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Iran War Discussion - February 28, 2026+

sharon sanders

Editor-in-Chief & President
This is an anchor post please see these previous threads for context. We do not always know where a situation is headed at the beginning.

Our Middle East forum...please scroll to the bottom to see the various US Embassy thread by country links.

Israel Hamas War - Not a political thread - Rpts of 100s dead 1st day - Oct. 7, 2023 - to Lebanon: Sept. 17, 2024 - Iran too, Oct. 1, 2024 - Syria & Russia, Oct.3, 2024 - to full war between Israel & Iran, 6/2025 + US, ceasefire, hostages released

Iran - Not a political thread: Reports of widespread protests including women taking off head coverings - Jan. 2, 2026+ , military action February 28

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Screenshot 2026-03-07 161301.png
 
Another reliable media says there were 2 rockets.....


Turkiye says Iranian ballistic missile intercepted by NATO air defences


Ministry of National Defence says no casualties or damage after missile shot down over southern city of Gaziantep.


https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026...stic-missile-intercepted-by-nato-air-defences


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snip

Advisory Summary

On March 9, 2026, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and U.S. government employee family members to leave Consulate General Adana due to the safety risks. Americans in southeast Türkiye are strongly encouraged to depart now.

The U.S. Consulate Adana has suspended all consular services. Americans should contact the U.S. Embassy Ankara or the U.S. Consulate General Istanbul for consular services.


more.... https://tr.usembassy.gov/travel-advisory-turkey-march-2026/
 
Iran's new leader has never been tested. He now faces an existential battle

1 day ago

Lyse Doucet
Chief international correspondent
...
Continuity and connections have pulled Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, to the top after the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the first salvos of this war.
...
The second, most prominent, son of the late ayatollah is in his father's ultraconservative mould.

Mojtaba Khamenei worked for decades in his shadow; he knows all the details about how the deep state works when it confronts external threats and internal upheaval.

He is also at one with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which he first joined as a teenager straight out of high school before heading to study in Qom, the city known as the preeminent centre for Shia Islamic study.
...
And this war is no longer just a political fight; it's intensely personal.
...
Mojtaba Khamenei lost not just his father in the Israeli strike on the supreme leader's compound, but also his mother, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, his wife Zahra Haddad-Adel, as well as a son, on that fateful Saturday morning.

He was also reported to be injured but there have been no details, nor even any sign of him since.
...
Mojtaba Khamenei's rise was cited by Trump as a worst-case scenario.
...

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwykdn0yn4wo
 
Words of defiance: Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei lashes at US
...
By Al Jazeera Staff
Published On 12 Mar 2026
12 Mar 2026
...
In the statement, which was read on Press TV on Thursday, Khamenei called for national unity and said the vital global artery of the Strait of Hormuz would continue to be closed to pressure Iran’s enemies.

He added that all US bases in the region should be immediately closed or will be attacked. While Iran believes in friendship with its neighbours, Khamenei said, attacks on US bases in the region would continue.

Armed groups in Yemen “will also do the job”, the supreme leader said, adding that those in Iraq also “want to help” the Islamic revolution.
...
Alkinani told Al Jazeera that Khamenei’s statement contradicted that of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who on Wednesday suggested Iran would consider ending the war if certain conditions were met.

The analyst also stressed that the speech, which was not delivered or read by Khamenei himself, did little to dispel the rumours that the newly appointed supreme leader had been injured – or even killed – in the ongoing war with the US and Israel.
...
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026...es-first-statement-as-supreme-leader-amid-war

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X on Wednesday:

(screenshot)

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
People’s Republic of China


Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun’s Regular Press Conference on March 12, 2026

Updated: March 12, 2026 17:08​

image.png

...
Reuters: At least 16 ships and fuel oil tankers have been attacked by Iran since the fighting in the region began. Have any China-flagged civilian and commercial vessels at or near the Strait of Hormuz been hit by drones and projectiles? How many China-flagged vessels are there at the moment?

Guo Jiakun: The Strait of Hormuz and waters nearby are an important route for international goods and energy trade. Keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community. China urges parties to stop the military operations at once, avoid further escalation, and prevent the regional turmoil from having a larger impact on global economic growth.

Bloomberg: An Iranian military adviser says that some countries are sharing intel on U.S. military moves. He didn’t name those countries. Is China giving Iran information about the U.S. military? Can you provide any more information about this?

Guo Jiakun: I am not aware of what you mentioned. China’s position is consistent and clear. We urge parties to stop the military operations at once and avoid further escalation. 
​...
Bloomberg: Ship tracking data shows that some Chinese ships have been moving around the Strait of Hormuz. Is China negotiating with Iran to allow safe passage for its vessels?

Guo Jiakun: I just answered a related question.

AFP: According to a report, Chinese oil refiners have been told to suspend exports of oil, as strikes continue in the Middle East and transport remains halted in the Strait of Hormuz. I wonder if China have any comment on this report?

Guo Jiakun: I’m not familiar with that. I’d refer you to competent authorities for anything specific.


https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xw/fyrbt/lxjzh/202603/t20260312_11873712.html
 
The War goes global economics..

Some headlines:


Escalating Attacks on Gulf Energy Assets Plunge Iran War Into New Phase

Strikes targeting infrastructure in Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have put oil-and-gas facilities at the center of the conflict

Updated March 19, 2026 12:05 am ET


https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-ea...TN4qZruliQhgVQ7&gaa_ts=69bbd307&gaa_sig=K8trc 86rgQJ4k7PpOAgGZotAzCry_RU5qczwoYaa2jm-wQxx-VB1mvp4X-rjDDi4KStNof0vfJP8ljOGoSYIww%3D%3D


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World's Largest LNG Plant Suffers Extensive Damage ...

4 hours ago — The Ras Laffan Industrial City was hit by an Iranian missile ... A subsequent attack on Ras Laffan early on Thursday led to a fire

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How Strait of Hormuz closure hits America's generic drug ...

3 days ago — Half of US generic drugs are made in India and transit the Strait of Hormuz. Supply chains prepare for emergencies, but prescription

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Gas price soars 25% after strikes on Qatar hub

40 minutes ago

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78x83lpgngo


--------------------------------------------------------------


Indian Navy to send more warships to help vessels cross battle-hit Strait of Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz closed: The additional deployment will take the number of Indian warships in the wider region east to the strait to six to seven.

Updated on: Mar 19, 2026 7:07 AM IST

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...ages-on-strait-of-hormuz-101773881977067.html




​​​
 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
People’s Republic of China


Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian’s Regular Press Conference on March 19, 2026

Updated: March 19, 2026 19:14

image.png


CCTV: It’s reported that Iranian Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani was killed in Israeli strikes. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and he have authorized the Israel Defense Forces to kill any Iranian official without the need for additional authorization. What’s China’s comment?

Lin Jian: China is shocked by that remark. China is always against the use of force in international relations. The killing of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets are by no means acceptable. As the conflict rages on in the Middle East and tensions continue to escalate and spill over, the international community is widely calling for an early ceasefire and end to hostilities. China calls on parties to the conflict to immediately stop military operations and prevent plunging the region into chaos.
...
Xinhua News Agency: We noted that Zhai Jun, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue, recently visited Middle East countries. Could you brief us on his visits?

Lin Jian: As we speak, the conflict is still raging in the Middle East and tensions continue to escalate and spill over. To help calm the situation and bring about peace, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue Zhai Jun visited several countries in the region over the past few days. He met with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt, as well as the Secretaries General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the League of Arab States, and had a phone conversation with Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar for in-depth exchanges of views on the regional situation.

During the visit, Special Envoy Zhai Jun elaborated on China’s position regarding the current situation, and stressed that a ceasefire and an end to the hostilities provide the fundamental solution, and urged parties to the conflict to immediately cease military operations and prevent the situation from becoming a complete chaos. He called for dialogue and negotiation and resolving differences through political and diplomatic means. He pointed out that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be upheld, the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of GCC countries should be fully respected, non-military targets should not be attacked and the safety of shipping lanes should not be interrupted. All parties have commended China’s just position and efforts in promoting peace, and looked to China to play a bigger role. 

Special Envoy Zhai Jun’s visit to the Middle East is part of China’s intensive diplomatic mediation effort. China is a responsible major country and a sincere friend of countries in the region. To work for reconciliation and peace in the region is a cornerstone of China’s Middle East policy. Our mediation effort will not cease as long as the conflict continues.

...

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xw/fyrbt/202603/t20260319_11877725.html
 
Exclusive: Iran attacks wipe out 17% of Qatar’s LNG capacity for up to five years, QatarEnergy CEO says

By Maha El Dahan, Andrew Mills and Yousef Saba
March 19, 20268:38 AM CDT
Updated 37 mins ago
...

DUBAI/DOHA, March 19 (Reuters) - Iranian attacks ‌have knocked out 17% of Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, causing an estimated $20 billion in lost annual revenue and threatening supplies to Europe and Asia, QatarEnergy's CEO and state minister for energy affairs told Reuters on Thursday.

Saad al-Kaabi said two of Qatar's 14 LNG trains and one of its two gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities were damaged in ​the unprecedented strikes. The repairs will sideline 12.8 million tons per year of LNG for three to five years, he said ​in an interview.

"I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that Qatar would be - Qatar and the region - ⁠in such an attack, especially from a brotherly Muslim country in the month of Ramadan, attacking us in this way," Kaabi said.
...

https://www.reuters.com/business/en...city-three-five-years-qatarenergy-2026-03-19/
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Company statement:
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H.E. Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi: The missile attacks reduced Qatar’s LNG export capacity by 17% and caused an estimated loss of $20 billion in annual revenue

Providing an update on the damage from the missile attacks on Ras Laffan Industrial City


- Extensive damage to our production facilities will take up to five years to repair and will compel us to declare long-term force majeure ​

DOHA, Qatar • 19 March 2026 – QatarEnergy expects the damage to its Ras Laffan Industrial City caused by missile strikes, which occurred on Wednesday 18 March 2026, and in the early hours of Thursday 19 March 2026, to cost about $20 billion a year in lost revenue and to take up to five years to repair, impacting supply to markets in Europe and Asia.

Providing an update on the damage to the facilities at Ras Laffan Industrial City, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said “I am relieved to confirm that no one was injured by these unjustified and senseless attacks, which weren’t just an attack on the State of Qatar but attacks on global energy security and stability. This was an attack on all of us who stand for development and human progress that is sustained by a fair, reliable, and secure access to energy.”

The attacks damaged two liquefied natural gas (LNG) producing Trains 4 and 6 totaling 12.8 million tons per annum (MTPA) of production, representing approximately 17% of Qatar’s exports. Train 4 is a joint venture between QatarEnergy (66%) and ExxonMobil (34%), and Train 6 is a joint venture between QatarEnergy (70%) and ExxonMobil (30%).

His Excellency Minister Al-Kaabi said: “The damage sustained by the LNG facilities will take between three to five years to repair. The impact is on China, South Korea, Italy and Belgium. This means that we will be compelled to declare force majeure for up to five years on some long-term LNG contracts.”

The attacks also targeted the Pearl GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) facility, a production sharing agreement operated by Shell, that converts natural gas into high-quality cleaner burning drop-in fuels and produces base oils used to make premium engine oils and lubricants, and paraffins and waxes.

“The damage caused to one of the two trains at Pearl GTL is being assessed and is expected to be offline for a minimum of one year” His Excellency Minister Al-Kaabi added.

It should be noted that there will be a loss of associated product production due to this outage as follows:

• Condensates: 18.6 million barrels which is around 24% of Qatar’s exports

• LPG: 1.281 MT which is around 13% of Qatar’s exports

• Naphtha: 0.594 MT which is around 6% of Qatar’s exports

• Sulfur: 0.18 MT which is around 6% of Qatar’s exports

• Helium: 309.54 MCFA which is around 14% of Qatar’s exports

His Excellency the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President and CEO of QatarEnergy paid tribute to the Qatari military and security forces and to the energy sector emergency response teams whose courage and extraordinary professionalism ensured the situation was contained quickly and safely.

https://www.qatarenergy.qa/en/MediaCenter/Pages/newsdetails.aspx?ItemId=3897
 
Yemen’s Houthis launch Israel strike, the first time since the U.S.-Israel war began

​PUBLISHED SAT, MAR 28 20267:40 AM EDTUPDATED 2 HOURS AGO​
Key Points:
  • The Tehran-backed Houthis said they targeted “sensitive Israeli military sites,” marking an escalation in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
  • Israel’s military says it intercepted an incoming missile from Yemen.
  • Moves by the Yemeni group to close off the Bab el-Mendeb Strait, a key shipping channel linking the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, could add to the pressure on global trade caused by the war.
​...https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/28/yemens-houthis-launch-israel-strike-the-first-of-the-iran-war.html
 
US burning through years' worth of critical weapons stockpiles in Iran

​18m ago

In short:

The US is estimated to be burning through high-end weapons at a rapid pace in its war on Iran and stockpiles could take years to replenish.

Analysts say the weapons may not be available for use should other conflicts break out.

They say the duration and outcome of the war could be affected by which side runs out of critical weapons first.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04...n-through-weapons-supplies-iran-war/106489382
 
Four ways a hasty Trump exit from the Iran war may not end the conflict

By CNN Newsource
Published April 1, 2026

(CNN) — US President Donald Trump is signaling that he may walk away from the Iran war, unilaterally stepping out without toppling the Islamic Republic, opening the Strait of Hormuz or securing a deal with Tehran to halt attacks on the United States and its allies.

The president has boasted the “hard part is done” and is optimistic that such a move would ease the economic pain that Iran’s attacks on Persian Gulf shipping and energy infrastructure have caused for consumers in the US and around the world.

But Iran has insisted that it will choose when the war ends and is showing no signs of giving up until the US agrees to its demands. Tehran rejects “deadlines” and is prepared to fight on for “at least six months,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday.

Here’s why the hard part of the war may be far from over:

continued: https://ktvz.com/news/national-worl...t-from-the-iran-war-may-not-end-the-conflict/
 
Attack Drone Hits Near UAE Nuclear Power Plant

​SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026 - 08:59 AM

Abu Dhabi authorities report that a kamikaze drone struck an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra. Officials said there were no injuries, no impact on radiological safety levels, and no disruption to plant operations.

Dubai-based newspaper Gulf News cited the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, which said the one-way drone attack on the Arab world's first commercial nuclear facility did not affect the safety of the nuclear power plant or the readiness of its essential systems. FANR added that all systems were operating normally as of late Sunday.

Barakah operates four APR-1400 reactors with a combined capacity of 5.6 gigawatts, generating about 40 terawatt-hours annually, or about 25% of the UAE's electricity. Any successful attack on Barakah would cripple the UAE's power grid.

continued: https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/attack-drone-hits-near-uae-nuclear-power-plant
 
IAEA says UAE radiation levels normal after drone strike near nuclear power plant
PUBLISHED SUN, MAY 17 20268:00 AM EDTUPDATED AN HOUR AGO​


KEY POINTS
  • The UAE’s nuclear regulator confirmed that the nuclear power plant’s essential systems are operating normally.
  • Radiological safety levels were unaffected by the strike, Abu Dhabi says.
  • The UAE has faced repeated missile and drone attacks during the Israel-U.S.-Iran conflict

Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire caused by a drone strike on an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Sunday.

No injuries were reported, radiological safety levels were unaffected and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed the plant’s essential systems were operating normally.

The statement did not give any indication of how the drone strike happened.

​-snip-

“The IAEA is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed,” the U.N. nuclear watchdog said.​

continued: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/17/abu-dhabi-says-drone-strike-caused-fire-at-nuclear-power-plant.html
 
UAE in 'radiological safety' update as 'drone strike' sparks alarm near nuclear plant

The nuclear power plant is located in the Al Dhafra Region.

​11:42, Sun, May 17, 2026 Updated: 13:28, Sun, May 17, 2026​

Authorities in the capital of the UAE have issued a major statement after claiming a drone strike had prompted a fire near a nuclear power plant. A statement issued by the Abu Dhabi media office on X provided information on radiological safety levels and injuries following the incident.​

The statement read: "Authorities in Abu Dhabi responded to a fire incident that broke out in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, caused by a drone strike. No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological safety levels."

-snip-

"The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) confirmed that the fire did not affect the safety of the power plant or the readiness of its essential systems, and that all units are operating as normal.

"The public is reminded to obtain information from official sources only, and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information."

-snip-
It added in a statement on X: "Emergency diesel generators are currently providing power to the NPP’s unit 3. The IAEA is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed."​

The IAEA's Director General, Rafael Grossi, expressed his "grave concern" over the incident, saying "military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable."

continued: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2206449/uae-abu-dhabi-nuclear-power-plant-drone-strike
 
"Unacceptable" threat to safety: UN nuclear watchdog sounds alarm over drone strike near UAE's Barakah plant
Updated At : 07:30 PM May 17, 2026 IST​

Excerpt:

The incident has since triggered widespread international concern, even though no faction has come forward to claim responsibility for the aerial incursion. The official statement issued by the UAE notably refrained from attributing blame to any specific party for the hostile action, maintaining a cautious diplomatic stance as investigations continue.

Significantly, the strike on Sunday represents the first instance where the four-reactor Barakah Nuclear Power Plant has been actively targeted during the ongoing Iran war. Geographically isolated, the critical facility is situated deep within the far western deserts of Abu Dhabi, positioned in close proximity to the border with Saudi Arabia.

This unprecedented targeting marks a sharp escalation for the installation, which holds a historical distinction as the first and only operational nuclear power facility located anywhere on the Arabian Peninsula. The massive USD 20 billion Barakah nuclear power plant was originally constructed by the Emirates in technical collaboration with South Korea and successfully went online in 2020.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/b...arm-over-drone-strike-near-uaes-barakah-plant
 
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