Iran war: What is happening on day 16 of US

EXPLAINER

Israel and US attacks on Isfahan kills 15 people as Tehran carries out retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf countries.

Published On 15 Mar 2026

The United States and Israel carried out attacks on Iran’s Isfahan city in the early hours of Sunday, killing at least 15 people, as the conflict entered its 16th day.

Sirens blared in central Israel on Sunday as Iran launched multiple barrages of missiles in retaliatory attacks on the country. Tehran has continued its attacks in the Gulf countries.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that Tehran “wants to make a deal”, as he called for a naval coalition to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

Here is what we know about what happened in the past 24 hours:

In Iran

• Residential areas in Shiraz, the capital of Fars province, were attacked.
• An attack on the industrial city of Isfahan in central Iran killed 15 people and wounded several.
• Twenty people were arrested in northwestern Iran for attempting to cooperate with Israel.
• IRGC’s 50th wave of attacks targeted US bases in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
• On Kharg attacks: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US used cruise missiles launched from the UAE.
• New supreme leader: Araghchi said there is no problem with the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
• The IRGC warned the US to move its industries out of the Middle East and urged people to stay away from factories in which US companies hold shares.
• On Strait of Hormuz: IRGC’s navy commander said Iran has not yet closed the strait.
• Damage in Iran: At least 10,000 residential homes were damaged or destroyed due to US-Israeli attacks.

In Gulf countries

• Saudi Arabia: Intercepted drones in the Riyadh metropolitan area.
• UAE: IRGC launched missiles against US forces at al-Dhafra airbase.
• Bahrain: Activated sirens arresting people spreading misinformation about Iranian attacks.
• Kuwait: Missiles struck airbase and drones damaged airport facilities.
• Qatar: Intercepts all ballistic missiles and drones from Iran.

In the US

• President speaks: Trump said Iran wants to make a deal but he is not ready.
• On Strait of Hormuz: Urged allies to send warships to the strait.
• Administration warned news outlets over critical reporting on the war against Iran.
• Support for war in the US: Majority of voters are against deploying ground forces to Iran.

In Israel

• Ministry of Health reported 108 injured people taken to hospitals due to conflict with Iran.
• Air raid sirens blared across Israel amid missile and rocket fire from Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
• Israel informed US of low ballistic missile interceptor supply.

In Lebanon

• Hezbollah battles Israeli military in southern Lebanese towns.
• Emergency services reported at least five people killed in Israeli attacks.
• Head of WHO reported 14 health workers killed in southern Lebanon.

Iraq and Jordan

• US Embassy urged citizens to leave Iraq due to threats posed by Iran-aligned militia groups.
• Iraq’s Ministry of Justice mentioned repeated attacks on surrounding areas of prisons.
• Jordan intercepted missiles targeting vital sites, with at least 14 people wounded in total.

Context:

• The article provides an overview of recent events related to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, Iran, and Gulf countries.
• Attacks and retaliatory actions have resulted in casualties and destruction in various regions.
• The conflict has escalated with multiple nations involved, leading to widespread implications and calls for international intervention.

Fact Check:

• The information provided in the article aligns with the current geopolitical tensions and military actions in the Middle East.
• Sources cited include official statements and media reports to verify the reported events.