Oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel again after more fuel tankers were struck by explosive-laden boats in a suspected Iranian attack this morning.
Two tankers were ablaze in Iraqi waters on Thursday after what appeared to be Iranian strikes, as Iran warned the world should be ready for oil to hit $200 a barrel.
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 still believed to be trapped on a Thai-flagged bulk carrier hit in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
As oil markets felt the impact of the war on global trade, Donald Trump insisted that the US had won the war but didn’t want to have to go back every two years.
“We don’t want to leave early do we?” he said on Wednesday. “We got to finish the job.”
Trump also claimed to have knocked out 28 Iranian mine-laying ships in the strait.
Key Points
- Two tankers near Iraq hit by 'unknown projectile': UKMTO
- Oil surges above $100 a barrel again as tankers burn in Persian Gulf
- Iraq says at least one killed in Basra port attack: report
- Trump says US has 'our eye on' Iranian sleeper cells
- Three crew members trapped on Thai ship hit in Strait of Hormuz - report
Dubai confirms incident on luxury high-rise building
08:53 , Maira ButtDubai’s media office has confirmed a “minor incident” involving a drone that fell on to the facade of a building on Sheikh Zayed road.
No injuries were reported.
Images emerged earlier today of a high-rise luxury building with damage to its exterior.
‘Unprecedented’ crisis in Middle East could ‘spin out of control’ warns WHO
08:46 , Maira ButtThe Middle East is in the grip of an “unprecedented” catastrophe that could “spin out of control”, the World Health Organisation has warned, as the US, Iran and Israel unleash their heaviest exchange of fire since the war erupted.
Donald Trump has repeatedly signalled that the US’s bombing campaign of Iran may end soon, telling Axios on Wednesday there was “practically nothing left” to target.
But together with Israel, the US continued to pound Iran, including strikes on its oil facilities, sending fiery toxic clouds above Tehran on what the US defence secretary Pete Hegseth called “our most intense day of strikes”.
The Independent’s chief international correspondent reports:
‘Unprecedented’ crisis in Middle East could ‘spin out of control’ warns WHO
In pictures: Dubai high-rise attacked amid US-Israeli war on Iran
08:29 , Maira Butt
Citibank closes UAE branches till 14 March as precautionary measure
08:16 , Maira ButtCitibank has closed all of its banks and financial centres in the United Arab Emirates from 12 March to 14 March as a precautionary measure, according to the corporation’s website on Thursday.
The US bank will reopen on 16 March while a branch located within the Mall of the Emirates in central Dubai will remain open during this period.
Earlier this week, staff were asked to evacuate their offices in Dubai and ordered to work from home.
It comes as fighting has intensified in the Gulf, causing the price of oil to skyrocket and causing fatalities across the region.
Israel braced for another salvo of Iranian missiles
08:06 , James ReynoldsIsrael braced for a fresh round of Iranian missile strikes on Thursday morning, according to the IDF.
The military said that defence systems were working to intercept the threat, and urged the public to shelter before giving the all clear.
An IDF spokesperson said: “After assessing the situation, the Home Front Command issued instructions that it is possible to leave the protected area.
“You must continue to follow the Home Front Command's instructions.”
White House posts another bizarre AI video using strike footage
08:02 , James ReynoldsThe White House’s social media channels shared another bizarre video mixing footage from the Iran war with an AI-generated segment of a bowling ‘strike’ animation.
The Trump administration has faced criticism in recent days over the decision to publish content mixing actual war footage with clips from video games and films, and unlicensed music.
Massive fires on two oil tankers after attack in Iraqi waters
08:00 , Stuti MishraSeven killed in Israeli strike on central Beirut seafront, Lebanon says
07:45 , Stuti MishraAt least seven people have been killed and 21 wounded in an Israeli strike on central Beirut's seafront, Lebanon's health ministry said today, in the third attack on the heart of the capital since the war began.
"The Israeli enemy strike on Ramlet al-Bayda in Beirut led to an initial toll of seven dead and 21 wounded," the ministry said. Local media showed smoke rising along the seaside road after the strike, which state media said targeted a car. Some displaced people had been sleeping in tents in the Ramlet al-Bayda area.
The Israeli military said separately it had carried out overnight strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, hitting 10 Hezbollah targets and "dozens of launchers" as well as intelligence and command sites. Hezbollah said it had fired missiles at an Israeli military intelligence base in the suburbs of Tel Aviv.
Israel's offensive in Lebanon has killed more than 630 people and displaced more than 800,000, according to Lebanese authorities. Late night yesterday, French president Emmanuel Macron called on Israel to halt its ground offensive and on Hezbollah to "immediately" stop attacks.
‘Unprecedented’ crisis in Middle East could ‘spin out of control’ warns WHO
07:10 , Bel Trew‘Unprecedented’ crisis in Middle East could ‘spin out of control’ warns WHO
Missile strikes Italian military base in Iraqi Kurdistan
07:00 , Stuti MishraA missile struck an Italian military base in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan overnight, the Italian defence ministry has said, adding that all personnel were safe.
"A missile hit our base in Erbil. There are no casualties or injuries among the Italian personnel. They are all fine," the ministry said. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said troops had taken shelter in a bunker and were "well and safe."
Italy has around 300 troops stationed in Erbil, working to train Kurdish security forces. Defence minister Guido Crosetto has been in contact with senior military commanders over the incident.
Saudi Arabia intercepts third drone targeting Shaybah oilfield in one day
06:50 , Stuti MishraSaudi Arabia's defence ministry said it had intercepted a drone heading toward the Shaybah oilfield – the third such incident reported in a single day, as Iran ramps up its attacks on the region's energy infrastructure.
Russia and US discuss global energy crisis
06:45 , Stuti MishraRussia's presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev said just said he had discussed the global energy crisis with US counterparts at a meeting of the US-Russia economic working group in Florida, Reuters reported.
Nearly 20 million barrels per day, roughly a fifth of global output, have been trapped inside the Gulf since the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the launch of the US-Israeli war on Iran on 28 February.
Mr Dmitriev said the talks covered "the current crisis situation in global energy markets" as well as projects to restore Russian-American relations, adding that "many countries, primarily the United States, are beginning to better understand the key, systemic role of Russian oil and gas in ensuring the stability of the global economy."
Russia is one of the biggest oil and gas suppliers but the US has sanctioned its oil after the Ukraine war.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff said the teams discussed a "variety of topics" and agreed to stay in touch. Jared Kushner and White House adviser Josh Gruenbaum also attended.
Starmer warns energy companies against profiteering
06:40 , Stuti MishraPrime minister Keir Starmer has warned companies against exploiting rising energy prices amid the Iran war, saying the government will "not hesitate to step in" if firms "fleece customers or rip them off, and that includes on regulation."
Mr Starmer made the remarks ahead of his visit to Northern Ireland today, acknowledging that "global instability has real impacts on the lives of working people across the UK."
The UK is releasing 13.5 million barrels as part of the IEA's 400 million barrel emergency reserve release announced yesterday.
The warning came as Brent crude topped $100 a barrel again today. Chancellor Rachel Reeves told MPs yesterday that the government was looking at "a number of scenarios" but that it would be "unwise to speculate" on the economic fallout, adding: "The quicker we can de-escalate, the better."
Iran denies allowing India-flagged tankers through Hormuz
06:30 , Stuti MishraIran has denied that it is allowing India-flagged tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported, quoting a source, contradicting an Indian source who said the opposite earlier in the day.
Indian news agency IANS had reported that external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi held talks and Iran was allowing Indian-flagged tankers to pass through the strait, with at least two Indian tankers - the Pushpak and the Parimal - passing safely through.
A Liberian-flagged tanker hauling Saudi crude, captained by an Indian, also reportedly cleared the waterway two days ago and berthed in Mumbai - the first India-destined vessel to safely transit the strait since the war began, IANS said.
Photos: Ship burns after attack
06:10 , Stuti MishraA ship burns, after Iranian explosive-laden boats appear to have attacked multiple fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, setting them ablaze.
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Iran ramps up attacks on energy shipments
05:48 , Stuti MishraIran has escalated attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, with at least six ships struck in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number hit since the war began to at least 16, Reuters reported.
Explosive-laden Iranian boats attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters - the Marshall Islands-flagged Safesea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zefyros - setting both ablaze and killing one crew member. "A boat belonging to the Iraqi Ports Company rescued 25 crew members from the two vessels, and the fires are still burning on both ships," said Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of Iraq's ports authority. Iraq's oil ports have completely stopped operations following the attacks.
The Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree was struck in the strait yesterday, with three crew members still believed to be trapped, its operator Precious Shipping said. Early this morning, a container ship was struck near Jebel Ali in the UAE, causing a small fire, the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre said. Three other vessels sustained minor damage. All other crew are reported safe.
Oman has moved all vessels out of its main oil export terminal at Mina Al Fahal as a precautionary measure. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned they will not allow "one litre of oil" to be shipped from the Middle East to the US, Israel or their partners, and have told the world to brace for oil at $200 a barrel.
US-Israeli strikes damage ancient palaces and mosque in Iran, Unesco confirms
05:30 , Stuti MishraUS and Israeli strikes have damaged at least four cultural and historical sites in Iran, including two palaces and the country's oldest Friday mosque, Unesco has confirmed.
Verified damage includes the Qajar-era Golestan Palace in Tehran, the 17th-century Chehel Sotoun palace and the Masjed-e Jame mosque in Isfahan, and buildings near the Khorramabad Valley, which contains prehistoric caves with evidence of human occupation dating to 63,000 BC. Iran and Lebanon have asked UNESCO to add more sites to its enhanced protection list.
"It causes harm to civilians because it damages or destroys a piece of their history that can be significant both to the world and also to a specific region or community," Bonnie Docherty, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, told AP.
Unesco said it had provided all parties with the geographical coordinates of heritage sites ahead of time. It was unclear whether US or Israeli strikes caused the damage. The Pentagon did not comment.
All we know about Iran girls’ school bombing as US blamed for deadly strike
05:15 , Stuti Mishra
All we know about Iran girls’ school bombing as US blamed for deadly strike
Former US congresswoman goes on anti-Iran war rant
05:00 , Rachel DobkinFormer US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has gone on a rant against U.S. military intervention in Iran.
Greene, who used to be a fervent supporter of US President Donald Trump before the two had a public falling out, complained about the death toll in the Iran war and shared concerns over oil prices.
Under President Trump, U.S. Military servicemen and women are being killed and injured, reportedly at higher numbers than we are being told and innocent children were killed at a school in Iran by U.S. bombs.
— Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@FmrRepMTG) March 12, 2026
The price of oil is skyrocketing, tankers are being bombed, and today…
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.
