14 Updates on the Iran vs US War, 10 Explosions Rock Israel as NATO Takes Action

The war between Iran and the United States (US), along with Israel, continues to intensify in the Middle East. Although a new Wall Street Journal report indicates that US President Donald Trump will end the war without fanfare by reopening the Strait of Hormuz closed by Iran, violence persists in the region. NATO is also involved in the latest updates. Here are 14 developments, compiled by CNBC Indonesia on Tuesday (31/3/2026). 1. New Israeli Strike on Tehran Explosions were heard in Iran’s capital, Tehran, early on Tuesday. Power outages also struck several parts of the capital. “Power outages in parts of Tehran after several explosions were heard,” reported the Fars news agency. However, it is unknown if there were any casualties from the attack. The strike occurred after the Israeli military said it was retaliating against an Iranian missile attack. 2. 10 Explosions Rock Israel An airstrike occurred in Israel before reports of explosions in Iran. The AFP website reported that sirens sounded during the attack. “At least 10 explosions were heard over Jerusalem,” said the French media journalist. “A short while ago, the IDF identified a missile launched from Iran towards Israeli territory,” the Israeli military wrote on Telegram. 3. US-Israel Airstrikes on Iraq The Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) said US-Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on two of their bases in Babil and Anbar provinces. The PMF is a coalition of many militias in Iraq supported by Iran, some of which have close ties to the Iranian government and military (IRGC). “The 45th Brigade in the Jurf al-Nasr sector of Babil Governorate was targeted by three airstrikes, while another strike targeted the 31st Brigade in the Karma sector, east of Anbar Governorate,” it stated on its website. “No casualties were reported,” added the AFP report. 4. Kuwaiti Tanker in Dubai Ablaze An Iranian attack sparked a fire on a Kuwaiti oil tanker at Dubai Port. This was reported by state media on Tuesday, adding that there were no injuries. “The giant Kuwaiti crude oil tanker was the target of a direct and malicious Iranian attack while anchored in the Dubai Port area in the UAE,” reported KUNA, citing the state-owned Kuwaiti oil company. In Dubai, debris from intercepted air defences caused the fire. Authorities said shrapnel injured four people in the city. 5. Netanyahu Claims War with Iran “Successful” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war against Iran has been quite successful, with Israel achieving more than half of its objectives. However, he did not set a timeline for when the war would end. Trump had previously stated that the war could end with mediation, possibly a deal next week. “This has clearly passed the midpoint. But I don’t want to set a schedule,” Netanyahu told the conservative US television station Newsmax. 6. Two Indonesian Peacekeepers Killed in Lebanon Indonesian soldiers serving as UN peacekeepers in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said two personnel were killed on Monday in an explosion in the south of the country. Previously, another soldier had also fallen the day before. “Two other peacekeepers were injured in the explosion, one of them seriously,” the force said. “An investigation is underway,” it added. 7. Drone Attacks US Embassy in Baghdad US interests were attacked again amid the war with Iran. A civilian was injured in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, on Monday night after bullet fragments from an intercepted drone strike targeting the US Embassy fell into their neighbourhood. 8. Iran to Charge Tolls for Ships Passing Strait of Hormuz Iranian state media reported that a parliamentary commission has approved a plan to impose toll fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil and gas shipments. Previously, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for the US-Israeli war on Tehran. A member of the parliamentary security commission, state television said, the plan involves “financial regulation and the rial customs system” and “implementation of Iran’s sovereignty role.” It was also stated that there would be cooperation with Oman across the strait. 9. G7 to Take Action G7 economic and finance ministers said they are ready to take “all necessary steps” to ensure energy market stability, shaken by the war. The G7 is a forum for discussing global issues such as the economy, security, and international politics, comprising the US, Japan, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Canada. 10. NATO Takes Action Again NATO forces intercepted new missiles fired from Iran towards Turkey. This is the fourth since the start of the Middle East war. According to authorities, none of the four projectiles hit Turkish territory. There were no casualties in the attack. It should be noted that Turkey is a NATO member. There is a NATO and US military base in the country. 11. US Updates Talks with Iran US Secretary of State Marco Rubio updated claims of “negotiations with Iran,” denied by Tehran. He expressed hope for cooperation with elements within the Iranian government. According to him, the US has personally received positive messages. Rubio said there is an “internal rift” within the Islamic Republic and that America hopes figures with “the power to act” will take over leadership. 12. Israel Strikes Iranian University The Israeli military said it had attacked Imam Hossein University in Tehran, run by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Israel said the institution was used for certain purposes. 13. Trump Threatens Iran’s Kharg Island Oil Facilities Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s oil export centres on Kharg Island, oil wells, and power plants if Iran does not soon agree to a deal to