Iran has remained under a complete internet shutdown since the first day of the ongoing war, which has now reached its 23rd day. According to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks, this marks the longest period of internet disruption in Iran’s history. The blackout has continued without restoration, cutting off digital communication across the country.

Earlier in January, Iran had also imposed internet restrictions during protests, but the current shutdown has surpassed that duration. The report highlights the scale and persistence of the current disconnection, which has drawn attention as a significant record in the country’s digital history.

The extended disruption underscores the severity of the wartime situation and its impact on communication infrastructure, though no official explanation or timeline for restoration has been provided in the report.

The Hormuz Strait, a narrow maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, has become a focal point of global tension after Iran effectively blocked it following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28. The strait lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, serving as one of the world’s busiest oil transport routes.

According to the report, about 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically pass through this route, with shipments from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Normally, around 3,000 vessels transit the strait each month, but traffic has dropped sharply as Iran has threatened attacks on tankers and other ships. Since the conflict began, at least 21 vessels have been attacked or targeted.

The disruption has pushed global energy prices higher, with crude oil surpassing 100 dollars per barrel, marking a 70 percent rise this year and 50 percent higher than last year.

Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaei-Nik has issued a confident statement regarding the country’s wartime readiness, responding to US assessments suggesting a decline in Tehran’s defense capabilities. According to Al Jazeera, his remarks were published in Iranian media on March 22, 2026.

Talaei-Nik said that ongoing regional attacks demonstrate Iran’s ability to rely on strategic reserves and domestic production. He highlighted that two decades of investment in missile and drone manufacturing have enabled the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to strike targets with precision and effectiveness. He further noted that IRGC missile and drone operations, along with the use of cruise missiles from coastal and naval units, indicate improved accuracy compared to the early weeks of the conflict.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Talaei-Nik asserted that Iran’s armed forces effectively control and determine the security of the waterway.

Iran’s military has warned that it will strike energy infrastructure linked to the United States and Israel across the Middle East if its power plants come under attack. The statement was reported by Al Jazeera and delivered by Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Command. He said Iran would also target desalination plants and information technology infrastructure associated with the two countries.

The warning followed a threat from US President Donald Trump, who said that American forces would attack Iran’s power plants within 48 hours if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened. In response, Iran’s military issued its counter-warning. Separately, Fars News Agency cited the late Ali Larijani, former head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who had earlier cautioned that any strike on Iran’s power grid could plunge the entire Middle East into darkness within half an hour.

The exchange of threats underscores rising tensions in the Gulf region, with both sides signaling readiness for escalation over control of key energy and trade routes.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The ultimatum, issued late on March 21, 2026, demands that Iran allow free passage through the key global energy corridor or face severe consequences.

In response, Iran dismissed the threat and issued a counter-warning. The Iranian military, citing Fars News Agency, stated that any attack on Iran’s energy or power infrastructure would trigger retaliatory strikes on all U.S. and allied energy, information technology, and desalination facilities across the region. Tehran reaffirmed its earlier warnings that any violation of its infrastructure would be met with a broad regional response.

The exchange of threats has heightened tensions in the Gulf, where the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global oil shipments. The situation underscores the fragility of regional stability and the potential for escalation if diplomatic channels fail to ease the standoff.

According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, an Iranian official announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to all types of vessels, provided that adequate security and safety are ensured. However, ships connected to what Iran defines as 'enemy' countries will not be granted this access. The statement was made by Ali Mousavi, Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Mousavi attributed the current disruption of this vital oil transport route to the 'aggression' of the United States and Israel. He emphasized that diplomacy remains Iran’s top priority, but achieving it requires a complete end to aggression and the rebuilding of mutual trust and confidence.

The announcement underscores Iran’s conditional approach to maritime access in the region, linking navigation rights to political and security considerations amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf.

Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Ali Mousavi, stated that foreign vessels can continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian government for security and safety reasons. Mousavi, who also serves as Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, told Mehr News Agency that while Iran will uphold its international obligations, other nations must also respect Iran’s regional integrity and rights.

He added that Iran is ready to cooperate with the IMO and other countries to enhance maritime safety and protect sailors. Mousavi emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to Iran’s enemies. He further claimed that the current situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz stems from the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The statement highlights Iran’s attempt to balance international maritime cooperation with its stance against adversarial nations, amid heightened regional instability.

United States President Donald Trump has warned that Iran’s power plants will be “obliterated” if Tehran fails to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days. The threat came as Israel launched new attacks on Tehran, with explosions reported in the eastern part of the Iranian capital. The developments mark the 23rd day of the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.

In response, Iran has continued its retaliatory strikes against Israel and other regional countries. Nearly 100 people were reported injured after Iranian missiles hit towns near an Israeli nuclear facility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult evening in the battle for our future,” following strikes on the towns of Arad and Dimona.

The escalating exchanges highlight the deepening conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a critical flashpoint in the confrontation.

The joint US-Israel war against Iran has entered its fourth week, with over 1,400 people reported killed in Iran, including 204 children. Iran has retaliated by launching missiles and drones at US and Israeli bases, warning Western and Gulf nations that global shipping and energy infrastructure are at risk. Millions of Iranians marked Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz under the shadow of war, while explosions were reported in Tehran and nearby areas.

The United States has said it is considering a gradual de-escalation but not a ceasefire, and the United Kingdom has allowed its bases to be used for strikes on Iran. Iran fired two ballistic missiles toward the US-UK base in Diego Garcia and warned that British citizens could be endangered. Gulf states including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, while Israel faced multiple attacks causing damage across central and northern regions.

The conflict has driven Brent crude prices to $112.19 per barrel, raising fears of a global economic slowdown. The US has partially eased sanctions on Iranian oil to stabilize supply, though Tehran denied having extra oil to sell. Maritime authorities warned that threats in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz remain extremely severe.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will attack Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The warning was issued through a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he stated that the strikes would begin with Iran’s largest power facility. The report was published by Al Jazeera and cited by Amar Desh Online on March 22, 2026.

Analysts believe the threat could further complicate the already tense situation in the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime route for global energy supplies, carrying a significant share of the world’s oil shipments. Any disruption or escalation around this strategic waterway could have major consequences for the global economy.

The ultimatum adds new uncertainty to regional stability, as tensions involving Iran, the United States, and neighboring countries continue to rise.

Iran announced that Japanese ships will be allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a shift toward a selective blockade of the vital waterway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japan’s Kyodo News that the strait remains open to countries not considered enemies of Tehran, while vessels from nations that have attacked Iran will be barred. He said Iran is ready to provide safe passage for Japanese ships once contact is made to coordinate transit routes.

The announcement follows weeks of near-total closure of the strait after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously warned that any ships attempting passage would be targeted, halting most marine traffic. Recently, Iran has softened its stance, allowing vessels from China, India, and Pakistan to pass under Iranian supervision. Lloyd’s List reported that ten ships have already transited by sailing close to Iran’s coastline, forming a “safe corridor.”

Japan, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil, has been in talks with Tehran to secure passage for its stranded vessels. Several countries, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have jointly expressed readiness to support efforts ensuring safe navigation through the strait.

Iran has claimed responsibility for attacks on two military bases located in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, the country’s navy carried out the strikes using ballistic missiles and drones. The report, citing Al Jazeera, stated that the Al-Minhad base in the UAE and the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait were targeted, specifically hitting hangars and fuel tanks.

IRIB’s statement alleged that these bases had been used by “American-Zionist aircraft” to launch attacks on Iranian territory. However, the claims have not been independently verified. As of now, neither Kuwait nor the UAE has issued an official response to Iran’s announcement.

The report comes amid heightened regional tensions, with related incidents including attacks in Iran and calls for international investigations into recent strikes on sensitive sites.

A United States-based human rights organization, Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), has reported that at least 640 attacks occurred across Iran in a single day. According to the group, the incidents took place on Friday across 17 provinces, leaving at least 68 people dead or injured. Both military and civilian targets were reportedly hit during the wave of violence.

HRANA stated that since the conflict began about three weeks ago, the total death toll has reached at least 1,398, including 210 children. The information was published by the international media outlet BBC. However, no clear official statements from the involved parties have been made regarding these attacks.

The report highlights the escalating violence across Iran, though the absence of official confirmation leaves uncertainty about the full scope and responsibility for the incidents.

Russia has strongly condemned the attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, describing it as a dangerous act that could lead to regional disaster. The statement was issued by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who called on the international community to conduct an objective and thorough investigation into the incident.

According to Moscow, such attacks pose serious risks to stability across the Middle East. The Russian government emphasized that irresponsible actions of this nature could escalate tensions and create widespread instability in the region.

The call for an international probe highlights Russia’s concern over growing insecurity in the Middle East following multiple reported attacks in Iran and neighboring countries.

Global oil markets are facing heightened uncertainty as roughly 170 million barrels of Iranian crude oil stored at sea are expected to enter circulation following the recent easing of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Analysts cited by Reuters on Saturday said the oil is currently held on ships stretching from the Gulf region to Chinese waters. Consultancy Energy Aspects estimated the volume at 130 to 140 million barrels, equivalent to less than two weeks of Middle Eastern supply shortfall.

The Middle East supplies about 60 percent of Asia’s crude demand, but near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz this month has forced regional refineries to cut production and limit exports. Analysts warned that any instability in this key waterway directly affects global energy markets.

China has remained Iran’s main buyer since U.S. sanctions were imposed in 2018, importing about 1.38 million barrels per day last year. India, facing low reserves, is also exploring Iranian purchases but awaits clarity on payment terms and U.S. policy. Traders noted ongoing challenges over payment mechanisms and the use of older “shadow fleet” vessels for transport.