- By Chetna Shree
- Sat, 14 Mar 2026 12:02 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
US-Israel-Iran War: The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its 14th day on March 13 with no clear sign of de-escalation as missile strikes, drone attacks and air raids continue across the Middle East. The United States and Israel, on February 28, launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, triggering a series of retaliatory attacks by Iran against US military bases in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that have driven global energy markets higher.
US President Donald Trump told G7 leaders during a virtual meeting on Wednesday that Iran was "about to surrender," Axios reported, citing three officials from G7 countries who were briefed on the call. However, the claim appeared to contradict developments on the ground, including a defiant statement issued by Iran's new supreme leader.
Russia May Be Helping Iran A Little Bit: Trump
During an interview with Fox News Radio, Trump said he thinks Russian President Vladimir Putin may be aiding Iran in the war against the United States and Israel.
"I think he might be helping him (Iran) a little bit, yeah, I guess. And he probably thinks we're helping Ukraine, right?" Trump said.
"Yeah, we're helping them also, and so he says that, and China would say the same thing, you know. It’s like, hey, they do it, and we do it, in all fairness. They do it. And we do it," Trump added.
Several US media outlets have reported that Russia has provided targeting information to Iran for attacks on US forces during the ongoing conflict.
US Temporarily Permits Sale Of Russian Oil
The United States on Friday temporarily allowed the sale of Russian oil already in transit. The move came as energy prices surged following US-Israeli strikes and amid Iran's decision to choke the crucial Strait of Hormuz, using it as 'leverage' to 'pressurise' the West, Times of India reported.
Explosions Heard In Tehran Amid Quds Day Rally
According to Iranian state media, heavy explosions were heard in central Tehran on Friday. The blasts occurred near a major pro-government demonstration in the capital's central square, where large crowds had gathered to mark Quds Day, the annual event held on the last Friday of Ramadan in support of the Palestinian cause.
US Military Refuelling Aircraft Crashes In Western Iraq
A Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker operated by the United States Air Force crashed in western Iraq on Friday afternoon. The United States Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, confirmed that all six crew members aboard the US military aircraft died.
"The circumstances of the incident are under investigation. However, the loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire," Reuters reported, citing a statement from the US Central Command.
'Iran's New Supreme Leader Likely Wounded And Disfigured': Hegseth
The US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is likely wounded and disfigured.
"We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured," Hegseth told a press conference.
Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement on Thursday but has remained in hiding since taking over after his father's death in a bombing at the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran on February 28.
Global Energy Markets Face Disruption Amid Middle East Conflict
The ongoing conflict has triggered significant disruptions in global energy markets. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel amid fears that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that normally handles about one-fifth of the world's oil supply, could be blocked.
Several Gulf states have also cut oil production as storage facilities near capacity due to shipping delays. In response, global leaders have held emergency talks to stabilise markets and prevent a broader economic shock.