The US-Israel military campaign against Iran has entered its ninth day as of March 8, 2026, with no signs of de-escalation from either side. Overnight strikes hit oil storage depots and refining facilities in Tehran for the first time, sparking large fires across the Iranian capital. US Central Command reports it has struck more than 3,000 targets inside Iran and destroyed 43 Iranian warships since operations began on February 28.
At least 1,332 people have been reported killed in US-Israeli attacks across Iran. More than 200 people have been killed in Lebanon following Israel’s ground invasion authorized on March 3. Eleven have been killed in Israel and six US servicemen have died since the conflict began.
Trump Demands Unconditional Surrender
President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” stating the war will only end when Tehran’s leaders “cry uncle” or their military capability is fully degraded. A Senate war powers vote to halt the strikes failed earlier in the week, allowing the administration to continue operations without additional congressional authorization.
The Pentagon has designated the campaign “Operation Epic Fury.” Estimates released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) put the cost of the first 100 hours at $3.7 billion — approximately $891 million per day.
Iran’s Military Response and Gulf State Attacks
Iran has fired over 500 ballistic and naval missiles and nearly 2,000 drones since February 28. Roughly 40% have been aimed at Israel, with the remaining 60% targeting US positions and allied Gulf states. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE have all reported fresh drone and missile attacks overnight, with explosions heard in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Qatar. Dubai International Airport has come under drone attack multiple times.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a defiant speech on state television Saturday, declaring Iran would never surrender. He initially said neighboring countries would no longer be targeted unless attacks originated from their territory, but later walked back that statement following internal criticism from hardline officials.
Khamenei Assassination and Succession Crisis
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed in a US-Israeli strike on Tehran on February 28 — the first day of the campaign. An Interim Leadership Council was established on March 1, consisting of Alireza Arafi of the Guardian Council, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and President Pezeshkian.
The Assembly of Experts is expected to name a successor. Multiple media outlets report that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is the frontrunner. Other candidates include Asghar Hijazi, Ali Larijani, Sadiq Larijani, Alireza Arafi, and Hassan Khomeini — the grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder. A formal announcement has been delayed due to the ongoing war, though a member of the Assembly of Experts told Fars news agency a decision could come within 24 hours.
Economic Fallout: Oil Prices Surge, Global Recession Fears
The conflict has sent crude oil prices above $90 per barrel — up nearly 60% since the beginning of the year — as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has come to a near halt. The strait carries approximately one-fifth of all oil consumed globally and about 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas.
The US national average for a gallon of regular gasoline jumped 14% in one week to $3.41. Qatar’s Energy Minister warned that Gulf region exports could halt “within weeks” if the war continues, cautioning that global GDP growth will be impacted. Diesel prices have doubled in Europe, and jet fuel prices have risen close to 200% in Asia. Iraq and Kuwait have also shut down oil production, widening the energy supply crisis.
Analysts warn of potential “stagflation” — higher prices paired with slowing growth — which could prevent the Federal Reserve from cutting interest rates and would compound financial pressure on American consumers.
International Reactions
China’s top diplomat has called for an immediate end to the war, warning that “flames of war” risk spreading beyond the region. The United Kingdom has now permitted the use of British military bases, with US B-1 Lancer bombers arriving at RAF Fairford after Prime Minister Keir Starmer granted permission for “defensive US action” against Iranian missile sites.
Russia is reportedly providing Iran with intelligence on US military positions, according to multiple Western intelligence assessments. Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani accused Trump of seeking to destabilize the country and warned that the US “must pay for its actions.”
US Public Opinion
The war remains deeply unpopular domestically. Polling indicates only one in four Americans support Trump’s decision to launch military operations against Iran. The failed Senate war powers vote and rising gas prices have added to political pressure on the administration.
What Happens Next
With neither side willing to back down, the conflict shows no immediate path to resolution. Key developments to watch include Iran’s selection of a new supreme leader, whether the Strait of Hormuz disruptions escalate into a full blockade, and whether any diplomatic channels — potentially through China or other intermediaries — can gain traction. The humanitarian toll continues to mount as the war enters its second week.
This article was compiled from verified reporting by Al Jazeera, CNN, CBS News, PBS, NBC News, The Washington Post, TIME, Fortune, Goldman Sachs, Chatham House, the Atlantic Council, CSIS, and the UK House of Commons Library. All figures cited are sourced from official government statements, UN agencies, or established international news organizations. National Press Room is committed to factual, unbiased reporting.