Top Stories: March 09, 2026

Operation Epic Fury entered its ninth day as fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran intensified across the Middle East.

The United States Department of Defense confirmed that seven U.S. service members have now been killed in the conflict after a soldier wounded in earlier Iranian strikes died from his injuries. Officials say additional casualties are possible as operations expand.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is sending experts and drone interceptors to help counter Iranian drones threatening U.S. bases in the region. Zelenskyy warned the conflict could destabilize Europe, as Russia has openly acknowledged supporting Tehran.

Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader. Meanwhile, Gulf states including Bahrain reported attacks on energy infrastructure as global oil prices surged past $100 a barrel following Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities.

Economic concerns are mounting as finance ministers from the Group of Seven held an emergency meeting to discuss the shock to global markets. Officials are considering a coordinated release of emergency oil reserves with the International Energy Agency to stabilize energy supply.

In Washington, Lindsey Graham praised Israel’s strike capabilities against the Iranian regime but warned that targeting oil infrastructure could complicate efforts to rebuild the country if the government collapses.