The conflict between the United States, Israel, and the Iranian regime has entered its 21st day on March 20, 2026, coinciding with Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Following yesterday’s massive wave of strikes on over 200 regime targets by Israel and reciprocal strikes on energy infrastructure that sent global oil prices soaring, the war has further engulfed the Persian Gulf.

Today, multiple Gulf nations reported intercepting drone and missile attacks, while Kuwait’s vital oil infrastructure was directly hit. In response to the growing threat to global maritime trade, the U.S. and allied nations are stepping up military operations to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Inside Iran, the regime has suffered severe blows to its military apparatus, confirming the deaths of high-ranking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij commanders. Panicked by the prospect of imminent popular uprisings, the regime has launched a massive wave of arrests across the country and extended its historic internet blackout past 480 hours, leaving the Iranian people in digital darkness during Nowruz.

Roundup of today’s key events

Gulf states under attack: The UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain intercepted multiple missiles and drones. Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery was hit by drone strikes, causing fires and partial shutdowns.

Strait of Hormuz operations: The U.S. military, alongside five European nations and Japan, is escalating operations and readiness to secure the Strait of Hormuz against the Iranian regime’s maritime threats.

Regime commanders killed: IRGC spokesperson Ali-Mohammad Naini and top Basij commanders Esmail Ahmadi and Gholamreza Soleimani were killed in military strikes. A separate attack on a checkpoint in Tabriz left 13 Basij members dead.

Terror networks dismantled: Kuwait and the UAE arrested multiple individuals linked to Hezbollah and the Iranian regime who were plotting attacks on vital facilities and conducting economic sabotage.

Massive domestic crackdown: Fearing nationwide uprisings, the Iranian regime arrested hundreds of citizens across 26 provinces as the country’s internet blackout surpassed 480 hours.

U.S. seizes regime domains: The U.S. Justice Department shut down four websites used by Iranian intelligence for cyberattacks, propaganda, and issuing death threats to dissidents.

Lebanon casualties mount: Ongoing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon........

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