The stories that matter, when they happen.
Monday night brought the most consequential press conference of the Iran war so far: Trump declared Iran "very complete" militarily, promised the campaign will intensify, ordered 25 new B-2 bombers, waived some oil sanctions, and said the US Navy will escort ships through Hormuz. Oil recorded its most violent trading day in history.
Trump's press conference: Speaking for nearly 40 minutes at Mar-a-Lago, Trump claimed the US has struck 5,000+ Iranian targets, sunk 46 warships, and destroyed 80% of Iran's missile sites. He said Iran has "no navy, no air force, no communications" left. Despite calling the situation "very complete," he repeatedly said the US would "go further," and confirmed Operation Epic Fury will continue. He ordered 25 new B-2 stealth bombers and announced oil sanction waivers to stabilize markets.
The Hormuz gambit: Shortly before midnight, the IRGC announced free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for any country willing to expel US and Israeli ambassadors — a calculated attempt to fracture the Western coalition. No country has yet taken Iran up on the offer. Trump responded by saying the US is considering "taking control" of the strait.
Iran strikes Gulf: Iran hit a residential building in Manama, killing one person. Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile heading toward its oil-rich Eastern Province and shot down nine drones targeting the Shaybah oil field. Kuwait intercepted two missiles and one drone. MSC, the world's largest shipping company, declared end of voyage from the Arabian and Persian Gulf.
Markets: Oil had its most violent session in recorded history — Brent hit $120 before crashing to $83, a $37 intraday swing that broke all previous records. The S&P 500 recovered to close up 0.81%, and Nasdaq gained 1.36%, both reversing earlier losses after Trump's remarks.
Diplomacy: Trump and Putin spoke by phone for the first time in 2026 — covering Iran and Ukraine. The Kremlin said Putin presented "several proposals" to end the conflict rapidly. Lebanon asked the US to broker direct peace talks with Israel; Washington and Tel Aviv reacted with skepticism. China, Russia, and France have all contacted Iran about a ceasefire — Tehran's only stated condition is an end to attacks.
US Policy · Iran · Breaking
In a 40-minute press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump claimed 5,000+ Iranian targets struck, 46 warships sunk, and 80% of missile sites destroyed — then ordered 25 new B-2 bombers and waived oil sanctions. But he made clear the campaign is not over.
Read more →Energy · Markets
Crude recorded the largest intraday range in the history of the oil market Monday — a $37 swing from peak to trough — as Trump's "war is very complete" remarks sent prices into free fall from a morning record high.
Read more →Iran · Strait of Hormuz
The IRGC offered guaranteed access to the world's most important oil chokepoint — but only to nations willing to formally break with Washington and Jerusalem. No country has yet accepted.
Read more →Iran · US Policy
The Wall Street Journal reports Trump told aides he would support assassinating Iran's new Supreme Leader if he rejects US demands. Trump confirmed to CBS he has a replacement already in mind.
Read more →Bahrain · Iran · Breaking
Bahrain's Interior Ministry confirmed an Iranian missile hit a residential high-rise in the capital, killing one person — the first confirmed civilian death from Iran's campaign against the Gulf's most exposed capital city.
Read more →Lebanon · Israel · Diplomacy
Lebanon has formally asked the Trump administration to mediate direct negotiations with Israel, a request that would be historic. Both Washington and Tel Aviv reacted with doubt.
Read more →US · Russia · Geopolitics
An hour-long call described as "productive, professional, and frank." Putin presented several proposals to end the Iran conflict quickly. Trump says Putin "wants to be helpful" — while Western intelligence says Moscow is feeding Tehran targeting data.
Read more →US Policy · Energy · Breaking
Trump announced oil-related sanction waivers to stabilize global markets and said US Navy vessels will escort commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz when conditions allow. Oil dropped from $120 to $83 following his remarks.
Bahrain · Iran · Breaking
Bahrain's Interior Ministry confirmed one person was killed and several wounded after an Iranian missile struck a high-rise in the capital — Iran's first confirmed civilian casualty in Bahrain's capital during the conflict.
Saudi Arabia · Iran · Defense
Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry confirmed it shot down an Iranian ballistic missile targeting the kingdom's oil-rich Eastern Province. Saudi forces also intercepted nine drones aimed at the Shaybah oilfield in separate engagements.
US Policy · Iran
Closing his press conference, Trump said Iran will be dealt with "pretty quickly" but repeatedly insisted the campaign would intensify. He claimed an 83% drop in Iranian drone launches and said Iran "has nothing left" — while promising more to come.
US · Military · Breaking
In one of his most striking announcements, Trump confirmed an order for 25 new B-2 Spirit stealth bombers — a move that would more than double the current fleet of 20 aircraft. The B-2 has been central to the deep-strike operations against Iran's hardened nuclear and missile sites.
Iran · Israel · Breaking
Iran fired another salvo of ballistic missiles toward Israel Monday evening, even as Trump claimed at his press conference that 80% of Iran's missile sites had been eliminated. IDF air defenses activated across multiple cities.
Iran · Diplomacy
Iran's deputy foreign minister confirmed that China, Russia, and France have all reached out seeking a halt to the fighting. Iran's stated ceasefire condition is simply an end to attacks — no demand for US withdrawal or disarmament preconditions.
US · Iran · Defense
Reports citing US officials say Trump is actively weighing a limited ground presence inside Iranian territory. IRGC ground force commanders responded quickly, saying their forces are "fully prepared" for any US incursion. No decision has been made.
Energy · Markets · Breaking
US crude and Brent oil futures extended losses beyond 10% in post-settlement trading after Trump declared Iran had "fired everything it had." WTI had briefly topped $100 in morning trade. The session recorded the largest intraday price range in crude oil market history.
Lebanon · Israel
Lebanon's government confirmed 450,000 people are now displaced as a direct result of the conflict. The IDF confirmed it struck 35 high-rise buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Hezbollah said its attacks on Israel were retaliation for the killing of Ali Khamenei.
Iran · US Policy · Intelligence
Trump told aides he would back the assassination of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei if he refuses US demands — including ending Iran's nuclear program. Trump confirmed to CBS he has a replacement already in mind.
Kuwait · Iran · Defense
Kuwait's army confirmed it intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles and one drone on Monday. Iran's IRGC separately confirmed it struck US military assembly points and equipment depots at Camp al-Adiri in Kuwait.
Lebanon · Israel · Breaking
Israel confirmed airstrikes against 35 high-rise buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, all described as Hezbollah infrastructure. Israel's Foreign Minister noted attacks from Lebanon now outnumber those from Iran over the past week.
US · Turkey · NATO · Defense
A US Navy destroyer in the Eastern Mediterranean intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles heading toward Turkey — the first time a US warship directly defended a NATO member from an Iranian attack during this conflict. Turkey summoned Iran's ambassador and formally protested.
Global · Shipping · Energy
Mediterranean Shipping Company declared "end of voyage" for all exports from the Arabian and Persian Gulf, citing an "exceptional security situation." War-risk insurance for Hormuz tankers surged to 0.2%–0.4% of vessel value — adding ~$7 million per voyage for a $200 million ship.
US · Saudi Arabia · Defense
The US Department of Defense identified the seventh American fatality of the Iran war as Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky. He was killed March 1 at Prince Sultan Air Base. Trump announced he will personally attend the dignified transfer ceremony.
Markets · Aviation
Air New Zealand suspended its full-year financial guidance, saying its jet fuel assumptions are "no longer valid." Multiple carriers paused aircraft deliveries and new order discussions as surging fuel costs and forced route diversions around Iranian airspace cut into margins.
Turkey · Iran · Diplomacy
Turkey's Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador following an Iranian ballistic missile that landed on Turkish territory — the first time a NATO member's soil has been struck since the conflict began. A US Navy destroyer had intercepted earlier Iranian launches targeting Turkey.
Iran · Military
Iran's Aerospace Force Commander said the IRGC will no longer fire missiles with warheads under one ton — a shift to heavier payloads harder to intercept. He promised attacks will increase in frequency and geographic scope, even as Trump claims 80% of sites have been destroyed.