DUBAI, 13 March 2026 – The United States and Israel entered a third week of intense military conflict with Iran, with strikes continuing across the region and a new Iranian supreme leader vowing to sustain the fight. The war, which began with large-scale U.S.-Israeli attacks on 28 February, has paralysed global oil trade, triggered attacks across the Middle East, and revealed a stark divide in public support between the two allied nations.
Latest Military Developments
Early on Friday, 13 March, a missile strike wounded dozens and damaged buildings in northern Israel, according to authorities. The Israeli military responded by launching a new wave of strikes inside Iran, targeting government infrastructure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iranian nuclear scientists had been targeted in the ongoing operation.
In a significant development, a U.S. military refuelling plane crashed in Iraq, though the cause and any casualties were not immediately clear. This incident comes as the Pentagon confirmed the death of a seventh U.S. service member in the conflict. Meanwhile, Iranian forces and their proxies have struck back across the region, with the United Arab Emirates reporting it has become a primary target for Iranian retaliatory attacks.
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed in the last week, has vowed to continue blocking the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Multiple explosions were also reported in Tehran and other Iranian cities as U.S.-Israeli attacks continued.
Regional & Global Impact
The economic and logistical consequences of the war are deepening. Iraq has shut down oil port operations, and attacks on ships in and near the Strait of Hormuz are pushing global oil prices higher. The U.S. Defense Department told Congress that the first six days of the war alone cost an estimated US$11.3 billion, a figure that excludes many costs tied to the military buildup.
The conflict has spread cyberattacks and destabilised the broader Middle East. Iran has issued threats against U.S. bases and linked financial institutions, warning they will be attacked unless closed.
Public Opinion & Political Fallout
Public support for the war is diverging sharply between the United States and Israel. Recent polls indicate over 90% of Jewish Israelis support the military campaign, with a majority believing the war’s objectives of neutralising Iran’s nuclear and missile threats are achievable. In stark contrast, the conflict is reportedly the most unpopular in U.S. history, with a New York Times analysis finding just 41% of Americans supported the war’s initiation. A majority now disapprove of President Donald Trump’s management of the crisis and oppose the military action outright.
Analysts suggest Israel’s strategic objective may have expanded to include regime change in Iran, a goal not explicitly shared by the United States. Experts warn that even after the current hostilities subside, the fundamental hostility means future conflicts between Israel and Iran remain probable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the current war start?
The current large-scale military confrontation began on 28 February 2026, when the United States and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran.
What are the main causes of the Iran-Israel conflict?
The conflict is a long-running geopolitical rivalry rooted in ideological hostility dating back to Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. Key points of tension include Iran’s nuclear programme, its ballistic missiles, and its support for proxy militias across the Middle East, which Israel sees as an existential threat.
What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is a critical global chokepoint through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. Iran’s threat to block it has major implications for global energy supplies and prices.
How is public opinion divided?
Support is overwhelmingly high in Israel, particularly among the Jewish population. In the United States, however, public support is historically low, with a majority opposing the war and disapproving of President Trump’s handling of the situation.