【Iran Crisis】Two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf reportedly caught fire and exploded; Iranian officials hint at blocking the Red Sea entrance on the other side (updating)

According to overseas news agency Faytuks Network, there was a fire and explosion on an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. Reports indicate that the two tankers that caught fire near the Iraqi coast are the Malta-flagged ZEFYROS and the Marshall Islands-flagged SAFESEA VISHNU, but no other media outlets have reported this.

EXCLUSIVE: The 2 Tankers that are on fire off the coast of Iraq are the Malta flagged ZEFYROS and the Marshall Islands flagged SAFESEA VISHNU pic.twitter.com/rpWfoHw20C

— Stellar Man (@stellarman22) March 11, 2026

▼Click image to enlarge

According to Al Jazeera, an unnamed senior Iranian military/security official issued a warning via Al Jazeera, stating that if the US makes a strategic mistake, another strait could face a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz. This statement is widely interpreted as referring to the Mandeb Strait at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, another critical route for oil transportation.

The official also added in the interview that the Middle East “may soon enter a regional war,” emphasizing that Iran “still has many cards to play.”

When asked by reporters, Trump responded, “They have lost their navy, lost their air force, have no air defense systems, no radar. Their leaders are gone. And we can do worse to each other. We left some things behind, and we can take them away today, in fact within an hour, and they will never be able to rebuild that country.”

Trump said he believed oil companies should use the Strait of Hormuz. “We almost destroyed all their mine-sweeping ships in one night. We hit about 60 ships—I didn’t realize they had such a large navy. I’d say it’s big but ineffective. Nearly all of their navy has sunk to the bottom of the sea.”

He continued, claiming Iran has not laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump also stated that Spain has not cooperated at all, and he considers them very poor partners. He suggested they might cut off trade with Spain.

$1 or less refers to Wednesday’s news====

Iran plans to lay thousands of mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump: They will face unprecedented military consequences

The Strait of Hormuz remains a global focus. According to CBS, U.S. intelligence sources indicate Iran may be preparing to deploy mines in the strait, possibly using small boats capable of carrying two to three mines for deployment. Current stockpiles are estimated to be between 2,000 and 6,000 mines.

CNN reports, citing two U.S. intelligence sources, that Iran has begun deploying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Only dozens of mines are believed to have been deployed so far, but Iran still has 80% to 90% of its small boats and minelaying vessels available.

Trump then posted on Truth Social: “If Iran has actually laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz—and we have no reports of this—we demand they be cleared immediately! If they have laid mines for any reason and fail to remove them immediately, Iran will face unprecedented military consequences. Conversely, if they remove any mines they may have placed, that would be a big step in the right direction! Additionally, we are using the same technology and missile capabilities—originally used to combat drug traffickers—to permanently eliminate any ships or vessels attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz. They will be dealt with swiftly and forcefully. Warning!”

Trump added, “In the past few hours, we have hit and completely destroyed 10 inactive minelaying ships or vessels, and more will follow!”

U.S. Energy Secretary makes false claim

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright mistakenly claimed on social media that the U.S. Navy escorted a tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified: “The U.S. Navy is not currently escorting any tankers or ships.”

“I noticed the post but haven’t had a chance to speak directly with the Secretary of Energy about it,” Leavitt said. “However, I know the post was quickly deleted.”

Wright previously posted: “The U.S. Navy successfully escorted a tanker through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the continuous supply of oil to the global market.”

The International Energy Agency (IEA) will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to discuss the possible release of emergency reserves. The organization’s over 30 member countries, mainly developed economies in Europe, North America, and Northeast Asia, collectively hold 1.2 billion barrels of oil reserves.

Hegseth: The most intense day of strikes

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “Today will again be the most intense day of strikes inside Iran.” He pointed out that in the past 24 hours, Iran launched the lowest number of missiles they have ever launched, and condemned Iran for unprovoked attacks on neighboring Gulf countries, some of which were once allies.

He said the goals include destroying Iran’s missile stockpiles and manufacturing capabilities; “destroy their navy”; and “permanently deprive Iran of the ability to possess nuclear weapons.”

Russia does not share intelligence with Iran

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that Russian leaders denied allegations of sharing intelligence with Iran during a call with Trump on Monday.

$1 or less refers to Tuesday’s news====

Oil tankers halted before passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump at press conference: Iran’s war will end soon, but no promise on timing

Oil prices plunged nearly 10%, with Brent crude dropping 9% to as low as $90.3, and NYMEX crude falling 8% to as low as $87. According to shipping sources, dozens of oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz attempted to pass through but ultimately retreated, led by a Gambian-flagged tanker FAREEDA 5. As of 1 p.m., no ships had successfully passed.

Click image to enlarge

According to semi-official Iranian media Fars News Agency, a senior Iranian military officer warned, “Until further notice, we will not allow a single liter of oil to be exported to hostile parties and their allies.”

Citing CNBC, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson also warned that oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz “must be very cautious,” adding, “As long as the situation remains unsafe, I believe all tankers and all maritime navigation must remain highly vigilant.” He stated that targeting U.S. military bases and assets in the region is “legal” under international law, based on UN Charter Article 51.

🔴 One senior Iranian military official told Al Mayadeen: Until further notice, we will not allow a single liter of oil to be exported in the region to hostile parties and their allies.

— Fars News Agency (@FarsNews_Agency) March 9, 2026

U.S. military transport aircraft appeared earlier today.

Trump: U.S. has deployed strong forces and mine-clearing equipment in the Strait of Hormuz

Trump stated that the U.S. has deployed significant military strength and mine-clearing equipment in the Strait of Hormuz, and that if necessary, will provide “political risk insurance” and personally escort commercial ships. He emphasized that the U.S. will not allow Iran to cut off global oil supplies.

At a press conference, Trump refused to promise that the war would end “within days or this week,” but said it would be “very quick.” He pointed out that Iran’s military assets—including navy, air force, radar, and leadership—have been almost entirely destroyed, so the operation will not take long. He said the current military progress is unprecedented, and the pace has already exceeded the initial timeline, which was estimated to take about a month.

He claimed that the U.S. has severely damaged Iran’s military, sinking 51 navy vessels, destroying drone manufacturing facilities, and reducing missile capabilities to below 10%. Over 5,000 targets have been struck, including major strategic sites. Some key targets have been preserved for future use, as destroying them would take years and impact critical infrastructure like power plants. He warned that if Iran retaliates, it will face devastating consequences. The most dangerous phase of the war is over, he said, within three days.

He expressed hope that Iran will nominate a new leadership willing to pursue peace. He was disappointed that Iran’s Supreme Leader is the son of Khamenei.

He said protecting the strait’s open passage is mainly to stabilize the global economy, and specifically to help countries like China that rely on the route. “I want to keep it open. I want to keep it good. You know, it doesn’t affect us as much as it does China. We’re actually helping China and other countries because they get a lot of energy from the strait. But we have a very good relationship with China. I’m honored to do this.”

Summary of the press conference:

“Over the past weekend, the U.S. military and the Israeli Defense Forces continued to execute Operation Epic Fury successfully. Over the past nine days, we launched the most powerful and complex military strikes and tactical exercises ever seen. If you add these actions to our other achievements—such as Operation Midnight Hammer, which eliminated Iran’s nuclear threat entirely, and the successes in Venezuela and elsewhere—we have achieved great victories everywhere.”

“At the same time, we have made significant progress in achieving our military objectives. Some might say these goals are already quite well accomplished. We have thoroughly and completely eliminated every armed force inside Iran. Most of Iran’s navy has been sunk, into the sea. Just received reports of 51 ships. I didn’t even realize they had so many ships, but they didn’t last long. These are combat vessels, meant for fighting, but they are no match for us.”

“We continue to target Iran’s drone and missile capabilities. Their drone numbers have been greatly reduced. Their drone manufacturing facilities are under full attack from today. We have seized all their drone production sites and are destroying them one by one. Their missile capabilities have dropped to about 10%, possibly less. We are also precisely striking their missile manufacturing and transportation facilities. So far, we have hit over 5,000 targets, including very strategic ones. But we have kept some of the most important targets for future use. If we really hit those, it would take years for them to rebuild, affecting power generation and many other critical infrastructure. So unless absolutely necessary, we do not intend to go that far. These targets are easy to hit, but once struck, the consequences would be catastrophic. We are watching and will decide whether to strike them, possibly destroying all of them in a day.”

“But all these actions have caused about 90% of the overall capacity in various sectors to decline, especially Iran’s missile launchers. As you know, drone launchers have decreased by over 83%. Drone launchers are almost destroyed, and Iran’s missile launchers have declined by over 90%. These are highly sophisticated, hard-to-replicate equipment. Usually, with our advanced gear and top-tier personnel, we can destroy a launcher within five minutes or less after it fires a missile.”

“So now, we have low-cost intercept systems that effectively counter Iran’s drones; our B-2 bombers recently dropped dozens of 2,000-pound penetrating bombs across Iran to destroy missile launchers, often penetrating deep into underground facilities that cannot withstand such penetrations. We are also destroying their industrial bases for manufacturing drones and missiles at an unprecedented speed. We know their locations precisely and are eliminating them rapidly. Our progress has far exceeded initial timelines. I dare say, we probably never thought we’d make such progress in just a month.”

“Additionally, we have eliminated their top leadership two or three times. As you know, we had to intervene. We don’t want a future president (if it’s someone else) to be unwilling to do what I decisively did, which could lead us back into the same quagmire in five or ten years. So, we believe they should nominate a new president or national leader who can pursue real change peacefully. For 47 years, they have been killing. Forty-seven years! Whether it’s military explosions or the USS Cole attack, they have been deeply involved, despite denying it. They are deeply involved in all these tragedies caused by roadside bombs. Those who died, and now those who have lost legs, arms, or have severe facial injuries—this Iranian regime has been attacking Americans and spreading terrorism worldwide for 47 years.”

“Despite numerous opportunities to abandon nuclear ambitions—just recently, they clung to these ambitions and even told Witkoff that they wanted to continue building nuclear weapons. If we hadn’t launched Midnight Hammer and destroyed their nuclear capacity, they would have had nuclear weapons long ago and would have used them. At least Israel would have faced annihilation. We are very fortunate to have the courage to act, with talented pilots and excellent equipment. The B-2 bombers are incredible. (By the way, we’ve ordered 25 upgraded, better versions.) We have the greatest military in the world, far ahead of anyone else. Wherever we go, you can see it. But you still need the best personnel to operate and use it, and that’s what we value most.”

“Even after thoroughly destroying their key nuclear facilities, they never seriously negotiated during Midnight Hammer. They still insist on making nuclear weapons, refusing to enrich uranium to unacceptable levels. They even rejected a generous offer to provide nuclear fuel for free for an indefinite period. We proposed to supply them free nuclear fuel, but they weren’t interested because they only want to make nuclear weapons.”

“So, that regime is trying to secretly rebuild its weapons program elsewhere. They can’t go back to the three sites we destroyed, so they are working at another location, in a different concealed terrain, protected by hard granite. They want protection, and granite is very strong, but they want to go deeper underground. They have started this process, while rapidly developing conventional ballistic missiles. They plan to advance both projects simultaneously, which directly threatens our overseas bases and could soon impact the U.S. mainland. Their evil intent is to use this exponential growth of ballistic missile threats to make it nearly impossible for the world to stop their eventual acquisition of nuclear weapons.”

As you can see, they once had an astonishing number of missiles, most of which are now depleted or destroyed, and their use has been very unsuccessful because we can intercept and shoot them down at a high rate. The Patriot missiles and other advanced systems perform remarkably. Our laser technology, which will soon be fully operational, will enable us to intercept targets at very low cost, including the Patriot and other defense systems.

The situation is rapidly approaching an irreversible point, and the U.S. considers this absolutely intolerable. Based on deep intelligence—indicating their imminent attack—I believed they would attack us first. I am convinced that if we hadn’t preempted, they intended to attack the U.S. If you notice, they did something extremely foolish—they attacked their neighbors. And their neighbors are basically neutral or at least not involved in the conflict, yet they were attacked without cause. This backfired strongly, and those neighbors immediately turned to us and began fighting back very successfully. Look at Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other countries—they are strong and smart, but they were attacked. When I first heard this, I said no, someone must have misread the intelligence. But it wasn’t a mistake. The UAE was hit by over 1,000 missiles, yet they nearly shot down all of them.

From my first day riding the escalator in 2015, I said, “I will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.” What I am doing now is fulfilling that promise. Think back—this was a warning I issued in 2015. It was a threat, which later became a bigger threat, but now it’s no longer a threat, at least for a long time. We want to maintain this peace.

As we continue Operation Epic Fury, we are also highly focused on ensuring the smooth flow of global energy and oil. I will never allow a terrorist regime to hold the world hostage and try to cut off global oil supplies. If Iran takes any reckless action, they will face far more devastating strikes than now. I will destroy those critical infrastructure targets I mentioned. We will do it very quickly. They will never recover. If they want to play this dangerous game, they should think twice. In the long run, without Iranian ships, drones, missiles, nuclear threats, or other threats, oil supplies will be much safer. The Strait of Hormuz will remain absolutely secure. We have deployed a large fleet of powerful navy ships there, with the world’s most advanced mine-clearing equipment. Again, most of their ships are already sunk.

But we will strike them so fiercely that they or anyone helping them will never regain influence in that region, as long as they dare to act recklessly. Over recent years, this regime and its terrorist proxies have indiscriminately attacked hundreds of commercial ships. We are ending this threat completely. The ultimate result will be a significant reduction in oil and natural gas prices for American families. We have already achieved this, bringing prices down very low. This is a necessary military action to address a problem that must be solved. We are very close to fully accomplishing this goal.

Meanwhile, during this brief interruption, the U.S. will provide political risk insurance to any oil tanker operating in the Persian Gulf. We may also escort them personally if needed. I don’t think it will be necessary, but if it is, we will escort them safely through the strait. We have the world’s most advanced mine-clearing capabilities, the largest and most invincible fleet, and we know exactly where their minefields are located. We will clear them very quickly. But we hope it won’t come to that. Again, if they do this, if they play that sneaky game, we will strike them with unprecedented severity.

So we are winning this very decisively. Our progress is far ahead of schedule. Our military is the greatest in the world, equipped with the best gear and the most talented personnel. No one has seen anything like this. Iran was once a very powerful country. They tried to take over the Middle East. If we hadn’t struck first, they would have taken over the Middle East long ago. They stockpiled thousands of missiles and other deadly weapons since their last attack. Most of these have now been destroyed. But they intended to take over the Middle East. These weapons were aimed at innocent Middle Eastern countries unrelated to this conflict. They wanted to take over the Middle East and destroy Israel. We stopped all this madness in time, with perfect timing, and we are very proud to be part of it. It will all end very soon. If they restart, they will face even harsher strikes.

$1 or less refers to Monday’s news====

Iran: If they can tolerate oil prices above $200, they will keep playing the game. G7 has no consensus on releasing strategic reserves. Oil prices surged 30%, approaching $120

The Strait of Hormuz remains nearly blocked, with Gulf countries planning to cut production. Oil prices soared by up to 30%, approaching $120 per barrel. After reports that the G7 would discuss jointly releasing strategic reserves, prices briefly retreated.

France’s finance minister said that the consensus is to use all necessary tools to stabilize the market if needed, including releasing reserves.

The surge in oil prices has caused global market turmoil, triggering circuit breakers in Japan and South Korea. U.S. stock futures fell more than 1,000 points on Monday, with the Dow Jones down over 600 points at opening, the Nasdaq down 1.2%, and the S&P 500 down 80 points. The U.S. dollar index was at 99.185.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has led to rapid filling of oil storage facilities, with Kuwait and the UAE beginning to cut production. Reports indicate that two Saudi Aramco oil fields have started reducing output, though the extent is not specified; some sources say Aramco is simply reallocating export supplies.

Additionally, French President Macron announced at Paphos Air Force Base in Cyprus that France plans to work with European and non-European countries to establish a “purely defensive” mission to escort cargo ships and oil tankers, aiming to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the most intense phase of conflict.

Iran: If they can tolerate oil prices above $200, they will keep playing the game. Oil prices may stay in the triple digits for a period

Iran’s Hatam Anbia Central Command spokesperson issued a video statement warning the U.S. and Israel to cease “inhuman actions.” The spokesperson told the U.S. and Israel that if they can endure oil prices above $200 per barrel, “then keep playing the game.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Qalibaf said that if the current conflict further expands to infrastructure, its economic impact will last longer regionally and globally. He stated that under such circumstances, international oil prices could remain in the triple digits for some time.

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement claiming they have carried out the 31st wave of “True Commitment 4” strikes, using heavy missiles against U.S. and Israeli targets. The IRGC also said that early that morning, they used multiple drones and cruise missiles to attack and “destroy” the U.S. military helicopter base in Kuwait, describing the operation as “extremely critical,” including destroying fuel tanks, helicopter pads, and other logistics and support facilities.

Trump posted on Truth Social: “Short-term oil prices will drop rapidly once Iran’s nuclear threat is eliminated, which is a very small price for America and the world’s security and peace.” He added, “Only fools would think otherwise.”

Hamadani’s son Mojtaba appointed as Iran’s new Supreme Leader

Iranian state media reported that the Assembly of Experts has selected Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new Supreme Leader.

The IRGC issued a statement welcoming Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment. The statement described him as a “comprehensive jurist, a young thinker, and highly knowledgeable on political and social issues,” expressing respect, loyalty, and obedience. It said members are “ready to fully obey and sacrifice themselves in carrying out the sacred command of the Guardian Jurist.”

$1 or less refers to Monday’s news====

Iran: Will choose new leader within 24 hours; UK plans to send two aircraft carriers; Trump: Those who don’t want to fight until victory are unnecessary

Trump, speaking on Air Force One, said unconditionally surrender means “they surrender, or when they can no longer fight, and no one around them can surrender either, that might happen because you know we have eliminated their leadership many times.” Regarding the lack of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, “That’s their choice. But we’ve cleared it out—we’ve sunk their navy. Their navy is now at the bottom of the sea.”

He continued, “We expect oil prices to rise, and that’s expected. But they will also fall. They will fall very quickly.” Trump indicated that at the appropriate time, the U.S. will use strategic reserves.

Regarding deploying ground forces, Trump said it must be for a very solid reason: “If we do that, they will face devastating strikes so they cannot fight on the ground.” He also said he does not want the Kurds involved, to avoid making the war more complicated, “I really told them I don’t want them to go in.”

Trump said, “We’ve taken out one leadership layer, then the second, and now they are at the third or fourth layer, and they have leaders whose identities are unknown.”

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, quoting expert assembly member Ayatollah Mozafari, Iran plans to hold a meeting within 24 hours to elect a new Supreme Leader. Iran’s IRGC spokesperson told national TV that Iran is “completely prepared to continue intense, full-scale war for at least six months at the current pace.”

Additionally, Iran’s president said he has instructed the military not to attack any countries that have not attacked Iran, despite attacks on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others.

Dubai Media Office issued a statement saying that, for security reasons, all operations at Dubai International Airport are temporarily suspended.

The UAE president issued a rare warning to the country’s “enemies,” saying not to mistake the UAE’s prosperity for weakness. He visited a hospital where injured civilians from Iran attacks are being treated, stating, “The UAE is tough and resilient, not an easy target,” and met with those injured in the attacks.

Several European officials have reported that Saudi Arabia has increased direct contacts with Iran, trying to curb Middle East war, which has caused serious turmoil and pressure on global markets.

On the oil production front, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) said it is “managing” offshore oil output levels to meet storage demands. The company continues to utilize export routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and its international storage facilities to ensure supplies reach global customers.

Trump posted on Truth Social: “The UK, our former greatest ally—perhaps the greatest—finally considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. No problem, Prime Minister Sunak, we no longer need them—but we will remember. We don’t need those who only come after we’ve already won the war!”

Trump also claimed that Iran, which is suffering heavy blows, has apologized to neighboring Middle Eastern countries and surrendered, promising not to fire on them again. This promise was made solely because of the relentless attacks by the U.S. and Israel. They once dreamed of taking over and ruling the entire Middle East. This is Iran’s first defeat by neighboring Middle Eastern countries in thousands of years. They said, “Thank you, President Trump.” I replied, “You’re welcome!” Iran is no longer “the bully of the Middle East”; instead, they are “the losers of the Middle East,” and will remain so for decades until they surrender or, more likely, collapse completely! Today, Iran will face a heavy blow! Due to Iran’s malicious actions, some areas and populations that have not yet been targeted are being seriously considered for total destruction and inevitable death.

$1 or less refers to Saturday’s news====

U.S. and Iran failed to reach an agreement last week. On Saturday (28th), U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Tehran, with multiple explosions reported. President Trump later confirmed that U.S. forces had launched a “major combat operation” inside Iran.

According to Fars News Agency, targets in Iran were aimed at U.S. bases in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. AFP reports explosions in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Manama (Bahrain), and Doha (Qatar).

Bahrain confirmed that the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Manama was attacked. Bahrain’s official news agency issued a brief statement: “The Fifth Fleet service center was hit by missiles.”

UAE’s Ministry of Defense confirmed it was struck by Iranian ballistic missiles, with air defenses successfully intercepting “multiple” missiles. A residential area in Abu Dhabi was targeted, causing property damage and one death of an Asian individual.

Video of explosions in Juffair, Bahrain, home to the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters.

Explosions hit Juffair, Bahrain, home to the US Fifth Fleet headquarters. pic.twitter.com/YjXTCeykOY

— Josep Goded (@josepgoded) February 28, 2026

Trump: Iran regime must never possess nuclear weapons

Trump posted a video on Truth Social: “Our goal is to defend the U.S. people by eliminating the imminent threat posed by the Iran regime. The Iran regime is a group of very stubborn, terrible thugs.”

He emphasized that the U.S. will maintain its policy that the Iran regime must never have nuclear weapons during his administration.

Over the past 47 years, the Iran regime has shouted “Death to America,” launched one bloody massacre after another, and targeted America, our troops, and countless innocent civilians in many countries.

Imagine if this regime ever actually gets nuclear weapons and uses them to send a message—how reckless they would become.

Trump called on the Iranian people: “Tonight, your moment of freedom is coming. Stay in shelters, don’t leave your homes—it’s very dangerous outside, bombs are falling everywhere.” He said that after the operation, they will take over the local government, which will be the government of the Iran people.

▲ 【Iran Situation】 Reports say the U.S. and Israel are continuously attacking Tehran (updates ongoing)

Iran Situation: Preparing for a destructive counterattack

Reuters quoted an Iran official saying that Tehran is preparing for U.S. and Israeli attacks and will respond with “destructive counterattacks.”

According to Iran’s Shargh newspaper, smoke is rising near the residence of Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, and the Presidential Palace and National Security Council are also in the area. Reuters sources say that during the airstrike, Khamenei was not in Tehran and has been moved to a secure location.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz announced that Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran, aiming to eliminate threats, and declared a state of emergency. The New York Times reports that U.S. and Israeli officials discussed national security issues anonymously.

Multiple cities experienced explosions; Iran closed its airspace

Airspace clearing after strikes by the United States and Israel in Iran. pic.twitter.com/Oub4T6SrkF

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) February 28, 2026

According to semi-official Iranian media Fars News Agency, three intense explosions occurred in central Tehran. Casualties and targets are unknown. In Israel, air raid sirens sounded nationwide, warning citizens of possible Iran retaliation.

▲ Iran has closed its airspace

Fars reports that explosions were also heard in other cities such as Qom, Kermanshah, Isfahan, and Karaj. Iran has closed its airspace.

Trump previously threatened: Limit nuclear program or face military strikes

President Trump had previously threatened that if Iran’s leaders did not accept his demands—including restrictions on their nuclear program—the U.S. would launch military strikes. The region has been tense since then. The U.S. has assembled its largest military force in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, trying to pressure Iran to accept his terms.