Last Updated on 2026 年 3 月 24 日 by 総合編集組
US-Iran War Latest Updates: Operation Epic Fury Enters Fourth Week – March 24, 2026 Overview
As of March 24, 2026, the US-Israel joint military operation against Iran, officially named Operation Epic Fury, has entered its fourth week. The conflict, which began with surprise strikes on February 28, 2026, continues to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Persian Gulf and send shockwaves through global energy markets and international diplomacy.
On the diplomatic front, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social early on March 24, claiming that “very good and constructive” talks had taken place between the US and Iran over the previous two days, and that major consensus had been reached on resolving hostilities in the Middle East. Trump announced a five-day extension of the deadline for strikes on Iranian power infrastructure, pushing it to March 27.
The statement briefly eased market fears, causing Brent crude oil prices to dip below $100 per barrel. However, Iranian officials swiftly rejected the claims. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that no substantive direct or indirect negotiations were underway, while Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of spreading false information to manipulate oil prices.
Militarily, the US has reported significant successes. According to Pentagon updates, Iranian ballistic missile launchers have suffered approximately 70% destruction (around 330 out of 470 units). Warhead missile launch frequency has dropped by 86%, drone sortie rates by 73%, and more than 20 major Iranian naval vessels have been sunk. The US has achieved complete air superiority in the region. A notable incident involved a US submarine using advanced torpedoes to sink an Iranian warship in international waters of the Indian Ocean — described as the first combat torpedo sinking since World War II.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched Operation True Promise 4, firing waves of missiles and suicide drones toward Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility, Tel Aviv, and US bases in Gulf countries. While most threats were intercepted, missile debris caused civilian injuries in the southern Israeli town of Arad, forcing around 150 families to evacuate. Simultaneously, Israel intensified strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut, and US forces conducted targeted operations against Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq.
A major political development was the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the first day of the conflict. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, assumed the position with full backing from the Revolutionary Guard. In his first written statement on March 12, Mojtaba emphasized three key positions: weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic lever, treating every Iranian casualty — including the 165 children killed in a Minab school strike — as an individual case for revenge, and issuing an ultimatum to Arab neighbors to close all US military bases or face retaliation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains the most critical chokepoint. Shipping data shows daily commercial vessel transits have plummeted 94% from a January baseline of 120 ships to only 6.9 ships. Foreign-flagged tankers in the area dropped from 96 to 15 vessels. Iran claims full control of the strait and states that shore-based precision missiles alone are sufficient to deter hostile shipping.
As a result, global supply chains have been severely disrupted. Brent crude experienced sharp volatility on March 24, briefly falling then rebounding after Iran’s denial. Saudi Aramco’s CEO Amin Nasser canceled all international travel and warned of potentially catastrophic consequences due to attacks and threats on Gulf energy facilities, with global daily oil production estimated to have fallen by around 10 million barrels.
Europe faces a severe energy crunch. Natural gas storage levels have dropped to a dangerous 30%, well below the five-year average. With Qatari LNG exports disrupted, analysts warn that failure to replenish stocks before next winter could push prices above 74 euros per MWh, triggering industrial shutdowns and social unrest. Russia has hinted that stable energy supplies to Europe might require easing sanctions on Moscow, putting European leaders in a difficult position.
In Asia, the aviation sector is under heavy pressure due to jet fuel shortages. Southeast Asian countries, heavily reliant on refined oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, are expected to run out of reserves within three weeks. Major airlines have announced cuts: Air New Zealand canceled 1,100 flights (5% capacity reduction), Vietnam Airlines suspended 23 key routes, Cathay Pacific halted all Middle East flights until end of April, Qantas rerouted long-haul services via Singapore, and Korean Air plans significant fuel surcharges that could reach $220 on New York routes.
On the great power front, Russia reportedly offered to stop sharing satellite intelligence on US fleet movements with Iran in exchange for reduced US support to Ukraine. China has publicly condemned the strikes but adopted a pragmatic approach, reportedly allowing Chinese-related vessels using RMB settlement to pass safely through the strait while avoiding direct military involvement.
Social media reactions show a strange sense of detachment, with many users comparing official strike videos to military simulation games. Domestic debates in the US range from strong support for eliminating threats to concerns over rising fuel prices and long-term economic costs. In Iran, patriotic sentiment has risen, yet underlying discontent from earlier protests remains.
India has activated Operation Sindhu to evacuate its citizens, with over 10 million Indian workers in the Gulf region at risk. The Indian Navy has expanded escort missions, and airlift operations are on standby in neighboring countries.
In conclusion, the situation on March 24, 2026 presents a highly asymmetric military picture combined with a peculiar political and economic stalemate. The upcoming March 27 deadline will be a critical test for whether diplomatic signals can translate into real de-escalation. The conflict has already shattered the myth of security in the Strait of Hormuz and is accelerating global supply chain diversification and multipolar competition. This remains a contest of endurance — testing the pain tolerance of economies, societies, and political systems alike.
