Iran War LIVE Updates March 12 -2026: US War With Iran Costs 11 Billion Dollars in Six Days

The United Nations Security Council adopted a draft resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan, demanding that Tehran immediately halt hostilities. Read More 

Oil surges past $101 a barrel despite historic release of reserves

Crude oil prices are continuing to rally despite the International Energy Agency’s announcement of the largest-ever release of strategic reserves.

Futures for Brent crude, the international benchmark, surged nearly 20 percent as plans for a historic release of 400 million barrels failed to offset fears of prolonged disruption to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent prices were hovering around $101 a barrel as of 2:00 GMT, up more than 38 percent compared to before the start of the war. (Al Jazeera)

At least one person was killed and 38 crew members were rescued after two foreign oil tankers were set ablaze in the Persian Gulf following an attack in Iraq’s territorial waters, according to maritime reports and officials monitoring the region. Read More 

Two wounded in drone attack on Kuwait residential building

The Ministry of Defense says an “enemy drone targeted a residential building” in the country’s south at dawn today.

At least two people were wounded and were receiving the necessary treatment, it said in a post on X. The attack also caused material damage, it said.

. One crew member was killed and 38 others rescued after two foreign oil tankers were attacked at Iraq’s Port of Al-Faw, according to Iraqi Army spokesman Saad Maan, who called the incident a violation of **Iraq’s sovereignty.

• Iraqi security officials say early investigations suggest explosive-laden boats from Iran may have been behind the tanker attacks in Iraqi waters.

• Israel continued air strikes across Lebanon, with at least four more people killed in southern Lebanon, according to the National News Agency.

• Another Israeli strike killed six people on Beirut’s waterfront, where many displaced residents had been sheltering after fleeing bombardment.

• Authorities in Bahrain said Iran attacked fuel tanks in the Muharraq Governorate, calling it a “blatant” strike on energy facilities.

• Saudi Arabia said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed 18 drones over the kingdom’s eastern region.

• Donald Trump, President of the United States, vowed to protect oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.

• Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, said the war could end if Iran’s rights are recognised, reparations are paid, and guarantees are given against future attacks.

• The International Energy Agency announced the release of 400 million barrels of emergency oil reserves to stabilise global energy markets disrupted by the war.

Stay with VoM News for more updates on the Middle East conflict.

Authorities in Bahrain urged residents in parts of Muharraq Governorate to remain indoors after a fire broke out following what officials said was an Iranian attack on fuel tanks, warning people to close windows and ventilation openings due to possible smoke exposure.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence in the United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems were responding to a new wave of missiles and drones launched from Iran, with interception operations reported across the country. Authorities in Dubai said a fire at a residential building caused by a drone strike had been contained.

The Israel Defense Forces also said missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel and that its defence systems were working to intercept the threats, while civilians were instructed to move to shelters until further notice.

Separately, Qatar condemned what it described as an Iranian drone attack on the Port of Salalah in Oman that damaged fuel tanks, calling it a violation of international law and a dangerous escalation. In Iraq, the armed group Saraya Awliya al-Dam claimed responsibility for seven attacks targeting U.S. military bases.

Switzerland has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran due to rising security concerns linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry said the decision was taken because of the increasing security risks in Iran. The Swiss ambassador and five embassy staff members left the country by land on March 11 and are now safely outside Iran. 

Authorities said the diplomatic staff will return to Tehran once the security situation improves. Switzerland added that it will continue to maintain communication channels between the United States and Iran despite the temporary closure of the embassy. 

• Donald Trump, President of the United States, claimed US forces have “knocked out” Iran’s leadership twice and destroyed parts of the Iranian navy, though no further details were provided.

• Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, said Tehran is open to negotiations but set three conditions: recognition of Iran’s sovereign rights, compensation for war damage, and guarantees that future attacks will not happen again.

• The International Energy Agency announced the release of 400 million barrels of crude oil from emergency reserves to stabilise global energy markets disrupted by the conflict.

• Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its naval forces fired on and halted two vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after they ignored warnings.

• Israel launched heavy air strikes on Beirut and other areas in Lebanon, with the Lebanese Health Ministry reporting several deaths and injuries.

• The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution backed by Gulf states calling on Iran to halt attacks against countries in the Gulf region.

• Hezbollah said it launched attacks on northern Israeli towns in response to Israeli air strikes on Lebanon.

• Regional states including Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia said their defence systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones.

• The United Nations says more than 800,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon since the escalation of fighting earlier this month.

Stay with VoM News for more updates and developments from the Middle East.

An Iran-linked hacking group claimed responsibility Wednesday for a cyberattack on US medical technology giant Stryker, saying it had extracted 50 terabytes of data in retaliation for military strikes on Iran. Read More