The Israeli-American war on Iran entered its 14th day on Friday, March 13, with fresh military activity across the region and rising concerns of a wider conflict.
A US military refuelling aircraft, a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, crashed in western Iraq during operations linked to the war. US Central Command said the aircraft went down in “friendly airspace” and the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. Rescue efforts were underway, with at least five crew members believed to have been on board.
Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles toward Israel, triggering air raid sirens across several regions. Explosions were reported over Tel Aviv as Israeli air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles. Tehran also reportedly fired missiles and drones toward Gulf countries hosting U.S. military bases, widening the conflict.
The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on the Taleghan Central Complex in Tehran, which it claims is linked to nuclear weapons development. Iranian media reported that three members of the Iranian Red Crescent Society were injured in an air strike along the Tehran–Qom road.
Elsewhere, six French soldiers were wounded in a drone strike on a base near Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdistan region that hosts Kurdish forces and international coalition troops.
Two foreign tankers carrying Iraqi fuel were also attacked in Iraqi waters, causing both vessels to catch fire. All 25 crew members were evacuated, officials said.
Regional air defences remained active. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted 28 drones that entered its airspace, while Bahrain said it had shot down more than 100 missiles and nearly 200 drones since the war began.
Meanwhile, India is coordinating with Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage for about 30 Indian-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz after recent attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf killed three Indian seafarers.
Israeli strikes also continued in Lebanon, where at least nine civilians, including five children, were killed near Sidon, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
United Nations experts warned the conflict could spread further across the region, citing rising civilian casualties, displacement in Lebanon and reports of strikes on civilian sites in Iran.
Oil markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude prices climbing above $100 a barrel amid fears of supply disruptions.
Several countries also began precautionary evacuations. Australia ordered non-essential staff to leave Israel and the United Arab Emirates, while Qatar Airways announced more than 140 special flights to assist stranded passengers as airspace closures continue across parts of the region.
