US-Israel War Against Iran LIVE Updates: Four Dead After US KC-135 Refueling Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq
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By Lokmat Times Desk | Updated: March 13, 2026 15:17 IST2026-03-13T08:36:43+5:302026-03-13T15:17:30+5:30
US-Israel War Against Iran LIVE Updates: The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has quickly escalated into one ...
US-Israel War Against Iran LIVE Updates: Four Dead After US KC-135 Refueling Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq
US-Israel War Against Iran LIVE Updates: The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has quickly escalated into one of the most serious crises in the Middle East in recent years. The war began on February 28 when US and Israeli forces carried out coordinated air strikes across Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and triggering a wider regional confrontation. Since then, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions as well as shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
The disruption has unsettled global markets, driving oil prices sharply higher and prompting several major economies to release oil from their strategic reserves. Iranian officials have warned that the conflict could evolve into a prolonged war of attrition capable of severely damaging the global economy. Tehran maintains that it still controls the Strait of Hormuz and has threatened to strike economic infrastructure linked to the United States and Israel. Iranian forces have also targeted commercial vessels in the Gulf, intensifying tensions and raising concerns about a broader maritime crisis.
US President Donald Trump has pledged to “finish the job,” stating that many key Iranian military assets, including mine-laying vessels and other naval capabilities, have already been destroyed. However, Israeli officials say the campaign is far from over and that numerous targets inside Iran remain. The conflict has also expanded beyond the immediate battlefield, with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah launching attacks from Lebanon into Israel, prompting Israeli air strikes in Beirut and eastern parts of the country. The violence has left hundreds dead and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.
At the diplomatic level, tensions have intensified at the United Nations Security Council, which has called on Iran to halt attacks on Gulf states. As the fighting moves into its second week, concerns are growing that the conflict could expand further, posing serious risks to global trade, energy supplies and stability across the region. Follow LokmatTimes.com for live updates on the Middle East conflict.
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15 Mar, 26 : 02:59 PM
ndonesia Postpones D-8 Leaders’ Summit Over Middle East Crisis
A summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, which brings together eight major Muslim developing nations, including Iran, has been postponed due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The meeting was scheduled to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from April 13 to 15. However, officials confirmed that the gathering has been delayed as regional tensions continue to escalate. The D-8 group includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. The organisation, founded in 1997, aims to strengthen economic cooperation among developing Muslim-majority nations across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Azerbaijan joined the bloc in 2025. Senior Foreign Ministry official Tri Tharyat said that a new date for the summit has not yet been decided.
13 Mar, 26 : 04:07 PM
ndonesia Postpones D-8 Leaders’ Summit Over Middle East Crisis
A summit of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, which brings together eight major Muslim developing nations, including Iran, has been postponed due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The meeting was scheduled to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from April 13 to 15. However, officials confirmed that the gathering has been delayed as regional tensions continue to escalate. The D-8 group includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey. The organisation, founded in 1997, aims to strengthen economic cooperation among developing Muslim-majority nations across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Azerbaijan joined the bloc in 2025. Senior Foreign Ministry official Tri Tharyat said that a new date for the summit has not yet been decided.
13 Mar, 26 : 03:17 PM
Four Dead After US KC-135 Refueling Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq
Four crew members have been confirmed dead after a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft belonging to the United States Air Force crashed in western Iraq. According to officials, the aircraft went down at about 2 pm ET on March 12 while carrying six crew members. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to locate the remaining personnel. Officials said the circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation. However, preliminary information indicates that the incident was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire. The identities of the deceased service members are being withheld until at least 24 hours after their next of kin have been notified.
Four Confirmed Deceased in Loss of U.S. KC-135 Over Iraq
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 13, 2026
TAMPA, Fla. – At approximately 2 pm ET on March 12, a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq. Four of six crew members on board the aircraft have been confirmed deceased as rescue efforts continue.
The…
13 Mar, 26 : 02:55 PM
Explosion Hits Tehran Square Packed With Demonstrators After Israeli Strike Warning
A large explosion struck a public square crowded with demonstrators in Tehran, according to Iranian state television. The blast occurred during mass rallies in the Iranian capital, sending shockwaves through the area and causing panic among the crowds. The exact cause of the explosion was not immediately clear. The incident happened shortly after Israel issued a warning that it could carry out a strike in the area, urging people to leave the vicinity. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the explosion was linked to the warning or if it resulted in casualties.
13 Mar, 26 : 02:22 PM
Two Killed in Israeli Drone Strike Near Shebaa in Southeastern Lebanon
Two people were killed in an Israeli drone attack on the outskirts of Shebaa in southeastern Lebanon, according to a report by the National News Agency. Authorities have not yet released further details about the victims or the circumstances surrounding the strike.
13 Mar, 26 : 01:00 PM
Nearly 20,000 Homes Damaged in US-Israeli Attacks on Iran, Says Red Crescent
Nearly 20,000 residential properties have been damaged in US-Israeli attacks on Iran, according to figures reported by Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), citing the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The report said a total of 24,531 civilian units across multiple sectors have been affected, including 19,775 residential buildings. It also stated that 4,511 commercial establishments were damaged, raising concerns about serious economic and livelihood impacts for residents. Additionally, 69 schools were damaged in the attacks, leaving 195 teachers and students injured. The humanitarian organisation also reported damage to 16 of its centres, along with 21 rescue and relief vehicles and 19 ambulances.
13 Mar, 26 : 12:46 PM
Israel Launches ‘Wave of Extensive Strikes’ on Tehran Amid Reports of Explosions
The Israeli army has said it launched a “wave of extensive strikes” targeting Tehran. The announcement comes amid reports that multiple explosions were heard in and around the Iranian capital. Earlier reports indicated that blasts were taking place in Tehran, while the sound of fighter jets was also heard in Karaj, a city located west of the capital. Further details about the strikes have not been released yet.
13 Mar, 26 : 12:42 PM
Explosions Reported in Tehran and Karaj
Multiple explosions have reportedly been heard in and around Tehran, raising concerns amid escalating regional tensions. Initial reports indicate that blasts were heard across several parts of the Iranian capital and nearby areas.
According to Iranian state media cited by Reuters, several explosions were also reported in Karaj, a city located west of Tehran. Witnesses reportedly heard the sound of fighter jets flying over the area around the same time as the blasts.
Meanwhile, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency also reported explosions in some districts of Tehran. Authorities have not yet released official details about the cause of the blasts, and further information is awaited.
13 Mar, 26 : 12:00 PM
California Governor Gavin Newsom Accuses Donald Trump of Benefiting From Rising Oil Prices
California Governor Gavin Newsom, widely seen as a potential contender for the Democratic nomination in the 2028 US presidential election, has criticised Donald Trump over comments suggesting the United States profits when oil prices increase. Responding to Trump’s remarks on X, Newsom posted a sarcastic message targeting the former president’s stance on fuel costs. “Don’t worry, America! Your gas prices are going up – but Trump is making lots of money. So it’s ok,” he wrote. Newsom’s comment came after Trump posted about the sharp rise in global oil prices, stating that the US is the world’s largest oil producer and therefore stands to gain financially when prices climb. The exchange quickly sparked political reactions online, as critics and supporters debated the economic and political implications of rising energy costs.
Don’t worry, America!
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 12, 2026
Your gas prices are going up — but Trump is making lots of money.
So it’s ok. pic.twitter.com/7AzD3cJpaF
13 Mar, 26 : 11:07 AM
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Over Two Dozen Drones Amid Iranian Threats as French Soldier Killed in Iraq
Saudi Arabia intercepted more than two dozen drones on Friday following renewed threats from Iran targeting oil facilities, as the widening regional conflict also claimed the life of a French soldier in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported fresh explosions in Tehran, while Israel also faced new attacks as hostilities continued to spread across the region.
The developments underscore the growing intensity of the war, with multiple countries across the Middle East experiencing drone strikes, missile interceptions and escalating military activity.
Saudi forces intercepted over two dozen drones on Friday after renewed Iranian threats against oil facilities, as the regional conflict killed a French soldier in Iraqi Kurdistan.
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 13, 2026
Iranian media reported fresh explosions in Tehran, while Israel also came under attack… pic.twitter.com/m2PPY9rkX4
13 Mar, 26 : 10:50 AM
Donald Trump Says Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei May Be Alive but ‘Damaged’
US President Donald Trump said he believes Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may still be alive but possibly injured following the initial wave of US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Speaking in an interview with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, Trump speculated that Khamenei had likely been “damaged” during the attacks. “I think he probably is. I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form,” Trump said. His remarks came after a statement from Mojtaba Khamenei was broadcast on Iranian state television on Thursday, marking his first address since assuming leadership. Earlier this week, Iran’s ambassador to Cyprus told The Guardian that Khamenei was injured in the February 28 strikes that killed his father, former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, along with several family members. The comments confirmed earlier reports in US media that he had been wounded in the attacks.
13 Mar, 26 : 10:06 AM
US KC-135 Tanker Aircraft Crashes in Iraq During Operation Epic Fury; Rescue Mission Underway
A rescue operation is underway after a US military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during a mission linked to the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The aircraft, identified as a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, went down while supporting Operation Epic Fury, according to the United States Central Command. Officials said at least five crew members were on board at the time of the crash. While the US military stated the aircraft was not shot down, an Iran-aligned militia group, Islamic Resistance in Iraq, has claimed responsibility for targeting the tanker. Further details are awaited as search and recovery efforts continue. Read More: USA-Israel-Iran War: US KC-135 Refuelling Aircraft Crashes in Iraq During Operation Epic Fury, Rescue Mission Underway
13 Mar, 26 : 09:26 AM
French Soldier Killed in Attack in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, Macron Confirms
A French soldier has been killed in an attack in the autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq, marking the first confirmed French military death in the ongoing Middle East conflict, President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday.
Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion, a member of the 7th Battalion of Chasseurs Alpins based in Varces, was killed during an attack in the Erbil region. Macron expressed condolences to the soldier’s family and fellow servicemen, saying the nation stands with them in grief and solidarity.
The French president also noted that several other soldiers were injured in the incident. He condemned the assault, stating that French troops have been deployed in Iraq since 2015 as part of the international campaign against Islamic State (Daesh). Macron stressed that France’s presence is strictly tied to counterterrorism efforts and that the war in Iran cannot justify attacks on French forces.
L’adjudant-chef Arnaud Frion du 7ème bataillon de chasseurs alpins de Varces est mort pour la France lors d’une attaque dans la région d’Erbil en Irak.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 13, 2026
À sa famille, à ses frères d’armes, je veux dire toute l’affection et la solidarité de la Nation.
Plusieurs de nos militaires…
13 Mar, 26 : 08:39 AM
US Senator Raphael Warnock Demands Accountability After Deadly Strike on Iranian Girls’ School
Raphael Warnock, a US senator and pastor from the Democratic Party, has called for accountability following the killing of more than 170 schoolchildren in Iran, describing the tragedy as something that “should shock our conscience and cause us to recoil in horror”.
In a post on social media, Warnock said any nation whose leaders dismiss the deaths of children, regardless of the cause, requires moral reflection and repair. He added that the victims should not be forgotten, stressing that “Iranian children, too, are children of God”.
Warnock is among 40 Democratic senators who wrote to the United States Department of Defense on Wednesday seeking explanations from the administration of Donald Trump regarding civilian casualties in Iran. The lawmakers specifically raised concerns over a missile strike on an elementary school in Minab, where more than 170 schoolgirls were reported killed, an attack Iran has blamed on US-Israeli forces.
The killing of schoolchildren should shock our conscience and cause us to recoil in horror.
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) March 13, 2026
A nation whose leaders can so easily shrug off the death of children, no matter the cause, is in need of moral repair.
There must be accountability and lessons learned from this…
