The Israeli Health Ministry has confirmed that at least 2,975 people have been injured in Israel since the start of the joint United States (US)-Israeli military operations against Iran and Tehran’s counter-offensive.

 

The figures came as President Donald Trump told G7 leaders in a virtual meeting that Iran is “about to surrender”. Despite Trump’s claim – reported by Axios – the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced its 44th wave of attacks, launching a “multitude of missiles” at northern Israeli cities including Haifa, Hadera and Kiryat Shmona.

 

The strikes also targeted US bases and the US Fifth Fleet. In northern Israel, emergency services treated two individuals for shrapnel injuries following the latest alerts.

 

In Iraq, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the deaths of four crew members after a KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq on March 12. While the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for downing the plane, CENTCOM stated the loss was “not due to hostile fire” and is currently under investigation.

 

Meanwhile, instability continues to spread to neighbouring states as an explosion occurred near the Incirlik military base in Turkiye. Social media footage showed a projectile in the night sky while the US embassy in Baghdad warned American citizens of a significant risk of kidnapping, citing threats from Iran-aligned militia groups.

 

On the diplomatic and economic front, global markets remain volatile. Brent crude is trading near $100 a barrel, and the US dollar reached a three-month high as investors seek safe-haven assets. Australia has begun releasing petrol and diesel from emergency reserves to counter supply chain disruptions caused by the war.

 

The conflict has also seen heavy depletion of American military resources. Reports indicate the Trump administration has used “years” of critical munitions, including long-range Tomahawk missiles, since the start of the conflict.

 

In Tehran, massive explosions were reported near pro-government demonstration sites. Iran’s internet remains almost entirely offline, entering its 14th day of a blackout. The IRGC has warned that any internal protests will be met with a response “stronger” than the crackdown seen in January.

 

Further strikes were reported across the region, with Saudi Arabia intercepting drones in its eastern and Al-Kharj provinces. Kuwait’s interior ministry confirmed its air defense systems dealt with a “missile threat” while two drones crashed near a major oil field in southern Iraq.