Intelligence feed
Showing 741–760 of 1559 events tracked across the Iran conflict
A drone struck Iraq's intelligence headquarters in Baghdad on Day 22 (March 21), killing one officer and wounding a second. The Iraqi intelligence service blamed 'outlaw groups' — widely understood as a reference to Iran-aligned Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF/Hashd al-Shaabi). The attack occurred at approximately 10am local Baghdad time.
Baghdad, IraqIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japan he is ready to facilitate passage of Japanese-related vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, with negotiations ongoing. The offer followed a call from Japan's FM Toshimitsu Motegi requesting safe passage for Japanese ships. Iran's nuanced position — that it has imposed restrictions on countries involved in attacks, not a blanket closure — opens a diplomatic channel for non-belligerent nations to negotiate access.
Strait of Hormuz / Tokyo–TehranThe IDF conducted airstrikes on Iranian regime targets in Tehran in the early hours of Day 22 (March 21), including Basij and internal security command centers, government buildings, regime officials' residences, and ballistic missile sites. The IDF stated recent Tehran strikes had 'targeted ballistic missile sites' and that it 'will continue to deepen the degradation of the Iranian regime's fire array.' Explosions were reported across 15+ neighborhoods. CENTCOM confirmed simultaneous strikes on IRGC-linked vessels. No Iranian public response.
Tehran, IranThe United States struck Iran's main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz in the early hours of Day 22 (March 21), using bunker-buster bombs, according to multiple reports. The IDF denied any involvement, pointing to a US-only operation. Iran confirmed the strike via state media and said there was no radiation leakage. The IAEA head called for restraint. The strike significantly escalates the nuclear dimension of the US-Israeli campaign against Iran.
Natanz, Isfahan Province, IranIran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia, the US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean, Wall Street Journal reported citing multiple US officials. One missile failed in flight; a US warship fired an SM-3 interceptor at the other — interception success unconfirmed. The base was not hit. The White House and British government were cited. This is the first confirmed Iranian ballistic missile attack targeting a US military installation, marking a major escalation beyond the Gulf and Israel.
Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean TerritoryIran launched at least three ballistic missile salvos against Israel in the first six hours of Day 22 (Saturday, March 21). Air raid sirens sounded across large parts of Israel following each wave. No casualties were reported. The IDF stated it had 'identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the state of Israel' at least three times within six hours. Missiles were likely intercepted per preliminary IDF assessments.
Central and southern IsraelThe Israeli military struck Hezbollah targets in the southern suburbs of Beirut in the early hours of Day 22 (March 21), Reuters confirmed. The strikes follow the IDF's Day 21 evacuation order for Dahiyeh citing 'increasing force' operations against Hezbollah. The Guardian reported Israel launched 'fresh strikes on Tehran and Beirut' simultaneously, suggesting a coordinated escalation across both the Iran and Lebanon fronts.
Beirut southern suburbs (Dahiyeh), LebanonThe United States removed sanctions on approximately 140 million barrels of Iranian crude oil currently at sea, in a significant economic signal tied to Trump's wind-down posture. The move follows Treasury Secretary Bessent's earlier signal that Washington could lift oil sanctions, and Iran's rebuff that it had no surplus crude to offer. The sanctions relief could release Iranian oil stocks into global markets, with the potential to ease Brent crude prices from $145/bbl — though Iran's Hormuz blockade remains in place.
Washington DC / International WatersIran's armed forces warned it has used only a 'fraction' of its firepower in the war so far and threatened intensified strikes if Iranian energy facilities are attacked again. The warning followed Iran's 'zero restraint' declaration after Israel struck the South Pars gas field. Iran separately claimed Khamenei said 'the enemy has been defeated' in his Nowruz message.
Tehran, IranThe Trump administration has been strategizing methods and options to secure or extract Iran's nuclear materials, according to multiple people briefed on the discussions. At stake: approximately 970 pounds of enriched uranium that Iran could use for nuclear weapons. A ground troop deployment to physically seize the material is described as the most daunting option under consideration. AP, CBS News, and NYT confirmed the planning discussions.
Washington DC / Iran nuclear sitesWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed the official US operation name — "Operation Epic Fury" — and confirmed Trump and the Pentagon predicted the mission would take 4-6 weeks. Tomorrow (Day 22, March 21) marks week 3. Leavitt: "Day by day, the Iranian Regime is being crippled, and their ability to threaten the United States and our allies is being significantly weakened. President Trump is laser focused on one thing: total and complete VICTORY."
White House, Washington DCSaudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence confirmed interception of 22 drones in two waves: 10 then 12 additional drones, all in the eastern region. The eastern province contains Aramco's Abqaiq and Ras Tanura oil infrastructure. Iran has targeted Saudi Arabia alongside UAE and Kuwait as Gulf energy sites in its retaliatory campaign.
Eastern Province and Northern Saudi ArabiaUS President Trump posted on Truth Social that the US is 'getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts' against Iran. He listed 5 objectives: (1) degrade Iranian missile capability; (2) destroy Iran's defense industrial base; (3) eliminate Iran's navy and air force; (4) prevent nuclear capability; (5) protect Middle Eastern allies. On Hormuz: 'it will have to be guarded and policed by other nations who use it — the United States does not.'
Washington DC, United StatesIran's oil ministry spokesman Saman Ghoddoosi rejected US Treasury Secretary Bessent's signal that Washington could lift sanctions on Iranian oil at sea: 'Currently, Iran basically has no surplus crude oil left on the water or for supply in other international markets.' Ghoddoosi said Bessent's statement 'is solely aimed at giving hope to buyers' — implying Iran cannot deliver meaningful oil supply even if sanctions were lifted, making the offer strategically hollow.
Tehran, IranIDF spokesman Col. Avichay Adaree called again on Lebanese civilians to evacuate Beirut's southern suburbs (Dahiyeh), a Hezbollah stronghold, warning the IDF 'continues to operate and attack the military infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization throughout the Dahiyeh area with increasing force.' The IAF has struck dozens of Hezbollah targets in Dahiyeh over the past three weeks; the 'increasing force' language signals potential further escalation on the Lebanon front.
Dahiyeh (southern suburbs), Beirut, LebanonWall Street stocks closed sharply lower on Day 21, with the S&P 500 falling 1.5% to 6,506.54 points, concluding a turbulent week. All three major indices were in the red. The selloff was driven by surging oil prices on fears that lengthy Hormuz supply disruptions could lead to a global economic downturn.
New York Stock Exchange, United StatesIran fired a ballistic missile carrying a cluster bomb warhead at central Israel; a bomblet impacted a playground in Kiryat Ono, leaving a small crater. No injuries were reported. Police and IDF dispatched forces to impact sites; Home Front Command search and rescue soldiers deployed. This is Iran's second confirmed cluster munition use on Day 21 — the first struck homes in Rehovot. Footage shows the playground crater.
Kiryat Ono, central IsraelSpeaking to reporters outside the White House, US President Trump explicitly ruled out a ceasefire with Iran: 'You don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side.' He said Israel will agree to end the war when he is ready ('I think so, yeah'), and called the US-Israel relationship one where 'we want victory — both of us — and that's what we've got.' Trump also called on South Korea, Japan, and China to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, and declined to comment on Kharg Island reports.
White House, Washington DCThe United States military is deploying thousands of additional Marines and sailors to the Middle East, along with three more warships, three US officials told Reuters on Friday. The deployment comes as Trump's administration deliberates occupying or blockading Iran's Kharg Island to force Hormuz reopening, and as the White House confirmed the US 'can take out Kharg Island at any time.' The buildup is separate from the USS Boxer MEU departure announced earlier in the day.
Persian Gulf / US CENTCOM Area of OperationsUS Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa welcomed Lebanese President Aoun's proposal for direct negotiations with Israel to end the Hezbollah-Israel conflict, calling it an important decision. Issa cautioned that Israel "has decided not to stop" striking Lebanon yet, and that Lebanon must decide whether it can meet Israel under these conditions. Aoun first proposed direct talks on March 9 (Day 9); Israel has since said no talks are planned. The US endorsement opens a potential diplomatic track distinct from the France-led ceasefire push.
Beirut, Lebanon