Israel Iran War News Day 26: Kuwait airport hit again, US to send more soldiers while Trump claims ‘gift’ from Iran amid peace proposal

The West Asia war entered its 26th day on Tuesday with intensifying strikes, widening regional fallout and renewed diplomatic manoeuvring, as multiple flashpoints lit up across Iran, Israel and Lebanon. Israel ramped up attacks on Iranian missile infrastructure, while US dabbled into a peace deal proposal and also prepared to send more soldier into the warfront.

At the same time, the conflict’s reach expanded beyond traditional battle zones, with strategic and civilian sites increasingly coming into focus.

Follow live updates from the West Asia war.


A drone strike that set a fuel tank ablaze at Kuwait International Airport highlighted the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the Gulf. Though authorities reported limited damage and no casualties, the repeated targeting of the airport since late February points to a deliberate pattern aimed at disrupting key transit and logistics hubs.

Diplomatic tensions are also sharpening alongside the military escalation.

Lebanon’s decision to expel Iran’s ambassador-designate marked a significant political shift, drawing praise from Israel and signalling deeper regional divisions.

Also Read | Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif offers to host peace talks to end US-Israeli war on Iran

Meanwhile, the United States is pursuing a parallel strategy -preparing additional troop deployments even as it pushes a 15-point proposal to Iran brokered by Pakistan in an effort to find a way out of the conflict.

Also, Trump has injected a note of cautious optimism, claiming Iran delivered a “very big present” linked to oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz—an apparent signal, in his view, that talks are moving in the right direction.

Pakistan, Turkey emerge as possible venues as US-Iran proposal surfaces amid war

• Pakistan delivers US proposal to Iran: Reuters citing Iranian official
• Turkey or Pakistan eyed as possible venues for talks
• Tehran signals limited openness, despite public denials
• Proposal details unclear; may link to reported 15-point US plan
• Plan said to target uranium enrichment, missiles, regional funding
• Oil eases, markets rebound on de-escalation hopes
• US plans more troop deployments to Gulf
• Pakistan offers to host talks soon
• Turkey passing messages between sides
• Iran denies talks, sticks to hardline
• Military mocks Trump, rules out any deal
• Iran calls US actions “betrayal of diplomacy”
• Israel sceptical, wary of US concessions

Tehran warns US carrier of strike risk, rejects talks narrative, asserts military dominance

• Iran says USS Abraham Lincoln under watch; will be targeted if in missile range
• Navy chief Shahram Irani issues warning via state media
• Tehran dismisses US outreach as “facade”
• Military says US “strategic power” now a “strategic defeat”
• Iran denies any talks with Washington, contradicts US claims
• Comes after Trump backs off strike ultimatum
• Warns of retaliatory strikes on regional energy assets if attacked
• Calls US talk claims an attempt to mask defeat
• Says “era of US promises is over”
• Flags policy disarray within US administration
• Warns oil dynamics, US investments won’t return to past levels
• Asserts regional stability rests on Iran’s military strength
• Rules out deal, says no compromise with US “ever”

Indian government waives Mundra port fees, assures fuel supply stability

US troop buildup and peace push reflect dual-track strategy

• The Pentagon is preparing to deploy thousands of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East.
• The move would expand U.S. military options, even as diplomatic efforts are underway.
• Washington has also sent a 15-point proposal to Iran aimed at ending the conflict.
• The plan addresses nuclear issues, missile programs and maritime security concerns.
• Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary, facilitating communication between the two sides.

Iran signals conditional Hormuz access as energy concerns mount

• Iran has said “non-hostile” vessels may pass through the Strait of Hormuz under its coordination.
• The move comes after severe disruptions to global oil and gas shipments through the route.
• Nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies transit the strait, making it strategically critical.
• The conflict has already triggered volatility in global energy markets.
• Any easing of restrictions could have significant economic implications worldwide.

Kuwait airport drone strike highlights widening regional impact

• A drone strike hit a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, sparking a fire.
• Authorities said the damage was limited and no casualties were reported.
• The airport has faced multiple attacks since the conflict began on February 28.
• Previous incidents targeted radar systems, fuel storage and a passenger terminal.
• The repeated strikes point to growing risks for civilian infrastructure across the region.

Lebanon expels Iran envoy in sharp diplomatic escalation

• Lebanon has withdrawn approval for Iranian ambassador-designate Mohammad Reza Shibani.
• The government declared him “persona non grata” and ordered him to leave by March 29.
• Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said the decision was formally conveyed to Iran’s diplomatic mission in Beirut.
• The move signals rising political pressure within Lebanon over Iran’s role in the conflict.
• It marks a significant diplomatic shift amid ongoing military tensions.

Israel welcomes Lebanon move, calls out Iran’s regional role

• Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised Lebanon’s decision as “justified and necessary.”
• He accused Iran of undermining Lebanon’s sovereignty through Hezbollah.
• Sa’ar urged Beirut to take further steps against what he called Iran’s “indirect occupation.”
• The response highlights Israel’s effort to isolate Iran diplomatically.
• It also reflects broader regional divisions hardening as the war continues.

Trump touts ‘very big’ Iran gift tied to oil and Hormuz

• Trump said Iran gave the U.S. a “very big present” linked to oil and gas.
• He suggested the move relates to the Strait of Hormuz and energy flows.
• The claim was framed as a sign of progress in potential negotiations.
• Trump said the gesture showed the U.S. was dealing with the “right people.”
• Iran has publicly denied being engaged in such talks.

QatarEnergy declares force majeure after Ras Laffan damage

• QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on LNG supply contracts with Italy, Belgium, South Korea and China.
• Missile attacks on March 18 and 19 caused significant damage at the Ras Laffan production hub.
• Two LNG trains and one gas-to-liquids (GTL) train were impacted in the strikes.
• The company is assessing operational impact and working out repair timelines for the affected facilities.

UN warns of ‘unmitigated catastrophe’ as strikes near nuclear sites continue

• UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that strikes near nuclear sites in Iran and Israel risk an “unmitigated catastrophe.”
• He said recent missile attacks around such facilities highlight the extreme dangers of further escalation.
• Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, Türk cautioned that states are “flirting with unmitigated catastrophe” as tensions rise.