Iran Strikes Gulf States as US and Israel Intensify Campaign Against Tehran

Iran Expands War Across the Middle East as Israel and US Strike Tehran | VFI News

Iran Threatens UAE Ports, Drone Debris Hits Fujairah Oil Facility

Trump: Israel Working with US to Secure Strait of Hormuz

IDF Has Destroyed 2,200 Iranian Regime Targets, Remains Cautious on Regime Change

IDF: It Will Take Iran Years to Rebuild Its Military Industrial Complex

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Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain Nuclear Site Remains a Looming Threat

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Iran Strikes Gulf States as US and Israel Intensify Campaign Against Tehran . . . 

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NSEf9AsXd_4

Iran expands its war across the Middle East as the United States and Israel intensify their campaign against Tehran. In this update covering developments through March 16, 2026, Iran threatens major ports in the United Arab Emirates after US strikes targeted Kharg Island, the terminal responsible for most of Iran’s oil exports. Tehran warned civilians to evacuate Jebel Ali port in Dubai, Khalifa port in Abu Dhabi, and the port of Fujairah, claiming these locations could become legitimate targets after accusing the US of launching attacks from Gulf territory. Drone debris from an intercepted Iranian drone reportedly struck an oil facility in Fujairah, highlighting how the conflict is spreading beyond Israel and Iran into the wider Gulf region.

US President Donald Trump confirmed that Israel is working alongside the United States to secure the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important oil shipping routes in the world. Trump stated that US forces carried out major strikes against Iranian infrastructure on Kharg Island while warning that Iran continues to launch missiles and drones across the region. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces announced that more than 2,200 Iranian regime targets have been destroyed since the war began, including military facilities, Basij militia positions, and elements connected to the IRGC and the Quds Force.

Israeli officials say the campaign has significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities. According to the IDF, two-thirds to three-quarters of Iran’s military industrial complex has been damaged or destroyed, including missile launchers, radar installations, and air defense systems. Daily Iranian missile launches toward Israel have dropped dramatically since the start of the conflict, though military leaders caution that Iran has previously demonstrated the ability to rebuild launch infrastructure quickly. Despite the damage, concerns remain over Iran’s nuclear program, particularly the fortified Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility near Natanz, which is believed to be built deep inside a mountain and may be extremely difficult to destroy.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also confirmed that Tehran is maintaining strategic cooperation with Russia and China, including military collaboration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russian-made Shahed drones are being used in attacks across the region, adding another layer to the growing geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict. As missile and drone attacks continue across Israel and the Gulf states, leaders across the region warn that the war between Iran, Israel, and the United States could reshape the security landscape of the Middle East.

This report examines the latest developments in the Iran-Israel war, US military strikes on Iranian targets, the threat to Gulf infrastructure, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and the ongoing concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear facilities and regional alliances.

#IranIsraelWar #MiddleEastConflict #IranNews #IsraelNews #StraitOfHormuz

Iran on Saturday, March 14, threatened for the first time to attack the infrastructure of a neighboring country, urging people to evacuate three major ports in the United Arab Emirates that Tehran claims are “legitimate targets.” The threat came after the United States carried out large-scale strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, home to the main terminal handling 90% of the country’s oil exports. Hours after Iran’s warning, drone debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck an oil facility in Fujairah, causing a fire at the energy hub.

Iran’s military command claimed, without providing evidence, that American forces had launched attacks on the Islamic Republic from “ports, docks and hideouts” within cities in the Emirates. It called on civilians to evacuate Jebel Ali port in Dubai—the Middle East’s busiest—as well as Khalifa port in Abu Dhabi and the port in Fujairah. The UAE and other Gulf nations that host US bases have denied allowing their land or airspace to be used for military operations against Iran.

Gulf states reported new missile and drone attacks on Sunday, March 15, after Tehran broadened its campaign. Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said its systems intercepted and destroyed 10 drones over Riyadh and the kingdom’s eastern region. Bahrain said it had intercepted 125 missiles and more than 200 drones since the start of Iran’s attacks, which have killed two people in the kingdom and 24 others in neighboring Gulf nations.

“Dear Lord, we come before You in Yeshua’s Name and pray for the protection of all innocent civilians across the Middle East caught in the crossfire of this devastating conflict. We ask that You shield the people of the Gulf states from the missiles and drones that rain down upon them, and that You protect Israel from every attack. We pray that You bring this war to a swift end, soften the hearts of those who seek destruction, and lead the nations toward a just and lasting peace. We ask for Your comfort and strength for the families who have lost loved ones and whose homes have been destroyed.”

US President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, March 15, that Israel is partnering with the United States to enhance security in the Strait of Hormuz. “They’re working with us,” Trump said, adding that his relationship with Israel is very strong and dismissing reports of arguments with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump also confirmed he is in active discussions with multiple countries about forming a coalition to secure the waterway.

Trump described the scope of the US military campaign against Iran, noting that American forces struck Kharg Island and left only the oil infrastructure standing. “We attacked Kharg Island, left just the one little area standing with all the oil pipes. We can do that on five minutes’ notice. We’ve essentially defeated Iran!” he declared. The president also stated that Iran “badly” wants to negotiate a deal but that he does not believe Tehran is ready to do what is necessary to achieve one.

Trump warned that if he had not acted against Iran’s nuclear program during his first term, the Islamic Republic would already possess nuclear weapons and would have used them. He credited the recent B-2 bomber strikes with stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions and pointed to the thousands of missiles Tehran launched at countries across the region as evidence of the regime’s destructive intent. Trump expressed confidence that American military capability is unmatched and that the US has “virtually unlimited ammunition.”

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1

The Israel Defense Forces announced on Sunday, March 15, that it has destroyed an astounding 2,200 Iranian regime targets, mostly in the Tehran and western Iran areas. The military said these strikes are intended to weaken the Islamic regime substantially and reduce its ability to threaten Israel. Targets expanded at the end of last week to include Basij militia checkpoints in the field, in addition to large headquarters-type buildings.

Despite those successes, the IDF remains conservative about how quickly the attacks will enable the Iranian opposition to topple the regime. Between 1,900 and several thousand Iranian regime supporters have been killed, but this is out of an estimated 125,000 IRGC, 400,000 military, and up to two million Basij members. The IDF has also expressed doubts about whether new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is truly functioning and in control, noting he was seriously wounded and the Iranian high command is largely cut off from field commanders.

Regardless of whether regime change succeeds, the IDF said it has destroyed most of the IRGC’s Quds Force. The military has eliminated top officials in Iran itself and killed five senior liaison officers in the Ramada Hotel in Beirut. In addition, 17 out of 20 Quds Force aircraft used for exporting terrorism, arms, and funding have been destroyed, and the IDF is still tracking the remaining three.

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” – Isaiah 54:17a

Even if the war were to end immediately, the damage Israel and the United States have inflicted on Iran’s military industrial complex will take years to rebuild, the IDF said on Sunday, March 15. At the start of the war, the IDF mapped out 2,600 Iranian military industrial sites, and so far two-thirds to three-quarters of them have been destroyed by Israeli and US airstrikes. For comparison, in October 2024, the IDF struck 14 military-industrial targets, and in June 2025, it struck about 100.

The IDF hopes this broader destruction of Iranian military supply chains will set back any future push by the Islamic regime to rebuild its ballistic-missile and terror-spreading capabilities. About 70% of Iran’s ballistic-missile launchers have been destroyed or neutralized, though a smaller percentage of actual ballistic missiles appears to have been eliminated. Iran showed it could rebuild missile launchers rapidly, having reconstructed and exceeded the estimated 200 launchers destroyed in June 2025 within just eight months.

The IDF has reduced Iran’s daily missile fire from around 100 at the start of the war to approximately five per day, and expects the daily average to continue decreasing. The Israeli Air Force has destroyed about 100 Iranian anti-aircraft systems and nearly 120 radar installations. Recent attacks on local missile-team commanders were partially responsible for the most recent reduction in missile salvos against Israel.

“Heavenly Father, we thank You for the protection You have given the people of Israel and for the bravery of the IDF soldiers who risk their lives daily. We pray in Yeshua’s Name that You continue to guide their operations, grant them wisdom in their decisions, and shield them from harm. We ask that You bring about the conditions for a lasting peace, that the weapons of terror be permanently dismantled, and that Iran’s people be freed from the oppressive regime that has brought destruction on the entire region.”

Experience the powerful blessings found in Psalm 128. This uplifting song celebrates the joy and prosperity that come to those who walk in the ways of the Lord and honor Him. From the blessings of fruitful families to peace upon Israel, this song captures the essence of God’s promise to those who fear Him. Whether you're seeking spiritual encouragement or a deeper connection with God's word, this lyric video is a beautiful reminder of His goodness. Perfect for meditation, reflection, and worship, let this video uplift your spirit as you contemplate the blessings of a life led by faith.

The two largest remaining nuclear threats from the Islamic Republic after the June 2025 war are the 400-plus kilograms of 60% enriched uranium buried under rubble at destroyed nuclear sites and the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility near Natanz. As of Sunday, March 15, over two weeks into the current war, neither Israel nor the United States has announced any success in neutralizing these threats. The IDF declined to provide assurances that either threat would be dealt with before the end of hostilities.

Pickaxe Mountain is a nuclear facility built under a mountain far deeper than Iran’s infamous Fordow enrichment plant. The main mountain stands at 1,608 meters above sea level, compared to about 960 meters for the mountain that housed Fordow, making it potentially impregnable to aerial attack. High-resolution satellite imagery from February showed Tehran has rushed to harden the facility’s defenses, with construction crews pouring concrete over tunnel entrances and reinforcing portals with additional rock, soil, and heavy equipment.

The Institute for Science & International Security assessed that the enormous underground facility is believed not yet to be fully operational, which may explain why it was not struck in June 2025. However, there are concerns it could be used to enrich uranium or serve as a clandestine route toward a small nuclear weapon. Since June 2025, the site has received heightened attention from Iran as the single most important undamaged facility for potential nuclear use.

“He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” – Daniel 2:22

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited the site of an Iranian missile impact on Saturday, March 15, and accused the Islamic regime of deliberately targeting civilians in all of its attacks on Israel. Sa’ar stated that while Israel targets military objectives, military targets, and regime targets, the Iranian regime aims its weapons at civilian populations. He emphasized that every casualty Israel has suffered during the two weeks of confrontation has been a civilian, without exception.

Sa’ar declared that Iran’s targeting of civilians constitutes a war crime and that it is not the first time the regime has committed such violations. He called on the entire world to see the evidence and understand the nature of the Iranian regime’s conduct. The foreign minister also announced he would tour additional damage caused by Iranian strikes, including a mosque that was hit in a nearby village.

The visit underscored Israel’s diplomatic campaign to highlight the contrast between its own targeting of military and regime infrastructure and Iran’s indiscriminate strikes on residential areas. Since the start of the war on February 28, Iranian missiles and drones have struck civilian neighborhoods across Israel, causing damage to homes, vehicles, and houses of worship. Israel has repeatedly stressed that all of its own casualties in this conflict have been civilians, while Iran has suffered military losses.

“Almighty God, we cry out to You on behalf of all the innocent civilians—Jews and Arabs alike—who have been harmed by Iran’s indiscriminate attacks. We pray in Yeshua’s Name for Your healing touch upon the wounded and Your comfort for those who mourn. We ask that You expose the evil of those who deliberately target the innocent and bring them to justice. We pray for Your protection over every home, every school, every house of worship, and every community in Israel and across the region.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Saturday, March 14, that the Islamic Republic is receiving active military cooperation from both Russia and China. In an exclusive interview, Araghchi called Russia and China “strategic partners” for Tehran during its war with the United States and Israel. He stated that Iran has maintained close cooperation with both nations in the past, and that it continues, including in the military sphere, though he declined to elaborate on specifics.

Araghchi also defended Iran’s attacks on its neighbors across the Persian Gulf, accusing the United Arab Emirates of allowing the US to launch strikes on Iran from Dubai, Ras Al-Khaimah, and other densely populated areas. He warned that Iran’s armed forces would retaliate against any energy infrastructure in the region belonging to American companies if Iran’s own oil and energy facilities were targeted. The foreign minister also dismissed claims from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had been wounded and disfigured.

Senior American officials had previously alleged that Russia was supplying Iran with sensitive intelligence, including the precise locations of US warships. Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly denied these claims during a phone call with President Trump. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky separately stated it is a confirmed fact that Iran has used Russian-made Shahed drones to attack US bases in the region.

“Behold, they may gather together, but not by Me. Whoever gathers together against you shall fall for your sake.” – Isaiah 54:15

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told CNN on Saturday, March 15, that Russia is actively supplying Iran with Shahed drones for use against the United States and Israel. Zelensky stated that it is “100% facts” that Iran has used Russian-made Shaheds to attack US bases in the region. Shahed drones have been linked to other strikes on countries across the Middle East, though the manufacturers are not always clear.

Iran pioneered the Shahed drone as a much cheaper alternative to expensive missiles. The drones first saw mass deployment in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, where thousands have been launched by Russian forces since the fall of 2022. Although Iran initially provided the drones to Russia, Moscow now manufactures its own Shaheds, and the armed forces of other countries have since adopted Shahed-type drones as well.

The US military has confirmed that Shahed-type drones are part of the current campaign against Iran, with American forces using their own versions of the weapons. Zelensky’s comments added a new dimension to the growing evidence of Russia’s involvement in the conflict, reinforcing claims that Moscow is actively aiding Tehran’s war effort despite public denials from the Kremlin.

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

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