March 20, 2026 | 04:45 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran has declared an expansion of retaliatory attacks against the United States and Israel amid escalating conflict since late February. As reported by Anadolu, the Iranian military announced on Thursday, March 19, an attack by drones on the Israeli Ministry of Internal Security in Jerusalem.
In their statement, the attack was described as a response to the deaths of several key Iranian officials. The Iranian military referred to the action as a retaliation "for the blood of heroes." This statement refers to the deaths of Iranian Navy personnel aboard the IRIS Dena warship on March 4 off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, as well as the death of Intelligence Minister Ismail Khatib in Israeli airstrikes earlier this week.
Since February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel have launched a joint offensive against Iran. The reported attacks have resulted in the deaths of more than 1,300 people in Iran. In response, Tehran has targeted locations in Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets.
An American F-35 stealth fighter jet reportedly made an emergency landing at a U.S. military base in the Middle East. Al Jazeera reported that the incident occurred after the aircraft had completed a combat mission over Iran.
Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesman for the US Central Command (CENTCOM), stated, "We are aware of reports that a U.S. F-35 aircraft conducted an emergency landing at a regional U.S. airbase after flying a combat mission over Iran. The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition. This incident is under investigation."
Meanwhile, as reported by TRT World, several U.S. media outlets, including CNN, suggested that the aircraft may have been hit by gunfire believed to have originated from Iran. Two anonymous sources also stated that the jet, valued at up to US$100 million, may have been impacted by an Iranian attack.
Since the conflict began on February 28, the U.S. has reportedly lost approximately 12 MQ-9 Reaper drones. Additionally, U.S. officials stated that five KC-135 refueling aircraft were damaged due to Iranian missile strikes at a base in Saudi Arabia.
In a separate incident on March 1, three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were downed due to friendly fire from Kuwaiti ally aircraft. At least 13 U.S. military personnel have been reported killed since the onset of the conflict, six in the KC-135 accident and seven from Iranian attacks in the early stages of the war. Around 200 personnel were also reported injured in seven Middle Eastern countries. On the Iranian side, local health authorities recorded at least 1,444 deaths and 18,551 injuries since the war began.
Read: IRGC Spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini Killed in US-Israel Strike
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
FIFA Rejects Iranian Request to Move World Cup Games to Mexico
1 jam lalu
FIFA has poured cold water on Iran's bid to move its three World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to co-host Mexico.
Pentagon Seeks $200 Billion Boost for Iran War Effort
1 jam lalu
The U.S. Pentagon has requested an additional budget of $200 billion amidst the escalation of the Iran war, which has raised military costs.
Iran Weighs Levying Transit Fees on Ships in the Strait of Hormuz
2 jam lalu
Parliament is reviewing a draft bill requiring countries using the strait for shipping, energy and food supplies to pay tolls and taxes to Iran.
IMF: U.S. Military Action Against Iran Risks Driving Global Inflation
2 jam lalu
Military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran could push up global inflation if the conflict drags on, IMF spokesperson said.
IRGC Spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini Killed in US-Israel Strike
3 jam lalu
Iran's IRGC announced its spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes. Neither Israel nor the U.S. has confirmed the claim.
Fact Check: False Claim of U.S.-Israel Ground Operation in Iran
5 jam lalu
Fact check - The circulating photo is part of the U.S. military exercise in South Korea.
Impact of US-Israel War with Iran on Turkish Tourism
6 jam lalu
Turkey is one of the most cherished vacation spots in the world. In 2024, it was the fourth most popular destination.
Iran Says It's Boycotting the U.S., Not FIFA World Cup
8 jam lalu
President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, stated that the country will continue to prepare to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
Netanyahu Seeks to Move Oil, Gas Through Israel After Iran War
11 jam lalu
Netanyahu denies that Israel "dragged" the US into the war.
Iran War: Why Is the South Pars Gas Field So Important?
20 jam lalu
An attack on Iran's key South Pars gas field has rattled global energy markets, raised fears of further escalation, and driven oil prices even higher.
