Month: March 2026

President Trump signaled he is considering a dramatic escalation in the conflict with Iran, including the possibility of taking control of the country’s key oil export hub, Kharg Island.

In remarks to the Financial Times, Trump said, “To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran,” suggesting that U.S. forces could seize and potentially hold the island. He downplayed the likelihood of resistance, adding that Iran lacked meaningful defenses, though he acknowledged any occupation could require a prolonged presence.

Trump also drew comparisons to a prior U.S. move to take control of oil assets in Venezuela earlier this year, while dismissing critics of similar action in Iran as “stupid people.” At the same time, the president issued a stark warning tied to ongoing negotiations. Posting on his Truth Social platform, he said the U.S. is engaged in “serious discussions with A NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME to end our Military Operations in Iran,” but made clear that failure to reach a deal—or to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—could trigger massive escalation. “Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately ‘Open for Business,’ we will conclude our lovely ‘stay’ in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!), which we have purposefully not yet ‘touched,’” Trump wrote.

Officials familiar with the situation have cautioned that such an operation would be highly dangerous. Kharg Island lies within range of Iranian missiles and drones, and even if captured, it would not necessarily ease disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital corridor for global oil shipments. Tankers leaving the Gulf could still face attacks, limiting any real impact on supply despite rising oil prices.

Meanwhile, the broader conflict continues to spill across the region. NATO confirmed that its air defenses intercepted an Iranian missile headed toward Turkey, marking the latest in a series of such incidents. Turkish officials said it was the fourth interception since fighting intensified.

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Spain has tightened its stance against U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran by shutting its airspace to U.S. aircrafts involved in the conflict, expanding on an earlier decision to deny access to jointly operated bases.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles said the restriction had been clear from the outset, emphasizing that neither military bases nor Spanish airspace would be used for operations tied to the war. “This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorized, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorized for any actions related to the war in Iran,” she said, reiterating her view that the conflict is “profoundly illegal and profoundly unjust.”

The move reinforces Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of the war. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly condemned the conflict and urged all sides to de-escalate, warning: “You cannot respond to one illegality with another, because that’s how humanity’s great disasters begin.”

Madrid’s decision means U.S. military aircraft operating from bases in Europe must avoid Spanish airspace when heading toward the Middle East, except in emergencies. It follows earlier restrictions on the use of bases at Rota and Morón, though existing agreements still allow limited logistical operations for U.S. forces stationed in Europe.

Spanish officials say the policy reflects a broader refusal to support a war they view as unlawful. “This decision is part of the decision already made by the Spanish government not to participate in or contribute to a war which was initiated unilaterally and against international law,” Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said.

The stance has strained relations with Washington. After Spain blocked access to its bases, President Trump warned of potential trade consequences. Despite the tension, Spain maintains it can meet its NATO obligations while pursuing an independent foreign policy.

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French authorities have taken three teenagers into custody following a disrupted attempt to set off an improvised explosive device outside a Bank of America office in central Paris.

The incident unfolded shortly before 3:30 a.m. Saturday in the city’s 8th arrondissement, near the Champs-Élysées, where police patrols assigned to protect sensitive locations spotted suspicious activity. Officers intervened as one suspect allegedly tried to ignite a crude device made from flammable liquid containers and several hundred grams of explosive powder. Police arrested the individual at the scene, while another person—reportedly filming the attempt—ran off. Investigators later detained two additional suspects, bringing the total number in custody to three, all believed to be minors.

One of the teens detained later is suspected of being the individual who fled during the initial police response. Investigators are also examining claims that the main suspect may have been recruited online and offered payment to carry out the attack, possibly acting as an intermediary.

According to officials, the device, though basic, had the potential to cause serious harm. Authorities say the rapid response by officers prevented it from being set off. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised the “swift intervention” and described the incident as a “violent action of a terrorist nature,” adding that security forces remain on high alert. Authorities are also exploring whether foreign actors may have played a role, with Nuñez noting there is “significant suspicion” of potential links to Iranian networks operating through proxies, though he emphasized that no conclusions have been reached.

The National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office has launched a formal investigation, citing multiple charges tied to attempted destruction using dangerous means, as well as the production and possession of explosive materials in connection with a terrorist enterprise. Under French law, suspects in such cases can be held for up to 96 hours, with possible extensions. The case is now being handled jointly by Paris police and France’s domestic intelligence agency, as officials continue to assess possible connections to similar incidents across Europe targeting sites associated with U.S. interests.

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Israeli authorities blocked senior Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday, an unprecedented move that drew sharp criticism worldwide and disrupted one of Christianity’s most sacred observances. Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week, culminating in Easter, and typically draws thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem.

According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Rev. Francesco Ielpo were stopped before reaching the church, preventing them from holding a private Palm Sunday Mass. The Patriarchate said this marked “the first time in centuries” that the ceremony could not take place at the site many Christians believe is where Jesus was crucified. Church officials condemned the decision, calling it “a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure” and warning it set “a grave precedent” that disregards “the sensibilities of billions of people around the world, who, during this week, look to Jerusalem.”

The Latin Patriarchate emphasized that the planned Mass was private and not part of the large Palm Sunday procession, which had already been canceled due to the conflict. In recent weeks, churches in the area had been holding limited services under strict attendance caps. While Pierbattista Pizzaballa went on to hold services at alternative locations, the absence of the traditional ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre underscored the broader impact of the conflict on religious life in the city.

The restrictions come amid heightened security concerns tied to the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran. Israeli police said access to major holy sites in Jerusalem’s Old City had been suspended due to safety risks, citing narrow streets, limited emergency access, and the threat of missile strikes. Officials noted that even small gatherings could pose dangers in the event of a strike.  In a statement, the office of Benjamin Netanyahu said the move was made “out of special concern for his safety” and insisted “there was no malicious intent whatsoever.” Authorities added that efforts are underway to allow limited worship later in the week.

Despite those assurances, the decision triggered international criticism. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee described the incident as “an unfortunate overreach already having major repercussions around the world,” noting the planned ceremony would have involved fewer than 50 people—within Israel’s own safety guidelines.

European leaders echoed the concern. Emmanuel Macron stressed that “the free exercise of worship in Jerusalem must be guaranteed for all religions,” while Giorgia Meloni called the move “an offence not only to the faithful, but to any community that respects religious freedom.” Spain’s Pedro Sánchez labeled it an “unjustified attack on religious freedom,” with additional criticism coming from European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who called the matter a “violation of religious freedom,” and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who summoned Israel’s ambassador for clarification.

Israeli officials say they are working to find a solution that will allow worship to resume safely in the coming days, as global attention remains fixed on Jerusalem during one of the most significant weeks in the Christian calendar.

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