【Iran Crisis】Dozens of oil tankers approach the strait attempting to breach; Iran issues another warning. Trump press conference: Iran's war will end soon but refuses to commit to a timeline (updating continuously)

Oil prices once plummeted nearly 10%, with Brent crude futures dropping 9% to a low of $90.3, and NYMEX crude futures falling 8% to $87. According to shipping industry sources, dozens of oil tankers are approaching the Strait of Hormuz, seemingly attempting to pass through. As of 7:49 a.m., they are very close to the strait, and the situation is tense.

According to semi-official Iranian media agency Fars News, a senior Iranian military official warned, “Until further notice, we will not allow even a single liter of oil to be exported from the region to hostile parties and their allies.”

Citing CNBC, a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry also issued a warning, stating that oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz “must be very careful,” and that targeting US military bases and assets in the region is “legitimate” under international law.

Following Iran’s warning, oil prices narrowed their decline.

🔴 One senior Iranian military official told Al Mayadeen: “Until further notice, we will not allow even a single liter of oil to be exported from the region to hostile parties and their allies.”

— Fars News Agency (@FarsNews_Agency) March 9, 2026

Trump stated that the U.S. military has deployed a strong force and mine-clearing equipment in the Strait of Hormuz, and if necessary, will provide “political risk insurance” and personally escort commercial ships. He emphasized that Iran will not be allowed to cut off global oil supplies.

In a press conference, Trump refused to promise that the war would end “within days or this week,” but stressed it would be “very quick.” He pointed out that Iran’s military assets—including navy, air force, radar, and leadership—have been almost entirely destroyed, so the operation will not take long. He said the current military progress is unprecedented, with the pace far exceeding initial expectations, which originally estimated about a month to reach this stage.

He claimed to have dealt a heavy blow to Iran’s military, sinking 51 naval vessels, completely destroying drone manufacturing facilities, and reducing missile capabilities to below 10%. Over 5,000 targets have been struck, including high-value strategic targets multiple times. The highest leadership of Iran has been eliminated two or three times. Iran’s secret underground nuclear facilities have been destroyed to prevent nuclear weapons development.

He stated that Iran’s power grid and critical infrastructure remain intact as leverage; if Iran retaliates, it will face devastating consequences. He said the most dangerous phase of the war was over within three days.

He called for Iran to nominate a new leader willing to pursue peace. He expressed disappointment that Iran’s Supreme Leader is the son of Khamenei.

He emphasized that maintaining the Strait’s open passage is mainly to stabilize the global economy, and specifically mentioned that this action actually helps countries like China that rely on the strait. “I want to keep it open. I want to keep it good. You know, it doesn’t affect us as much as it does China. We’re actually helping China and other countries because they get a lot of energy from the strait. But we have a good relationship with China. I’m honored to do this.”

Summary of the press conference:

“Over the past weekend, the U.S. military and Israeli Defense Forces continued to successfully execute ‘Operation Epic Fury.’ Over the past nine days, they launched the most powerful and complex military strikes and tactical exercises ever seen in the world. If you combine these actions with other achievements—such as ‘Midnight Hammer,’ which eliminated Iran’s nuclear threat entirely, and the significant successes in Venezuela and elsewhere—you will see major victories everywhere.”

“While advancing these operations, we have also made significant progress in achieving military objectives. Some might say these goals are already quite well achieved. We have thoroughly and completely eliminated every armed force within Iran. Most of Iran’s navy has been sunk, submerged. I just received reports of 51 ships. I didn’t even know they had so many ships, but they didn’t last long. These are combat vessels meant for fighting, but they are no match for us.”

“We continue to target Iran’s drone and missile capabilities. Their drone numbers have been greatly reduced. Their drone manufacturing plants are under full attack from today. We have seized all their drone production sites and are destroying them one by one. Their missile capability has dropped to about 10%, possibly lower. We have also precisely targeted their missile manufacturing and transportation facilities. So far, we have struck over 5,000 targets, including very strategic ones. But we have kept some of the most important targets in reserve for future use. If we hit those, they would need many years to rebuild, affecting power generation and many other critical infrastructures. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, we do not plan to do so. These targets are easy to hit, but once hit, the consequences would be catastrophic. We are watching and deciding whether to strike them. We could destroy all of them in a day.”

“But all these actions have caused about 90% of the overall decline across various sectors, especially Iran’s missile launchers. As you know, drone launchers have also decreased by 83%. Drone launchers are almost destroyed, and Iran’s missile launchers have declined by over 90%. These are highly sophisticated, difficult-to-replicate devices. Usually, with our advanced equipment and top talent, we can destroy a missile launcher within five minutes or less after it launches a missile.”

“So now, we have low-cost interception systems that effectively counter Iran’s drones; our B-2 bombers recently dropped dozens of 2,000-pound bombs across Iran to destroy their missile launchers, often penetrating deep into underground soil that cannot withstand such penetrations. We are also destroying their drone and missile industries at an unprecedented speed. We know their locations precisely and are eliminating them rapidly. Our progress has far exceeded initial timelines. I dare say, we probably never thought we could achieve such progress in a month.”

“Additionally, we have eliminated their top leadership two or three times. As you know, we had to intervene. We don’t want a future president (if it’s someone else) to hesitate to do what I decisively did, which could lead us back into the same quagmire in five or ten years. So, we believe they should nominate a new president or leader who can pursue real change peacefully. For 47 years, they have been killing. Forty-seven years! Whether it’s military explosions or the USS Cole attack, they have been deeply involved, despite denying it. They are deeply involved in all these tragedies caused by roadside bombs, the dead, and now veterans who have lost limbs or suffered severe facial injuries. This Iranian regime has been attacking Americans and spreading terrorism worldwide for 47 years.”

“Despite numerous opportunities to abandon nuclear ambitions—recently they still cling to these ambitions, even telling Witkoff that they want to continue building nuclear weapons. If we hadn’t launched ‘Midnight Hammer’ and destroyed their nuclear capabilities, they would have had nuclear weapons long ago and would have used them. At least Israel would be facing annihilation. We are very fortunate to have the courage to act, with talented pilots and excellent equipment. The B-2 bombers are incredible. (By the way, we’ve ordered 25 upgraded, better versions.) We have the greatest military in the world, far ahead of others. Wherever we go, you can see it. But you still need the best personnel to operate and use it, and those are the talents we cherish.”

“Even after thoroughly destroying their key nuclear facilities, during ‘Midnight Hammer,’ they never genuinely negotiated. They still insist on developing nuclear weapons, refusing to enrich uranium to unacceptable levels. They even rejected a generous civilian offer to supply nuclear fuel free of charge indefinitely. We proposed to supply nuclear fuel for free, but they weren’t interested because they only want to make nuclear weapons.”

“Therefore, this regime is trying to secretly rebuild its weapons program elsewhere. They cannot return to the three sites we destroyed, so they are working at another location, in a different concealed terrain, protected by hard granite. They hope to be protected; granite is very strong, but they want to go deeper underground. They have started this process and are rapidly manufacturing conventional ballistic missiles. They plan to advance both projects simultaneously, which directly threatens our overseas bases and could soon impact the U.S. mainland. Their evil intent is to use this exponential growth of ballistic missile threats to make it nearly impossible for the outside world to prevent their eventual acquisition of nuclear weapons.”

“Therefore, as you can see, they once had an astonishing number of missiles, most of which are now expended or destroyed, and their use has been disastrous because we can intercept and shoot down most of them. The defense technology is incredible. Patriot missiles, THAAD systems, and advanced naval destroyers have intercepted hundreds of missiles targeting us and our allies. Our laser technology is also incredible and will soon be fully operational. We will have laser weapons capable of low-cost, precise strikes with Patriot missiles and other defense systems.”

“The situation is rapidly approaching an irreversible point, and the U.S. considers this absolutely intolerable. Based on intelligence—deep involvement—they believed they were about to attack us. I firmly believe that if we hadn’t preempted, they intended to attack the U.S. If you notice, they did something extremely foolish—they attacked their neighbors, who are mostly neutral or at least not involved in the conflict, but they were attacked without cause. This backfired strongly; those neighbors immediately turned to us and began to fight back, and they are very successful. Look at Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other countries—they are strong and smart but were attacked. When I first heard this, I said no, someone must have misread the intelligence. But it wasn’t a mistake. The UAE was hit with over 1,000 missiles but nearly shot them all down.”

“On my first day riding down the escalator in 2015, I said, ‘I will stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.’ What I am doing now is just fulfilling that promise. Think back—this was a warning I issued in 2015. It was a threat, which later became a bigger threat, but now it’s no longer a threat, at least for a long time. We want to keep this peace.”

“As we continue ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ we are also highly focused on ensuring the smooth flow of global energy and oil. I will never allow a terrorist regime to hold the world hostage and try to cut off global oil supplies. If Iran takes any reckless action, they will face far more devastating strikes than now. I will destroy those vulnerable infrastructure targets I just mentioned. We will do it very quickly. They will never recover. If they want to play this dangerous game, they better think twice. In the long run, without Iranian ships, drones, missiles, nuclear threats, or other threats, oil supplies will be much safer. The Strait of Hormuz will remain absolutely secure. We have deployed a large number of powerful naval vessels there, and we have the world’s most advanced mine-clearing equipment. Again, most of their ships are already sunk.”

“But we will strike them so hard that they or anyone trying to help them will never regain influence in that region, as long as they dare to act recklessly. Over recent years, this regime and its terrorist proxies have indiscriminately attacked hundreds of commercial ships. We are ending this threat completely. The ultimate result will be a significant reduction in oil and natural gas prices for American families. We have already achieved that, bringing prices down very low. This is a necessary military action to address a problem that must be solved. We are very close to fully accomplishing this goal.”

“Meanwhile, during this brief interruption, the U.S. will provide political risk insurance to any oil tanker operating in the Persian Gulf. We are offering solid risk coverage, and perhaps we will escort them personally through the strait if needed. We have the world’s strongest mine-clearing capabilities, the largest invincible fleet, and know exactly where their minefields are. We will clear them very quickly. But we hope it won’t come to that. Again, if they do this, if they play that sneaky game, we will strike them with unprecedented severity. We are winning this victory decisively. Our progress is far ahead of schedule. Our military is the greatest in the world, equipped with the best gear and top talent—nobody surpasses us.”

“Iran was once a very powerful, threatening country. They planned to take over the Middle East entirely. If we hadn’t preempted them, they would have taken over the Middle East. Since their last strike, they have frantically stockpiled thousands of missiles and other deadly weapons. Most of these have now been destroyed. But they intended to dominate the Middle East. These weapons were aimed at innocent Middle Eastern countries unrelated to this conflict. They wanted to take over the Middle East and destroy Israel. We stopped all this madness in time. We are very proud to be part of this, and it will end very soon. If they restart again, they will face even harsher punishment.”

$1 or less Monday news====

Iran: Willing to continue game if oil prices rise above $200; G7 has no consensus on releasing strategic reserves; oil prices surged 30% to nearly $120

The Strait of Hormuz remains nearly blocked, with Gulf countries planning to cut production. International oil prices once soared 30%, approaching $120 per barrel. But after reports that G7 will discuss jointly releasing strategic reserves, the price gains narrowed.

France’s finance minister said an agreement has been reached that, if necessary, all tools will be used to stabilize the market, including possibly releasing reserves.

Oil prices surged, causing turbulence in global markets. Japan and South Korea markets triggered circuit breakers. U.S. stock futures fell more than 1,000 points on Monday; the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dropped over 600 points at open, the Nasdaq down 1.2%, and the S&P 500 down 80 points. The U.S. dollar index was at 99.185.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz led to rapid filling of oil storage facilities, with Kuwait and the UAE beginning to cut production. Reports indicate that Saudi Aramco’s two oil fields have started reducing output, though the extent was not specified. Some Chinese media suggest that Saudi Aramco is merely reallocating export supplies.

Additionally, Macron announced at Paphos Air Force Base in Cyprus that France plans to work with European and non-European countries to establish a “purely defensive” mission to escort cargo ships and oil tankers, aiming to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz after the most intense phase of conflict.

Iran: Willing to continue game if oil prices stay above $200—prices may remain in triple digits for a period

Iran’s Hatam Anbia Central Command spokesperson issued a video statement warning the U.S. and Israel to cease “inhuman actions.” The spokesperson told the U.S. and Israel that if they can tolerate oil prices rising above $200 per barrel, “then keep playing this game.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Qalibaf said that if the current conflict further expands to infrastructure, its economic impact will last longer regionally and globally. He indicated that under such circumstances, international oil prices could stay in the triple digits for some time.

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement claiming they have carried out the 31st wave of “Real Commitment 4” strikes, using heavy missiles against U.S.-related targets. The IRGC also said that early this morning, they used multiple drones and cruise missiles to attack and “destroy” U.S. military helicopter bases in Kuwait, describing the operation as “extremely critical.” They claimed to have destroyed fuel tanks, helicopter pads, and other logistical and support facilities.

Trump posted on Truth Social: “Short-term oil prices will drop rapidly once Iran’s nuclear threat is eliminated. It’s just a very small price for America and the world’s security and peace. Only fools would think otherwise.”

Hojjat al-Islam Mojtaba Khamenei appointed as Iran’s new Supreme Leader

According to Iranian state media, the Expert Assembly has elected Mojtaba Khamenei (Mojtaba Khamenei) to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Iran’s new Supreme Leader.

The IRGC issued a statement welcoming Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment. The statement described him as “a comprehensive jurist, a young thinker, and highly knowledgeable on political and social issues.” The IRGC also expressed respect, loyalty, and obedience to him, stating that its members are “ready to fully obey and sacrifice themselves in carrying out the sacred command of the Guardian Jurist.”

$1 or less Monday news====

Iran: Will choose new leader within 24 hours; UK plans to send two aircraft carriers; Trump: Those who don’t want to fight until victory are unnecessary

Trump, speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One early Monday (March 2), said unconditional surrender means “they surrender, or when they can no longer fight, and no one around them can surrender either, that might happen because you know we have eliminated their leadership many times.” Regarding the absence of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, “That’s their choice. But we’ve cleared it; we’ve sunk their navy. Their navy is now at the bottom of the sea.”

He added, “We expect oil prices to rise, which is expected. But they will also fall. They will fall very quickly.” Trump said he will use strategic reserves when appropriate.

Regarding ground troops, Trump said they must have very solid reasons. “If we really do that, they will face devastating strikes so severe they won’t be able to fight on the ground.” He also said he does not want the Kurds involved, nor does he want this war to become more complicated. “I’ve told them I don’t want them to go in.”

Trump said, “We’ve taken out one leadership layer, then the second, and now they are at the third or fourth layer, and they have leaders whose identities are unknown.”

According to expert assembly member Ayatollah Mozafari, cited by semi-official Fars News Agency, Iran plans to hold a meeting within 24 hours to elect a new Supreme Leader. The IRGC spokesman told national TV that Iran is “completely prepared to continue intense, comprehensive war for at least six months at the current pace.”

Additionally, Iran’s president said he has instructed the military not to attack any countries that have not attacked Iran, despite attacks on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and others.

The Dubai Media Office issued a statement saying that, for security reasons, all operations at Dubai International Airport are temporarily suspended.

The UAE president issued a rare warning to the country’s “enemies” not to mistake the UAE’s prosperity for weakness. He said during a hospital visit, “The UAE is tough and resilient, not an easy target,” and met with injured civilians from Iran attacks.

Several European officials have reported that Saudi Arabia has increased direct contacts with Iran, trying to curb Middle East war, which has caused serious turmoil and pressure on global markets.

On the oil production front, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, the UAE’s largest oil producer, said it is “managing” offshore oil output levels to meet storage demands. The company continues to utilize export routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz and its international storage facilities to ensure supply reaches global customers.

Trump posted on Truth Social: “The UK, our former greatest ally—perhaps the greatest—finally considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. No problem, Prime Minister Sunak, we no longer need them—but we will remember. We don’t need those who only come to fight after we’ve already won.”

Trump also claimed that Iran, which is suffering heavy blows, has apologized to neighboring Middle Eastern countries and surrendered, promising not to fire on them again. This promise was made solely because of relentless American and Israeli attacks. They once dreamed of taking over and ruling the entire Middle East. This is Iran’s first defeat by neighboring Middle Eastern countries in thousands of years. They said, “Thank you, President Trump.” I replied, “You’re welcome!” Iran is no longer “the Middle East bully”; instead, they are “the Middle East losers,” and will remain so for decades until they surrender or, more likely, collapse entirely. Today, Iran will face a heavy blow! Due to Iran’s malicious actions, some areas and populations that have not yet been targeted are being seriously considered for complete destruction and inevitable death.

$1 or less Monday report====

U.S. and Iran failed to reach an agreement last week. On Saturday (28th), U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Tehran, with multiple explosions reported. President Trump later confirmed that U.S. forces have launched a “major combat operation” inside Iran.

According to Fars News Agency, targets include U.S. bases in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. AFP reports explosions in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Manama (Bahrain), and Doha (Qatar).

Bahrain confirmed that the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Manama was attacked. The Bahrain News Agency issued a brief statement: “The Fifth Fleet service center was hit by missiles.”

UAE’s Ministry of Defense confirmed missile strikes by Iran, with air defenses intercepting “multiple” missiles. An attack on a residential area in Abu Dhabi caused property damage and resulted in one death of an Asian individual.

Videos show explosions in the Juffair area, Bahrain, home to the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters.

Explosions hit Juffair, Bahrain, home to the US Fifth Fleet headquarters. pic.twitter.com/YjXTCeykOY

— Josep Goded (@josepgoded) February 28, 2026

Trump: Iran regime must never possess nuclear weapons

Trump posted a video on Truth Social: “Our goal is to defend the American people by eliminating the imminent threat posed by the Iran regime. The Iran regime is a group of very stubborn, terrible villains.”

He emphasized that the U.S. will maintain its policy that Iran must never have nuclear weapons, especially during his administration.

Over the past 47 years, the Iran regime has shouted ‘Death to America,’ launched bloody massacres and assassinations, targeting America, our troops, and countless innocent civilians in many countries.

Imagine if this regime ever actually acquires and deploys nuclear weapons to send their message—how reckless they would become.

Trump called on the Iranian people: “Tonight, your moment of freedom is coming. Stay in shelters, do not leave your homes—it’s very dangerous outside, bombs are falling everywhere.” He said that after the operation, the government will be taken over by the Iranian people.

▲ 【Iran Situation】 Reports say U.S. and Israel are bombing Tehran (ongoing updates)

Iran: Preparing for destructive retaliation

Reuters quoted an Iranian official saying Tehran is preparing for a “destructive response” to U.S. and Israeli attacks.

According to Iran’s Shargh newspaper, smoke is rising near the residence of Supreme Leader Khamenei, and the Presidential Palace and National Security Council are also in the area. Reuters sources say Khamenei was not in Tehran at the time of the airstrike and has been moved to a safe location.

Israel’s Defense Minister Katz announced that Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran to eliminate threats, and declared a state of emergency. The New York Times reports that U.S. and Israeli officials discussed national security issues anonymously.

Multiple cities experienced explosions; Iran closed its airspace

Following the strikes by the U.S. and Israel, Iran is clearing its airspace.

Airspace clearing after strikes by the United States and Israel in Iran. pic.twitter.com/Oub4T6SrkF

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) February 28, 2026

Fars News Agency reports that three major explosions occurred in central Tehran. Casualties and targets are unknown. In Israel, air raid sirens sounded nationwide, warning of possible Iranian retaliation.

▲ Iran has closed its airspace

Fars reports that other Iranian cities—Qom, Kermanshah, Isfahan, and Karaj—also experienced explosions. Iran has closed its airspace.

Trump previously threatened: Limit nuclear program or face military strikes

President Trump warned that if Iran’s leaders do not accept his demands—including restrictions on their nuclear program—the U.S. will launch military strikes. The region has been tense since then. The U.S. has assembled its largest military force in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion, trying to pressure Iran to accept his terms.

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