Kanyshai Butun
March 12, 2026•Update: March 12, 2026
ISTANBUL
Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Thursday, including Iran’s UN envoy saying that more than 1,348 civilians have been killed and 17,000 injured since the start of US-Israeli attacks, China condemning "indiscriminate" attacks on civilians and expressing disapproval of strikes targeting the Gulf region, and US President Donald Trump saying the Iran war will end “soon”: 'Any time I want it to end, it will end'
TOP STORIES
Iran’s UN envoy says more than 1,348 civilians killed, 17,000 injured since start of US-Israeli attacks
Iran's ambassador to the UN said that more than 1,348 civilians have been killed and over 17,000 injured since the start of the attacks on his country by Israel and the US.
Amir Saeid Iravani said during a meeting at the UN that the ongoing military strikes have resulted in a large number of civilian casualties in addition to extensive damage to infrastructure in areas across the country.
He added that the attacks constitute a violation of international law and the UN Charter, calling on the international community to take action to stop the military operations.
US, Israel attacking Iran 'in the process' of negotiations 'clear violation' of international law, says Chinese Foreign Ministry
China condemned "indiscriminate" attacks on civilians and expressed disapproval of strikes targeting the Gulf region.
He also said launching attacks on Iran “in the process” of negotiations was a “clear violation” of international law.
Beijing "does not agree with attacks against countries in the Gulf region and condemns indiscriminate attacks against civilians or non-military targets," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a news conference in Beijing.
Trump says Iran war will end 'soon': 'Any time I want it to end, it will end'
US President Donald Trump said that the US and Israeli war against Iran will end "soon" because the strikes have left "practically nothing left to target" in the country.
"Little this and that – any time I want it to end, it will end," Trump during a brief telephone interview with US outlet Axios.
Trump's emphasis that the end of the war is his alone to decide came after he said any decision on the conclusion of the war would be made mutually with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- US forces destroyed multiple Iranian naval vessels, including 16 minelayers, Central Command said.
- Kremlin said internet restrictions in Russia will last “as long as necessary” to ensure public safety.
- US submarine attack: Sri Lankan court ordered handover of 84 Iranian sailors’ bodies to Iran's embassy.
- 20 crew members rescued after three vessels attacked, including Thai cargo ship, near Strait of Hormuz.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for end to ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran before it escalates.
- Azerbaijani, Russian presidents advocated speedy diplomatic resolution of Mideast crisis.
- Spain dismissed ambassador to Israel after months-long diplomatic rift.
- Israeli strikes across Lebanon since dawn Wednesday killed 36, wounded dozens.
- Romania is weighing hosting US forces, equipment amid Middle East conflict.
- Iran said 206 students, teachers killed in US-Israeli attacks.
- Russian energy company Gazprom reported 12 attacks on TurkStream, Blue Stream facilities in last 2 weeks.
- Drones hit fuel tanks at Oman’s Salalah port, others shot down, said media report.
- Switzerland “temporarily” closed embassy in Iran amid security concerns.
- Qatar said it responded to Iranian attacks involving 9 ballistic missiles, several drones.
- 9,000 targets struck in 10 days during US-Israeli attacks on Iran, said Tehran mayor.
- Over 1,500 Palestinians displaced by Israel in occupied West Bank in 2026, UN said.
- Lebanon death toll from Israeli strikes surged to 634.
- Israel has carried out more than 6,000 airstrikes on 3,400 targets in Iran.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Trump says US to build first new oil refinery in 50 years in $300B deal
President Trump said the US will build its first new oil refinery in five decades with investment from Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump described the project as a “historic $300 billion deal — the biggest in U.S. history,” thanking India’s largest private energy company, Reliance Industries, for the investment.
IEA proposes record oil stockpile release amid Middle East conflict: Report
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has proposed releasing a record amount of oil from emergency reserves as governments scramble to contain soaring energy prices triggered by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Bloomberg reported.
The Paris-based agency suggested a coordinated release of about 300 million to 400 million barrels from strategic stockpiles held by its member countries, according to a person familiar with the discussions. If approved, the move would mark the largest emergency oil release in the IEA’s history.
