On day 16 of the Iran conflict, Israel says it needs at least three more weeks of strikes and reports "thousands of targets" remain. President Trump urged allied navies to secure the Strait of Hormuz as tanker traffic stalled and Brent crude topped $105 a barrel. Both sides reported extensive strikes, the Pentagon identified six aircrew killed in a KC-135 crash, and Iran said dozens of cultural sites were damaged.
Day 16: Israel Prepares Weeks More Of Strikes As Strait Of Hormuz And Oil Markets Face Pressure
Fires and plumes of smoke rise after debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck an oil facility, according to authorities, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates on March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) - Altaf Qadri/AP
As the confrontation between the US, Israel and Iran enters its third week with no immediate end in sight, military activity and economic consequences continue to mount. Israel says it is preparing for at least three more weeks of strikes and that "thousands of targets" remain. US officials and allies are weighing naval deployments to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as tanker traffic has stalled and oil prices climb.
Key Developments
Three More Weeks: Trump administration officials said they expect the conflict to wind down within weeks or "sooner," while the Israeli military told CNN it has a list of targets that will take at least three more weeks to address. The military emphasized it is acting to "achieve our goals," which it described as severely weakening Iran’s military capabilities and infrastructure.
No Deal With Iran: President Trump said he is not prepared to make a deal with Iran "because the terms are not good enough yet." He also made a controversial remark saying the US may strike Iran’s Kharg Island "a few more times," comments that drew broad attention.
Strait Of Hormuz: The president urged countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to help reopen and secure the vital shipping lane after Iranian threats and attacks halted tanker traffic. The UK’s energy secretary said London is exploring "any options" to protect maritime traffic. According to AAA, US gasoline prices have risen by roughly 23–24% since the conflict began, averaging about $3.70 per gallon.
Supreme Leader’s Health: Iran’s foreign minister said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is in "good health" and is "managing the country strongly," responding to widespread speculation about his condition.
Fallen Servicemembers: The Pentagon identified six aircrew members killed in a KC-135 refueling aircraft crash in western Iraq. The crash remains under investigation.
US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One as he departs Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on March 13, 2026. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Sporting Events Postponed: Formula 1 and the FIA announced that the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix scheduled for April will not take place as planned, citing safety concerns related to the regional conflict. Both countries have experienced strikes amid Iran’s responses to recent US and Israeli operations.
Oil And Markets: Brent crude surpassed $105 a barrel — its highest level since July 2022 — as markets reacted to disruptions in shipping and rising geopolitical risk. US motorists faced higher pump prices, with averages near $3.70 per gallon, according to AAA.
Strikes And Claims: The Israeli military said it struck more than 200 targets in Iran in the past day. Iran, meanwhile, reported firing roughly 700 missiles and launching about 3,600 drones at US and Israeli targets since the fighting began; these figures come from official Iranian statements and have not been independently verified.
US Diplomats: Israeli media reported that shrapnel from an Iranian ballistic missile damaged a building that houses US diplomatic personnel in Israel. The US State Department has been contacted for comment.
Cultural Sites: Iran reported that at least 56 museums, historic buildings and cultural sites were damaged by strikes it attributes to US and Israeli actions. Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage issued a strong condemnation via state media.
CNN contributors: Chris Lau and Xiaoqian Lin.
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