Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has dismissed reports about the health of the country’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Speaking in an interview, Araqchi said there was “no problem” with Khamenei’s health. The remarks came after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Khamenei was “wounded and likely disfigured.” Hegseth said the Iranian leader had issued only a written statement and not appeared in public. He suggested Khamenei could be injured and hiding. Iranian officials have rejected the claim. The comments come as fighting between Iran, the United States, and Israel continues, with missile and drone attacks reported across several parts of the Middle East. (PC: AP/ Reuters)

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the war with Iran has entered a “decisive phase” as the United States and Israel increase strikes on Iranian targets. Speaking in a televised statement, Katz praised recent US attacks on Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export hub. The conflict began on February 28 after US and Israeli forces launched large airstrikes on Iranian military sites. Iran later responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and US-linked bases in the region. Reports say more than 1,500 people have been killed in Iran so far. In Israel, about 10 to 13 people have died in Iranian missile strikes. (PC: Reuters)

At least 15 people were killed after an air attack hit a factory in Iran’s central city of Isfahan, reports said on Saturday. The strike came as the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate. US President Donald Trump urged countries including the UK, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to send warships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open. The key waterway carries about 20% of global oil shipments. Meanwhile, missiles and drones were reported across the Middle East, including attacks near the US Embassy in Baghdad. Global oil prices have risen sharply due to the ongoing conflict.

US President Donald Trump has urged the UK and other allied nations to send ships to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the US would soon make the key shipping route “open, safe, and free.” The call came after several attacks on vessels in the region during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The UK Maritime Trade Operations said 16 ships have been attacked in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman since the war began. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to keep blocking the strait. The waterway carries about 20% of global oil shipments.

The United States launched large air strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, destroying more than 90 military targets, the US Central Command said on Saturday. The attacks hit naval mine storage sites, missile bunkers, and other military facilities. Kharg Island is Iran’s main oil export hub in the Persian Gulf. US officials said oil infrastructure on the island was not targeted. President Donald Trump warned Iran to stop attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. He said the strikes destroyed major military sites. Iran confirmed its oil facilities were not damaged. The conflict has disrupted global oil supplies and pushed prices higher worldwide.

A drone strike targeted a major oil storage facility at Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, forcing some operations to stop. Large clouds of smoke were seen rising from the complex after the intercepted attack. The strike came amid rising tensions in the region after US attacks on Iran’s Kharg Island. The island is Iran’s main oil export hub. US President Donald Trump said military targets there had been “totally obliterated”. Iran warned it would respond if its energy facilities were attacked. Tehran said oil and energy sites linked to companies working with the US could be “turned into a pile of ashes”. (PC: BBC)

The government has set a new LPG refill cycle after a sharp rise in panic bookings. Urban consumers must wait 25 days before reordering a cylinder, while rural areas will follow a 45-day cycle. Petroleum Ministry spokesperson Sujata Sharma said bookings rose from 76 lakh on March 13 to 88.8 lakh on March 14. She warned that panic booking was putting pressure on supply. “Wherever commercial consumers are facing difficulties or disruptions in LPG supply, they should be transitioned to PNG connections,” Sharma said. Officials said no LPG stockout has been reported so far. Two LPG vessels carrying 92,700 metric tons are expected to reach Gujarat ports on March 16 and 17. (PC: India Today)

A suspected Iranian drone strike triggered a large fire at the Port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, one of the world’s key oil storage and bunkering hubs. The attack reportedly hit or caused debris to fall near oil storage facilities, sending thick smoke into the sky and forcing the suspension of some oil-loading operations. Emergency services quickly responded and worked to contain the blaze, with officials reporting no immediate casualties. The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Iran–Israel War 2026 and threats against Gulf energy infrastructure. Analysts warn the attack highlights growing risks to global oil supply routes and energy markets. (PC: X)

Kharg Island, Iran’s crucial oil export hub in the Persian Gulf, was targeted during US strikes amid the escalating Iran–Israel War 2026. Former US President Donald Trump called the island Iran’s “crown jewel,” while renowned Iranian writer Jalal Al-e-Ahmad once described it as the “orphan pearl of the Persian Gulf.” The island handles nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports, making it central to the country’s economy. Although strikes reportedly focused on military targets, Kharg Island’s strategic role in global energy supply means any disruption could significantly impact Iran’s economy and international oil markets. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has reportedly deployed its elite counter-terrorism unit known as NOPO to protect newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei amid escalating regional conflict and security threats. The force, famous for its black tactical gear and specialized training, is tasked with guarding the leader at a highly secure and undisclosed location. Reports suggest Mojtaba Khamenei may have been injured during the strike that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israel operation. Since assuming power earlier in March 2026, he has largely remained out of public view. The deployment of the secretive NOPO unit highlights Iran’s concerns about assassination attempts and the fragile security situation surrounding its leadership. (PC: Getty Images)