US-Israel vs Iran War News Live Updates: Tehran on receiving end of Israeli airstrikes on New Year

Iran-US-Israel War News Live Updates: Iran warned it would show “zero restraint” if its energy sites are hit again, as the conflict with Israel escalates and threatens global energy supplies.

by · The Indian Express · Join
A Middle East Airlines plane takes off from Rafik Hariri International Airport as smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon. (Photo: AP)

US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: Iran is dealing with another Israeli missile barrage as citizens welcome Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Israel is carrying on with its relentless pounding of Tehran with airstrikes.

Meanwhile, Iran has warned it will respond with “zero restraint” if its energy infrastructure is targeted again, as the conflict with Israel intensifies and spreads across the region, with fresh strikes, rising casualties and growing global concern over energy supplies. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had so far used only a “fraction” of its capabilities, after Iran struck key regional energy sites in retaliation for Israel’s attack on the South Pars gasfield. The escalation has already begun to disrupt global gas markets, while the United States moves to secure massive funding for a prolonged conflict.

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What is happening: Overnight strikes continued across multiple fronts, with explosions reported over Jerusalem and in Tehran, even as civilians marked Eid under the shadow of war. Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem as Iranian missiles were fired in quick succession, while several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, said they intercepted incoming drones. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had acted alone in striking Iran’s South Pars gasfield, amid reports of mounting damage to critical energy infrastructure across the region.

5 Key developments

  • Energy escalation: Iran’s strike on Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility could cut liquefied natural gas exports by around 17%, raising fears of supply disruptions across Europe and Asia.
  • War funding push: The US Department of Defense is seeking $200 billion from Congress to sustain President Donald Trump’s war effort, with officials saying there is no clear timeline for an end to the conflict.
  • Rising casualties: The Iranian Red Crescent says at least 204 children are among more than 1,444 people killed in Iran, while over 1,000 people, including 118 children, have died in Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
    Regional spillover: The UAE has reportedly arrested members of an Iran-linked network, while Gulf states remain on high alert after intercepting drones.
  • Global concern: The European Council has called for de-escalation, warning over mounting civilian deaths and the risk of a broader regional crisis.

Also Read:

Since February 28, Operation Epic Fury has killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, intelligence chief, IRGC commanders, and defence minister,  eliminating the Islamic Republic’s entire command structure in under three weeks.

Where is the war happening? Israel | Iran | Iraq | UAE | Saudi Arabia | Lebanon | Strait of Hormuz?

The Indian Express Global Desk remains committed to rigorous verification. Follow our live blog below for real-time tracking of Operation Epic Fury, regional airspace status, and diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.

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Saleh Mohammadi. (Credit: X)

Mar 20, 2026 01:42 PM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: IRGC spokesperson killed in air strike

Iran's IRGC spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini killed in air strike: State TV

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Mar 20, 2026 01:35 PM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: Amid criticism, Sri Lanka reaffirms neutral stance in US-Israel and Iran conflict

Sri Lanka has declared neutrality over the US-Israel and Iran war rejecting claims of bias.

Speaking in parliament, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed criticism over recent decisions. “Certain parties are saying that we have signed defence agreements with the US, and that’s why we delayed to entertain the Iranian vessel,” he said.

“They are saying we are partial,” he said, adding that in fact “We are impartial”.

He said both Iran and the US made requests for their respective militaries to make military calls to the country in recent weeks, adding: “As a neutral nation we said no to both. That’s impartiality.”

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Mar 20, 2026 01:19 PM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: New Zealand issues travel advisory for Middle East

New Zealand has issued an advisory warning that people travelling to or through the Middle East “may not be able to leave if the conflict escalates.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that it is still advising New Zealanders in the region to leave now on commercial flights, while they remain available, if they can do so safely.

-Al Jazeera

Mar 20, 2026 01:16 PM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: IDF strikes southern Syria

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they carried out overnight strikes on targets in southern Syria. The military stated that the strikes were in response to attacks against the Druze population in As-Suwayda, a city in southern Syria.

“The IDF will not tolerate harm to the Druze population in Syria and will continue to operate to defend them,” it said. The military added that the targets included a command centre and weapons in military compounds belonging to the Syrian regime.

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Mar 20, 2026 12:48 PM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: Israel strikes southern Lebanon, death toll surpasses 1,000

Israel carried out fresh air strikes on towns in southern Lebanon, leaving several people injured, according to the country’s state-run National News Agency (NNA). The strikes targeted Bafliyeh and Hanine in the Tyre and Bint Jbeil districts, with five other southern towns also hit, the report said. The latest attacks come amid an intensified Israeli campaign over the past two days, which has struck multiple locations across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, Baalbek in the east, and Sidon in the south. Lebanon’s Ministry of Health said at least 1,001 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since March 2, including 79 women, 118 children and 40 healthcare workers. More than 2,584 others have been injured.

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Mar 20, 2026 12:26 PM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: Israel pounds Tehran with airstrikes on Friday

Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran on Friday, coinciding with Iran's Nowruz celebrations, amidst escalating tensions and global economic concerns.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied allegations that he "dragged" US President Donald Trump into the conflict, stating that Trump was already aware of the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear capabilities.

Mar 20, 2026 12:09 PM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery hit by multiple drone attacks

Kuwait's Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by multiple drone attacks early Friday, causing a fire in some units. Firefighters responded immediately, and several units were shut down as a precaution to ensure workers' safety. No initial casualties were reported.

Mar 20, 2026 11:59 AM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: Kuwait shuts down parts of Al Ahmadi refinery after drone attack

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation has said that it is battling a fire at a unit of the Mina Al Ahmadi Refinery after it was hit by drone attacks earlier on Friday.

It added that parts of the refinery were shut down as a precautionary measure.

“No injuries have been reported, and emergency teams are actively working to contain the situation in line with established safety standards”.

Mar 20, 2026 11:50 AM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: Israel says Iranian missiles launched, defences preparing to intercept

The Israeli military said it detected the launch of missiles from Iran a short while ago and air defence systems are operating to “intercept the threat”.

Warning messages have been sent to members of the public via mobile phones, the military said.

“Enter protected spaces upon receiving the alert and remain in them until a new announcement. Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive,” the military said.

Mar 20, 2026 11:47 AM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: Oil tanker operator pays $2 million to Iran for safe passage

An oil tanker operator reportedly paid Iran $2 million for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Financial Times. This comes as Iran considers imposing transit fees on ships using the strategic waterway, which handles around 20% of global oil shipments and is a critical route for energy supplies.

Mar 20, 2026 11:38 AM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: US allies express 'readiness to contribute' to securing Strait of Hormuz

Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada have issued a joint statement urging Iran to immediately stop its threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz.

They express readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the strait, citing freedom of navigation as a fundamental principle of international law.

The statement condemns Iran's attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure, calling for a moratorium on such attacks, and notes that Iran's actions threaten international peace and security.

Mar 20, 2026 11:36 AM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: Air attacks hit Iran from midnight, extent of damage and casualties still unknown

Tehran witnessed a series of attacks starting around midnight, with strikes reported in the east, as well as in Karaj to the west, Kerman in the south, and Lengeh port in Hormozgan province. These attacks continued for a couple of hours, but details on the targets and impact are still unclear.

Mar 20, 2026 11:35 AM IST
US Israel Iran War News Live Updates: What all happened so far?
Iran's Response: Iran used only a "fraction" of its firepower in attacks on regional energy infrastructure, including Qatar's Ras Laffan gas facility and UAE's Habshan gas facility.
Damage to Ras Laffan: The attack caused "extensive damage" to Qatar's LNG processing operations, reducing export capacity by 17% and potentially disrupting supplies to Europe and Asia.
Global Impact: The attack has raised concerns about global energy security, with oil prices surging and potential disruptions to LNG supplies.

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