Iran–Israel–US Conflict Enters Day 27 as Strikes Intensify and Tensions Escalate

World 09:44 AM - 2026-03-26

The war between US and Iran.

As the conflict between Iran on one side and Israel and the United States on the other entered its 27th day, explosions were reported in the capital, Tehran, with air defence systems activated in response.

The Israeli military stated that it had carried out a series of strikes across Iran, including in the central city of Isfahan. In a brief statement on Thursday, it said its forces had “completed a wide-ranging wave of strikes targeting Iranian regime infrastructure in multiple areas across the country”.

Earlier, Israel indicated that one of its strikes had targeted a research and development facility linked to Iran’s military submarine programme in Isfahan.

At least ten airstrikes reportedly hit the Azadshahr district in northern Iran, while the Chamran military complex in Bandar Abbas, in the south, was also targeted.

Meanwhile, Israeli sources cited by media outlets on Telegram reported a major assassination operation in Bandar Abbas.

Jerusalem and central Israel

In response, the Israeli military said Iran had launched missiles towards Jerusalem and central Israel. Media reports indicated that an Iranian ballistic missile was intercepted over central Israel, although warhead fragments reportedly fell in Petah Tikva and Kfar Qasim.

Sirens were also heard in Safed and the Golan Heights in northern Israel, with debris said to have landed in open areas near Safed.

Airstrikes on Mashhad

The city of Mashhad, capital of Khorasan province and Iran’s second-largest city after Tehran, was struck by air raids early in the morning, according to local media. Reports suggested that US bombers carried out extensive strikes over several hours, targeting multiple locations, including Mashhad Airport.

At the same time, the head of US Central Command, Brad Cooper, announced on Wednesday evening that American forces had conducted more than 10,000 strikes against Iranian military targets since the operation began last February. He added that Iranian drone and missile launches had dropped by more than 90 per cent, significantly reducing Tehran’s capacity to target US forces and regional allies.

Concerns over Kharg Island

Sources familiar with the situation said Iranian authorities were preparing for a possible US attack on Kharg Island. According to reports, Tehran has been reinforcing its defences, including the deployment of mines, in anticipation of a potential ground assault. The island, located around 25 kilometres off Iran’s coast in the Persian Gulf and roughly the size of Manhattan, is a key hub for the country’s economy.

Escalating rhetoric

The developments come as US President Donald Trump warned he would “open the gates of hell” on Iran if it failed to accept a deal to end the conflict, while Tehran insisted it had no intention of entering negotiations or accepting the reported US conditions.

Trump maintained that Iran was involved in talks, suggesting its public denial was due to internal pressures. The White House has also said discussions remain ongoing despite continued military action. Press secretary Caroline Leavitt stated that failure by Iran to recognise its position would result in even stronger military action.

In contrast, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran sought to end the war on its own terms, ensuring it would not recur. He also stated that the Strait of Hormuz would be “closed only to enemies”, amid disruption to one of the world’s most critical energy routes.

Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of the possibility of an invasion targeting one of Iran’s islands.

Earlier this week, Trump revealed that talks between Washington and Tehran were taking place, outlining key US demands, including halting Iran’s nuclear programme, ending support for regional allies, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and imposing limits on its missile capabilities.

Tehran, however, denied any direct negotiations, saying proposals had been conveyed through regional intermediaries, including Pakistan and Egypt. It later rejected what were described as 15 proposed US conditions.


PUKMEDIA