The war entered its 21st day with a new tone of warning and escalation. Iran says it will show "zero restraint" if energy facilities are attacked again after recent strikes on gas infrastructure. Israel and the United States continue operations, regional air defences are active, and global energy markets are reacting badly.

In Iran

  • Escalation after hits to gasfields: Israel struck the South Pars gasfield, and Iran responded with attacks on sites including Haifa and Qatar's Ras Laffan. Tehran says it has used only a fraction of its capabilities so far and issued a warning of "zero restraint" if energy facilities are targeted again.
  • New missile and drone waves: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced fresh missile and drone attacks aimed at US bases and parts of Israel, including central and southern areas and major cities.
  • Human cost: The Iranian Red Crescent reports more than 18,000 civilians injured and 204 children killed since the fighting began on February 28. Total deaths in Iran are reported above 1,400.
  • Ramstein question: Tehran says it has asked Germany to clarify the role of Ramstein Air Base, a major US logistics hub linked to operations in the region.
  • Diplomatic moves on Hormuz: France's president plans to consult UN Security Council members on a framework to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once fighting subsides.

In the Gulf

  • Missile and drone alarms: UAE and Kuwaiti air defences were active after missile reports. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted multiple drones in its east and north.
  • Detentions: UAE authorities said they detained at least five people tied to a network allegedly linked to Iran and Hezbollah that used business fronts to penetrate the economy.
  • Ras Laffan damage: Iran's strike on Qatar's LNG facility cut about 17 percent of output, a hit that QatarEnergy's CEO said could last up to five years. That matters because Qatar supplies a large share of global LNG and some contracts may face force majeure.
  • Bahrain air defences: Bahrain reported shooting down more incoming missiles, raising its total interceptions to dozens since the conflict began.

In the United States

  • Controversial White House remark: President Trump defended surprise in the Iran strikes and then invoked the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor while speaking with Japan's prime minister. The comment sparked diplomatic criticism for its tone and historical reference.
  • Policy and objectives: The US defense secretary said core goals remain the same: target Iran's missile systems, military industry and navy, and prevent a nuclear weapon. No end date was given.
  • No confirmed ground deployment: The president said he was not sending US ground troops, while also noting he would not announce such a move if he were. His statements on troop deployment have varied over time.
  • F-35 incident: A US F-35 made an emergency landing at a Middle East base after a combat mission. The pilot is stable and US officials are investigating whether the jet was hit by Iranian fire.

In Israel

  • Explosions over Jerusalem: Israeli forces reported multiple missile rounds over the city during late hours and into the next day.
  • Netanyahu's assessment: The prime minister said he expected the war to end sooner than many think, claiming Israel was "winning" and describing Iran as being weakened.
  • Responsibility for strikes: Netanyahu said Israel acted alone when it struck the gasfield and denied dragging the US into the conflict.
  • Possible ground phase: The prime minister said airpower alone cannot achieve all objectives and suggested there may need to be a ground component. His comments raised questions about what would come next and how that would be carried out.
  • Core goals repeated: Israel reiterated aims of dismantling Iran's nuclear programme, degrading missile capabilities, and shaping conditions to move beyond the current Iranian leadership.

In Lebanon

  • Humanitarian crisis: Fighting since early March has driven heavy casualties and displacement. More than 1,000 people have died and several thousand are wounded. Over one million people have been forced from their homes in the country.
  • Frontline clashes: Southern Lebanon remains a combat zone. Israel has increased its ground troop presence and Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several attacks on military targets.
  • Calls for a truce: Lebanon's president has urged a ceasefire and negotiations to end the violence.

Oil and gas

  • Major supply hit: The Ras Laffan strike removed about 17 percent of global LNG capacity from the market. Analysts estimate losses near $20 billion a year and a notable hit to Qatar's GDP.
  • Prices climbing: Fears of disruption have pushed oil and gas prices higher worldwide. Gas costs rose sharply in the UK and Europe, and some developing countries are already seeing higher retail fuel prices.
  • International concern: European bodies have urged a moratorium on attacks against energy and water facilities to limit wider damage.
  • US options on oil: The US Treasury said Washington could consider easing sanctions on Iranian crude that is already moving and could also release more oil from strategic reserves to help calm markets.

The situation remains fluid. Military moves, diplomatic efforts, and market responses are unfolding at the same time. Expect more announcements, more alarms, and continued economic fallout as the conflict develops.