Oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel again after multiple fuel tankers in Iraqi waters were struck by explosive-laden boats in a suspected Iranian attack this morning.
An Iraqi official told state media that its oil ports "have completely stopped operations." Other countries have moved vessels out of the area as a precaution.
Three crew members are believed to be trapped aboard a Thai bulk carrier hit by two projectiles in the strait yesterday. Iran has claimed responsibility for the attack and warned the world to prepare for oil at $200 a barrel.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump has claimed the US has “won” the war in Iran but needs to “finish the job”.
It comes following Trump’s claim that US forces knocked out 28 Iranian mine-laying ships in the Strait of Hormuz, after the president warned on Tuesday about Iran placing mines in the crucial waterway.
“They started talking about mine. So we hit 28 mine ships as of this moment,” Trump said, describing the US military as “unbelievable”.
Key Points
- Oil surges above $100 a barrel again as tankers burn in Persian Gulf
- Two foreign tankers with Iraqi oil on fire
- US military has almost 'destroyed Iran' Trump claims
- Trump claims he doesn't know about report into girls' school attack
- Trump says US has knocked out 28 Iranian mine-laying ships
- Iran has deployed a dozen mines in Strait of Hormuz - report
Container ship struck near UAE, causing small fire on board
04:45 , Stuti MishraA container ship has been hit by an unknown projectile near the UAE port of Jebel Ali, the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre has said today.
The strike caused "a small fire onboard" and a full damage assessment was impaired by darkness. "All crew are reported as safe" and "no environmental impact has been reported at this time," the agency said.
UKMTO WARNING 022-26
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) March 12, 2026
Click here to view the full Warning⤵️ https://t.co/ckodDQ1ABQ#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/9msiZhnJra
Three crew members trapped on Thai ship hit in Strait of Hormuz - report
04:33 , Stuti MishraThree crew members are believed to be trapped aboard a Thai bulk carrier after it was hit by two projectiles while travelling through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, the vessel's owner said, according to AFP news agency.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the attack on the Thai vessel. Two other cargo ships, one from the Marshall Islands and one from Japan, were also reportedly struck in the same area.
Oman moves vessels from main oil export terminal as precaution
04:30 , Stuti MishraOman has shifted all vessels out of its main oil export terminal at Mina Al Fahal, outside the Strait of Hormuz, as a precautionary measure, Bloomberg News reported, citing recipients of a port agent's notice.
US energy secretary pressed by Fox News on next step after 3 ships around Strait of Hormuz hit
04:15 , Rachel DobkinUS Energy Secretary Chris Wright was pressed Wednesday by Fox News host Laura Ingraham on the next step for American forces in the Iran war after three ships around the Strait of Hormuz were hit.
Three cargo ships — one from Thailand, one from the Marshall Islands and one from Japan— were reportedly struck earlier Wednesday around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the attack on the ship from Thailand.
“So, Mr. Secretary, three ships near the strait were hit by projectiles over the past 24 hours. What now”? Ingraham asked Wright.
Wright started going on a tangent about Iran being a “murderous, terrorist regime” before the Fox News host interrupted and said, “If you have crews on these ships that are afraid for their lives, how do you break this logjam in this critical waterway”?
“The most critical thing right now is US military degrading their ability to project power,” Wright replied. “Not just missiles for long range but also their assets that impede travel through the Strait of Hormuz.
“So it will take us some time to do that, but there is an awesome power of the U.S. Military; soldiers are doing a great job. And we are every hour of every day degrading their military ability to threaten the ships in the Strait of Hormuz”.
In a since-deleted social media post Tuesday, Wright falsely claimed the US Navy had escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz.
Read more on how that one post sent US oil markets into a frenzy:
Trump’s energy secretary sends oil markets into frenzy: report
Asian markets fall as oil tops $100 a barrel
04:00 , Stuti MishraStock markets across Asia fell sharply on opening today as oil prices surged past $100 a barrel amid escalating attacks on shipping in the Persian Gulf.
MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 1.6 per cent, while Japan's Nikkei dropped 1.5 per cent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng lost 1.2 per cent and Chinese blue-chips slid 0.6 per cent. Australia's ASX 200 fell 1.65 per cent. S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures both declined 1 per cent, pointing to a weak open in the US.
In currency markets, nervous investors sought the safety of the dollar while shunning currencies of net energy importers. The euro slipped 0.3 per cent to $1.1536, its weakest level since November. The dollar rose to 159.12 yen, its strongest since January.
Oil surges above $100 a barrel again as tankers burn in Persian Gulf
03:48 , Stuti MishraOil prices have surged 9 per cent today, reaching above $100 a barrel once again following strikes on tankers in Iraq.
Multiple fuel tankers were struck by explosive-laden Iranian boats in Iraqi waters early this morning, with an Iraqi official telling state media that its oil ports "have completely stopped operations."
Brent crude futures hit $100.22 a barrel, extending a rise of more than 4 per cent overnight. US crude futures were at $95.41 a barrel.
This comes after oil prices rose above $115 on Monday, and then fell below $90 on Tuesday after Donald Trump said the conflict could end soon.
Investors took little comfort from the IEA's plan to release 400 million barrels from reserves - the largest such move in its history - as part of which the US said it would release 172 million barrels from next week. Iran had earlier warned the world to prepare for oil at $200 a barrel.
"The geopolitical risk premium in oil has produced extraordinary volatility, with prices swinging dramatically as traders react to every headline around the Iran conflict," said Lukman Otunuga, senior market analyst at FXTM.
Rising energy costs have been stoking inflation fears globally, with several countries ordering rationing of fuels.
White House lays out objectives for Iran war after US gave conflicting rationale for attacks
03:30 , Rachel DobkinWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has laid out objectives for the Iran war after the US gave conflicting answers as to why it was attacking the Middle Eastern country.
“The left-wing media is lying and pushing a fake narrative that there has been ‘mixed messaging’ about the objectives of Operation Epic Fury.
“From the beginning, President Trump and his entire team have consistently laid out clear objectives to the American people about what the U.S. Military seeks to accomplish through these ongoing successful major combat operations”, Leavitt wrote on X early Thursday morning.
Here are the objectives Leavitt laid out:
- Destroy the terrorist Iranian regime’s missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground.
- Annihilate the terrorist Iranian regime’s navy.
- Ensure the regime’s fellow terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region and attack our forces
- Guarantee the terrorist Iranian regime cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.
The Independent’s John Bowden explains the Trump administration’s differing messaging early on in the Iran war:
Why are we waging war in Iran? Trump, Hegseth and Rubio can’t seem to agree
Trump says US has 'our eye on' Iranian sleeper cells
03:00 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump said early Thursday morning the US has “our eye on” on Iranian sleeper cells.
Fox News’ Peter Doocy asked Trump, “Have you been briefed about how many Iran sleeper cells there could be inside the U.S. right now”?
“I have been, and a lot of people came through [Former US President Joe] Biden with his stupid open border. But we know where most of them are. We’ve got our eye on all of them, I think”, Trump responded.
According to a recent Quinnipiac University poll, 77 percent of American voters think it is either very likely or somewhat likely that there will be a terrorist attack in the US because of the military action in Iran.
Iraq says at least one killed in Basra port attack: report
02:40 , Rachel DobkinIraqi officials have said at least one person has been killed in an attack in the Basra port on the Persian Gulf, the Associated Press reported.
Farhan al-Fartousi, the director-general of the state-owned General Company for Ports of Iraq, said a vessel engaged in a ship-to-ship oil transfer was hit, the AP reported, citing the Iraqi News Agency.
Iraq’s oil terminals have been shut down, Al-Fartousi said.
Israeli military prepared to fight Iran as long as necessary, spokesperson says
02:30 , Alex CroftThe Israeli military is prepared to continue its war with Iran for as long as necessary, its spokesperson, brigadier general Effie Defrin, told reporters late on Wednesday.
"We as an army are prepared to continue the campaign as long as necessary," he said.
US president Donald Trump was quoted earlier by Axios as saying that there was "practically nothing left" to target in Iran and that the war there will end "soon."
Two tankers near Iraq hit by 'unknown projectile': UKMTO
02:15 , Rachel DobkinTwo oil tankers south of Al Basrah, Iraq, have reportedly been hit by an “unknown projectile”, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center has said.
UKMTO WARNING 021-26
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) March 12, 2026
Click here to view the full Warning⤵️ https://t.co/0RWET6xwb2#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/vKIUuc617U
UN Security Council adopts resolution condemning Iran's attacks on Gulf nations
02:00 , Rachel DobkinThe United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution Wednesday, condemning Iran's attacks on Gulf nations.
After the U.S. and Israel began launching strikes on Iran, the Middle Eastern country started attacking several of its neighbours. The resolution names Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
Thirteen Security Council members voted in favor of the Bahraini-led resolution, while China and Russia abstained.
The resolution demanded an end to Iran’s attacks against residential areas and other places where civilians would be.
“The international community is resolute in rejecting these Iranian unjust, hostile acts that are targeting sovereign countries and that threaten the stability of their peoples”, Bahrain’s representative said.
Congress calls for oversight following reports US military is using AI to help determine which sites in Iran to attack
01:30 , Rachel DobkinUS lawmakers have called for oversight of the use of artificial intelligence in war after reports of the military using AI tools to help determine which sites in Iran to attack.
As the use of AI grows in tandem with conflict in the Middle East, several publications, including The Independent, have reported on the technology’s use in military operations.
NBC News reported Wednesday, citing two people familiar with the matter, that the U.S. military is using AI systems from Palantir to identify potential targets for air strikes in the Iran war.
Palantir’s Maven Smart System is using classified satellite data and surveillance to help provide instantaneous targeting and target prioritization to the U.S. military amid its striking campaign in Iran, The Washington Post reported last week.
Read on...
Congress calls for oversight after reports US military is using AI in Iran War
7 killed and 21 injured in Israeli strike on Beirut: Lebanese officials
01:00 , Rachel DobkinSeven people have been killed and 21 more injured in an Israeli strike in Ramlet al-Bayda in Beirut, the Associated Press reported, citing the Lebanese Health Ministry.
The AP says dozens of displaced families were taking shelter in makeshift tents when the strike occurred.
Bahrain says Iran targeted its fuel tanks
00:45 , Rachel DobkinBahrain’s Interior Ministry said late Wednesday night that Iran targeted fuel tanks in Muharraq Governorate.
MOI: The Iranian aggression targeted fuel tanks at a facility in Muharraq Governorate, and the competent authorities are taking the required procedures.
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) March 11, 2026
During the U.S.-Israeli military strikes that have barraged Iran for over a week, Iran has targeted oil fields and refineries in the neighbouring Gulf nations, according to the Associated Press.
International Energy Agency to release record oil reserves to calm markets
00:30 , Alex CroftThe International Energy Agency (IEA) says it has agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves to help stabilise markets.
The UK Government said it will contribute 13.5 million barrels from its own stockpile for the release.
The conflict in Iran has halted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed the price of oil and gas sharply higher.
The IEA, which includes the UK, said the release – the largest in the 50-year history of the 32-nation alliance – will account for around a third of its 1.2 billion barrel stockpile held for emergencies.
Read more here:
International Energy Agency to release record oil reserves to calm markets
Israel strikes 10 'terror structures' in Lebanon: IDF
00:16 , Bel Trew and Rachel DobkinThe Israel Defence Forces has said they have struck 10 structures in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut.
“Over the past hours, the IDF has begun a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting terror infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization across Lebanon”, the IDF said.
The Israeli military said they hit “10 terror structures in the Dahieh area within 30 minutes, including intelligence headquarters, a headquarters of the Radwan unit, and additional command centers”.
'It's both!': Trump refers to Iran conflict as a 'war' and 'a little excursion'
Wednesday 11 March 2026 23:54 , Alex CroftEU warns inflation could surpass 3% - report
Wednesday 11 March 2026 23:31 , Alex CroftThe EU warned that its inflation rate could surpass 3 per cent this year if the war in the Middle East causes Brent oil prices to remain around $100 per barrel and gas prices stay elevated for an extended period, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.
In that scenario, economic growth in 2026 would also be as much as 0.4 percentage points lower than the 1.4 per cent pace forecast late last year, EU economy chief Valdis Dombrovskis told the bloc's finance ministers this week, the report said.
Trump claims war in Iran will end 'soon' because 'there's hardly anything left' to attack
Wednesday 11 March 2026 23:10 , Alex CroftFollowing a conversation with president Donald Trump, Axios reporter Barak Ravid says the president insisted the war with Iran would end “soon” because “there’s hardly anything left” to attack.
“Little this and that... Any time I want it to end, it will end,” the president was quoted as saying.
“The war is going great. We are way ahead of the timetable. We have done more damage than we thought possible, even in the original six-week period.”
Two Israeli officials told Reuters earlier today that the assessment in Israel is that Trump is not close to ordering an end to the war.
Red Cross mourns volunteer killed in Lebanon's Tyre
Wednesday 11 March 2026 22:47 , Alex CroftThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced this afternoon the death of a volunteer worker killed while working in Lebanon.
“We mourn the killing of Youssef Assaf, Lebanese Red Cross volunteer, who lost his life while carrying out his humanitarian duty in Tyre. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Youssef’s family, friends and loved ones,” a statement read.
“It is deeply alarming that first responders in Lebanon continue to risk their lives while carrying out a humanitarian mission,” the statement added.
US officials estimate first six days of war cost $11bn
Wednesday 11 March 2026 22:27 , Alex CroftUS officials have estimated that the first six days of the war have cost the US at least $11.3 billion (£8.2 billion), Reuters news agency reported.
That figure, from a closed-door briefing for senators on Tuesday, did not include the entire cost of the war, but was provided to lawmakers as they have clamoured for more information about the conflict.
Several congressional aides have said they expect the White House to soon submit a request to Congress for additional funding for the war. Some officials have said the request could be for $50 billion (£37.3 billion), while others have said that estimate seems low.
The administration has not provided a public assessment of the cost of the conflict or a clear idea of its expected duration. Trump said during a trip to Kentucky on Wednesday that "we won" the war but that the United States will stay in the fight to finish the job.
The $11.3 billion figure was first reported on Wednesday by the New York Times.
FBI warns California police that Iran could launch drones at West Coast
Wednesday 11 March 2026 22:12 , Alex CroftThe FBI has warned police departments in California that Iran could retaliate for US attacks by launching drones at the West Coast, ABC News reported on Wednesday, citing an alert it reviewed.
The bureau did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Two foreign tankers with Iraqi oil on fire
Wednesday 11 March 2026 22:00 , Alex CroftWe’re hearing reports that two foreign tankers carrying Iraqi fuel oil are on fire.
The tankers came under attack ins waters, Iraq's director general of the General Company for Ports Farhan al-Fartousi said on Wednesday.
Iraq evacuated the 25 crew members from the two vessels and fire is still ablaze on both ships, he told the Reuters news agency.
US military spent $9 million on crab legs and lobster in the months before Iran war: report
Wednesday 11 March 2026 21:51 , Alex CroftSecretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon apparently isn’t feeling the same affordability struggles as many average Americans, as he approved spending more than $93 billion in September, including on luxury food items and iPads.
A new analysis published by government watchdog Open the Books found that in September — the end of the 2025 fiscal year — Hegseth reportedly burned through cash, including spending $9 million on crab and lobster dinners.
According to Military.com, an increase in military officials eating pricey meals has traditionally been viewed as a sign that something may be brewing — such as President Donald Trump’s war in Iran — though it appears Hegseth has been dining well at the Pentagon since at least last spring.
US military spent $9 million on crab legs and lobster in the months before Iran war
US military has almost 'destroyed Iran' Trump claims
Wednesday 11 March 2026 21:30 , Rebecca WhittakerWhite House Correspondent Andrew Feinberg reports:
President Donald Trump said the US military has almost “destroyed Iran” and claimed the country no longer has radar or anti aircraft equipment.
Speaking at a rally in Kentucky he said: "Over the past 11 days, our military has virtually destroyed Iran, tough country. Their Air Force is gone, totally gone.
“That took, that took the better part of about three hours. They no longer have radar.
“They don't have anti aircraft equipment. They don't have anything. Their missiles are down 90 per cent their drones are down 85 per cent we're blowing up the factories where they're made, left and right."
US interior secretary says oil companies will boost production
Wednesday 11 March 2026 21:29 , Alex CroftUS interior secretary Doug Burgum said on Wednesday that US oil companies will soon announce increased production amid price spikes due to the ongoing Iran conflict.
"I think you're going to see them all announcing that they've increased production, you know, here in the United States in response to the price signals and in response to the need that we have right now," Burgum told CNBC during an interview.
Trump secures release of '400 million barrels of oil'
Wednesday 11 March 2026 21:24 , Rebecca WhittakerWhite House Correspondent Andrew Feinberg reports:
US president Donald Trump has said he has coordinated the release of oil reserves around the world.
Speaking at a rally in Kentucky he said: "I'm pleased to report that earlier today, the International Energy Agency agreed to coordinate the release of a record 400 million barrels of oil from various national petroleum reserves around the world, which will substantially reduce the oil prices as we end this threat to America and this threat to the world, we don't want to leave early, do we? We got to finish the job right."
It comes after crude oil almost reached $120 a barrel on Monday over fears that the conflict would cause lengthy disruption to energy supplies from the Middle East.
Watch: Trump Brags About -Great Military- During Conflict With Iran
Wednesday 11 March 2026 21:14 , Rebecca WhittakerTrump claimed Iran will 'knock out Israel' and try to 'take the whole Middle East'
Wednesday 11 March 2026 21:13 , Rebecca WhittakerWhite House Correspondent Andrew Feinberg reports:
Speaking at a rally in Kentucky US president Donald Trump claimed Iran is going to try and “take the whole Middle East” and “knock out Israel”.
He said: "We did an excursion. You know what an excursion is? We had to take a little trip to get rid of some evil, very evil people. It should have been done for 47 years. They've been killing our people...47 years. and I can only say this, they were all prepared.
“They're very strong, you know, they're going to try and take over the whole Middle East. They're going to knock out Israel. They don't know what the hell hit them, right?
“They don't know they got hit by the American military, they don't know they say, What the hell is happening, they didn't expect anything like this."
Watch: US claims strikes on Iranian ballistic missile facilities
Wednesday 11 March 2026 21:05 , Alex CroftSecond government charter flight from the Middle East lands in Dublin
Wednesday 11 March 2026 21:01 , Rebecca WhittakerA second chartered flight carrying almost 200 Irish citizens from the war-torn Middle East has landed at Dublin Airport, the Minister for Foreign Affairs said.
The flight from Abu Dhabi was carrying 217 people including 27 citizens from other EU member states.
Iran has deployed a dozen mines in Strait of Hormuz - report
Wednesday 11 March 2026 20:40 , Alex CroftIran has deployed about a dozen mines in the Strait of Hormuz, two sources have told Reuters news agency.
It is a move likely to complicate the reopening of the narrow waterway, an important route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas.
Exports of oil and LNG through the strategic chokepoint along Iran's coast have effectively been halted by the war launched 12 days ago by the United States and Israel, helping to drive a surge in world energy prices.
Iran’s military command on Wednesday said the world should be prepared for oil to hit $200 a barrel.
One source said the mines were deployed "in the last few days" and that most of their locations wereknown. But the source declined to say how the U.S. planned to deal with them.
CNN first reported the mining of the strait on Tuesday.
Israeli military prepared to fight Iran as long as necessary, spokesperson says
Wednesday 11 March 2026 20:17 , Alex CroftThe Israeli military is prepared to continue its war with Iran for as long as necessary, its spokesperson, brigadier general Effie Defrin, told reporters late on Wednesday.
"We as an army are prepared to continue the campaign as long as necessary," he said.
US president Donald Trump was quoted earlier by Axios as saying that there was "practically nothing left" to target in Iran and that the war there will end "soon."
Hezbollah and Iran carry out joint missile attack on Israel, says Israeli official
Wednesday 11 March 2026 19:55 , Alex CroftLebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran carried out a joint missile attack on northern Israel in what was the first coordinated attack since the start of the war, a senior Israeli defence official said on Wednesday.
We’ll bring you more on the attack as we get it.
Trump says US has knocked out 28 Iranian mine-laying ships
Wednesday 11 March 2026 19:34 , Alex CroftUS forces have knocked out 28 Iranian mine-laying ships, president Donald Trump said on Wednesday.
“We got many now we're knocking out the drone plants, as you know, [they’re] going fast,” Trump said.
“They started talking about mine. So we hit 28 mine ships as of this moment.”
The US president added: “Our military is unbelievable. The job they're doing, I would say, to put it mildly, way ahead of schedule. We've knocked out their navy, their military in all forms. We've knocked out just about everything there is, including their leadership.”
All we know about Iran girls’ school bombing as US blamed for deadly strike
Wednesday 11 March 2026 19:09 , Alex CroftAt least 175 people were killed in an airstrike on a primary school in Iran, the country’s authorities have said.
The Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran, was destroyed during the launch of a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign on February 28.
While the death toll has yet to be independently verified, the offensive is feared to be the single deadliest incident in the ongoing war. The strike has been condemned by Unesco as a “grave violation of humanitarian law”.
Nearly two weeks after the strike, a preliminary inquiry has reportedly found the United States was at fault, US officials and others familiar with the investigation have told the New York Times.
Here is everything we know about the school attack:
All we know about Iran girls’ school bombing as US blamed for deadly strike
Iranian president demands reparations and guarantees against future wars
Wednesday 11 March 2026 18:50 , Alex CroftIranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has demanded payment reparations and guarantees against further aggression by the US and Israel.
He declared Tehran’s “commitment to peace” in a post on X after talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin and Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari
“Talking to leaders of Russia and Pakistan, I reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace in the region,” he said.
“The only way to end this war—ignited by the Zionist regime & US—is recognizing Iran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm int'l guarantees against future aggression.”
British PM Starmer questioned whether Iran school strike was a war crime
Wednesday 11 March 2026 18:32 , Alex CroftIsraeli airstrike hits apartment block in central Beirut
Wednesday 11 March 2026 18:16 , Alex CroftAn Israeli strike hit an apartment block in central Beirut on Wednesday, Lebanese authorities said, further widening Israeli attacks in the capital beyond the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs where heavy bombardment continued.
Footage showed heavy damage to two floors of the apartment block in Beirut's Aicha Bakkar neighbourhood, and smoke rising from the building. Four people were wounded in the strike, the Lebanese health ministry said.
The Israeli military did not comment on the strike.
"The sound was indescribable, the fear is indescribable. Enough is enough, enough. This is a nightmare, when will it end?" said Bassima Ramadan, a woman living across the street who was woken up by the strike around 5:30am (3:30am GMT).
It would mark the second Israeli strike in the heart of Beirut in four days. On Sunday, an Israeli strike hit a hotel in a seafront neighbourhood. Israel said that strike killed five senior members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which established Hezbollah in 1982.
Are you affected by the crisis in the Middle East?
Wednesday 11 March 2026 18:00 , James ReynoldsGet in touch: james.reynolds@independent.co.uk
A tiny island in the Persian Gulf could be Trump’s secret weapon against Iran
Wednesday 11 March 2026 17:44 , James ReynoldsAs the US war with Iran continues, attention is turning to a tiny island off the coast of the Middle Eastern country.
Kharg Island, whose total area is just 7.7 square miles, is situated northwest of the strategically important shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite its small size, the island holds around 94 per cent of the country’s crude oil for export, mostly bound for China, and its main oil export terminal.
Read the full story:
A tiny island in the Persian Gulf could be Trump’s secret weapon against Iran
In pictures: The deadly Minab school bombing that shocked the world
Wednesday 11 March 2026 17:29 , Alex CroftGrowing evidence points at US responsibility for the Minab school bombing - including an ongoing US investigation.
Here are pictures of the devastation following the attack:
Full report: Trump claims ignorance as Pentagon admits U.S. missile killed more than 170 at Iranian girls’ school
Wednesday 11 March 2026 17:12 , Alex CroftA Pentagon probe has found that outdated U.S. targeting data caused an American Tomahawk missile to destroy an Iranian elementary school in the opening hours of President Donald Trump’s war against Iran. The findings stand in stark contrast to Trump’s efforts to blame Tehran “or somebody else” for the deadly attack.
Citing U.S. officials familiar with the preliminary findings, the New York Times reported Wednesday that the Feb. 28 hit on the Shajarah Tayyebeh elementary school stemmed from the use of old Defense Intelligence Agency data showing the school building to be part of an adjacent Iranian military base.
The Times said the inaccurate data was provided by the DIA to U.S. Central Command, which created a targeting package for the missile strike that included the school building.
Our White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg reports:
US at fault for missile strike on Iranian girls’ school that left more than 170 dead
Trump claims he doesn't know about report into girls' school attack
Wednesday 11 March 2026 16:58 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has claimed he doesn’t know about reports that an initial inquiry into the girls’ school attack has blamed the US military.
"I don't know about it,” he told a pool of reporters, according to our White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg.
He also discussed how to ensure safety for oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
"I think you're going to see great safety. We have decimated that country. They're paying a big price now,” he said. He says that the Tehran regime has been killing people for 47 years.
'Under no circumstances' will Iran play at World Cup, says Tehran
Wednesday 11 March 2026 16:46 , Alex CroftIran's sports minister said there is no way that the nation's soccer team will compete in this summer's Fifa World Cup in North America.
Ahmad Donyamali addressed the situation in the wake of combined American and Israeli attacks against his Middle East nation in an interview with state television.
"Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup. Our children are not safe, and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist," he said, per CBS Sports.
"Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence."
Those remarks came after Fifa president Gianni Infantino and US president Donald Trump discussed the matter on Tuesday and declared that the Iranian team was welcome to participate when the World Cup gets underway on June 11 in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Families broken up as 700,000 displaced by bombing in Lebanon
Wednesday 11 March 2026 16:21 , James ReynoldsBased in Beirut, Gabriel Karlsson, Middle East and North Africa Regional Representative for the British Red Cross, described the dire humanitarian situation unfolding on the ground:
“The shock of just a few days of violence could create ripple effects that impact the region for decades. In Lebanon alone, 700,000 people have been displaced. I’ve seen families sleeping in their cars, children, the elderly and people with disabilities left with no shelter.
“People are forced to flee with little belongings, become separated from loved ones, and are struggling to find adequate shelter, access to food or healthcare. We are working tirelessly to ensure people are not in harm's way, but the numbers are staggeringly high.”
US military spent $9M on crab legs and lobster in run up before launching attack on Iran: report
Wednesday 11 March 2026 16:00 , James ReynoldsUS Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon apparently isn't feeling the same affordability struggles as many average Americans, as he approved spending more than $93 billion in September, including on luxury food items and iPads.
A new analysis published by government watchdog Open the Books found that in September — the end of the 2025 fiscal year — Hegseth reportedly burned through cash, including spending $9 million on crab and lobster dinners.
Read the full story:
US military spent $9 million on crab legs and lobster in the months before Iran war
Recap: Iran threatens to send price of oil soaring as ships struck in Strait of Hormuz
Wednesday 11 March 2026 15:30 , James ReynoldsSeveral ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday as Iran threatened to send the global price of oil soaring with its aggressively enforced blockade of the vital waterway.
Tehran’s feared Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for an attack on a Thai-flagged vessel, after unknown projectiles hit a Japan-flagged container ship and a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier in the narrow channel early this morning.
The crew was evacuated from the Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree, while the other two sustained damage. No injuries were reported.
Iran’s military command later warned that the world should be prepared for oil to hit $200 a barrel, demonstrating its willingness to carry on the war with renewed strikes against Israel and targets across the Middle East through Wednesday.
"Get ready for oil to be $200 a barrel, because the oil price depends on regional security which you have destabilised," spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari said, as the country upheld its tight blockade of a fifth of the world’s oil.
Prices reached $120 per barrel on Monday, but have settled around $90, suggesting investors are betting Trump will soon be able to end the war. The US military said it had “eliminated” 16 Iranian mine-laying ships in the strait overnight, reassuring markets.
Red Cross mourns volunteer killed in Lebanon's Tyre
Wednesday 11 March 2026 15:15 , James ReynoldsThe International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced this afternoon the death of a volunteer worker killed while working in Lebanon.
“We mourn the killing of Youssef Assaf, Lebanese Red Cross volunteer, who lost his life while carrying out his humanitarian duty in Tyre. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Youssef’s family, friends and loved ones,” a statement read.
“It is deeply alarming that first responders in Lebanon continue to risk their lives while carrying out a humanitarian mission,” the statement added.
India rations cooking gas as Strait of Hormuz tensions choke supplies
Wednesday 11 March 2026 15:56 , James ReynoldsCooking gas shortages are already forcing eateries to close as industry bodies warn of widespread economic damage in a country that imports the bulk of its oil and gas. Namita Singh reports:
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India rations cooking gas as Strait of Hormuz tensions choke supplies
Breaking: Ongoing investigation finds US targeting error behind strike on girls' school, sources say
Wednesday 11 March 2026 15:07 , James ReynoldsAn ongoing investigation has found that a US targeting mistake caused the strike on an Iranian elementary school that killed scores of children, the New York Times reports, citing US officials and others familiar with preliminary findings.
This news is breaking: more to follow
Residents south of Beirut told to evacuate until further notice
Wednesday 11 March 2026 15:02 , James ReynoldsThe Israeli military has issued an evacuation order to residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs, asking them not to return until further notice.
Comment: Make no mistake, the only person this war is good for is Benjamin Netanyahu
Wednesday 11 March 2026 15:00 , James ReynoldsAmid the contradictions and denials surrounding the Iran conflict, one admission from the US secretary of state Marco Rubio may offer the clearest insight yet into how the war began, says Donald Macintyre – and why it may prove difficult to end:
Make no mistake, the only person this war is good for is Benjamin Netanyahu
Trump claims war in Iran will end 'soon' because 'there's hardly anything left' to attack
Wednesday 11 March 2026 14:38 , James ReynoldsFollowing a conversation with president Donald Trump, Axios reporter Barak Ravid says the president insisted the war with Iran would end “soon” because “there’s hardly anything left” to attack.
“Little this and that... Any time I want it to end, it will end,” the president was quoted as saying.
“The war is going great. We are way ahead of the timetable. We have done more damage than we thought possible, even in the original six-week period.”
Two Israeli officials told Reuters earlier today that the assessment in Israel is that Trump is not close to ordering an end to the war.
International Energy Agency agrees largest release of oil in its history
Wednesday 11 March 2026 14:31 , James ReynoldsThe International Energy Agency (IEA) proposed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday, in the largest release of oil reserves in its history, to bring down crude prices.
The proposed release more than doubles the 182 million barrels of oil that IEA member countries put onto the market in two steps in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
The IEA recommendation comes ahead of a 1400 GMT meeting of G7 leaders chaired by France.
The agency said its 32 member countries - including the UK and the US - unanimously agreed to the measures, as the Iran war continues to impact the price of global oil, with knock-on effects for businesses and consumers.
The IEA was founded in 1974 to ensure global energy security.
Iran's new supreme leader 'fractured his foot' on first day of war: CNN
Wednesday 11 March 2026 14:25 , James ReynoldsIran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei fractured his foot on the first day of the war, a source told CNN.
The unnamed source said Khamenei also bruised his eye and had minor cuts on his face.
Speculation has swirled since an Israeli source said Khamenei was injured in an assassination attempt last week.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iran confirmed he was “safe and sound” after sustaining injuries in the conflict.
Iranian officials told Reuters he had been “lightly injured”.
