Iran war live: Tehran rejects Trump’s Tuesday deadline on Strait of Hormuz

On March 22, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran, stating he would "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened within 48 hours. This threat followed an Iranian attack on southern Israel, specifically the cities of Dimona and Arad, which resulted in dozens of injuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as a "difficult evening of battle". The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global oil transport, making its closure a significant international concern. The reasons behind Iran's actions and the potential consequences of Trump's threat remain unclear.

On March 24, 2026, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf Arab states. This occurred despite US President Donald Trump's claim that the US was in talks with Iran to end the ongoing conflict. Trump also delayed a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, averting potential strikes on Iranian power stations. However, Iran denied Trump's claims of negotiations, with parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissing them as "fakenews" intended to manipulate financial markets. The strikes and conflicting reports highlight the continued tensions and uncertainty surrounding the conflict.

Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran threatened on Monday to attack electrical plants across the region if the U.S. bombs Iranian power stations. This threat puts at risk electrical supplies and water in Gulf Arab states, which often combine power stations with desalination plants. Iran's Fars news agency published a list of potential targets, including the UAE's nuclear power plant. The warning follows Iranian missile strikes targeting Dimona in Israel over the weekend, near a facility suspected of being linked to Israel's atomic weapons program. The Israeli facility was not damaged in the attack.

Following "good and productive conversations" with Tehran, former President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has ordered the US military to postpone strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. This decision comes after Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on Saturday, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or face obliteration of its power plants. Iran threatened to close the strait, a critical oil transit point, and retaliate against energy facilities in Israel and Gulf countries. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that if the US attacked, they would target power plants supplying US bases and economic infrastructure where Americans have shares. Iran also threatened to mine Gulf shipping routes if its southern coast was attacked.

Reports indicate potential US-Iran peace talks, though Iran denies direct negotiations, admitting only to indirect message exchanges. The conflict, ongoing since February 28th, has resulted in thousands of deaths in Iran, according to HRANA. The US and Israel initially hoped for Iran's collapse or capitulation, but the regime's survival has complicated matters. A proposed US 15-point plan demands Iran cease its nuclear and missile programs, and end support for regional militias in exchange for sanctions relief and shared control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran initially rejected the plan as "excessive" but later signaled openness to considering "some ideas," while listing conditions including war reparations. The situation resembles the Russia-Ukraine war stalemate, with both sides desiring an end but on vastly different terms.

Amid ongoing conflict, Iran rejected a US ceasefire proposal, offering its own negotiation plan, though stating it has "no intention of negotiating for now." Despite this, President Trump claimed Iran desires a deal but fears internal and external repercussions. China urged dialogue between the US and Iran, seeing a "glimmer of hope for peace." Israel conducted strikes across Iran, including in Isfahan, targeting Iranian infrastructure. Kuwait arrested six individuals allegedly involved in a Hezbollah plot to assassinate Gulf leaders. The US military reported hitting over 10,000 targets in Iran, claiming significant damage to Iranian naval and missile capabilities.

According to sources, Donald Trump approved a joint US-Israeli operation against Iran after a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump to authorize a "decapitation strike" targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his key lieutenants, who were believed to be meeting in Tehran. Netanyahu argued this was a unique opportunity to eliminate Khamenei and retaliate for alleged Iranian plots to assassinate Trump, including a 2024 murder-for-hire scheme. The intelligence suggesting the meeting had been moved forward prompted Netanyahu to push for the strike, despite Trump's previous opposition to such military interventions. The operation was approved less than 48 hours before its commencement.

Following a G7 meeting in France on March 27, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed reporters regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio denounced Iran's potential tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it illegal and dangerous, and reiterated President Trump's call for international cooperation to secure the waterway, a critical passage for global oil supply. He urged G7 members and Asian countries to contribute to this effort. Rubio also spoke against settler violence in the occupied West Bank. The Strait of Hormuz, prior to the US and Israel's war against Iran, saw approximately 20% of the world's liquid petroleum supply pass through it daily.

In a statement made on March 27, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US anticipates its military operation in Iran will conclude within weeks, not months. Rubio indicated that the operation is progressing faster than initially projected. He further clarified that the US expects to achieve its objectives in Iran without the need for deploying ground troops. The statement provides a timeline for the expected conclusion of the US military operation in Iran, emphasizing its expedited progress and strategy. The reasons behind the military operation were not specified in the article.

On March 21, 2026, Iran struck the Israeli cities of Dimona, home to a key nuclear facility, and nearby Arad, wounding at least 180 people. The Iranian government stated the missile strikes were retaliation for an earlier attack on its Natanz nuclear enrichment complex. Israeli officials reported that air defense systems were activated but failed to intercept all missiles. The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, which has been ongoing for four weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue attacking Iran in response.

Iran launched a missile attack on the Israeli town of Dimona, near a nuclear facility, claiming it was retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on its Natanz nuclear site. The Israeli military confirmed a direct missile hit on a building in Dimona, resulting in injuries and damage. Iran accused the US and Israel of targeting the Natanz enrichment complex, while Israel stated it struck a facility in Tehran linked to nuclear weapon development. The UN nuclear watchdog chief called for military restraint to prevent a nuclear accident. The United Arab Emirates also reported aerial attacks after Iran warned against allowing attacks from its territory.

On Saturday, an Iranian missile struck Dimona, an Israeli town housing a nuclear facility, while a second missile hit Arad. The Israeli military confirmed a direct hit on a building in Dimona, despite the use of air defense interceptors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued strikes against Iran following what he described as a "very difficult evening," referencing the missile strikes that wounded scores of people. Iranian state television claimed the missile attack on Dimona was a retaliatory response to an earlier strike on Iran's nuclear site at Natanz. The extent of the damage in Dimona included a large crater, rubble, and damaged surrounding buildings.

Amidst a conflict involving the US and Israel, Iran has stated that Japanese ships will be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement follows earlier threats from the IRGC to block the waterway to enemy vessels, effectively halting traffic. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the strait remains open to non-hostile nations, and Iran is willing to provide safe passage to Japanese ships upon request and coordination. Japan relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for its crude oil imports from the Middle East. Recently, some ships from countries like China, India, and Pakistan have been allowed to pass through the strait, using a "safe corridor" near the Iranian coastline.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is willing to help Japanese ships safely navigate the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments. Araghchi clarified that the strait remains open, though restrictions have been placed on vessels from countries involved in attacks against Iran. He emphasized that Iran is seeking a complete end to the war, not just a ceasefire. Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, with most of it passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi mentioned ongoing discussions with Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi regarding navigation through the strait, but details were not disclosed.

South Korea faces a difficult situation as Iran leverages the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions. Iran's actions, including potentially restricting passage, create a dilemma for South Korea, which relies on Middle Eastern oil. While South Korea depends on the US for security and uses the US dollar for trade, Iran is pushing for yuan-based energy purchases as a condition for passage through the Strait. This situation puts South Korea in a bind, as it is hesitant to jeopardize its relationship with the US while also needing access to vital oil supplies. Experts suggest that breaking away from the US-led trade network is unrealistic for South Korea, despite the rising costs.