US-Israel-Iran War LIVE: Trump's Energy Secretary Says War Will End In Next Few Weeks As Iran Remains Undeterred

Gaza’s main gateway, the Rafah crossing with Egypt, which was shut at the start of the Iran war, will reopen on Wednesday for limited movement of people in both directions, Israel’s COGAT, the military body responsible for humanitarian matters, said on Sunday.

The crossing had earlier reopened in early February after remaining largely closed since May 2024, during the initial months of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Its reopening had provided some relief to Palestinians seeking to leave the enclave for medical treatment or other urgent needs.

The World Health Organisation released USD 2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) to support the ‌health response in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria amid the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.

The agency said the conflict has triggered large-scale population displacement, with more than 1,00,000 people in Iran relocating and up to 7,00,000 people internally displaced in Lebanon. According to the WHO, USD 1 million has been allocated to Lebanon and  USD 5,00,000 each to Iraq and Syria.

Iran Authorities have arrested dozens of people accused of sharing sensitive information with Israel, local media reported on Sunday, as Israeli and United States fighter jets continue strikes on targets across the country.

At least 20 people were detained in northwestern Iran after prosecutors accused them of sending location details of military and security facilities to Israel. In northeastern Iran, which has largely avoided the recent air strikes, another 10 individuals were arrested on suspicion of collecting information about sensitive sites and economic infrastructure.

“As the Zionist enemy (Israel) and the US are attempting to invade Iran, they simultaneously activate mercenaries and spies to carry out riots as the next step," Reuters quoted a provincial branch of the Revolutionary Guards, an intelligence organisation.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Sunday said more than 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves will soon be released to ease the surge in global crude prices following the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

According to the IEA, governments have committed to releasing 271.7 million barrels from state reserves, 116.6 million barrels from mandatory industry stockpiles, and 23.6 million barrels from other sources.

The majority of the pledged oil, 195.8 million barrels, will come from countries in the Americas, including 172.2 million barrels from government reserves. Nations in Asia-Oceania have pledged 108.6 million barrels, including 66.8 million barrels from government stocks, while European countries have committed 107.5 million barrels, of which 32.7 million barrels will come from government reserves.

Iran on Sunday launched a series of advanced missiles at Israeli and US positions, including the Sejjil missile, which was used for the first time since the war began on February 28, according to Iran's PressTV.

Kuwait's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Sunday held a phone call with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, to discuss the escalating military tensions in the region.

In a statement, Kuwait's Foreign Minister said, "The two leaders discussed the escalating military tensions in the region resulting from Iran’s reprehensible aggression against regional countries, as well as the serious repercussions and alarming consequences this entails for security and stability at both the regional and international levels."

The Indian-flagged vessel, Jag laadki, was loading 80,800 metric tonnes of the UAE Murban crude oil at a Single Point Mooring facility at Fujairah when a drone strike and fire disrupted operations, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said. Authorities confirmed that the vessel has now departed for India and all Indian crew members are safe.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Sunday said the conflict involving Iran could end in "the next few weeks," and that oil supplies may recover and energy prices could fall afterwards, Reuters reported.

An Indian-flagged crude tanker sailed out safely from the UAE's Fujairah port after loading oil, despite a recent attack on the oil terminal. The Indian government said it is closely monitoring developments in West Asia while ensuring stable fuel supplies and maintaining maritime safety.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, on Sunday warned that Tehran would retaliate if its energy infrastructure comes under attack, according to excerpts from a recent interview he shared on Telegram.

"If our energy facilities are targeted, we will also target the facilities of American companies in the region," Al-Araby Al-Jadeed quoted Araghchi as saying.

He added that the Strait of Hormuz remains open but under restrictions. "The Strait of Hormuz is open to everyone, except American ships and their allies," he added.

Israel on Sunday approved an $827 million emergency budget allocation for military purchases, as the conflict, involving the United States, Israel and Iran, has entered its third week, news agency AFP reported, citing Israeli media.

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said, "I’ve heard that the remaining members of Epstein’s network have devised a conspiracy to create an incident similar to 9/11 and blame Iran for it."

Larijani emphasised that Iran opposes such terrorist acts in principle and stressed that Tehran is not at war with the American people.

Oil loading operations at the United Arab Emirates' Fujairah port have resumed after a drone strike on Saturday sparked a fire, temporarily halting activities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday stated that Tehran welcomes any initiative to end the war in the Middle East. He also stated that diplomatic communications with neighbouring countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, are ongoing.

The Iranian military has announced that its forces conducted a series of "powerful drone attacks" early Sunday, targeting high-value Israeli security and communication assets. According to statements carried by Iranian state media, the strikes specifically focused on the "Lahav 433" special police unit headquarters and the Gilat defense satellite communications center.

While the Iranian army did not disclose the specific geographical locations of the targets or the extent of the damage caused, the move signals a continued focus on Israel's internal security and intelligence infrastructure. Israeli officials have not yet commented on these specific claims, though air defense activity remains high across the region.

In a diplomatic appeal to the West, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on the international community to avoid any measures that could further inflame Middle Eastern tensions. During a conversation with his French counterpart, Araghchi emphasised that "each country needs to refrain from any action that can escalate conflict," according to a message posted to his official Telegram channel.

The statement, reported by Reuters, reflects Tehran's ongoing diplomatic push to discourage further military intervention as the conflict enters a volatile new phase.

Four members of a single family, including two young children, were killed late Saturday after Israeli soldiers opened fire on their vehicle in the northern West Bank. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the victims, identified as Ali and Waed Odeh and two of their children, were traveling to purchase clothes for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday when the shooting occurred.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that the deceased sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head. Two other children survived the incident with shrapnel injuries and received medical care once emergency teams were granted access.

Iraqi officials have issued a stark warning after drone attacks near Baghdad International Airport threatened the stability of the al-Karkh prison facility. The high-security site, formerly known as the US military’s "Camp Cropper," currently houses a large number of Islamic State (ISIS) suspects recently transferred from Syria.

The Israeli military has announced the commencement of a massive aerial offensive targeting strategic infrastructure throughout western Iran. In an official statement, the IDF confirmed that the operation is specifically aimed at neutralizing the "Iranian terror regime's" military capabilities in the region.

Reports of heavy explosions and rising plumes of smoke have already emerged near the Dezful airbase in Khuzestan province. The strikes mark a significant escalation in the scope of the Israeli air campaign, with witnesses describing multiple waves of activity over southwestern Iranian territory.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has signaled that Tehran is ready to welcome any serious initiative aimed at ending the current Middle East conflict. Speaking as the war enters its third week, Araghchi emphasised that Iran remains in active diplomatic communication with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and other neighboring nations to explore paths toward stability.

Iran has officially denied targeting any civilian or residential areas in neighboring Arab nations, suggesting instead that Israel may be orchestrating the attacks to frame Tehran. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Islamic Republic is prepared to form a joint investigation panel with regional countries to inspect the strike sites and determine the origin of the projectiles.

Iran’s Health Ministry has released a grim update on the human toll of recent US-Israeli military operations, reporting the deaths of at least 202 children and 223 women. According to a statement carried by the Fars news agency, the fatalities include three pregnant mothers and 12 children under the age of five.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Sunday that Ukraine is seeking financial support and advanced technology in exchange for helping Middle Eastern nations counter Iranian kamikaze drones. The offer comes as Kyiv has already deployed specialist teams to four countries across the region.

Zelensky noted that each deployed team consists of dozens of experts tasked with conducting assessments and providing live demonstrations of Ukrainian drone defense systems. By sharing its battle-tested experience, Ukraine aims to secure critical resources while assisting regional partners in neutralising the ongoing aerial threats.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that the United States has reached out to his country on several occasions seeking assistance regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Oil-loading operations have officially restarted at Fujairah, a critical maritime hub in the United Arab Emirates, following a temporary shutdown on Saturday. According to Bloomberg, the facility was forced to halt exports after a drone strike ignited a fire at the terminal, raising immediate concerns over global energy supply stability.

Sources indicate that while the blaze was successfully extinguished and the primary infrastructure remains functional, the port is operating under heightened security protocols.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed four hostile drones over the Riyadh metropolitan area today. This latest barrage follows a persistent campaign of Iranian drone and missile strikes that began on February 28, aimed at the Kingdom’s energy infrastructure, urban centers and US military assets.

According to official reports, the ongoing wave of attacks has claimed at least two lives and left 12 others injured. Saudi authorities remain on high alert as Tehran continues to target strategic and civilian installations across the peninsula.

South Korea has confirmed it will maintain close communication with the United States following President Trump’s call for naval support in the Middle East. According to Reuters, Seoul is evaluating the request to deploy warships to the region to assist in securing vital waterways.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) successfully neutralized three "enemy drones" on Sunday before they could breach the nation's borders, according to the state news agency IRNA.

The military reported that the drones were detected and downed while still in international or neighboring airspace, preventing any potential strikes on domestic infrastructure. This latest interception comes as Tehran remains on high alert for incoming aerial threats from the ongoing US-Israeli offensive.

Heavy US-Israeli airstrikes have devastated residential districts in Shiraz, the provincial capital of Fars, according to reports from Iran’s Tasnim news agency. Local officials have condemned the morning bombardment as a "terrorist and anti-human act," noting that the strikes specifically hit a "deprived area" of the historic city.

The report indicates that the intensity of the blasts resulted in the total destruction of targeted housing units and caused massive financial losses for residents.

The Dubai Media Office has confirmed that the loud explosions heard across the city's Marina and Al Sufouh districts were the result of successful air defense interceptions. Authorities moved quickly to reassure the public that the "sounds heard" were the neutralisation of incoming targets, though they did not specify the origin of the projectiles.

The activations come amid a wave of regional alerts, with Dubai's sophisticated defense network engaging to protect high-density residential and commercial hubs from potential drone or missile strikes.

Iranian authorities have detained 20 individuals in the country's northwest on charges of collaborating with Israeli intelligence. According to the Tasnim news agency, the West Azerbaijan province's prosecutor’s office stated that the suspects were apprehended for allegedly transmitting sensitive location data regarding Iranian military and security assets to Israel.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a direct threat to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, vowing to "pursue and kill" him in retaliation for the ongoing military campaign. The statement, reported by AFP, marks a significant personal escalation in the rhetoric between Tehran and West Jerusalem.

An Israeli airstrike has hit a residential building in the Sharhabil district of Sidon, sparking a massive fire in the southern Lebanese city. According to the Lebanese National News Agency, emergency crews are currently on-site battling the flames and working to recover the body of at least one person killed in the blast.

The strike on the apartment complex has caused significant structural damage, with rescue teams continuing to search the rubble for potential survivors.

Loud explosions were reported across central Israel early Sunday after a missile strike launched from Iran triggered widespread air raid sirens. According to Channel 12, falling debris was spotted in several areas, including the cities of Lod and Ness Ziona.

The Israeli ambulance service (Magen David Adom) confirmed it provided medical assistance to four individuals who sustained minor injuries while rushing to bomb shelters. While the Home Front Command later signaled that the immediate threat to the central region had passed, authorities remain on high alert as the conflict continues to escalate.

Iran has officially accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating a "false-flag" operation by deploying rebranded Shahed drones to frame the Islamic Republic. A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters told Press TV that these munitions are being used against regional civilian infrastructure to deliberately implicate Tehran.

According to the statement, the "enemy" has pivoted to "deceptive tactics" after failing to secure military or political victories. The IRGC suggests that these strikes are a calculated attempt to isolate Iran internationally by mimicking its signature drone technology.

The Liberal Democratic Party's policy chief, Takayuki Kobayashi, has stated that the legal and political "threshold is extremely high" for Japan to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz. His remarks come as a direct response to President Trump’s recent demand for international allies, including Tokyo, to provide military escorts for tankers in the volatile waterway.

Speaking on NHK, Kobayashi clarified that while Japanese law does not technically forbid such a deployment, the ongoing conflict makes any naval involvement a matter of "extreme caution."

Escalations in Middle East crisis effects students life too as the Central Board of secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to cancel class 12th board exams which was scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026, for Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE students. Earlier, the body has already cancelled the class 10th board exams. Exams That were earlier postponed shall also cancelled.

In a X post, CBSE said, "All examinations of Class XII scheduled from 16.03.2026 to 10.04.2026 stand cancelled in case of the students from Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE".

In a major diplomatic shift, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have signaled an openness to direct negotiations with Israel, a move that would break decades of official state-of-war status. The overture comes as Beirut faces the dual threat of a large-scale Israeli ground invasion and the potential decimation of its southern suburbs.

While Lebanese officials are pushing for a ceasefire to facilitate these face-to-face discussions, the offer has so far met with a cold reception. Israeli and US officials have expressed skepticism, citing the Lebanese government’s current inability to effectively disarm Hezbollah as a primary obstacle to formal diplomacy.

Hezbollah has ramped up its morning operations against Israeli positions, launching a series of rocket and artillery strikes along the frontier. The Lebanese group confirmed it targeted Israeli troops at the "Calf Hill" site, north of the Kfar Yuval settlement, with a rocket salvo, followed by an artillery barrage directed at soldiers positioned at the Jibia point, opposite the Lebanese town of Meiss el-Jabal.

Iranian drone strikes have maintained a high success rate, with 21 out of 26 recorded launches successfully reaching their targets. Verified visual reports show the impact of these strikes and interceptions across seven different countries, highlighting a persistent threat to US military assets and regional stability, cited in new analysis report by NBC News.

The data indicates that Tehran is successfully bypassing regional defenses to strike a wide array of strategic locations, including transportation hubs, diplomatic centers, energy infrastructure and military installations.

US President Donald Trump asserted that recent US military operations have "severely weakened" Iran’s combat capabilities and shifted the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. According to the President, the ongoing confrontation has actually strengthened Washington's ties with Gulf states, claiming that regional governments are now more unified than ever against Tehran following the latest round of hostilities.

Air raid sirens have been reported in the Jordanian city of Aqaba, directly across from the Israeli port of Eilat, as regional tensions reach a fever pitch. The alert in Jordan follows similar emergency warnings issued in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, where residents have been urged to seek immediate shelter.

Bahrain's Ministry of Interior has activated emergency sirens across the country, instructing citizens and residents to remain calm while moving immediately to the nearest secure location. Authorities have not yet confirmed the specific nature of the threat, but the alert follows a wave of regional missile and drone activity.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering the deployment of thousands of interceptor drones to the Middle East to counter the rising threat of Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions. According to The Telegraph, defense officials are looking into redirecting advanced military hardware originally destined for Eastern Europe to meet the urgent needs of the current Gulf conflict.

President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that regional stability remains impossible as long as the United States maintains a military presence in West Asia. Speaking amid intensifying Gulf tensions, the Iranian leader stated that a complete American withdrawal is the necessary precursor to achieving lasting security in the region.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said, "In short: For the region to be secure, the United States should not be there."

Hezbollah has launched a "large barrage of rockets" at Israeli soldiers stationed in the Khallat al-Mahafir area, located near the southern Lebanese border town of Odaisseh. The group confirmed the strike was part of an intensified effort to target forces positioned along the frontier.

Iranian students gathered outside the United Nations Commission office to honor those killed in a recent US-Israeli airstrike on an elementary school in Minab. The demonstration follows the February 28 destruction of the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' primary school during "Operation Roaring Lion."

The school was leveled by a missile while classes were in session, resulting in over 100 fatalities. State media reports that the majority of the victims were young children, sparking widespread domestic outrage and calls for international accountability.

President Donald Trump has reportedly called for Iran’s "unconditional surrender," dismissing the possibility of an immediate ceasefire as regional hostilities escalate. In an interview with NBC News, Trump also questioned whether Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive, citing persistent rumors of his death and his continued absence from public view.

President Donald Trump told NBC News that recent US military strikes have "totally demolished" the majority of Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal. While describing the facility as largely destroyed, the President suggested that the US might conduct additional strikes on the site in the coming days.

The remarks underscore a period of intense aerial bombardment aimed at neutralising Iran's primary energy export hub. This follows earlier Pentagon reports confirming heavy damage to the island's military and logistical infrastructure.

In a direct response to recent US strikes on Kharg Island, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any further attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure will trigger immediate retaliation against regional facilities. Speaking with MS Now, Araghchi clarified that Tehran’s military is prepared to strike any energy assets in the Middle East owned or partially operated by American companies

US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that while Iran appears ready to negotiate an end to the current war, he is not yet prepared to accept a ceasefire. Speaking with NBC News, Trump explained that the terms currently being offered by Tehran do not meet his administration's requirements.

"Iran wants to make a deal, and I don't want to make it because the terms aren't good enough yet," Trump said, adding that any terms will have to be "very solid".

The Strait of Hormuz remains fully operational but under the firm control of Iranian forces, according to a high-ranking military official. Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, dismissed recent US assertions regarding the destruction of Iranian naval assets or the effectiveness of American tanker escorts as "false."

In a statement released via the Tasnim news agency, Tangsiri clarified that while the vital waterway is not currently subject to a military blockade, it remains under the tactical supervision of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Kuwaiti National Guard reported shooting down five drones over the last 24 hours amid ongoing regional hostilities. These interceptions follow a confirmed drone strike on Kuwait International Airport, which caused significant damage to the facility's radar systems.

Additionally, authorities reported that two missiles struck the perimeter of the Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base. The strike resulted in injuries to three soldiers, marking a further escalation of attacks on the country's strategic infrastructure.

The State Department has mandated the departure of all non-emergency government staff and their families from Oman. The evacuation order was issued citing significant "safety risks" to US personnel in the region.

Emergency crews in Israel are battling a fire in Holon, a city south of Tel Aviv, following a recent Iranian missile barrage. Verified social media footage shows first responders at the scene, while the Magen David Adam (MDA) ambulance service confirmed on X that its teams are active across several reported impact sites. The MDA further stated that no injuries have been reported so far.

The Israeli military successfully neutralised a fresh barrage of Iranian missiles, according to reports from Army Radio. While the majority of the incoming projectiles were intercepted by defense systems, several impacted uninhabited open areas.

The operation resulted in falling shrapnel and interceptor debris in the central city of Ramla, which ignited a local fire. Despite the material damage and the intensity of the exchange, authorities confirmed that no casualties have been reported from the incident.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the United States plans to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) once hostilities with Iran have concluded. The administration’s strategy focuses on maintaining current energy stability while deferring large-scale restocking until the regional security situation stabilises.

The US Department of Defense has officially released the identities of the six airmen who perished in a refueling aircraft accident in Iraq earlier this week. The names were made public following a standard notification period for the families of the fallen service members.

The fatal incident involving the tanker plane occurred during the initial days of the current regional hostilities. While the investigation into the specific cause of the crash remains ongoing, the Pentagon’s announcement marks a somber milestone for US forces operating in the Middle East theater.