All you need to know about Day 20 of US-Israeli war on Iran

This live blog follows updates for Day 20 of the US-Israel war on Iran. For a recap of Day 19, go here.

• Drone crashes at Saudi oil refinery at Red Sea port of Yanbu: Ministry
• Fire erupts after drone hits second Kuwait oil refinery: Authorities
• China calls killing of Iran's Larijani, leaders 'unacceptable'
• Drone attack on Kuwait oil refinery sparks fire: State media
• Iranian strikes cause extensive damage at major Qatar gas hub

Iran fires at Israel after Netanyahu boasts of war gains

Published March 20, 2026 | 22:40

Iran launched multiple rounds of missiles towards Israel late Thursday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the Islamic Republic has been "decimated" by war, with the Iranian barrage triggering loud blasts over Jerusalem.

Israel's military said it identified three rounds of missile fire in the hour and a half preceding midnight (2200 GMT).

AFP reporters heard several loud blasts over Jerusalem following the Iranian fire, as air raid sirens rang out across the city.

EU urges moratorium on strikes on Mideast energy, water facilities

Published March 20, 2026 | 22:03 GMT

The European Union called Thursday for a "moratorium" on strikes against energy and water facilities in the US-Israeli war with Iran, as attacks on Middle East oil and gas targets jolted global markets.

"The European Council calls for de-escalation and maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and full respect of international law by all parties," the bloc's leaders said in conclusions adopted at summit talks in Brussels.

EU vows to 'fully mobilise' to avoid Mideast war migration crisis

Published March 20, 2026 | 21:29 GMT

EU leaders vowed Thursday to "fully mobilise" to prevent "uncontrolled migratory movements" towards the 27-nation bloc, as the Iran war sparks concerns of a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis.

"To avoid a similar situation, the EU is ready to fully mobilise its diplomatic, legal, operational and financial tools to prevent uncontrolled migratory movements to the EU and preserve security in Europe," the leaders said after talks on the Middle East at a summit in Brussels.

"The security and the control of the European Union's external borders will continue to be strengthened."

Qatar says attacks to disrupt 17% of LNG export capacity

Published March 20, 2026 | 20:42 GMT

Qatar's energy minister said Thursday the attacks on the country's energy installations will slash the export capacity of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) by 17 percent, costing an estimated loss of $20 billion in annual revenue.

"The damage sustained by the LNG facilities will take between three to five years to repair. The impact is on China, South Korea, Italy and Belgium," said energy minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi in a statement.

"This means that we will be compelled to declare force majeure for up to five years on some long-term LNG contracts," the minister added, referring to the legal term meaning events beyond its control may lead it to miss export targets.

Trump says told Netanyahu not to attack Iran gas fields

Published March 19, 2026 | 19:42 GMT

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to strike any more Iranian gas fields, seeking to distance himself from an attack by a key ally that has shaken world energy markets.

Trump insisted on social media overnight that he "knew nothing" about Wednesday's strike by Israel on the South Pars gas field in Iran, which retaliated to the attack by hitting Qatari energy sites.

Asked in the Oval Office whether he had talked to Netanyahu about attacking Iranian gas fields, Trump replied: "I did. I told him, don't do that, and he won't do that.

"You know, we're independent. We get along great. It's coordinated, but on occasion, he'll do something, and if I don't like it...and so we're not doing that anymore."

Netanyahu denies Israel 'dragged' US into Iran war

Published March 19, 2026 | 18:35 GMT

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday denied what he called "fake news" that Israel had dragged US President Donald Trump into war with Iran.

"Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do?" Netanyahu told journalist at a press conference.

Russia said Israel  'targeted' strike wounded TV crew in Lebanon

Published March 19, 2026 | 17:49 GMT

Russia on Thursday said Israel deliberately targeting a TV crew from state-run RT broadcaster reporting from southern Lebanon with a strike that wounded a reporter and a cameraman.

"The crew's clothing clearly read 'press' and they were carrying only cameras and microphones... All these circumstances indicate that the attack on the journalists was deliberate and targeted," the Russian foreign ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.

The Israeli military said the TV crew was operating in an area where a warning to leave had been issued. It regularly says it "has never and will never deliberately target journalists".

Trump administration says not weighing oil export ban as costs soar

Published March 19, 2026 | 17:08 GMT

President Donald Trump's administration is not considering a ban on oil exports, a US official told AFP on Thursday, as the government scrambles to contain surging energy costs due to the war in the Middle East.

"Oil and gas export restrictions are not under consideration," a Trump administration official said.

Washington has been looking to ease energy costs in recent days as soaring costs filter down to consumers.

US F-35 damaged by suspected Iranian fire makes emergency landing

Published March 19, 2026 | 16:36 GMT

“A US F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at US air base in the Middle East after it was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire,” the CNN sources reported on Thursday.

US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins told CNN a jet was “flying a combat mission over Iran” when it was forced to make an emergency landing.

“The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,” Hawkins said.

Iran demands 'clarity' from Germany on US airbase Ramstein: envoy to AFP

Published March 19, 2026 | 16:07 GMT

Iran has asked Berlin to clarify the role of the Ramstein airbase in the US-Israeli war on Iran, Tehran's ambassador to Germany Majid Nili told AFP on Thursday.

"We have asked them to clarify or explain regarding the role of Ramstein," Nili said, charging that "the role of Ramstein is not officially clear for us".

"Till now, we don't have any answer."

Trump says told Netanyahu not to attack Iran gas fields

Published March 19, 2026 | 15:41 GMT

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he had told his ally Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to strike anymore gas fields in Iran, which retaliated to an attack by hitting Qatari energy sites.

"I told him, don't do that, and he won't do that," Trump told reporters as he met Japan's prime minister.

"We get along great. It's coordinated, but on occasion, he'll do something" that the United States opposes, Trump said.

Trump says Japan 'stepping up to the plate' on Iran

Published March 19, 2026 | 15:21 GMT

US President Donald Trump on Thursday praised Japan's efforts related to the Iran war, saying he had received an assurance of support.

"I believe that, based on statements (which) were given to us yesterday, the day before yesterday, having to do with Japan, they are really stepping up to the plate, yes -- unlike NATO," Trump told reporters as he met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi

Trump says 'not putting troops' in Iran

Published March 19, 2026 | 15:14 GMT

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he was not sending ground troops to Iran, weeks after he launched massive missile and bombing attacks alongside Israel.

"If I were, I certainly wouldn't tell you. But I'm not putting troops," Trump told reporters as he met Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Israeli media reports oil refinery in Haifa hit after Iran missiles launched

Published March 19, 2026 | 14:40 GMT

Israeli media reported that an oil refinery in the northern port city of Haifa was hit on Thursday, after the military warned of incoming missiles launched from Iran.

Israel's Kan 11 public broadcaster aired images on television showing a thick plume of dark smoke rising from the area of the refinery. In a post on X, Kan reported that there were no concerns that hazardous materials had leaked.

Israel military says struck several Iranian naval ships in Caspian Sea

Published March 19, 2026 | 14:47 GMT

The Israeli military said on Thursday that its fighter jets had struck several Iranian naval vessels in the Caspian Sea the previous day.

The targets included ships equipped with missile systems, support vessels and patrol craft, the military said, adding that a port command center was also hit in the operation.

Explosions heard in Bahrain capital: AFP correspondent

Published March 19, 2026 | 14:37 GMT

Blasts were heard in Bahrain's capital of Manama on Thursday, according to an AFP correspondent, as Iran presses its aerial campaign against Gulf states.

At least two loud explosions rocked Manama after warning sirens sounded. Tehran has targeted Bahrain and other neighboring countries in retaliatory strikes following US-Israeli attacks on Iran beginning 28 February.

WTO eyes sharp slowdown in global trade amid Mideast war

Published March 19, 2026 | 14:28 GMT

The Middle East war could weigh heavily on already slowing global trade, the WTO warned Thursday, saying merchandise trade volume growth could be as low as 1.4 percent this year, compared to 4.6 percent in 2025.

"Sustained increases in energy prices could increase risks for global trade, with potential spillovers for food security and cost pressures on consumers and businesses," World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned in a statement.

Iran FM vows 'zero restraint' if energy infrastructure hit again

Published March 19, 2026 | 14:23 GMT

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that Tehran will not exercise any restraint if energy facilities were attacked in the war with United States and Israel again.

"Our response to Israel's attack on our infrastructure employed FRACTION of our power. The ONLY reason for restraint was respect for requested de-escalation," said Araghchi in a post on X.

"ZERO restraint if our infrastructures are struck again."

Treasury chief says US may 'unsanction' Iran oil already being shipped

Published March 19, 2026 | 13:15 GMT

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that Washington might "unsanction" Iranian oil that is already being shipped, as energy prices surge due to the war in the Middle East.

Speaking to Fox Business, Bessent added that the US government could also release more oil from its strategic reserves.

Recently, the United States also temporarily allowed the sale of sanctioned Russian oil that is at sea as US-Israeli strikes on Iran envelop the Middle East in war.

No 'definitive time frame' for ending Iran war: Pentagon

Published March 19, 2026 | 13:10 GMT

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday there is no "time frame" for ending the US-Israeli war against Iran, which was launched three weeks ago.

"We wouldn't want to set a definitive time frame," Hegseth told reporters, adding that "we're very much on track" and that President Donald Trump will be the one to decide when to stop.

"It will be at the president's choosing, ultimately, where we say, 'Hey, we've achieved what we need to.'"

Explosion heard near Iraq's Erbil airport: AFP journalists

Published March 19, 2026 | 12:33 GMT

An explosion was heard on Thursday afternoon near the international airport of Erbil city in the autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region, AFP journalists reported, saying they saw smoke rise just outside the surrounding fence.

A witness said two similar explosions were heard in the morning. Erbil is home to a major US consulate complex, while its airport houses US-led coalition troops.

Iran MPs propose tolls on shipping through Strait of Hormuz: Media

Published March 19, 2026 | 10:40 GMT

Iranian lawmakers have proposed a plan to impose tolls and taxes on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, local media reported on Thursday.

Officials have said shipping conditions through the waterway will not return to those from before the Middle East war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

"We in parliament are pursuing a plan under which countries will pay tolls and taxes to the Islamic republic if the Strait of Hormuz is used as a secure route for transit, energy and food security," 

Tehran lawmaker Somayeh Rafiei was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency.

"The security of the strait will be established with strength, authority and grandeur by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and countries must pay a tax in return," she said.

Iran hits Saudi, Kuwaiti oil refineries in latest attacks

Published March 19, 2026 | 10:40 GMT

Drones struck a Saudi oil refinery on the Red Sea and caused fires at two others in Kuwait as Iran stepped up attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia's defense ministry said a drone crashed into the Samref refinery in the industrial zone of the Red Sea port of Yanbu, adding that damage assessment was underway.

Yanbu is the destination of Petroline, the overland oil pipeline that gives Saudi exports an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz -- currently choked off by Iran.

Thursday's attacks follow major damage at the world's biggest gas hub, Qatar's Ras Laffan, on Wednesday as Iran retaliated for Israeli strikes on its South Pars gas field.

In Kuwait, drone attacks sparked blazes at the Mina Abdullah and Mina Al-Ahmadi refineries, which have a combined capacity of 800,000 barrels per day.

The state Kuwait National Petroleum Company later said the fires were contained.

Macron urges US-Iran talks to prevent energy sites being 'destroyed'

Published March 19, 2026 | 10:40 GMT

French President Emmanuel Macron warned Thursday of a "reckless escalation" as Iran struck a series of Gulf energy sites after an Israeli attack on its South Pars gas field.

Speaking on arrival at EU talks in Brussels, Macron warned that if Middle Eastern energy "production capacities themselves are destroyed, this war will have a much more lasting impact," calling for "direct talks between the Americans and Iranians on this matter." 

Brent oil price soars 10% after key Mideast energy sites hit

Published March 19, 2026 | 10:40 GMT

Oil prices extended gains on Thursday after strikes against energy infrastructure in the Middle East raised further concerns over supply.

Brent North Sea crude jumped more than 10 percent to $119.13 a barrel, while the main US oil contract West Texas Intermediate rose 2.6 percent to $98.81 a barrel.

Iranian missiles have struck the world's largest liquefied natural gas hub in Qatar, while drones hit oil refineries in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Blasts heard over Tel Aviv after Israel detects missiles from Iran: AFP journalist

Published March 19, 2026 | 10:40 GMT

An AFP journalist heard three blasts over the Tel Aviv area on Thursday, after the Israeli military announced it had detected missiles fired from Iran.

"A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military said.

Drone crashes at Saudi oil refinery at Red Sea port of Yanbu: Ministry

Published March 19, 2026 | 09:08 GMT

A drone crashed into the Saudi oil refinery Samref in the industrial zone of the Red Sea port of Yanbu, the defense ministry said, adding that a damage assessment was underway.

Earlier Thursday, the ministry said on X that it had intercepted a ballistic missile targeting the port.

The Samref refinery is owned by the Saudi state energy giant Aramco and the Mobil Yanbu Refining Company, a subsidiary of US company ExxonMobil.

Fire erupts after drone hits second Kuwait oil refinery: Authorities

Published March 19, 2026 | 09:00 GMT

A fire erupted at a second refinery owned by Kuwait's national oil company after a drone attack, the information ministry said.

"One of the operational units of the Mina Abdullah refinery, belonging to the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) was targeted by a drone attack, triggering a fire at the site," the ministry said on X.

The company's other oil refinery, Mina Al-Ahmadi, was also struck by a drone on Thursday, sparking a small blaze.

China calls killing of Iran's Larijani, leaders 'unacceptable'

Published March 19, 2026 | 09:00 GMT

China condemned on Thursday the killing of Iranian national security chief Ali Larijani by an Israeli air strike, calling it "unacceptable".

Beijing is a partner of Iran but has also criticized Tehran's strikes against Gulf states housing US military bases.

Larijani was the highest-profile Iranian killed since supreme leader Ali Khamenei and other senior figures killed during a wave of US and Israeli strikes when the war started on Feb. 28.

"We have always opposed the use of force in international relations. The acts of killing Iranian state leaders and attacking civilian targets are even more unacceptable," China's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference when asked about Larijani's death.

"China urges the parties concerned to immediately cease military operations and prevent the regional situation from spiralling out of control", Lin said.

Beijing has sought to mediate in the war, with its special envoy to the Middle East, Zhai Jun, travelling across the region this month to meet top officials.

His trip included stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Egypt.

Drone attack on Kuwait oil refinery sparks fire: State media

Published March 19, 2026 | 09:00 GMT

A drone attack on a refinery owned by Kuwait's national oil company on Thursday sparked a fire at one of the units, state-media said.

"Kuwait Petroleum Corporation announced that one of the operational units of the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery... was the target of a drone attack, triggering a limited fire," the Kuwait News Agency said, adding that no one was injured.

Iranian strikes cause extensive damage at major Qatar gas hub

Published March 19, 2026 | 05:39 GMT

Two waves of Iranian strikes caused "extensive damage" at Qatar's main gas hub, the country's state-run energy firm said on Thursday, with President Donald Trump warning Iran against further attacks on the facility.

Iran had vowed to target energy infrastructure across the Gulf after a strike that Trump said was carried out by Israel on Iranian facilities at South Pars field, Iran's part of the world's largest known gas reserve.

Missile strikes on the Ras Laffan Industrial City on Qatar's north coast on Wednesday caused damage to a gas-to-liquids facility and early on Thursday sparked "sizeable fires and extensive further damage" to several liquified natural gas facilities, Qatar Energy said in a statement.

Qatar's interior ministry said crews brought all fires under control at the Ras Laffan site, without reporting any injuries.

The country's defense ministry said Qatar was attacked by ballistic missiles from Iran, targeting the energy hub.

While the UK maritime agency reported on Thursday that a projectile hit a vessel near Ras Laffan and that all crew were safe.

Qatar is one of the world's top liquefied natural gas producers, alongside the United States, Australia and Russia.

Trump on his Truth Social platform threatened to "massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field" if any further attacks took place at Ras Laffan.

He said Israel was responsible for the strike on South Pars. Israel's government has not commented.

Cathay suspends Dubai, Riyadh flights until April 30 over war

Published March 19, 2026 | 05:15 GMT

Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific has suspended flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until the end of April over the war in the Middle East.

"In view of the developing situation in the Middle East", all Cathay Pacific flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh will be suspended "up to and including 30 April 2026", the company said in separate statements on Wednesday.

"Further changes to our flight schedule may be needed in the coming days," it added.

Customers looking to change their flights to and from the Middle East would not face rebooking, rerouting or refund charges, it said.

Saudi Arabia reserves 'right to take military actions' over Iran attacks: FM

Published March 19, 2026 | 05:00 GMT

Saudi Arabia has not ruled out military action in response to repeated missile and drone attacks from Iran, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters following a meeting in Riyadh of foreign ministers from the region, Prince Faisal said that Iran "tries to pressure its neighbours" with attacks.

"The kingdom is not going to succumb to pressure, and on the contrary, this pressure will backfire... and certainly, as we have stated quite clearly, we have reserved the right to take military actions if deemed necessary," he said.

Saudi Arabia reported more Iranian attacks on Wednesday, as the foreign minister hosted his counterparts from about a dozen Arab and Islamic countries for talks on the fallout from the Middle East war.

Several strong blasts were heard in the Saudi capital on Wednesday, according to AFP journalists, while the defense ministry said it had intercepted ballistic missiles.

"The targeting of Riyadh while a number of diplomats are meeting... I think that's the clearest signal of how Iran feels about diplomacy," Prince Faisal said.

"It doesn't believe in talking to its neighbors."

The Saudi foreign minister condemned the repeated "targeting of civilian sites" across the Gulf, dismissing Iran's justification that it was targeting US interests in the region as "weak".

"Neither Saudi Arabia nor the Gulf states would accept... blackmail, and escalation will be met with escalation," he said.

A joint statement from the foreign ministers' meeting in Riyadh condemned "the deliberate use of ballistic missiles and drones targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential facilities and diplomatic missions".

The ministers "affirmed that such attacks cannot be justified under any circumstances and reiterated the right of states to defend themselves", the statement added, calling on Iran to "immediately cease its attacks" and de-escalate tensions.

Trump vows to destroy Iran gas field if Qatar plant hit again

Published March 19, 2026 | 02:33 GMT

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to destroy Iran's key South Pars gas field if there were further attacks against Qatar's main gas plant.

Trump confirmed on his Truth Social platform that Israel had struck the South Pars field but said the United States "knew nothing" of the attack, which spurred Iran to launch an attack on Qatar's Ras Laffan facility.

"NO MORE ATTACKS WILL BE MADE BY ISRAEL pertaining to this extremely important and valuable South Pars Field unless Iran unwisely decides to attack a very innocent, in this case, Qatar - In which instance the United States of America, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will massively blow up the entirety of the South Pars Gas Field at an amount of strength and power that Iran has never seen or witnessed before," the US president wrote.

QatarEnergy says new missile attacks cause 'extensive' damage to gas facilities

Published March 19, 2026 | 02:27 GMT

Qatar's state-run energy firm said new strikes on the Gulf nation's main gas hub on Thursday caused "extensive" damage.

QatarEnergy said in a statement that early Thursday "several of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities were the subject of missile attacks, causing sizeable fires and extensive further damage" after a previous attack.

The company noted that the earlier attack on the Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wednesday had already caused extensive damage to a gas-to-liquids facility.

Brent crude soars more than 5% on fresh Mideast supply fears

Published March 19, 2026 | 02:24 GMT

Brent crude oil soared more than five percent on Thursday on fresh worries about energy supplies from the Middle East after Iran threatened to hit Gulf facilities in retaliation to an attack on one of its key gas fields.

The contract jumped 5.1 percent to $112.84, while West Texas Intermediate was up 2.5 percent at $98.69 in Asian trade.

Iran state TV says Qatar gas facility struck again

Published March 19, 2026 | 02:00 GMT

Iranian state television said Thursday that a missile struck Qatar's main gas facility again, hours after it was hit in a destructive strike that Doha said caused extensive damage.

"Qatar's Ras Laffan refinery Hit by Missile Again, burning," the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting posted on Telegram.

Qatar says Iran missile attack on main gas hub causes damage

Published March 19, 2026 | 01:15 GMT

An Iranian missile attack caused damage at Qatar's main gas facility on its north coast, the defense ministry said on Thursday.

The "State of Qatar was attacked (by) ballistic missiles, from Iran, which targeted Ras Laffan Industrial City and caused damages", the Qatari defence ministry posted on X.

Qatar had said overnight that attacks on the gas facility were a "direct threat" to its national security.

Abu Dhabi closes gas facility due to falling missile debris

Published March 19, 2026 | 00:44 GMT

Abu Dhabi has shut down operations at a gas facility due to falling debris from missile interceptions, the Emirati capital's media office said on Thursday.

"Abu Dhabi authorities are responding to incidents at the Habshan gas facilities and at the Bab (oil) field caused by falling debris from the successful interception of missiles," Abu Dhabi's media office posted on X.

"The gas facilities have been shut down," it said, adding no injuries had been reported.

The United Arab Emirates' foreign ministry expressed "strong condemnation" of the attack, which it blamed on Iran.

"These attacks constitute a serious escalation and a violation of the principles of international law," the ministry said in a statement posted on X.

Iran targets Gulf energy sites after gas field strike

Published March 19, 2026 | 00:39 GMT

Iran targeted energy facilities across the Gulf and threatened further destructive attacks after a key gas field was hit, raising fears Thursday of a wider assault on fuel supplies that could jolt already rattled global markets.

Tehran, following a strike on its South Pars field, said it would respond forcefully to any further attacks on its energy sector.

"We warn you once again that you made a big mistake in attacking the energy infrastructure of the Islamic republic," the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement carried by Iranian media.

"If it is repeated again, further attacks on your energy infrastructure and that of your allies will not stop until it is completely destroyed."

The Israeli military did not comment on the South Pars attack, while US officials said Washington was aware but not involved.

Projectile hits vessel off UAE, near Hormuz Strait: UK maritime agency

Published March 19, 2026 | 00:32 GMT

A projectile has hit a vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates near the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire, a British naval maritime security agency said Thursday.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a report at 2300 GMT on Wednesday "that a vessel has been hit by an unknown projectile which has resulted in a fire on board" off the UAE port of Khor Fakkan in the Gulf of Oman.

US oil prices rise 3% at open amid fears of Middle East escalation

Published March 19, 2026 | 00:10 GMT

The price of the main US benchmark for crude oil rose more than three percent on Thursday following strikes against energy infrastructure in Iran and Qatar.

At around 2230 GMT, a few minutes after the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) reopened, the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) contract was up 3.15 percent at $99.35 a barrel.

Pro-Iran Iraqi armed group says will stop US embassy attacks, under conditions

Published March 19, 2026 | 00:00 GMT

An influential pro-Iranian armed group in Iraq pledged early Thursday to stop attacking the US embassy for five days, presenting a series of conditions.

Kataeb Hezbollah said the group's secretary-general had "issued orders to suspend operations targeting the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad for a period of five days", but stipulated several conditions, notably preventing Israeli bombing of a southern Beirut neighborhood, and "a commitment to refrain from bombing residential areas in Baghdad and other provinces".

AFP reported no drone or rocket attacks so far on the US embassy in Iraq's capital Baghdad between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.