The United States is planning to send a Marine expeditionary unit to the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to rise. According to a report by ABC News, Washington is preparing to deploy around 2,200 Marines aboard three naval ships. Defense officials told Al Jazeera that the unit will be dispatched from the Marine Corps base in Okinawa, Japan, to support potential military operations if required.

Officials stated that the force consists of approximately 2,500 personnel who will travel through the region with the naval vessels. The move comes as part of broader U.S. military positioning in response to regional security concerns involving Iran.

The deployment underscores Washington’s continued focus on maintaining readiness and operational flexibility in the Middle East, though no specific timeline or mission details were disclosed in the reports.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is not expanding, rejecting claims that the war is spreading. Speaking at a briefing in Washington, D.C., he said that contrary to some media headlines, the situation is strengthening US advantages rather than escalating warfare. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

Hegseth expressed frustration with reports suggesting a widening conflict, even as missile attacks have occurred in several countries in the region. Observers have interpreted these incidents as signs of broader escalation. Addressing concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, he assured that Americans need not worry, though he acknowledged that fuel prices in the United States have risen by about 60 cents per gallon due to recent tensions.

He added that the potential risks around the Strait of Hormuz were already known and that the US was aware of the situation. Critics, however, questioned why such developments were allowed to occur if the risks had been anticipated.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that a severe strike will be carried out against Iran within the next week. He issued the warning during an interview with Fox News, which aired on Friday. Trump stated that the United States would protect ships of various nations crossing the Strait of Hormuz if necessary and expressed hope that the U.S.-led war against Iran would progress successfully.

Trump appeared uncertain about his stance on Iran but praised the U.S. military for significantly weakening Iran’s military capabilities. However, he acknowledged that the war could not be concluded quickly. Earlier, during remarks in Hebron, Kentucky, on Wednesday, Trump said that the United States had won but must continue the war to finish the job.

The United States and Israel began attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting Iran to retaliate with strikes on Israeli targets and U.S. bases across several Middle Eastern countries.

The United States has temporarily eased sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products to mitigate the global economic impact caused by the ongoing war in Iran, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He stated that the 30-day relaxation would not provide significant financial benefits to the Russian government.

In contrast, UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks told the BBC that the United Kingdom would 'in no way' relax its restrictions on Russian oil, warning that such a move could allow Vladimir Putin to further invest in the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin, however, described the US decision as an attempt to stabilize the energy market, suggesting that the move serves the interests of both countries.

The announcement came as oil prices surged above 100 dollars per barrel on Thursday amid threats to halt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil transport routes.

U.S. President Donald Trump is struggling to claim victory in the ongoing war with Iran, which has entered its second week. The conflict has escalated after Iran closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil transport and driving up fuel prices. Despite Trump’s early declaration of success, military analysts and events on the ground suggest the situation is far from under control. A U.S. tanker aircraft crash in Iraq and domestic unrest in Virginia and Michigan have further complicated the picture, while seven American soldiers have already been reported dead.

Experts warn that reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be extremely difficult due to Iranian drone and missile threats. Analysts argue that the crisis underscores the limits of military power and the need for political solutions. The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the succession of his son have weakened Trump’s narrative of strategic victory. Meanwhile, differing U.S. and Israeli goals, rising oil prices, and growing domestic unease are eroding public support.

The article concludes that Trump faces diminishing strategic options and may be forced to declare victory prematurely to avoid a prolonged and costly conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that killing Iran’s top leaders, including the recently deceased Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was a “great honor.” In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, Trump stated that the United States would completely destroy Iran’s “terrorist regime” militarily and economically. He claimed Iran’s navy and air force had been effectively wiped out, along with its missiles and drones, and said its leaders had been “erased from the face of the earth.”

Trump criticized a New York Times report suggesting the U.S. was losing the war, asserting that America possessed unmatched military power, limitless ammunition, and sufficient time to defeat Iran. He described Iran’s leadership as responsible for killing innocent people worldwide for 47 years and said that as the 47th U.S. president, he was now eliminating them, calling it a great honor.

According to the report, Ayatollah Khamenei was killed on February 28, the first day of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, aged 56, as the new Supreme Leader.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is no longer interested in receiving the Nobel Prize. He made the comment in a telephone interview with the Washington Examiner, according to a report published on March 13, 2026. When asked whether the topic came up in his recent conversations with foreign leaders, Trump replied that he does not discuss the Nobel Prize and added that he is not interested in it.

Previously, Trump had repeatedly expressed his desire to win the Nobel Prize and claimed that he deserved it. He had stated several times that he stopped eight wars but was still denied the Nobel Peace Prize by the Nobel Committee. On social media, Trump wrote that it did not matter because he had saved millions of lives.

The remarks mark a shift from Trump’s earlier position, suggesting a change in his public stance toward the Nobel Prize.

The Trump administration is struggling to manage an escalating crisis after miscalculating Iran’s response to U.S. military aggression. According to the report, Washington officials, including Energy Minister Chris Wright, had expressed confidence that a conflict with Iran would not disrupt Middle Eastern oil supplies or global energy markets. However, Iran has now threatened attacks on commercial oil tankers in the Hormuz Strait, halting shipments from Gulf countries and driving up oil prices.

The situation has forced the U.S. government to take emergency measures, including evacuating embassy staff from the region and drafting policies to stabilize fuel prices. During a closed briefing to Congress, Senator Christopher S. Murphy said the administration lacked a clear plan to reopen the strait or end the conflict. Some officials reportedly feel frustrated by the absence of a coherent exit strategy, though they remain cautious about voicing dissent as President Trump continues to claim military success.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that the administration had a firm plan before the war and expects oil prices to fall once the conflict ends, describing Iran’s market disruption as temporary.

US Senator Lindsey Graham has dismissed the possibility of deploying American ground troops in Iran, saying such a move is unnecessary. Speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C., the Republican senator stated that the ongoing conflict is expected to continue for several more weeks. He emphasized that the war’s objective is to ensure Iran cannot resume uranium production, destroy its missile development capabilities, and prevent it from reviving its nuclear program.

Graham noted that the conflict is not nearing an immediate end and that achieving these goals will take additional time. He added that the situation would be reassessed after several weeks of operations. His remarks come as tensions remain high in the region, with reports of related incidents in Iraq and Oman.

The senator’s comments, reported by Al Jazeera, underline a strategic focus on targeted military objectives rather than a full-scale ground deployment in Iran.

The United States has initiated a trade investigation against several countries, including Bangladesh, India, and China, following a court decision that invalidated a key part of Donald Trump’s tariff policy. The U.S. Trade Representative announced the probe under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, aiming to examine alleged unfair trade practices and structural overcapacity in manufacturing sectors. The investigation could provide a legal basis for imposing new import tariffs, with results expected by next summer.

The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that limited Trump’s authority to impose tariffs under emergency powers, requiring congressional approval for such actions. In response, Trump announced a new 10 percent global tariff, with the possibility of raising it to 15 percent. The investigation covers 14 countries and the European Union, excluding Canada.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan said the inclusion of Bangladesh is uncomfortable but not alarming, citing improvements in labor rights and limited U.S. market exposure. Industry leaders urged the government to prepare strategically to avoid potential tariff hikes exceeding 19 percent.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the war against Iran is progressing rapidly and effectively. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, he described Iran as a nation of terror and hate, saying the country is now paying a high price for its actions. His remarks came as he discussed recent developments in the ongoing conflict.

Trump has given mixed statements in recent days about the war’s progress. He claimed that the United States has already won against Iran and suggested the war could end very soon, while also emphasizing the need to continue fighting. His comments reflect both confidence in military success and caution about declaring victory too early.

Trump did not directly respond to comments from Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who in his first message after taking office vowed to take revenge for joint U.S.-Israeli attacks. The exchange highlights continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran amid escalating hostilities.

The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian crude oil and petroleum products, allowing their sale until April 11. The US Treasury Department announced that shipments already loaded on vessels by March 12 can be traded freely on global markets. The decision follows a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran, after which Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a global energy shortage.

According to the US Commerce Ministry, the move is part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to stabilize global energy markets while addressing potential threats from Iran. The ministry emphasized that the temporary measure applies only to Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded before the deadline.

The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, serving as a key route for exports from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq. The temporary easing of sanctions aims to mitigate disruptions in global energy supply caused by the regional conflict and trade restrictions.

Rising oil prices following US-Israel strikes on Iran are intensifying economic pressure on American consumers, even as President Donald Trump declared the war a swift victory. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, halting Gulf oil shipments and pushing prices above $100 per barrel, with warnings that they could reach $200. Experts say the economic impact will depend on how long the conflict lasts and how quickly shipping resumes. The International Energy Agency called the situation the largest supply disruption in global oil market history.

Analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could trigger 1970s-style stagflation or recession. Gasoline prices in the US have risen to $3.59 per gallon, up 65 cents since February, with further increases expected if the war continues. Supply chain disruptions are already causing port congestion and could soon raise prices for goods, plastics, and fertilizers. Economists note that higher oil costs could keep inflation elevated, complicating Federal Reserve policy and keeping mortgage rates high.

Experts also highlight long-term consequences, including higher debt costs, reduced job creation from military spending, and a global realignment as countries seek to reduce reliance on the US.

A fire broke out aboard the United States aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, injuring two service members, according to a statement released by the US military on Thursday. The incident occurred in the ship’s main laundry space, and officials confirmed that the fire was not related to combat operations.

The US Central Command stated that the blaze was not caused by any hostile action or warfare. However, the military did not disclose the current location of the carrier at the time of the incident. The USS Gerald Ford is one of the US Navy’s major aircraft carriers, but no further details were provided about the extent of the damage or the condition of the injured personnel.

The military’s statement focused on clarifying that the fire was accidental and not linked to any external threat, while investigations into the cause and impact of the incident are expected to continue.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reversed his earlier position on welcoming Iran’s national football team to the upcoming World Cup. In a post on Truth Social, Trump began by welcoming the team but added that he did not believe it would be safe for them to come to the United States given the current situation. His statement came less than a day after FIFA President Gianni Infantino claimed that Trump had reaffirmed support for Iran’s participation.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated since a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on February 28 in Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. In response, Iran launched drone and missile attacks on U.S. bases in the region. Following Infantino’s earlier post, Iran’s sports minister announced on state television that the country would not participate in the World Cup, citing the U.S. government’s actions.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with Iran’s group-stage matches set in the U.S. FIFA has not yet commented on the situation, leaving uncertainty over Iran’s participation.