaliatory strike on a major energy complex in Qatar. Guterres added the growing civilian casualties left both sides in the conflict open to possible war crimes charges. Switzerland Human Rights Council (© KEYSTONE/ VALENTIN FLAURAUD) Bryony Gooch20 March 2026 09:00 Tanker company pays $2m to Iran for safe passage through Strait of Hormuz A tanker operator has paid a $2 million fee to Iran in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence. The Financial Times reported that several vessels have transited the narrow waterway this week by sailing around Iran’s Larak Island. Lloyd’s List said at least nine ships had exited the strait using the corridor, adding that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ navy and port authority had used Larak Island to “assess visual confirmation of the vessels”. It remains unclear which tanker operator paid the fee. Bryony Gooch20 March 2026 08:45 In pictures: Brent Crude Oil price drops from yesterday, but remains high at $107 per barrel (Trading Economics) Bryony Gooch20 March 2026 08:30 Recap: Israel launches more attacks on Iran as crisis deepens Israel launched further attacks on Tehran on Friday, a day after President Donald Trump told it not to repeat its strikes on Iranian natural gas infrastructure, which sharply escalated the US-Israeli war on Iran. The conflict has killed thousands, spread to neighbouring nations, and hit the global economy since the United States and Israel launched their initial strikes on 28 February. Early on Friday, Israel launched a wave of strikes on Tehran, targeting what the military called "infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime". A brief statement did not provide further details. Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates said they were dealing with missile attacks, hours before the start at sundown of the Eid al-Fitr holiday celebrating the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The latest attacks follow days of Iranian strikes on regional energy infrastructure that has roiled global markets. Bryony Gooch20 March 2026 08:15 Spokesperson for Iran's Revolutionary Guards killed in strike, state TV says A spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its deputy of public relations, Ali Mohammad Naini, has been killed in strikes launched by the US and Israel, Iranian state TV reported on Friday. Bryony Gooch20 March 2026 08:05 China insists energy security is of high importance to the global economy as US suggest lifting sanction on Iran China’s foreign ministry has responded to reports that the US might lift sanctions on Iranian oil. It said that energy security is of high importance to the global economy and all sides have responsibility to ensure stable, unimpeded supply. China is one of the biggest buyers of Iranian oil. Bryony Gooch20 March 2026 08:00 Minister insists UK is ‘right’ to let US use bases after Iran said it will be considered an act of 'aggression' Athena Stavrou, political reporter, reports: A UK government minister has insisted that Britain is “absolutely right” to allow the US to use British bases to defend British interests in the Middle East after Iran said it will be considered participation in “aggression”. Iran’s foreign minister has told a UK foreign minister that providing military bases for the US will be considered participation in “aggression” amid the ongoing war in the region. Asked about the comments, environment secretary Emma Reynolds told Sky News the government is “absolutely right to protect and defend” British nationals in the Middle East. “But we are also right not to be an active participant,” she said. “For example, we were called on to provide basis for offensive attacks in Iran and the prime refused to allow UK bases to be [used] on that basis. “We haven't been dragged in to this war, and we do want to see a de-escalation of this conflict.” Bryony Gooch20 March 2026 07:56 PM Starmer recognises 'pressure on families' as iran war drives up prices Sir Keir Starmer said he recognises the "pressure rising costs puts on families" as the conflict in the Middle East threatens to drive up prices. The government will set out new measures on Friday to revamp neighbourhoods in the south east of England as part of the Government's Pride in Place programme. As households brace for a further squeeze on their wallets, Housing Secretary Steve Reed will meet local people and community leaders to discuss ministers' efforts to protect their finances. Ahead of today's visit, Sir Keir said: "I know how much pressure rising costs can put on families here in the South East and beyond - especially when there is uncertainty on the global stage. "That's why this Government is acting to protect household budgets, keep everyday costs down and provide reassurance at home - while listening directly to people about what matters most to them." The Iran war has sent oil and gas prices soaring, putting further pressure on already-battered household budgets in the UK and many countries worldwide. Tehran's throttling of the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route and attacks on energy facilities across the Gulf have heightened concerns about the security of the supply of fossil fuels. Sir Keir has said that the longer the conflict continues, "the bigger the impact on the cost of living," arguing that "the best way forward is a negotiated settlement with Iran". Alisha Rahaman Sarkar20 March 2026 07:45 How countries are cutting deals with Iran to move oil through the Strait of Hormuz After two weeks of turmoil and violence in the Strait of Hormuz, an international cargo ship has transited safely through the Iranian waterway with its tracker turned on in what experts described as a major breakthrough. The Pakistan-flagged ship, the Karachi, also known as the Lorax, became the first non-Iranian vessel to pass through the strait with its automatic identification system (AIS) signal turned on, on Sunday afternoon. Hundreds of ships are trapped in the Gulf after Iran claimed complete control over the strait, days after the US and Israel declared war and assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei. At least 16 ships have been attacked in the Gulf since the war started on 28 February, according to the UK Maritime Trade Organisation. More here. How countries are cutting deals with Iran to move oil through the Strait of Hormuz The sea channel has become perilous for oil tankers since Iran claimed control of it during the war. But experts tell Bryony Gooch that Tehran may be willing to grant safe passage to countries willing to engage in diplomacy Alisha Rahaman Sarkar20 March 2026 07:30 Fifa responds to Iran request to move their World Cup games from United States Fifa has appeared to rule out the possibility of relocating Iran’s matches at the World Cup to Mexico following the US and Israeli airstrikes on the country. It comes after the president of the Iranian football federation, Mehdi Taj, said Iran was “negotiating” with Fifa to move the team’s matches outside of the United States due to the ongoing conflict. US president Donald Trump said last week that he did not believe it was “appropriate” for Iran to play games in America “for their own life and safety”. More here. Fifa responds to Iran request to move their World Cup games from United States President of Iranian football federation previously said Iran was ‘negotiating’ with Fifa to move games to Mexico Alisha Rahaman Sarkar20 March 2026 07:16 Newer 1 / 6 Older
