Iran vs US-Israel War News Highlights : US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with NATO’s response to the war on Iran, calling the alliance a “paper tiger” and stating that the US has always helped NATO, but received little support in return. Trump made these comments at a business conference, emphasizing that NATO countries did nothing to help the US during the conflict. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of a “heavy price” for Israel’s attacks on nuclear sites and steel factories, while Iran’s military cautioned the US and Israel against further attacks on energy infrastructure.
Earlier Donald Trump announced a 10-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy facilities, citing ongoing talks and a request from Tehran. The pause will run until April 6, with Trump stating that negotiations are “going very well”.
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What all Trump said: Speaking later to Fox News, Trump said Iran had sought a shorter pause but he agreed to extend it further. “They asked for seven. I gave them ten,” he said, adding that discussions were progressing “fairly well”. He also repeated his claim that Iran’s leaders “are begging to make a deal, not me”, while signalling uncertainty over the outcome: “I don’t know if we’re willing to do that.” Trump said allowing oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz was a gesture from Iran during the talks. The pause delays further US action on energy infrastructure even as US-Israeli strikes on Iran continue and Iranian missile and drone attacks are reported across the region. Iran has denied it is seeking negotiations, while indirect contacts are said to be ongoing.
US POSITION
Trump’s 15-Point Plan to Iran
President Donald Trump has passed a 15-point plan to Iran via Pakistan. The full text has not been published. Three Israeli cabinet sources have outlined its core demands. The White House warned Iran will be hit “harder than they have ever been hit before” if it refuses.
The 4 Core Demands
☢
Remove Highly Enriched Uranium Stocks
Iran must hand over or destroy all existing stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.
⚊
End Uranium Enrichment Programme
A complete halt to Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities — not a pause, a permanent end.
✖
Curb Ballistic Missile Programme
Restrictions on Iran’s development and deployment of ballistic missiles.
☍
End Support for Regional Allies
Iran must stop backing proxy forces including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and other regional armed groups.
IRAN’S POSITION
Not Positive — But Still Reviewing
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran’s response to the US proposals has not been “positive”, but that Iran is still reviewing them. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Iran is not negotiating directly with Washington — only exchanging messages through intermediaries.
Iran’s Counter-Demands
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Permanent End to the War
Iran demands a lasting ceasefire, not a temporary halt. Any deal must include Israel’s war in Lebanon.
★
Compensation for Destruction
Tehran is seeking reparations for damage caused by US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory.
⚓
Sovereignty Over Strait of Hormuz
Iran insists control of the Strait is its “natural, legal right” — a demand that would give Tehran a chokehold over Gulf oil.
“Tehran was not negotiating with the US although messages were being exchanged through intermediaries.”
— Abbas Araqchi, Iranian Foreign Minister, March 2026
Strike Timeline
FEB 28, 2026 — WAR BEGINS
US and Israel launch airstrikes on Iran. The conflict escalates into direct military confrontation, marking a dramatic new phase in Middle East tensions.
ONGOING — IRAN RETALIATES
Iran carries out strikes against Israel, US military bases in the region, and Gulf states.
ONGOING — US ESCALATION
Washington is expected to deploy thousands more soldiers to the Middle East, according to two people familiar with the matter.
MAR 26, 2026 — NOW
Israel says mission continues. Military spokesperson states Israel has “many more targets left” in Iran and is focused on destroying its military capabilities.
Who Is Striking Whom
US & ISRAEL → IRAN
Airstrikes on Iranian territory since Feb 28
IRAN → REGION
Strikes on Israel, US bases & Gulf states
GLOBAL ECONOMY
The War Is Choking Gulf Energy Supplies
The conflict has already threatened the global economy by disrupting Gulf energy exports. Two of the world’s most critical oil and gas shipping lanes are now at risk — one under Iranian control, the other a potential next target.
The Two Chokepoints at Risk
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Strait of Hormuz — Under Threat Now
Iran claims sovereignty over the Strait as its “natural, legal right”. Nearly 20% of the world’s oil and the bulk of Gulf LNG exports pass through this narrow waterway daily.
⚠
Red Sea & Bab al-Mandab — Iran’s Next Threat
Iran has warned it could act to choke off the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait — an alternative export route for some Gulf oil — if the war continues without a ceasefire.
ISRAEL’S POSITION
Skeptical — But Watching Trump
A senior Israeli defence official said Israel doubts Iran will accept US terms. Israel also wants any agreement to preserve its option to conduct pre-emptive strikes against Iran — a demand that complicates any deal.
Sources: Reuters · Iran Press TV · White House statements · Israeli cabinet sources
5 Key developments:
- Strikes continue in Iran and Lebanon: US and Israeli attacks on Iran continue, while Israeli forces step up strikes and ground operations in Lebanon.
- Iranian missiles intercepted across region: Missiles and drones launched by Iran were intercepted over Israel and Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
- IRGC naval chief reported killed: Israel says a strike killed Alireza Tangsiri, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy; Iran has not confirmed.
- Tensions around Strait of Hormuz: The US is pressing for the reopening of the Strait, a key shipping route, amid threats and counter-threats.
- Civilian impact widens: Deaths and injuries are reported across multiple countries, including casualties from debris in Abu Dhabi, as the conflict spreads.
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