Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-14 at 00:02

HEADLINESIranian drone hits Baghdad US Embassy roofIsrael readies Lebanon invasion to crush HezbollahTrump warns Kharg Island oil hub strikesThe time is now 12:02 AM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Iranian Retaliation, smoke can be seen rising from the US Embassy Compound in Baghdad, Iraq, following a possible direct impact on the roof of the building by an Iranian one-way attack drone. The account describes smoke at the embassy tied to that claimed drone strike.In US Military Role, two weeks into a bloody air war, Iran holds many cards as it chokes the world's oil supply and strikes US allies in the Middle East, including Gulf states who had staked their reputations on political and economic stability. The initial US victory in killing supreme leader Ali Khamenei has given way to a conflict Washington cannot completely control, sharply limiting President Trump's options. US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's leader but have not toppled the government, which now, from its perch on the Strait of Hormuz, has put the entire world economy on the war's frontlines. Analysts have said decapitation strategies have never been effective in state-versus-state warfare, a point highlighted by scholars and observers as the conflict persists and Iran retains leverage over regional dynamics.In Regional Impacts, President Trump threatened to order strikes on Iran's Kharg Island oil hub unless Tehran stopped attacking vessels in the vital Strait of Hormuz, a warning that could roil markets already dealing with a major disruption in supply. Trump paired the warning with a Truth Social post saying the United States had “totally obliterated” military targets on the island, which lies about 300 miles northwest of the strait and serves as the export terminal for 90% of Iran's oil shipments. He said Iran’s armed forces would be wise to lay down their arms, and Iran’s response was noted by officials as the situation developed. Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Afghanistan's Amir Khan Muttaqi that disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan should be resolved through dialogue and consultation, not force. Beijing urged calm, restraint, and direct talks, and said it would work with the international community, including Afghanistan, to help bring peace to Iran. The statement also noted that Pakistan had bombed the Kam Air fuel depot near Kandahar, intensifying regional tensions even as mediation efforts continue.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Israel is prepared to launch a major ground operation in Lebanon, officials told Axios, aiming to seize territory south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure in what would be the largest such operation since the 2006 war. The plan envisions pushing Hezbollah’s forces north and away from the border, with officials saying the operation would be conducted in a manner echoing the strategy used in Gaza. In the wake of a new rocket barrage, Israel also pledged to the United States not to strike Beirut’s airport. In northern Israel, air-raid sirens sounded in Kiryat Shmona and in other towns such as Manara and Merkhaliyot, with alerts ending after several minutes, as part of ongoing tensions in the region.In US Policy Concerning Israel, Stop fretting: Trump won’t abandon Israel in the war with Iran - opinion. An opinion piece argues that President Donald Trump shows decisive leadership, moral clarity, and steadfast support for Israel, contending he will not desert the battlefield and will maintain a resolute approach against Iran as part of a broader confrontation that includes other strategic competitors. The piece portrays Trump as unlikely to withdraw from the confrontation, emphasizing a continued push to “win” against Iran alongside allied partners.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://t.me/DefenderDome/19185https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/few-easy-ways-out-us-war-iran-dragshttps://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/trump-threatens-strike-irans-kharg-island-oil-network-if-shipping-lanes-remainhttps://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/china-urges-afghanistan-pakistan-resolve-tensions-talks-not-forcehttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-889883https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1296034https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry2scsmc11ehttps://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1296033https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-889754