Massive US deals, Iran strikes, and nuclear fears escalate crisis
March 21, 2026: As tensions rise between Iran, Israel, and the United States, the Middle East is rapidly emerging as a key global arms market. Washington has approved defence deals worth nearly ₹1.3 trillion with allies like Kuwait and Jordan, along with an additional ₹500 billion agreement with the United Arab Emirates. These packages include advanced systems such as F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters, missiles, drones, and air-defence technology, as Gulf nations ramp up security following Iranian strikes.
Meanwhile, Iran has intensified its offensive by targeting Israel’s critical infrastructure. A missile strike hit the Haifa Oil Refinery, a facility that supplies a major share of the country’s energy needs. Reports indicate the use of a precision-guided ballistic missile dubbed “Nasrullah,” capable of striking high-value targets over long distances with multiple warheads, signalling a sharp escalation in military capability.
The conflict has also heightened fears of a nuclear crisis, with warnings issued by global bodies like the World Health Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency over potential humanitarian and environmental fallout. At the same time, US and Israeli forces have carried out strikes on Iranian locations, including Tehran and Bandar Lengeh Port, targeting key naval infrastructure. Explosions and fires across multiple regions underscore how rapidly the situation is deteriorating.