Iran War Update Day 13: Strikes, Strait of Hormuz, and Global Reaction | March 12, 2026

Background – why Day 13 matters

• Start of conflict: The war began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched air and missile strikes across Iran. Iran responded by firing missiles at Israel and attacking U.S. bases in the region. The conflict has since expanded into a regional war.
• Scale of devastation: Iranian officials say at least 1,348 civilians have been killed and over 17,000 injured since hostilities began. UNICEF warned that more than 1,100 children have been killed or wounded. Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, insists any peace deal must include recognition of Iran’s rights, payment of reparations, and guarantees against future attacks.

Events inside Iran

Civilian casualties and humanitarian impact

• Growing death toll: Al Jazeera cites Iranian officials saying U.S.‑Israeli attacks have killed 1,348 civilians and injured over 17,000. UNICEF described the situation as “catastrophic,” with more than 1,100 children killed or injured.
• Displacement: The U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) estimates up to 3.2 million Iranians are displaced inside the country. Many fled from Tehran and other major cities toward northern or rural areas.
• Damage to cultural sites: UNESCO verified damage to at least four historical sites, including a lavish palace in Tehran, a 17th‑century palace, and Iran’s oldest Friday mosque in Isfahan. Iran and Lebanon asked UNESCO to place additional sites under World Heritage protection.

Iranian military and leadership

• New supreme leader’s statement: Iran’s newly‑appointed supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (son of the late Ali Khamenei), issued his first statement on March 12. In it, he vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and continue attacks on U.S. bases in neighbouring countries. He said all U.S. bases in the region must close, promised revenge for Iranian deaths, and insisted Iran would keep using the Strait to pressure its enemies.
• Iranian conditions for peace: President Pezeshkian said Iran would only consider ending the war if its “legitimate rights” are recognised, reparations paid, and firm guarantees given against future aggression.
• Cyber warfare: An Iran‑linked group called Handala claimed to have crippled U.S. medical‑device company Stryker’s networks and stolen 50 terabytes of data, saying the hack was retaliation for a U.S. strike on a school in Minab that killed more than 170 people.
• IRGC operations: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out a joint missile operation with Hezbollah targeting Israel. Iran also claimed to strike U.S. bases in the UAE (Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai and Al‑Dhafra air base), Kuwait (Ahmad Al‑Jaber airport), Iraq, and Tel Aviv.

U.S.–Israeli strikes and regional fighting

Strikes inside Iran

• Scale of bombing: The Israeli military said it had conducted over 4,200 strikes across Iran, destroying 80 % of Iran’s defence systems and killing more than 1,900 Iranian commanders and soldiers. Israel says more than 400 regime targets have been hit, and the focus has shifted to destroying Iran’s weapons‑production sites.
• Nuclear site attack: The Israeli Defense Forces announced that they struck Iran’s Taleghan‑2 nuclear compound, which they claimed had been used to develop advanced explosives for nuclear weapons. Satellite analysis suggested bunker‑busting bombs penetrated the facility and destroyed key buildings.

A New Wave of Strikes Across Iran, From Tehran and Karaj to Chabahar, Tabriz, and Shiraz

According to reports published by the Telegram channel ILIA HASHEMI, a wide series of explosions, missile strikes, fighter jet activity, and air defense engagements were reported across Iran from early Wednesday into late Thursday, spanning locations including Tehran, Karaj, Shahriar, Fardis, Isfahan, Shiraz, Bushehr, Chabahar, Tabriz, Mashhad, Marivan, Ahvaz, and Najafabad.

In Tehran and its surrounding areas, repeated explosions were reported in the early hours of Wednesday, particularly in the western and southwestern outskirts of the capital, where the source claimed that missile sites or military shelters may have been targeted. The report also referred to a missile impact near Nejatollahi Street in central Tehran, as well as strikes on Havanirooz facilities and helicopter-related infrastructure. Throughout the day and into the night, air defenses in eastern and western Tehran were reportedly activated multiple times, while drones and explosions were said to have been heard or seen in areas including Shahrak Gharb, Punak, Majidiyeh, Hakimiyeh, and Sorkheh Hesar.

The same source reported attacks on targets in several other provinces. In Marivan, multiple sites were said to have been hit, including border command facilities and positions linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In Bushehr, both the airport area and IRGC missile storage halls in Khormoj were named among the targets. In Chabahar, several explosions were reported near the port and facilities linked to naval forces, while in Isfahan, a missile strike was reported against the 15 Khordad garrison, along with heavy smoke rising from the Havanirooz area.

In Shiraz, repeated drone sightings and multiple explosions were reported on both Wednesday and Thursday. In Tabriz, explosions were said to have hit Kouye Dadgostari and the East Tabriz IRGC garrison. In Mashhad, the report pointed to a strike behind the hills near Bolvar Namaz, as well as an attack on a site described as storing missile fuel tanks near the Khalaj hills. Additional claims referred to strikes on police stations and checkpoints in Tehran and nearby areas.

The source also claimed that several checkpoints in Tehran were hit by drone attacks and that preliminary casualty figures pointed to heavy losses among military and security personnel. Those figures, however, have not been independently verified, and some of the claims appear to differ from numbers cited by official media outlets.

Overall, the account describes two highly tense days of coordinated attacks on military, logistical, and security-linked positions across multiple parts of Iran. Still, a significant portion of the reporting remains based on field claims circulated by the Telegram source and should be treated as unverified pending independent confirmation.

Clashes beyond Iran

• Lebanon and Hezbollah: Hezbollah fired about 200 rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel on March 11. Israel issued new evacuation orders for parts of southern Lebanon and has conducted a “large‑scale wave” of strikes on Hezbollah positions. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that over 630 people have been killed and 800,000 displaced since the war began.
• Iraq: Two oil tankers were attacked off Iraq’s coast on March 11, leaving at least one crew member dead and several missing. The British military said two tankers were hit by unknown projectiles off Dubai the same night. The U.S. embassy in Baghdad warned that Iran‑aligned militias might target U.S.‑owned oil facilities in Iraq.
• Jordan: The UN resolution condemned Iranian attacks on Jordan, though details of specific strikes were not provided.

Airstrikes on militias abroad:

• An airstrike on Iran‑aligned militias in western Iraq killed at least 14 fighters and injured 36. Israel also intensified strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Beirut and across Lebanon, warning the Lebanese government that territory might be seized if Hezbollah’s attacks continue.

U.S. and allied operations at sea

• Elimination of minelayers: U.S. forces destroyed 16 Iranian minelaying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz to prevent Iran from laying mines. President Trump warned that any mines laid in the strait would trigger unprecedented military consequences.
• Targeting the Iranian navy and air force: President Trump declared that Iran had lost its navy, air force, and anti‑aircraft defences, though independent verification is limited.

Iranian attacks on Gulf states and shipping

Gulf countries

• Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Ministry of Defence said it intercepted and destroyed two drones heading toward the Shaybah oil field and shot down another drone targeting Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter. It also intercepted additional drones later in the day.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Drones and missiles struck Dubai multiple times. On March 12, a building in Dubai’s Creek Harbour was hit by a drone, causing damage but no injuries. A drone attack earlier targeted Dubai’s Al‑Badaa neighbourhood, and shrapnel hit a building on Sheikh Zayed Road. The UAE scrambled fighter jets and intercepted missiles. Citibank said it would close all UAE branches except one due to Iranian threats.
• Qatar: Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said it intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at the Gulf state and warned it could retaliate. Qatari spokesman Majed Al‑Ansari said attack alerts have become a daily occurrence and urged a return to diplomacy.
• Bahrain: Iranian drone and missile attacks set fuel tanks on Muharraq Island near Bahrain’s international airport ablaze, prompting authorities to urge residents to seek shelter. The Interior Ministry later warned of further incoming missiles and drones.
• Kuwait: The Kuwaiti government reported that several drones targeted Kuwait International Airport, causing material damage but no casualties. Debris from intercepted drones damaged electricity transmission lines and wounded two people.
• Oman: A drone attack damaged fuel tanks at the port of Salalah; Oman rescued 20 sailors from a Thai‑flagged vessel attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. Another Iranian drone struck an oil depot in Oman, causing a massive explosion.

Shipping and the Strait of Hormuz

• Closure of the strait: Iran’s attacks have effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 % of global oil exports normally pass. Maritime groups say Iran has attacked at least a dozen vessels there, and Iranian officials declared that any vessel carrying U.S. or Israeli oil is a legitimate target.

Targeted vessels:

• Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards struck this Thai‑registered ship in the strait on March 11, hitting the engine room and causing a fire. Three crew members were believed trapped, and 20 were rescued. Thailand demanded an apology and clarification from Iran.
• Two tankers off Iraq: An Iranian attack off Iraq’s coast set two oil tankers ablaze. Video released by Iran’s Tasnim news agency showed an IRGC boat firing a missile at the U.S.-owned tanker Safesea Vishnu, which was engulfed in flames. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed that two vessels were struck and their crews evacuated.
• Container ship near Dubai: The British UKMTO reported that an unidentified projectile hit a container ship 35 nautical miles northwest of Jebel Ali, causing a fire, but with the crew safe.
• Additional attacks: A container ship was hit off Dubai on March 12, causing a small fire. IRGC forces said they attacked vessels, ignoring warnings in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Other maritime incidents: The U.S. destroyed 16 Iranian minelayers near the Strait. President Trump said there was no evidence Iran had laid mines, but threatened severe consequences if it did. France’s President Emmanuel Macron echoed that there was no confirmation that Iran had laid mines.

Impact on global energy and economy

• Oil prices: Iran’s attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure pushed Brent crude above $100 per barrel, up roughly 38 % since the war began. Prices briefly surged to around $120 before pulling back after President Trump suggested the war could end soon. Brent futures were trading around $97–100 per barrel on March 12.
• Energy reserve releases: To calm markets, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced it would release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency stockpiles, its largest release ever. The U.S. separately released 172 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve. G7 finance ministers said they were prepared to take necessary measures, including releasing oil reserves, but stopped short of committing to it.
• Market effects: Global stock markets slid as investors feared prolonged disruption to oil flows. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones futures both fell around 0.4 %–0.5 %; European and Asian indexes also declined. Airlines such as Cathay Pacific doubled fuel surcharges for U.S. flights, and Greek authorities imposed price controls on fuel and staple goods to manage inflation.
• Banking and businesses: Citibank announced the closure of all UAE branches except one due to Iranian threats. Bangladesh sought U.S. approval to import Russian oil amid shortages.

International reactions and diplomacy

• UN Security Council resolution: On March 11, the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution demanding Iran “immediately halt” attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. The resolution condemned Iran’s interference with shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. China and Russia abstained, arguing the text was unbalanced because it omitted U.S.‑Israeli strikes.
• Joint European statement: French, German, and British leaders condemned Iran’s indiscriminate missile attacks and warned they would support proportional defensive action to neutralise Iran’s capability to launch missiles and drones.
• UN Secretary-General and human rights chief: Antonio Guterres condemned both the U.S.-Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliation, urging an immediate cessation of hostilities and return to negotiations. U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk deplored the strikes and said civilians always pay the price, calling for de‑escalation.
• Other governments: Canada expressed support for the U.S. action aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Spain called for immediate de‑escalation and respect for international law. Oman’s foreign minister lamented that negotiations mediated by his country were “undermined” and urged the U.S. not to get drawn deeper into the conflict.
• Qatar’s plea for diplomacy: Qatari spokesperson Majed Al‑Ansari said daily missile and drone alerts have become routine and urged all parties to return to diplomacy to avoid a regional war.
• Greek economic measures: Greece introduced price controls on fuel and essential goods amid wartime price spikes.

Analysis – what changed in the last 24 hours

1. Intensity of Iranian attacks on Gulf states increased: Iran launched waves of drones and missiles at Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. Several drones were intercepted, but some hit targets such as Dubai’s Creek Harbour, Kuwait Airport, and Bahrain’s fuel tanks. Oman’s oil port and Thailand’s ship were also struck. These attacks show Iran is prioritising economic disruption and psychological pressure on Gulf states.
2. Shipping crisis deepened: At least two tankers off Iraq and a container ship near Dubai were hit, and the Thai ship Mayuree Naree remains ablaze with three crew missing. The strikes have almost completely halted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, raising global energy fears.
3. New supreme leader’s hard‑line stance: Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s first statement vowed to keep the Strait closed and continue attacks on U.S. bases. This signals Iran has no intention of de‑escalating and may prolong the war.
4. Israeli and U.S. escalation: Israel announced a new wave of strikes across Iran, including a nuclear site. The Israeli Defense Minister said operations will expand into Lebanon if necessary. U.S. forces destroyed Iranian minelayers and continue to strike Iranian targets.
5. International pressure grows: The UN Security Council resolution and growing criticism from European leaders show that Iran’s attacks on Gulf states are isolating Tehran diplomatically. However, Russia and China’s abstention and criticism of the resolution reveal divisions in the international community.
6. Economic countermeasures: The International Energy Agency’s unprecedented release of 400 million barrels of oil and the U.S. release of 172 million barrels show that the global community is trying to blunt the energy shock. Stock markets remain volatile, and airlines and governments are introducing price controls and surcharges.

Outlook

Day 13 illustrates that the Iran war has become a multi‑front regional conflict with severe humanitarian, economic, and geopolitical consequences. Iran shows no sign of backing down; its new supreme leader vows to keep exploiting the Strait of Hormuz and attacking U.S. bases. The U.S. and Israel continue large‑scale strikes, including on nuclear sites and weapons production facilities. Gulf states are increasingly drawn into the fighting, experiencing drone and missile barrages that threaten critical infrastructure and civilians. International actors are struggling to balance calls for de‑escalation with efforts to secure energy supplies and protect allies. Unless diplomatic initiatives gain traction, both the conflict and its ripple effects on global trade and energy markets will likely intensify in the coming days.