Litani River bridge hit as Israel moves in south Lebanon

[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https://static.dw.com/image/76501074_6.jpg”]

https://p.dw.com/p/5AyUD
Israeli authorities said missiles launched from Iran hit Tel Aviv (seen here) and other parts of the country overnightImage: Tomer Appelbaum/REUTERS
Skip next section What you need to know

What you need to know

  • The spokesman of Iran’s top military command said its armed forces will fight “until complete victory”
  • His comments come after Iran launched strikes and missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states on the 25th day of the war
  • Israeli military also carried out strikes on Tehran and against the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon
  • Both Iran and Israel traded fire overnight after US President Trump claimed talks with Iran were under way to resolve the war, a claim Tehran has denied
  • Oil prices rose Tuesday, with international benchmark Brent crude climbing back above $100 per barrel
  • European Commission chief von der Leyan called for immediate negotiations to end the Iran war 

Here is a roundup of our coverage of the US-Israeli war with Iran and its wider impact in the Middle East on Tuesday, March 24, 2026:

Skip next section READ — Germany laments Trump’s ‘avoidable, unnecessary’ Iran war

March 24, 2026

READ — Germany laments Trump’s ‘avoidable, unnecessary’ Iran war

Marking 75 years since the Foreign Ministry’s post-war reformation, Germany’s president and foreign minister have warned of “profound change” in ties with Berlin’s most important ally, the US, amid an “unnecessary” Iran war.

Read more here.

https://p.dw.com/p/5B1M3
Skip next section Rubio heads to France to sell Iran war to skeptical G7 allies

March 24, 2026

Rubio heads to France to sell Iran war to skeptical G7 allies

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives to brief House and Senate leaders on US military action in Iran at the US Capitol on March 2
Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives to brief House and Senate leaders on US military action in Iran at the US Capitol on March 2Image: Brendan Smialowski/AFP

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend a Group of Seven foreign ministers meeting near Versailles on Friday, the State Department said.

Rubio is set to “advance key US interests” and “discuss shared security concerns and opportunities for cooperation,” the State Department added.

The statement said the meeting outside Paris will focus on Russia’s war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and threats across the world to peace and stability.

Nearly all of the other G7 nations — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan — have largely resisted President Donald Trump’s demands for military help with the war in Iran.

https://p.dw.com/p/5B1EF
Skip next section Iranian commander promises ‘complete victory’

March 24, 2026

Iranian commander promises ‘complete victory’

 “Iran’s powerful armed forces are proud, victorious and steadfast in defending Iran’s integrity, and this path will continue until complete victory,” said Major General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of the Khatam-al Anbiya, head of Iran’s Central Headquarters.

He did not say what “complete victory” would look like, but his comments came a few hours after Tehran denied claims by US President Donald Trump that he had spoken to Iranian officials about an end to the conflict.

It did appear as though he was alluding to Trump’s claims that Iran might make concessions, warning that they had no intention of doing so.
 

https://p.dw.com/p/5B0iz
Skip next section Iran names new National Security council chief following Larijani death

March 24, 2026

Iran names new National Security council chief following Larijani death

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr has been named as the new secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The former Revoluntionary Guard commander was chosen after his predecessor Ali Larijani was killed in an airstrike.

The council is the regime’s top body for determining the country’s security and intelligence policies.

At the same time, the government of Lebanon ordered Iranian Ambassador to Beiruit Mohammad Reza Raeuf Sheibani, to leave the country. Sheibani had only been in the role since February 2024. The Lebanese government accused Iran’s Revoluntionary Guards of operating inside its borders. 

https://p.dw.com/p/5B0TE
Skip next section Israel says it will control southern Lebanon up to Litani River

March 24, 2026

Israel says it will control southern Lebanon up to Litani River

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has said that the military plans to take control of southern Lebanon up to the Litani river, and that the bridges over the waterway had been destroyed.

Katz accused Iran-backed militia Hezbollah of transporting arms and personnel over the bridges.

“All five bridges over the Litani that were used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons have been blown up, and the IDF (Israeli military) will control the rest of the bridges and the security zone up to the Litani,” Katz said.

He added that the hundreds of thousands of people who had been displaced by Israeli incursions into Lebanon “will not return south of the Litani River until security is guaranteed” for people living in northern Israel.

Litani River bridge hit as Israel moves in south Lebanon

https://p.dw.com/p/5Azq1
Skip next section ‘Time to go to the negotiation table,’ EU chief says

March 24, 2026

‘Time to go to the negotiation table,’ EU chief says

in Brussels

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for immediate negotiations to end the Iran war amid a “critical situation” for global energy supplies.

“We think that it is time to go to the negotiation table and to end the hostilities,” von der Leyen told reporters on Tuesday.

“The situation is critical for energy supplies worldwide. We all feel the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices, our businesses and our societies, but it is of utmost importance that we come to a solution that is negotiated, and this puts an end to the hostilities that we see in the Middle East,” she said.

The Commission chief condemned Iran’s “de-facto closure” of the Strait of Hormuz. She did not directly mention the US or Israel in her appeal for an end to hostilities.

Von der Leyen was speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the EU and Australia announced a new free trade deal. 

Not for the first time in recent years, the EU looks like something of a spectator to a war with major ripple effects for Europe. 

That might seem inevitable — but it wasn’t always this way. Back in 2015, the EU was involved to brokering the Iran nuclear deal, from which US President Donald Trump withdrew during his first term in office.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Azrd
Skip next section Six injured in Tel Aviv strikes

March 24, 2026

Six injured in Tel Aviv strikes

A car burning in Tel Aviv
It is not known if the residential buildings were the intended target of the strikeImage: Tomer Appelbaum/REUTERS

As Iran continued strikes on Israel and Gulf Arab states on Tuesday, Israel’s Magen David Adom ambulance service said that at least six people had been wounded by debris at four separate impact sites including residential buildings.

A military spokesman told Israel’s Kan broadcaster than an Iranian warhead weighing several hundred kilograms had likely struck between two apartment buildings. The spokesman said they were investigating reports of a direct hit.

Air raid sirens could be heard across Tel Aviv and residents reported seeing smoke rising and hearing loud explosions.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Azch
Skip next section Kremlin warns of Caspian Sea spillover

March 24, 2026

Kremlin warns of Caspian Sea spillover

President Vladimir Putin‘s spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that Russia would take any spillover of the Iran conflict into the Caspian Sea “extremely negatively.”

He added that Moscow was observing contradictory statements from both sides about the state of the conflict.

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water, and borders Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. It is divided into territorial zones between the five countries.

https://p.dw.com/p/5AzcO
Skip next section Iran arrests 30 accused of spying for Israel

March 24, 2026

Iran arrests 30 accused of spying for Israel

Iranian state media has reported that some 30 people have been arrested by security services in recent days over allegations of spying for Israel.

The suspects were allegedly found with Starlink internet devices and weapons provided by Israel.

The arrests were carried out in the provinces of Lorestan, Hamadan, and Kerman, the broadcaster said, calling the suspects “traitors to the fatherland.”

https://p.dw.com/p/5AzHb
Skip next section WATCH — The flip side of the US-Israel war on Iran

March 24, 2026

WATCH — The flip side of the US-Israel war on Iran

Bouba Jalloh |

The rapid spike in global oil prices brought on by the conflict is hitting economies in East Africa particularly hard.

Iran war threatens East Africa’s economy

 

https://p.dw.com/p/5AzDw
Skip next section Vietnam cuts domestic flights over fuel shortage

March 24, 2026

Vietnam cuts domestic flights over fuel shortage

A Vietnam Airlines plane at Hanoi Airport
Domestic flights are a popular way to get between the north and the south of Vietnam as well as outlying islandsImage: Markus Mainka/picture alliance

Vietnam Airlines will suspend at least 23 domestic flights a week due to the global fuel crisis sparked by the US-Israel war with Iran, officials have said.

The price of jet fuel has skyrocketed since the start of the conflict.

“Vietnam Airlines plans to temporarily suspend operations on several routes from April 1,” read an official statement.

The crisis prompted Hanoi to sign a deal with Russia on Monday to purchase fuel.

Other carriers, like the US’ United Airlines, has also announced a scale back of operations due to rising fuel prices.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Aymf
Skip next section Strikes continue despite reported ceasefire talks

March 24, 2026

Strikes continue despite reported ceasefire talks

Both sides in the conflict traded strikes on Tuesday, although President Trump had said he held productive talks with Iranian officials.

Smoke was seen rising on the outskirts of Tel Aviv in Israel, and at least 6 Kurdish Peshmerga troops — who have often allied with the US — died in an attack in northern Iraq.

In Iraq’s western Anbar province, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) militia said that at least 14 of its fighters had been killed in a US strike. The PMF is a Shiite group that is sympathetic to Iran.

US officials also clarified early on Tuesday that a promised pause to strikes only applied to energy infrastructure.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Aydn
Skip next section Japan releasing oil reserves as crisis continues

March 24, 2026

Japan releasing oil reserves as crisis continues

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), speaks during a press conference at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, 09 February, 2026
Japan is hoping there will be deescalation regarding Iran; Japan is heavily reliant on the blocked Strait of Hormuz for its energy needs. Image: Franck Robichon/REUTERS

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced that her government began releasing privately held oil reserves on March 16 and “will begin releasing national reserves from the 26th.”

“Furthermore, releases from ​jointly held ‌stockpiles with oil-producing countries are also scheduled to begin later in March.”

Global oil prices have reached their highest point since 2022 as Iran continues to block the key Strait of Hormuz waterway, crippling the movement of fuel worldwide.

Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa said that vessels carrying jointly-held oil are heading towards Japan from Saudi Arabia, which will be bypassing the blocked strait.

Iranian officials had said last week that they would allow Japanese-flagged ships to pass, but that has not happened so far.

https://p.dw.com/p/5Aybd
Skip next section South Korea calls for curbs on cars amid fuel crisis

March 24, 2026

South Korea calls for curbs on cars amid fuel crisis

A busy road with eight lanes of traffic
South Korea will reduce its use of government vehicles because of the global energy critisImage: Marco Rof/Cavan Images/IMAGO

South Korea‘s Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan said public institutions would cut back on their use of passenger cars.

The government would ask the top 50 oil-consuming businesses to cut use and encourage staggered commuting hours, Kiim said. 

Curbs on the use of private vehicles are voluntary for now, he said, but could be reviewed if the energy alert level increased.

South Korea is also to restart five nuclear reactors by May, ease restrictions on coal plants and expand renewable energy to reduce longer-term dependence ‌on Liquefied Natural Gas, the energy minister told a cabinet meeting.

South Korea normally imports around ⁠70% of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz

But Iran has virtually closed traffic through the strait, triggering a global oil and gas crisis.

https://p.dw.com/p/5AyUG
Skip next section Unclear who is leading mediation efforts for Middle East peace

March 24, 2026

Unclear who is leading mediation efforts for Middle East peace

Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan have all held talks with the warring parties in recent days. 

An Egyptian source said the United States and Iran even exchanged messages through Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan over the weekend, AP news agency said.

On Sunday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan talked on the phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a conversation which was confirmed by Iran. 

Fidan also talked to US officials and held a series of talks with his Egyptian and European counterparts, media reported. 

Citing a Turkish source, Middle East Eye, a UK-based news site, said that Turkey “is attempting to build a unified front in negotiations to counterbalance Israeli influence, working with European, Gulf, and other regional actors to help end the conflict.”

But Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has declined to comment on whether the country relayed messages between Iran and the United States in the weekend talks. 

As for Egypt, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said Cairo has delivered “clear messages” to Iran focusing on de-escalating the conflict, according to his office. 

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said it was making “constant efforts and communications” with all parties.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday said he spoke with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Sharif said in a post on X that he “reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in advancing peace in the region.”

Pakistan has suggested its capital Islamabad as the potential location for talks between senior US and Iranian figures, the Financial Times reported on Monday.

https://p.dw.com/p/5AyUl
Show more posts
  • The spokesman of Iran’s top military command said its armed forces will fight “until complete victory”
  • His comments come after Iran launched strikes and missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states on the 25th day of the war
  • Israeli military also carried out strikes on Tehran and against the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon
  • Both Iran and Israel traded fire overnight after US President Trump claimed talks with Iran were under way to resolve the war, a claim Tehran has denied
  • Oil prices rose Tuesday, with international benchmark Brent crude climbing back above $100 per barrel
  • European Commission chief von der Leyan called for immediate negotiations to end the Iran war 

Here is a roundup of our coverage of the US-Israeli war with Iran and its wider impact in the Middle East on Tuesday, March 24, 2026:

Here is a roundup of our coverage of the US-Israeli war with Iran and its wider impact in the Middle East on Tuesday, March 24, 2026:

Marking 75 years since the Foreign Ministry’s post-war reformation, Germany’s president and foreign minister have warned of “profound change” in ties with Berlin’s most important ally, the US, amid an “unnecessary” Iran war.

Read more here.

Marking 75 years since the Foreign Ministry’s post-war reformation, Germany’s president and foreign minister have warned of “profound change” in ties with Berlin’s most important ally, the US, amid an “unnecessary” Iran war.

Read more here.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives to brief House and Senate leaders on US military action in Iran at the US Capitol on March 2
Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives to brief House and Senate leaders on US military action in Iran at the US Capitol on March 2Image: Brendan Smialowski/AFP

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend a Group of Seven foreign ministers meeting near Versailles on Friday, the State Department said.

Rubio is set to “advance key US interests” and “discuss shared security concerns and opportunities for cooperation,” the State Department added.

The statement said the meeting outside Paris will focus on Russia’s war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and threats across the world to peace and stability.

Nearly all of the other G7 nations — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan — have largely resisted President Donald Trump’s demands for military help with the war in Iran.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend a Group of Seven foreign ministers meeting near Versailles on Friday, the State Department said.

Rubio is set to “advance key US interests” and “discuss shared security concerns and opportunities for cooperation,” the State Department added.

The statement said the meeting outside Paris will focus on Russia’s war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and threats across the world to peace and stability.

Nearly all of the other G7 nations — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan — have largely resisted President Donald Trump’s demands for military help with the war in Iran.

 “Iran’s powerful armed forces are proud, victorious and steadfast in defending Iran’s integrity, and this path will continue until complete victory,” said Major General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of the Khatam-al Anbiya, head of Iran’s Central Headquarters.

He did not say what “complete victory” would look like, but his comments came a few hours after Tehran denied claims by US President Donald Trump that he had spoken to Iranian officials about an end to the conflict.

It did appear as though he was alluding to Trump’s claims that Iran might make concessions, warning that they had no intention of doing so.
 

 “Iran’s powerful armed forces are proud, victorious and steadfast in defending Iran’s integrity, and this path will continue until complete victory,” said Major General Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi of the Khatam-al Anbiya, head of Iran’s Central Headquarters.

He did not say what “complete victory” would look like, but his comments came a few hours after Tehran denied claims by US President Donald Trump that he had spoken to Iranian officials about an end to the conflict.

It did appear as though he was alluding to Trump’s claims that Iran might make concessions, warning that they had no intention of doing so.
 

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr has been named as the new secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The former Revoluntionary Guard commander was chosen after his predecessor Ali Larijani was killed in an airstrike.

The council is the regime’s top body for determining the country’s security and intelligence policies.

At the same time, the government of Lebanon ordered Iranian Ambassador to Beiruit Mohammad Reza Raeuf Sheibani, to leave the country. Sheibani had only been in the role since February 2024. The Lebanese government accused Iran’s Revoluntionary Guards of operating inside its borders. 

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr has been named as the new secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The former Revoluntionary Guard commander was chosen after his predecessor Ali Larijani was killed in an airstrike.

The council is the regime’s top body for determining the country’s security and intelligence policies.

At the same time, the government of Lebanon ordered Iranian Ambassador to Beiruit Mohammad Reza Raeuf Sheibani, to leave the country. Sheibani had only been in the role since February 2024. The Lebanese government accused Iran’s Revoluntionary Guards of operating inside its borders. 

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has said that the military plans to take control of southern Lebanon up to the Litani river, and that the bridges over the waterway had been destroyed.

Katz accused Iran-backed militia Hezbollah of transporting arms and personnel over the bridges.

“All five bridges over the Litani that were used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons have been blown up, and the IDF (Israeli military) will control the rest of the bridges and the security zone up to the Litani,” Katz said.

He added that the hundreds of thousands of people who had been displaced by Israeli incursions into Lebanon “will not return south of the Litani River until security is guaranteed” for people living in northern Israel.

Litani River bridge hit as Israel moves in south Lebanon

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has said that the military plans to take control of southern Lebanon up to the Litani river, and that the bridges over the waterway had been destroyed.

Katz accused Iran-backed militia Hezbollah of transporting arms and personnel over the bridges.

“All five bridges over the Litani that were used by Hezbollah for the passage of terrorists and weapons have been blown up, and the IDF (Israeli military) will control the rest of the bridges and the security zone up to the Litani,” Katz said.

He added that the hundreds of thousands of people who had been displaced by Israeli incursions into Lebanon “will not return south of the Litani River until security is guaranteed” for people living in northern Israel.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for immediate negotiations to end the Iran war amid a “critical situation” for global energy supplies.

“We think that it is time to go to the negotiation table and to end the hostilities,” von der Leyen told reporters on Tuesday.

“The situation is critical for energy supplies worldwide. We all feel the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices, our businesses and our societies, but it is of utmost importance that we come to a solution that is negotiated, and this puts an end to the hostilities that we see in the Middle East,” she said.

The Commission chief condemned Iran’s “de-facto closure” of the Strait of Hormuz. She did not directly mention the US or Israel in her appeal for an end to hostilities.

Von der Leyen was speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the EU and Australia announced a new free trade deal. 

Not for the first time in recent years, the EU looks like something of a spectator to a war with major ripple effects for Europe. 

That might seem inevitable — but it wasn’t always this way. Back in 2015, the EU was involved to brokering the Iran nuclear deal, from which US President Donald Trump withdrew during his first term in office.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for immediate negotiations to end the Iran war amid a “critical situation” for global energy supplies.

“We think that it is time to go to the negotiation table and to end the hostilities,” von der Leyen told reporters on Tuesday.

“The situation is critical for energy supplies worldwide. We all feel the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices, our businesses and our societies, but it is of utmost importance that we come to a solution that is negotiated, and this puts an end to the hostilities that we see in the Middle East,” she said.

The Commission chief condemned Iran’s “de-facto closure” of the Strait of Hormuz. She did not directly mention the US or Israel in her appeal for an end to hostilities.

Von der Leyen was speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the EU and Australia announced a new free trade deal. 

Not for the first time in recent years, the EU looks like something of a spectator to a war with major ripple effects for Europe. 

That might seem inevitable — but it wasn’t always this way. Back in 2015, the EU was involved to brokering the Iran nuclear deal, from which US President Donald Trump withdrew during his first term in office.

A car burning in Tel Aviv
It is not known if the residential buildings were the intended target of the strikeImage: Tomer Appelbaum/REUTERS

As Iran continued strikes on Israel and Gulf Arab states on Tuesday, Israel’s Magen David Adom ambulance service said that at least six people had been wounded by debris at four separate impact sites including residential buildings.

A military spokesman told Israel’s Kan broadcaster than an Iranian warhead weighing several hundred kilograms had likely struck between two apartment buildings. The spokesman said they were investigating reports of a direct hit.

Air raid sirens could be heard across Tel Aviv and residents reported seeing smoke rising and hearing loud explosions.

As Iran continued strikes on Israel and Gulf Arab states on Tuesday, Israel’s Magen David Adom ambulance service said that at least six people had been wounded by debris at four separate impact sites including residential buildings.

A military spokesman told Israel’s Kan broadcaster than an Iranian warhead weighing several hundred kilograms had likely struck between two apartment buildings. The spokesman said they were investigating reports of a direct hit.

Air raid sirens could be heard across Tel Aviv and residents reported seeing smoke rising and hearing loud explosions.

President Vladimir Putin‘s spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that Russia would take any spillover of the Iran conflict into the Caspian Sea “extremely negatively.”

He added that Moscow was observing contradictory statements from both sides about the state of the conflict.

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water, and borders Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. It is divided into territorial zones between the five countries.

President Vladimir Putin‘s spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that Russia would take any spillover of the Iran conflict into the Caspian Sea “extremely negatively.”

He added that Moscow was observing contradictory statements from both sides about the state of the conflict.

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water, and borders Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. It is divided into territorial zones between the five countries.

Iranian state media has reported that some 30 people have been arrested by security services in recent days over allegations of spying for Israel.

The suspects were allegedly found with Starlink internet devices and weapons provided by Israel.

The arrests were carried out in the provinces of Lorestan, Hamadan, and Kerman, the broadcaster said, calling the suspects “traitors to the fatherland.”

Iranian state media has reported that some 30 people have been arrested by security services in recent days over allegations of spying for Israel.

The suspects were allegedly found with Starlink internet devices and weapons provided by Israel.

The arrests were carried out in the provinces of Lorestan, Hamadan, and Kerman, the broadcaster said, calling the suspects “traitors to the fatherland.”

The rapid spike in global oil prices brought on by the conflict is hitting economies in East Africa particularly hard.

Iran war threatens East Africa’s economy

 

The rapid spike in global oil prices brought on by the conflict is hitting economies in East Africa particularly hard.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

 

A Vietnam Airlines plane at Hanoi Airport
Domestic flights are a popular way to get between the north and the south of Vietnam as well as outlying islandsImage: Markus Mainka/picture alliance

Vietnam Airlines will suspend at least 23 domestic flights a week due to the global fuel crisis sparked by the US-Israel war with Iran, officials have said.

The price of jet fuel has skyrocketed since the start of the conflict.

“Vietnam Airlines plans to temporarily suspend operations on several routes from April 1,” read an official statement.

The crisis prompted Hanoi to sign a deal with Russia on Monday to purchase fuel.

Other carriers, like the US’ United Airlines, has also announced a scale back of operations due to rising fuel prices.

Vietnam Airlines will suspend at least 23 domestic flights a week due to the global fuel crisis sparked by the US-Israel war with Iran, officials have said.

The price of jet fuel has skyrocketed since the start of the conflict.

“Vietnam Airlines plans to temporarily suspend operations on several routes from April 1,” read an official statement.

The crisis prompted Hanoi to sign a deal with Russia on Monday to purchase fuel.

Other carriers, like the US’ United Airlines, has also announced a scale back of operations due to rising fuel prices.

Both sides in the conflict traded strikes on Tuesday, although President Trump had said he held productive talks with Iranian officials.

Smoke was seen rising on the outskirts of Tel Aviv in Israel, and at least 6 Kurdish Peshmerga troops — who have often allied with the US — died in an attack in northern Iraq.

In Iraq’s western Anbar province, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) militia said that at least 14 of its fighters had been killed in a US strike. The PMF is a Shiite group that is sympathetic to Iran.

US officials also clarified early on Tuesday that a promised pause to strikes only applied to energy infrastructure.

Both sides in the conflict traded strikes on Tuesday, although President Trump had said he held productive talks with Iranian officials.

Smoke was seen rising on the outskirts of Tel Aviv in Israel, and at least 6 Kurdish Peshmerga troops — who have often allied with the US — died in an attack in northern Iraq.

In Iraq’s western Anbar province, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) militia said that at least 14 of its fighters had been killed in a US strike. The PMF is a Shiite group that is sympathetic to Iran.

US officials also clarified early on Tuesday that a promised pause to strikes only applied to energy infrastructure.

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), speaks during a press conference at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, 09 February, 2026
Japan is hoping there will be deescalation regarding Iran; Japan is heavily reliant on the blocked Strait of Hormuz for its energy needs. Image: Franck Robichon/REUTERS

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced that her government began releasing privately held oil reserves on March 16 and “will begin releasing national reserves from the 26th.”

“Furthermore, releases from ​jointly held ‌stockpiles with oil-producing countries are also scheduled to begin later in March.”

Global oil prices have reached their highest point since 2022 as Iran continues to block the key Strait of Hormuz waterway, crippling the movement of fuel worldwide.

Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa said that vessels carrying jointly-held oil are heading towards Japan from Saudi Arabia, which will be bypassing the blocked strait.

Iranian officials had said last week that they would allow Japanese-flagged ships to pass, but that has not happened so far.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced that her government began releasing privately held oil reserves on March 16 and “will begin releasing national reserves from the 26th.”

“Furthermore, releases from ​jointly held ‌stockpiles with oil-producing countries are also scheduled to begin later in March.”

Global oil prices have reached their highest point since 2022 as Iran continues to block the key Strait of Hormuz waterway, crippling the movement of fuel worldwide.

Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa said that vessels carrying jointly-held oil are heading towards Japan from Saudi Arabia, which will be bypassing the blocked strait.

Iranian officials had said last week that they would allow Japanese-flagged ships to pass, but that has not happened so far.

A busy road with eight lanes of traffic
South Korea will reduce its use of government vehicles because of the global energy critisImage: Marco Rof/Cavan Images/IMAGO

South Korea‘s Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan said public institutions would cut back on their use of passenger cars.

The government would ask the top 50 oil-consuming businesses to cut use and encourage staggered commuting hours, Kiim said. 

Curbs on the use of private vehicles are voluntary for now, he said, but could be reviewed if the energy alert level increased.

South Korea is also to restart five nuclear reactors by May, ease restrictions on coal plants and expand renewable energy to reduce longer-term dependence ‌on Liquefied Natural Gas, the energy minister told a cabinet meeting.

South Korea normally imports around ⁠70% of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz

But Iran has virtually closed traffic through the strait, triggering a global oil and gas crisis.

South Korea‘s Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan said public institutions would cut back on their use of passenger cars.

The government would ask the top 50 oil-consuming businesses to cut use and encourage staggered commuting hours, Kiim said. 

Curbs on the use of private vehicles are voluntary for now, he said, but could be reviewed if the energy alert level increased.

South Korea is also to restart five nuclear reactors by May, ease restrictions on coal plants and expand renewable energy to reduce longer-term dependence ‌on Liquefied Natural Gas, the energy minister told a cabinet meeting.

South Korea normally imports around ⁠70% of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz

But Iran has virtually closed traffic through the strait, triggering a global oil and gas crisis.

Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan have all held talks with the warring parties in recent days. 

An Egyptian source said the United States and Iran even exchanged messages through Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan over the weekend, AP news agency said.

On Sunday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan talked on the phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a conversation which was confirmed by Iran. 

Fidan also talked to US officials and held a series of talks with his Egyptian and European counterparts, media reported. 

Citing a Turkish source, Middle East Eye, a UK-based news site, said that Turkey “is attempting to build a unified front in negotiations to counterbalance Israeli influence, working with European, Gulf, and other regional actors to help end the conflict.”

But Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has declined to comment on whether the country relayed messages between Iran and the United States in the weekend talks. 

As for Egypt, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said Cairo has delivered “clear messages” to Iran focusing on de-escalating the conflict, according to his office. 

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said it was making “constant efforts and communications” with all parties.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday said he spoke with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Sharif said in a post on X that he “reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in advancing peace in the region.”

Pakistan has suggested its capital Islamabad as the potential location for talks between senior US and Iranian figures, the Financial Times reported on Monday.

Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan have all held talks with the warring parties in recent days. 

An Egyptian source said the United States and Iran even exchanged messages through Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan over the weekend, AP news agency said.

On Sunday, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan talked on the phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a conversation which was confirmed by Iran. 

Fidan also talked to US officials and held a series of talks with his Egyptian and European counterparts, media reported. 

Citing a Turkish source, Middle East Eye, a UK-based news site, said that Turkey “is attempting to build a unified front in negotiations to counterbalance Israeli influence, working with European, Gulf, and other regional actors to help end the conflict.”

But Turkey’s Foreign Ministry has declined to comment on whether the country relayed messages between Iran and the United States in the weekend talks. 

As for Egypt, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said Cairo has delivered “clear messages” to Iran focusing on de-escalating the conflict, according to his office. 

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said it was making “constant efforts and communications” with all parties.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday said he spoke with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Sharif said in a post on X that he “reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in advancing peace in the region.”

Pakistan has suggested its capital Islamabad as the potential location for talks between senior US and Iranian figures, the Financial Times reported on Monday.

[analyse_source url=”https://www.dw.com/en/iran-war-attacks-intensify-as-oil-rises-above-100/live-76497473″]


Analyse


Post not analysed yet. Do the magic.