The military situation between 🇮🇷Iran vs 🇮🇱Israel & 🇺🇸USA is currently at a serious escalation level, focused on the phase of mutual attacks on energy infrastructure. The war began on 28/2/2026 with coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and many senior leaders, then expanding into a full-scale conflict.

Current situation overview as of early 20/3
• The war has entered week 3-4, with US-Israel maintaining air superiority, conducting thousands of airstrikes (over 7,000 targets attacked according to the Pentagon), destroying most of Iran's navy, air defense systems, and numerous military bases deep within Iranian territory.
• Iran has shifted to a "zero restraint" (zero restraint) retaliation strategy, focusing on attacking regional energy infrastructure to apply global economic pressure.
• Total casualties: Thousands dead (Iran >1,300-2,000, including civilians; Israel and other countries hundreds; USA has military casualties).
• No clear signs of ceasefire; US President Donald Trump has criticized Israel for attacking Iranian energy facilities but continues military support, while calling on allies (Japan, NATO) to support reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy infrastructure attack operations
Recent phase (from 18-19/3/2026) has witnessed strong escalation targeting the oil and gas sector:
• Israel attacks South Pars (Iran's largest gas field, shared with Qatar): On 18/3, Israel (possibly in coordination with the US) attacked gas processing facilities at South Pars and Asaluyeh (Bushehr Province). This is a direct blow to Iran's main gas source (accounting for most domestic demand and limited exports to Iraq/Turkey). Consequence: Disrupted gas exports to Iraq, causing electricity crisis in Iraq; Iran declared it would retaliate strongly.
• Iran's widespread retaliation (19/3): Iran attacked energy infrastructure in Gulf region countries (considered US/Israel allies):
• Qatar: Major attack on Ras Laffan LNG complex (the world's largest), causing severe damage.
• UAE: Attacked gas fields and ADNOC facilities.
• Saudi Arabia: Attacked oil refineries and gas facilities.
• Kuwait: Attacked two gas units.
• Iran also fired missiles at Haifa oil refinery (Israel), causing thick smoke but limited damage.
• Economic consequence: Brent oil jumped to >119 USD/barrel, crude oil $WTI rose above $100, natural gas surged; global markets panicked, fears of inflation and recession.
Strait of Hormuz shipping attack situation
• The Strait of Hormuz (accounting for ~20% of global oil and LNG) has been effectively blockaded by Iran since early March 2026: Iran declared it would "close" if favorable to US/Israel, threatening to attack unauthorized ships, laying restrictive mines, and attacking commercial vessels.
• Consequence: Shipping volume dropped 97%, nearly paralyzed; many ships anchored offshore to avoid risk; multiple ship attacks (over 20 incidents since early March, including tankers, container ships); at least 5-11 sailors killed.
• US-Israel efforts to destroy Iran's ability to control the strait: Airstrikes on IRGC naval headquarters, destroying anti-ship missiles along the Hormuz coast, eliminating Iranian vessels. Trump negotiated with Japan (possibly sending minesweepers), criticized NATO for lack of support; Iran warned that any country helping the US is committing "war crimes."
• Iran considered imposing fees/tolls on ships wishing to transit Hormuz.
The situation is extremely tense, with risk of wider conflict expansion (including Lebanon/Hezbollah, Iraq, Yemen). US-Israel continues deep strikes into Iran, while Iran uses an "endurance plus economic pain" strategy to prolong the conflict. No signs of negotiations or surrender intent as of this time.
The image is a comprehensive map of energy facilities attacked by Iran and Israel from 28/2 to present, with yellow representing airstrikes from US & Israel, red representing Iran's attacks on oil and gas infrastructure, ports of countries in the region.