Iran war: What is happening on day nine of US-Israel attacks? | Explainer News

US and Israel Intensify Strikes on Iran, Leading to Escalating Regional Conflict

March 8, 2026

The United States and Israel have intensified their military operations against Iran, marking the first attacks on oil storage depots and refining facilities within Iranian borders. This escalation signifies a widening conflict that now encompasses the Gulf region, as well as Lebanon and Iraq.

In response, Iranian officials have vowed that the US will face consequences for its military actions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has promised a cessation of attacks on Gulf nations, provided their territories are not used to target Iran. Nevertheless, retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli assets in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates continue.

Current Situation: Day Nine of the Conflict

In Iran:

• Military Actions and Casualties: US and Israeli forces executed significant strikes, affecting oil depots and refining sites. Local media reported a massive fire at the Shehran oil depot near Tehran. The Israeli military claimed these locations are connected to Iranian military operations. Since February 28, attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 1,332 individuals.

• US Demands: President Donald Trump has reiterated his call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” asserting that military operations will persist for the foreseeable future, without negotiations with Tehran.

• Maritime Security: The Iranian military assures that the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible. However, they have issued threats targeting any US or Israeli vessels attempting passage. In comments to reporters, Trump suggested that decreased traffic through the strait was a result of ship owners’ decisions, claiming that the US has effectively neutralized Iran’s naval capabilities.

• Regional Relations: Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s desire for positive relations with neighboring countries, stating that some interpretations of his comments had been misrepresented by adversaries. These remarks coincide with reports of drone strikes originating from Iran affecting various Gulf nations.

• Leadership Transition: Ayatollah Mohammad-Mahdi Mirbagheri, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, indicated that a decision regarding a successor to the deceased Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is imminent, with a consensus reportedly reached.

• Allegations of War Crimes: Human Rights Watch has called for investigations into a bombing of a primary school in southern Iran that resulted in at least 160 deaths, predominantly among children. Investigations have suggested that the attack may have been deliberate.

• US Intelligence Assessments: A report from the US National Intelligence Council indicates that a large-scale offensive against Iran is unlikely to result in a change of government, underscoring the challenges faced by Iran’s fragmented opposition.

• Oil Market Impact: The ongoing conflict has disrupted global oil markets, pushing prices to multiyear highs. Brent crude oil prices surged 27% over the past week.

In Gulf Nations:

• Bahrain: An Iranian drone strike reportedly caused damage to a desalination plant, as Iranian officials previously claimed a US attack on a similar facility in Iran.

• Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE: These nations reported missile and drone incursions, despite Iranian assurances of no attacks. Kuwait reported two border security personnel fatalities due to these attacks.

• Saudi Arabia: Authorities thwarted an attack on the diplomatic quarter in Riyadh and intercepted several drones.

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): The GCC condemned Iran’s actions against Bahrain and Kuwait, categorizing them as aggressive threats to regional stability.

• Aviation Developments: Following widespread airspace closures, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport has resumed limited operations, allowing specially designated flights to land.

In Israel:

• Iranian Missiles: The Israeli military reported missile launches from Iran towards its territory, prompting air raid sirens in southern Israel.

In the United States:

• War Timeline: Trump indicated the ongoing military operations would continue for an unspecified duration, asserting their success thus far. The White House anticipates the conflict may last four to six weeks.

• US Casualties: The remains of six American service members killed during Iranian strikes have returned to the US, with Trump expressing condolences during the arrival ceremony.

• Pentagon’s Stance: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening retaliation against any threats to American lives.

• Nuclear Strategy: Discussions have surfaced regarding potential deployment of special forces to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

In Lebanon and Iraq:

• Israeli Bombings: Israeli forces targeted a hotel in downtown Beirut, reportedly killing four and wounding ten, claiming it was connected to key Iranian military figures.

• Regional Tensions: The situation continues to escalate in both Lebanon and Iraq, with notable conflicts reported.

This developing situation remains fluid, with significant implications for regional security and international relations.

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