Iran War: Day Nine of US-Israel Strikes and Escalating Conflict

The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered its ninth day, marked by continued large-scale strikes on Iranian soil and retaliatory attacks by Iran against regional targets. The conflict has expanded to include the Gulf region, Lebanon, and Iraq, raising concerns about wider regional instability.

Escalation of Attacks on Iran

The US and Israel are continuing extensive strikes within Iran, now targeting oil storage depots and refining facilities for the first time Al Jazeera. Footage captured by local media shows a massive fire raging at the Shehran oil depot on the outskirts of Tehran. The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for strikes on fuel storage sites it alleges are affiliated with the Iranian armed forces.

As of March 8, 2026, at least 1,332 people have been killed in Iran since the start of the attacks on February 28 Times Now News.

Iran’s Response and Regional Retaliation

Iran has vowed retaliation for the strikes, continuing attacks on Israel and US military assets in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Though, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Iran would halt attacks on Gulf states if their territories were not used to launch attacks against Iran Al Jazeera.

The Iranian military has confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, but warned it would target any US or Israeli ships attempting to pass through Al Jazeera.

Iran claims its Revolutionary Guard Navy hit the USS Abraham Lincoln with drones, forcing the carrier group to retreat over 1,000 km, though the US has not yet responded Times Now News.

US Position and International Developments

US President Donald Trump continues to demand “unconditional surrender” from Iran, stating the war would continue for “a little although” but that Washington is not seeking a settlement with Tehran Al Jazeera.

The US has suspended operations at its embassy in Kuwait City due to escalating regional security threats Times Now News.

Ukraine has offered to assist the US in countering Shahed drones in the Middle East, following a US request for assistance Times Now News.

Military Operations and Casualties

The Israeli army reports hitting over 400 targets in Iran, including ballistic missile launchers and UAV storage facilities Times Now News.

Approximately 4,000 targets have been attacked by the United States and Israel in the first week of the war The New York Times.