explainer
The war between the United States and Israel against Iran is escalating as President Trump reiterates that Iranian leaders want a “deal.”
Published March 26, 2026
As the US and Israel’s war against Iran continues, with conflicting claims about whether negotiations are taking place, Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Tehran reports that attacks are “increasing in number and intensity”.
US President Donald Trump has said talks are taking place, but Iran has rejected them, saying it will continue to “resist” US aggression.
Iran on Thursday carried out retaliatory strikes against Israel and several Gulf states as the Middle East conflict shows no signs of ending and global energy and food prices continue to rise.
in iran
Attacks intensify: US and Israeli attacks on Iran are “increasing in number and intensity,” according to an Al Jazeera correspondent, with Israel announcing a major attack on central Isfahan. Israel, alongside US forces, launched a “massive wave of attacks” across Iran. Reports of civilian casualties: Iranian media reported that two teenage boys were killed in recent US and Israeli airstrikes on residential areas in villages in Shiraz County. Iran talks: US President Donald Trump has insisted that Iran is participating in peace talks. Iran chooses ‘resistance’: Foreign Minister Abbas Aragushi said Iran intends to continue ‘resistance’ and has no intention of negotiating. US targets missile capabilities: The US has struck two-thirds of Iran’s missile and drone production facilities, a senior administration official said. Threat to Iranian islands: Tehran has warned that enemies may try to capture one of Iran’s islands with the support of unnamed regional countries. Iranian influence: Rabobank analyst Jane Foley noted that Iran’s position in the negotiations puts the ball firmly in their court. She suggests that since the crucial Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, Iran could have the power to dictate the terms of any resolution. New toll law: Iran’s parliament is preparing a bill that would treat the Strait of Hormuz like a standard transit corridor and require tolls and duties to be collected from ships and tankers passing through the Strait.
on the bay
Hezbollah plot uncovered in Kuwait: Authorities have arrested six people allegedly linked to Hezbollah on suspicion of plotting an assassination in the Gulf country, the Interior Ministry announced. Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Ministry of Defense announced Thursday morning that it intercepted and destroyed a drone in the Eastern Province. On Wednesday, the country’s air defense systems intercepted and destroyed at least 20 drones targeting the eastern province, where most of Saudi oil facilities are located. Bahrain: A fire broke out at a facility in Muharraq province in what the Interior Ministry described as an “Iranian invasion.” United Arab Emirates: The UAE Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that the country’s air defense systems are actively responding to and intercepting missiles and drones incoming from Iran.
in the US
President Trump says Iran wants a deal: President Trump reiterated that Iranian leaders “wholeheartedly want a deal” but are afraid to say so “because they think their own people will kill them.” Trump threatens ‘hell’ if no deal: President Trump is prepared to give Iran ‘hell’ if it does not accept a deal to end the war, the White House warned on Wednesday. Strategic posture: Jason Campbell, a former Pentagon official, said the U.S. threat to “hit Iran harder” was intended as a signal rather than a step up. Deliberate vagueness: Campbell told Al Jazeera that President Trump is intentionally leaving out certain details because he wants the Iranian regime to believe that the United States is fully capable and willing to carry out such a more severe attack.
in israel
Missile salvo: The Israeli military said Thursday morning that it had detected a wave of missiles heading toward the country from Iran, the second such salvo in less than 30 minutes. Rockets and missiles targeting Israel: Iranian missiles continue to target central and northern Israel. Hezbollah also fired a volley of rockets into the Western Galilee region.
in Iraq and Lebanon
Gulf issues, Iraq demands: Gulf states and Jordan have called on Iraq to stop attacks by pro-Iranian armed groups from its territory. Ground conflict with Hezbollah: Israeli forces have crossed the border into Lebanese territory and are engaged in active ground combat. Hezbollah has announced that its fighters continue to clash with invading Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Defending Lebanese territory: Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said that Hezbollah is currently at war with both the United States and Israel and will do everything in its power to defend Lebanese territory.
Oil market and food
Oil prices rise: Oil prices are rising as hopes for de-escalation in the Iran war fade after Tehran’s refusal to acknowledge ongoing talks with the United States. Food supply shock: Breakingviews columnist Antony Currie has warned that a war with Iran is likely to have a more severe impact on global food security than Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
