The Iran Israel war intensified further on March 12, 2026, with a United States military aircraft crash in Iraq and a new wave of missile strikes exchanged between Israel and Iran.

As the conflict entered its 13th day, both sides continued large scale military operations while global concerns grew about the potential impact on regional stability and global energy markets.

The United States confirmed that a KC 135 military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, while Israel launched new strikes on Tehran in Iran and Beirut in Lebanon.

US KC 135 Refuelling Aircraft Crashes in Iraq

The US Central Command confirmed that a KC 135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday.

Officials said the crash occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, a US military mission supporting ongoing operations in the region.

According to the US military:

• The incident involved two aircraft during the mission
• The second aircraft landed safely
• The crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire

Search and rescue operations were launched to locate the aircraft and assist the crew.

The KC 135 is a critical tanker aircraft used to refuel fighter jets and bombers during combat missions, allowing them to remain airborne for longer periods.

Israel Launches New Strikes on Tehran and Beirut

At the same time, Israel carried out fresh air strikes on central Beirut in Lebanon and the Iranian capital Tehran.

The strikes were part of Israel’s continuing military campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s military infrastructure and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

The attacks mark another escalation in the war, which has already spread across several parts of West Asia.

Israeli officials say their operations are targeting:

• Iranian military installations
• Strategic weapons facilities
• Command centres linked to Hezbollah

These strikes are intended to reduce Iran’s ability to support allied groups in the region.

Netanyahu Says Iran and Hezbollah Are Being Crushed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint US Israel military campaign is crushing Iran and Hezbollah.

In a media briefing, Netanyahu also claimed that recent Israeli operations have killed several top Iranian nuclear scientists.

He said the attacks were part of Israel’s broader strategy to neutralise Iran’s nuclear capabilities and military influence in the region.

The Israeli leader has also called on the Iranian people to rise against their government, suggesting the war could eventually weaken the ruling regime.

Iran Warns It Could Set Region’s Oil and Gas on Fire

Iran responded strongly to the latest developments.

While Iran’s United Nations envoy said Tehran is not planning to close the Strait of Hormuz, officials warned that the country could set the region’s oil and gas on fire if the war continues.

The statement reflects the strategic importance of the Gulf region for global energy markets.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, with nearly one fifth of global oil supply passing through the narrow waterway.

Any disruption could significantly affect global energy prices.

Missile Attacks Continue Between Both Sides

Both Iran and Israel continued launching missile strikes during the latest phase of the conflict.

Israel reported missile launches from Iranian territory, while Iranian officials said they were targeting Israeli military sites and infrastructure.

Air defence systems in several countries across the region have been activated in response to the attacks.

Some Gulf countries have also reported intercepting drones and missiles entering their airspace.

Regional Impact of the War

The ongoing war is having widespread consequences across the Middle East.

Several countries have already experienced indirect effects of the conflict.

These include:

• Drone interceptions in Saudi Arabia
• Attacks on shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz
• Rising tensions in Lebanon involving Hezbollah
• Increased military deployments by the United States

The war has also disrupted commercial shipping and energy markets.

Global Energy Markets Under Pressure

The escalation in the Gulf region has already pushed global oil prices higher, with Brent crude briefly crossing the 100 dollar per barrel mark earlier this week.

Energy analysts warn that continued attacks on shipping routes or oil infrastructure could cause further volatility in energy markets.

Because a large share of global energy exports passes through the region, the conflict is being closely monitored by governments worldwide.

Growing International Concern

The expanding conflict between Iran and Israel has triggered global diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider regional war.

Several international leaders have urged both sides to:

• De-escalate military actions
• Protect civilian populations
• Pursue diplomatic negotiations

However, continued military strikes and strong political statements from both sides suggest the situation remains highly unstable.

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