Tehran/Washington/Tel Aviv, March 11, 2026: Iran has dramatically intensified its military operations across the Middle East, targeting US and Israeli positions in retaliation for earlier airstrikes on Iranian territory. The escalation comes nearly two weeks after joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities killed former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian military commanders, marking the deadliest military engagement involving Iran in decades.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed on Wednesday that it will continue strikes on US and Israeli military and strategic assets “until the threat of war against Iran has ended.” In a statement posted on its official news outlet Sepah News, the IRGC stated: “We only think of the enemy’s complete surrender.”
Latest strikes and reported targets
According to Iranian sources, the 38th wave of attacks late Tuesday included:
- US Al-Udairi Base, Kuwait: Over 100 US troops were reportedly sent to nearby hospitals following missile and drone strikes.
- Ali Al-Salem Air Base, Kuwait, and Mohammed Al-Ahmad Naval Base: Iranian missiles targeted key military infrastructure.
- Mina Salman Port, Bahrain: Home to the US Fifth Fleet, this naval installation was struck with projectiles.
- Erbil, Iraq: Several US positions came under attack.
In addition to these strikes, Iran claimed missile and drone attacks on Israeli sites, including:
- Tel Aviv area: Satellite communications centre south of the city.
- Beer Yaakov, West Jerusalem, and Haifa: Military facilities targeted with Khorramshahr missiles.
- Haifa Naval Base: The Iranian army reported drone strikes on the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate (AMAN), Unit 8200 cyber division, Green Pine radar installation, and submarine command centre.
Iranian authorities stated that these strikes targeted both US and Israeli military infrastructure, claiming that the attacks were carried out in self-defence and in retaliation for what Tehran termed “aggressive acts” against Iranian sovereignty.
Threats to global shipping in the Strait of Hormuz
The IRGC also reported striking two vessels attempting to navigate the strategic Strait of Hormuz:
- “Expres Room” – described as owned by Israeli interests and flying the Liberian flag.
- “Mayuree Naree Bangkok” – container ship allegedly ignoring Iranian warnings.
The IRGC warned it would not allow oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz for the benefit of the US, Israel, or their allies, effectively threatening the passage of roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Iranian military officials have warned that oil prices could spike to $200 per barrel if the blockade continues.
Escalating attacks on financial and corporate targets
Iran has expanded its list of potential targets beyond military sites. The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency identified top US technology companies with links to Israeli military projects as “legitimate targets.” These include:
- Microsoft
- Palantir Technologies
- IBM
- Nvidia
- Oracle
Iran also announced potential strikes on banks and financial institutions linked to the US and Israel, following a reported missile strike on Bank Sepah in Tehran that killed and injured overnight shift employees. IRGC spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari advised civilians to maintain at least a one-kilometre distance from banks and other financial institutions.
Regional humanitarian and economic impact
The war has had severe consequences for civilians and regional economies:
Lebanon: Israeli strikes across Beirut killed 16 and wounded 26 on Wednesday morning alone. Between March 2 and March 10, Israeli attacks killed at least 486 people and injured over 1,300 across Lebanon. Multiple residential areas, schools, and hospitals were damaged.
Iraq: Drone strikes hit US military bases and facilities near Baghdad International Airport, while protesters attempted to storm the US embassy. Iranian-linked groups reported casualties.
Saudi Arabia and Gulf States: Iranian drones attacked a Saudi oilfield and industrial complexes, including the UAE’s Ruwais refinery, causing fires and temporary closures.
Global oil markets remain volatile. While prices spiked earlier in the week, they have slightly eased after reports of the International Energy Agency (IEA) considering its largest-ever oil reserve release. Nevertheless, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted, threatening energy supply chains worldwide.
Diplomatic efforts and international reactions
UN Engagement: Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, urging condemnation of US and Israeli strikes, describing them as violations of international law and humanitarian norms. Guterres called for restraint and adherence to international law, while acknowledging Iran’s right to self-defence.
India-Iran Talks: Araghchi also held a phone conversation with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, highlighting regional instability, threats to shipping through the Persian Gulf, and the need for international accountability for US actions. Jaishankar emphasized continuing bilateral engagement with Tehran.
US and Israeli perspectives
US President Donald Trump said in an interview that the war could end “soon,” claiming there was “practically nothing left to target.” However, US and Israeli officials have confirmed that no formal directive has been issued to halt military operations.
US forces reported destroying 16 Iranian minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, US and Israeli strikes continue across Lebanon, Tehran, and other Iranian cities, with media reports citing casualties and extensive infrastructure damage.
Iran’s position
Iran has repeatedly emphasized that it is not seeking a ceasefire. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former IRGC commander, stated: “Certainly we aren’t seeking a ceasefire. We believe the aggressor must be punished and taught a lesson that will deter them from attacking Iran again.”
Iran has made clear that any attacks on US or Israeli interests, including financial institutions and key infrastructure, will be considered legitimate retaliation, while warning that energy markets and civilian shipping in the Gulf will remain at risk as the conflict continues.
Humanitarian toll
Civilians in Tehran and across Iran reported fear and disruption due to ongoing air raids and missile strikes.
Global Impact: Rising energy costs, rationing, and disruption to shipping and trade are affecting countries far from the conflict, including Egypt, Europe, and Asia.
The war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, continues to escalate with regional repercussions, raising fears of a protracted conflict that could destabilize the Middle East, disrupt global energy supplies, and intensify international economic pressure.
