The U.S. campaign of air strikes also continues, and the Israeli military said it is simultaneously striking across Iran as well as Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut.
The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, at least 550 in Lebanon and 12 in Israel, according to officials in those countries. The Pentagon said Tuesday that about 140 U.S. service members have been wounded, with 108 of them back on duty. Eight suffered severe injuries and seven have been killed. An Israeli intelligence assessment indicates that Iran’s new supreme leader also was wounded at the start of the war.
Here is the latest:
Netanyahu advisor says Iranians must seize their future, as ‘plan B’ not an option
Michael Eisenberg, general manager of the Aleph venture capital fund, told The Associated Press Wednesday that he hopes Iranians will seize this opportunity to claim their freedom, as it’s currently the only option on the table. He said the war’s goals include enabling the Iranian people to take hold of their future in what he called a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
He acknowledged that people could risk death if they rise up, but said “freedom has a price. People pay. Sometimes with their life.”
“What Israel and the United States have done together is reduce the cost of freedom for the Iranian people,” he said. “It’s time to leave this evil death cult regime behind.”
When asked in the interview if there’s a plan B if that doesn’t transpire, Eisenberg said: “Plan B is not on the table right now.”
Putin speaks with the UAE's leader
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin spoke about the war Wednesday with the United Arab Emirates president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Kremlin said in a readout that the leaders “continued their exchange of views on the dangerously deteriorating situation in the Middle East, which has grave consequences for Iran and the Arab countries.”
In his second call with Al Nahyan since the start of the Iran war, Putin emphasized “the need to stop the further escalation of the conflict and settle it through talks.” He also thanked Al Nahyan for offering assistance and support to Russian citizens in the UAE.
Monitors report a dozen incidents involving vessels since the war began
At least 12 incidents have been confirmed involving vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz since the war began, according to two global trackers.
The International Maritime Organization reports 12 involving merchant vessels as of Wednesday. IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez earlier said at least seven mariners had been killed.
And the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, run by the British military, says it has received 17 reports of incidents affecting vessels in and around the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman as of Wednesday. It lists 13 attacks and four others as “suspicious activity,” involving tankers, tugs, cargo and other vessels.
Iranian women’s soccer team is staying in Asia until it’s safe to travel home
The team members who didn't request asylum in Australia may remain in Malaysia longer as Asian football authorities explore options for their onward travel.
“There is a possibility that they may remain in Malaysia longer if necessary,” Asian Football Confederation secretary-general Windsor John told the Scoop online news portal. He was quoted as saying that the AFC was also discussing with several countries in Asia about temporarily hosting the team.
He said the AFC had arranged for the team to travel from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur at short notice after it became clear the squad could not immediately return to Iran. They arrived in Malaysia early Wednesday, and their accomodation and related costs will be covered by the AFC, he said.
Windsor separately was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying the players were in “good condition and spirits” and looking forward to return to Iran. Windsor couldn’t be immediately reached for comments.
Iran questions World Cup participation
The head of Iran’s Football Federation raised doubts about whether Iran will take part in the World Cup that will be held across North America in June, after several members of the Iranian women’s soccer team sought asylum in Australia. Mehdi Taj told Iranian state media in an interview broadcast on Tuesday that members of the women’s soccer were coerced into staying in Australia, and accused Trump of interfering, referring to the soccer players as “hostages.”
Iran is scheduled to play its first match against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles.
“If the outlook for the World Cup is like this, no reasonable person would accept to send their national team to such a place,” he said.
Israeli intelligence assessment indicates Iran’s new Supreme Leader was injured at the start of the war
That’s according to an Israeli intelligence official and a reservist with knowledge of the situation. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.
They gave no details on the nature of Ayatollah Motjaba Khamenei’s injuries.
The 56-year-old son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not been seen since succeeding his father on Monday. His father and wife both were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the first day of the conflict.
European Union issues new sanctions on Iran ‘for serious human rights violations’
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Wednesday that the 27-nation bloc is issuing new sanctions on 19 Iranian officials and entities.
“As the Iran war continues, the EU will protect its interests and pursue those responsible for domestic repression,” the EU’s top diplomat said in a social media post. “It also sends a message to Tehran that Iran’s future cannot be built on repression.”
A spokesperson for the European Commission did not immediately provide additional details.
Iran threatens to stop all oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz
Iran threatened to not allow “even a single liter of oil” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for the U.S., Israel, or their allies.
A spokesperson for Khatam Al-Anbia, which operates the Revolutionary Guard-owned companies, said any ship or oil cargo that belongs to the U.S., Israel, or its allies will be a legitimate target.
Under normal circumstances, around 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas is shipped through the narrow channel that leads to the Persian Gulf. Fears about the geopolitical situation have caused the price of oil to swing wildly.
US inflation was already rising before the war on Iran sent oil prices higher
Consumer prices were up 2.4% in February compared with a year earlier, the Labor Department said Wednesday. Excluding volatile food and energy categories, core prices climbed 2.5%. And since this data was collected, the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have caused wild gyrations in oil prices. Gas prices already jumped and are expected to push inflation much higher when March data is released in early April.
The price spike will challenge officials at the Federal Reserve and could slow consumer spending, which drives two thirds of the nation’s economic growth each year. This could reverse if the war ends soon, but gas prices threaten to worsen inflation for at least a few months. That could keep “affordability” as a thorny political issue for Republicans facing voters in this year’s elections.
Romania allows more US troops and air support at its air bases
Romania’s top defense body on Wednesday approved a request from the United States to increase its troop presence and use of the NATO country’s air bases to facilitate its military operations in Iran and the Middle East.
President Nicusor Dan said the agreement would allow for the temporary deployment of more U.S. troops, and military equipment for refueling planes and defensive equipment such as satellite communication and monitoring equipment.
Japan plans to start releasing its own oil reserves
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Wednesday that her country will start releasing its own oil reserves starting Monday to minimize the fallout of the war in the Middle East.
More than 90% of Japan’s oil imports come from the Middle East, most of the shipment pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Japan has oil reserves worth 254 days. With the strait virtually being blocked, however, oil imports to Japan are expected to significantly decrease from the end of March, Takaichi said.
Iran cracks down on criticism on social media
Iran has arrested 81 people who have posted information on social media the authorities deem unacceptable during wartime, Iran’s state TV reported.
“Since we are at war, we will act like it, those in social media who cause tension for the public mind will be considered the enemy and will be treated as such,” Ahmad Reza Radan, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic’s security forces, said on state TV late Tuesday.
He said the people who post critical things or repost things connected to Iran’s enemies will face lengthy prison sentences and possibly executions.
Several other countries in the Middle East have also instituted similar bans.
Israel has restrictions on sharing photos and videos that show specific locations of strikes. Several dozen have been arrested in Bahrain and Qatar for sharing “misleading” opinions and information online, according to DAWN, a Washington-based rights organization.
Germany and Austria say they’ll release oil reserves to help curb price spikes
Germany and Austria say they are releasing parts of their oil reserves following an International Energy Agency request for its members to release 400 million barrels to help temper energy price spikes due to the Iran war.
The largest-ever previous collective release of emergency stocks by IEA member countries was 182.7 million barrels, in the wake of the energy shock prompted by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Germany’s economy minister said Wednesday the country would release parts of its oil reserves following a request by the IEA to its member states Tuesday evening “to release oil reserves amounting to 400 million barrels, which is a good 54 million tons.”
New alarms sound across Israel
The Israeli military sounded alarms across Israel after detecting missiles launched from Iran.
US Embassy in Baghdad urges American citizens to leave
“There have been attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S. interests in Iraq, and Americans face risk of kidnapping,” the statement said. “American businesses, hotels frequented by foreigners, and other facilities in Iraq, including those with U.S. ties, have been attacked.”
Since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, triggering the ongoing war in the Middle East, Iran and Iran-backed Iraqi militias have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and diplomatic facilities, energy and communications sites in Iraq, particularly in the semiautonomous northern Kurdish region.
Iraq’s airspace is closed, with land borders open to cross into Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
“Americans should strongly consider departing via one of these overland routes if they believe it is safe to do so,” the statement said.
Egypt urges Iran to stop its attacks on Arab countries
Egypt’s Foreign Minister has called for Iran to stop its attacks in Arab countries and warned that it should avoid “comprehensive chaos” in the Middle East.
Badr Abdelatty’s comments Wednesday came in a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry.
Death toll in Lebanon rises to 570
Lebanon’s Health Ministry says that the death toll since the latest round of Israel-Hezbollah fighting began on March 2, has risen to 570.
The ministry added that 1,444 people have been wounded since then.
The ministry said the dead included 86 children and 45 women.
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific to raise fuel surcharge
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways will soon raise its fuel surcharges after experiencing a jump in jet fuel prices during the Iran war, its leaders said Wednesday.
The company’s CEO, Ronald Lam, said an announcement on surcharge adjustment will be made soon. The airline saw jet fuel prices roughly double in March from the average prices recorded in January and February.
Lavinia Lau, the firm’s chief customer and commercial officer, reported a surge in demand for routes, including those flying between Hong Kong and Europe, as passengers sought alternatives.
The airline has already halted flight services to Dubai and Riyadh for this month.
Thai cargo ship is struck in the Strait of Hormuz; 3 crew members are missing
Thai officials say a search is underway for three missing crew members after a Thai cargo ship was struck and set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
Thailand’s Marine Department said 20 crew members from the ship Mayuree Naree have already been rescued by the Omani navy and brought ashore in Khasab. The department said the three missing crew members were reportedly in the engine room when the explosion occurred.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, run by the British military, said earlier that the vessel had been hit just north of Oman in the strait.
The Marine Department said it is coordinating with relevant domestic and international agencies for the search and rescue operation and to provide assistance to the affected crew members.
Israel bolsters its forces on northern border
Israel’s military said Wednesday it was repositioning troops from the south to provide reinforcements along the northern border.
Hezbollah last week resumed its drone and rocket attacks against Israel in support of Iran, and Israel responded with an intense, ongoing offensive.
For the residents of northern Israel, this has meant a return of the familiar sounds of explosions, interceptions, artillery fire and overhead jets. Sirens go off multiple times a day warning of incoming fire, typically providing a warning of just seconds to take cover and forcing residents to stay near shelters at all times.
Israel evacuated more than 60,000 people from northern Israel during the previous war with Hezbollah. There are currently no plans to evacuate northern communities.
Turkey calls for an end to the war and a return to diplomatic efforts
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the war must be stopped before it “sets the entire region on fire.”
“If diplomacy is given a chance, it is indeed possible to achieve (peace),” Erdogan said in a speech to his ruling party’s legislators.
He said Turkey was pressing ahead with efforts to bring the parties back to the negotiating table.
Iran hosts public funeral for commanders killed on the first day of the war
Iranian state television aired footage of people gathered Wednesday at Enqelab Square in Tehran even as Israeli airstrikes targeted the capital.
Among those being honored were Lt. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, and Lt. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, who led the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
Israel is carrying out strikes in Iran and against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
The Israeli military said it is simultaneously carrying out strikes across Iran as well as Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut.
Pope Leo XIV pays tribute to a Lebanese priest killed in latest fighting
Pope Leo XIV is praying for peace in Iran, Lebanon and the Middle East at large, saying he hopes prayers may “be a comfort to those who suffer and a seed of hope for the future.”
Speaking at the end of his weekly general audience, Leo recalled that the funeral of a Maronite priest killed in southern Lebanon was being celebrated Wednesday. He said the Rev. Pierre El Raii, who was killed Monday as he tried to rescue a wounded parishioner, was a true pastor.
“May the Lord grant that his shed blood be a seed of peace for beloved Lebanon,” he said.
The Vatican is particularly concerned about how the war is affecting Lebanon, a Muslim-majority country where about a third of the population is Christian.
Lebanon, where Leo visited late last year, has always been a priority for the Holy See since it stands as a bulwark for Christians in the region at a time when protracted conflicts have decimated Christian communities that date from the time of the Apostles.
Drones target Oman
Oman said Wednesday that it shot down an Iranian drone and another crashed into the sea near its port at Duqm.
The state-run Oman News Agency, quoting an anonymous security official, made the announcement. It said there were no human or material losses in Wednesday’s drone attack.
Duqm has been a key resupply point for the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group amid the war.
China says it is focused on ‘diplomatic mediation’ in Iran war
China’s government said its efforts in the Iran war have been focused on “diplomatic mediation,” hoping to help ease tensions, and that it is in communication with all parties, “including parties to the conflict.”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Wednesday that China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, has been holding phone conversations with different counterparts and that the special envoy to the region, Zhai Jun, is currently traveling across several countries.
“As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a sincere friend of Middle Eastern countries, China will not stop its efforts for peace, nor will it cease its voice in upholding fairness and justice,” he added.
Some Indian restaurants face a cooking gas shortage
Some restaurant owners in India say they are struggling to secure liquefied petroleum gas cylinders, forcing them to scale back operations.
India has invoked emergency powers requiring refiners to divert more fuel for domestic use, a move hospitality sector groups say has tightened supplies for restaurants. The squeeze is being felt most acutely by restaurants in major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
“I will have to shut down my business. How can I run my restaurant without fuel?” said Amit Bhatia, a restaurant owner.
India relies heavily on oil and gas shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has attacked several ships in the strait and threatened any ships that try to pass through, effectively closing it.
Italy’s Meloni says US-Israeli attacks on Iran violate international law
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, said the U.S.-Israeli attacks violate international law.
Meloni, in an address to the Italian Senate on Wednesday, described a broader international crisis “in which threats are becoming increasingly terrifying and unilateral interventions outside the confines of international law are multiplying.”
She said the “the American and Israeli intervention against the Iranian regime” should be understood as part of that broader crisis.