Trump criticizes NATO over Israel’s attack on Tehran and US’s move to seize Iran’s nuclear stockpile
Pentagon officials have drawn up detailed plans for the potential deployment of U.S. senior military commanders. They have submitted specific requests for the potential deployment of U.S. ground forces to Iran, as President Trump considers his next move in the U.S.-Israeli conflict, CBS News cited sources as saying. Trump is considering whether to deploy troops to the region, though it is unclear under what circumstances he would approve the deployment of troops on the ground.
“No, I’m not sending troops anywhere,” he told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, adding, “If I was, I certainly wouldn’t reveal it to you.” US Central Command officials declined to comment, citing enquiries from the White House and the Pentagon.
At the same time, the Trump administration is exploring options to secure or remove Iran’s nuclear material, according to another CBS News report citing multiple sources. Iran is believed to have about 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, close to weapons-grade, although Trump indicated last week that seizing the stockpile was not a priority. He also rejected Vladimir Putin’s proposal to move it to Moscow.
As fighting on the ground continues to escalate, Israeli forces launched attacks on Tehran on Saturday. Explosions were also reported in the capital as well as in Isfahan and Karaj, which signifies the expansion of Israeli operations deeper into Iranian territory.
US-Israel vs Iran war news live updates
Israel’s attacks hit Tehran, Isfahan and Karaj
The Israeli military said it carried out strikes targeting sites in Tehran on Saturday, with explosions in the capital as well as in the central cities of Isfahan and Karaj, west of Tehran. The latest attacks signal a significant expansion of Israeli operations deeper into Iranian territory.
Trump hints at stopping military operations
Trump has suggested that Washington may be nearing the end of its military campaign. The US President said he was considering “terminating” the operation, claiming the United States was very close to achieving its objectives in the war. Despite these assurances, thousands of US service members are deployed throughout the Middle East, and 2,500 additional Marines are on the way.
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US eases sanctions to stabilize oil market
The United States has taken a parallel step aimed at managing the economic fallout. Sanctions on Iranian oil temporarily eased, leaving them stranded at sea till 19th April. The Associated Press reports that the decision aims to relieve pressure on global energy markets as prices rise amid the ongoing conflict. The Treasury Department said the waiver applies only to oil already in transit and does not allow new production or sales, with officials estimating that about 140 million barrels could enter the market.
Iran is a threat to global tourism destinations
Iran warned it could target recreational and tourist sites around the world and said it was continuing to build missiles, nearly three weeks after the US-Israel attacks, the AP reported.
Trump calls NATO a ‘paper tiger’ on Hormuz standoff
US President Donald Trump has criticised NATO allies and called them “paper tigers” for their lack of support in the war against Iran. In a post on Truth Social, he accused allies of refusing to help resolve the Strait of Hormuz crisis and said there are “no leaders” left for talks in Iran as attacks continue.
IOCL assures stable fuel supply despite global surge
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd said it has ensured no increase in fuel prices for regular motor vehicles rising global crude oil costs. The limited modification applies only to the premium petrol XP-95. The company said its focus is on consistent supply and responsible pricing.
Pentagon seeks $200 billion for long-term war effort
The Pentagon has asked Congress for an additional $200 billion to continue the war effort, underscoring the scale and uncertainty of the conflict and suggesting that a clear end timeline remains elusive.
Civilian casualties are rising across Iran and Lebanon
The Iranian Red Crescent reports that more than 1,400 people, including at least 204 children, have died in Iran. Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 1,000 people, including 118 children.
South Korea joins joint effort on Hormuz Strait
South Korea has joined the signatories of a joint statement aimed at ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran’s blockade. The leaders of six countries – the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan – initially signed the statement. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain and Lithuania have joined, the BBC reports.
Fire reported at US diplomatic facility in Baghdad
According to the BBC, a fire has been reported following the attack on US diplomatic facilities in Baghdad. The complex is intended to accommodate US military personnel. During the war, several US diplomatic facilities in the Gulf region have faced targeted attacks. Following the Iranian attacks, the US embassies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia suspended operations, and the US Consulate in Dubai also faced an attack weeks earlier. So far, this conflict has claimed the lives of 13 American personnel.
Iran signals Japanese ships to pass through Hormuz
According to the BBC report, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japanese media that Tehran is ready to allow ships belonging to Japan to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Japan is among six countries that have signalled readiness to explore joint efforts to ensure safe passage amid Iran’s blockade.
America attacked about 8,000 targets in three weeks
The United States has attacked nearly 8,000 targets in the three weeks since the conflict began. The most intense phase was between March 7 and 9, when nearly 2,000 targets were hit over three days, according to US Central Command data obtained by CNN.
Khamenei denies role in attacks on Türkiye, Oman
Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said the attacks on Türkiye and Oman were not carried out by Iran or its allied forces, Reuters reported.
Airspace restrictions and rising costs hit airline operations
Airlines are facing operational challenges due to airspace restrictions, high fuel prices and rising insurance costs amid the Middle East conflict. India’s aviation regulator DGCA has advised airlines to avoid nine regional airspaces, including Iran, Iraq, Israel and the UAE, till March 28 and maintain contingency plans.
Oil falls due to America; allies are discussing Hormuz access
Oil prices fell more than 1 per cent as the US and its allies discussed measures to address supply disruptions and secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude fell 1.45 per cent to $107.07 a barrel, while US WTI fell about 1.3 per cent. Officials said the easing of sanctions on Iranian oil stranded at sea could increase supplies to Asia within days, Reuters reported.
