Top Stories: March 12, 2026

New developments are emerging on Day 13 of Operation Epic Fury as the conflict spreads across multiple fronts in the Middle East.

A missile strike overnight targeted a coalition base in Erbil in northern Iraq, damaging military vehicles at a facility where Italy maintains troops as part of the international coalition presence in the region. Officials say the strike marks a significant escalation as the war continues to expand beyond Iran’s borders.

The conflict is also impacting global energy markets. Oil prices surged during trading, with Brent Crude rising to around $100 a barrel. Analysts say markets are reacting to concerns that fighting could threaten shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies.

At the same time, Israel says it is expanding military operations against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon after a heavy barrage of rockets was fired into northern Israel overnight.

Speaking about the conflict, Donald Trump said the United States would not leave the fight early, warning that American forces intend to complete their objectives as Operation Epic Fury continues.