Day 26 of Iran war: Regime rejects US peace plan, sets conditions as missile exchanges with Israel intensify

2026-03-25 - 21:00

The conflict between the Iranian regime, the United States, and Israel has entered its 26th day on March 25, 2026. Yesterday’s diplomatic mixed signals—including Pakistan’s offer to mediate and US President Donald Trump’s temporary delay of strikes on the regime’s energy infrastructure—have been met with rigid defiance from Tehran. Today, the Iranian regime officially rejected a 15-point US peace proposal, demanding reparations and absolute control over the Strait of Hormuz. In response to the diplomatic gridlock, military escalations reached new heights. The regime’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) launched its 81st wave of missile attacks at Israel, prompting overwhelming retaliatory airstrikes by the US and Israel across multiple Iranian cities, including strikes on naval cruise missile production sites in Tehran. Inside Iran, the regime is struggling to maintain control amid the chaos. Recognizing its vulnerability, state security forces have militarized the streets, establishing nearly 1,500 checkpoints nationwide and deploying tens of thousands of forces to suppress any potential uprisings, while enforcing a total internet blackout for the 26th consecutive day. The war’s regional and global fallout also deepened, with Gulf states securing a UN resolution condemning the regime’s unprovoked attacks, and the UK proposing an international summit to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize reeling global energy markets. Roundup of today’s key events The Iranian regime rejected a 15-point US peace plan delivered via Pakistan, setting five hardline conditions for a ceasefire, including reparations and recognized sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC launched its 81st wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Dimona. Israel and the US Central Command responded with massive airstrikes targeting thousands of regime military assets, including naval cruise missile production sites in Tehran and bases in Shiraz, Qazvin, Karaj, and Bushehr. Fearing domestic uprisings, the regime deployed 129,000 police forces and established 1,463 special checkpoints across Iranian cities, turning them into highly militarized zones. The internet blackout in Iran crossed the 600-hour mark, entering its 26th day. The regime informed the UN it will only allow “non-hostile” ships to pass the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Tehran, continuing to block US, Israeli, and allied vessels. A regime drone struck a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, while Gulf states successfully passed a UN Human Rights Council resolution condemning the regime’s violations of their sovereignty. Global oil prices dropped slightly following comments from Donald Trump about ongoing talks, while the UK offered to host an international summit to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Regime rejects US peace plan and outlines five conditions State-run media confirmed that Tehran has rejected a 15-point peace plan proposed by the US government to end the ongoing war. According to reports from Reuters and the New York Times, the plan was delivered by the Trump administration through Pakistan and included a temporary ceasefire, a halt to uranium enrichment, and sanctions relief. A senior regime official told Reuters that the initial response was “not positive,” though the proposal is purportedly still under review. In its place, the regime announced five demands for ending the conflict: an immediate halt to attacks, guarantees against future wars, payment of reparations, the cessation of hostilities across all regional proxy fronts, and the international recognition of the regime’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Intense missile and airstrike exchanges between Israel, US, and Iran’s regime On the evening of March 24, the regime launched a fresh wave of missiles at Israel. The IRGC boasted that this was the 81st wave of attacks under operation “True Promise 4,” utilizing Emad, Qiam, Khorramshahr-4, and Ghadr missiles to target 70 locations, including Haifa, Dimona, and Tel Aviv. Israeli rescue organizations reported at least 12 people were injured in central Israel, particularly in Bnei Brak. In retaliation, the Israeli military and US forces launched extensive operations early Wednesday, March 25. The IDF confirmed it targeted and destroyed two central naval cruise missile production sites in Tehran, which were run by the regime’s Ministry of Defense to manufacture long-range anti-ship weapons. Explosions rocked western Tehran, as well as the cities of Shiraz, Qazvin, Karaj, Bushehr, and Yazd. State-run Fars News Agency claimed 12 people were killed and 28 injured in Kheirabad, Varamin. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces successfully targeted thousands of military assets inside Iran, significantly degrading the regime’s combat capabilities. Heavy militarization and massive security checkpoints inside Iran Terrified of a domestic uprising amidst the chaotic war, the regime has turned Iranian cities into military camps. A police spokesperson announced the deployment of 1,463 special checkpoints nationwide, stationed based on “geographical and security importance.” Over 129,000 police and security forces from various units—including special forces and riot police—have been deployed round-the-clock, alongside 15,000 mobile patrol units. Security officials admitted that because several police and security centers were severely damaged in recent strikes, they have been forced to rely on “tactical mobile stations.” Citizens report a heavy atmosphere of fear and martial law. The massive armed presence at major squares and intersections highlights the regime’s desperation to preemptively crush any anti-regime protests by a population deeply hostile to its warmongering policies. Internet blackout enters 26th day As part of its systematic suppression of information and domestic control, the regime continues to isolate the Iranian people from the outside world. According to NetBlocks, the nationwide internet blackout has now passed the 600-hour mark, entering its 26th day, severely violating civilians’ right to access vital information during wartime. Update: The internet blackout in #Iran has now entered its 26th day after passing the 600 hour mark. The measure leaves civilians cut off from international networks, violating their right to access information in times of war. pic.twitter.com/2AsPc39EXP — NetBlocks (@netblocks) March 25, 2026 Israel uncovers earlier strike on Iranian regime’s Caspian Sea naval base Details have emerged regarding a highly significant Israeli strike on March 18 targeting Iran’s Bandar Anzali port and the 4th Army Naval District Headquarters on the Caspian Sea coast. The area served as a critical node in a clandestine weapons supply corridor moving drones and ammunition between the Iranian regime and Russia. The strike destroyed dozens of Iranian naval vessels, including the Moudge-class frigate IRIS Deylaman, missile ships, and patrol boats. The IDF noted that at least five of the destroyed vessels possessed anti-aircraft capabilities. Regime’s regional attacks continue: Kuwait airport hit, UN resolution passed by Gulf states The regime’s desperate attacks on neighboring countries continue to draw international backlash. In Kuwait, a drone strike sparked a fire at a fuel tank at the international airport. While damage was limited and no casualties were reported, Kuwaiti officials confirmed intercepting 13 drones and six missiles overnight, marking the third attack on the airport since the war began on February 28. In response to these relentless aggressions, Gulf officials demanded action at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Saudi Arabia’s representative slammed the strikes as an unjustifiable violation of the UN Charter, targeting states not involved in the conflict. Qatar and Kuwait echoed these sentiments, citing existential threats to regional security and severe environmental and economic consequences. Consequently, the 47-member council passed a resolution demanding the regime cease all unprovoked attacks and provide swift reparations to the victims. Casualties in Lebanon and Iraq as proxies take hits The regime’s proxy network continues to suffer heavy losses across the region. In southern Lebanon, new Israeli airstrikes killed at least six people, including four in Adloun and two in the Mieh Mieh refugee camp. In Iraq, airstrikes battered Hashd al-Shaabi (PMF) positions in western Anbar province for the second consecutive day. Following a strike on Tuesday that killed 15 proxy fighters, a new attack on Wednesday morning killed seven more. Additionally, two Iraqi soldiers were killed and 20 injured near a military medical center. Following the Tuesday strike, the Iraqi government controversially permitted Hashd al-Shaabi to respond to US attacks. Meanwhile, Iraqi Kurdistan’s President Nechirvan Barzani announced that Iranian regime officials privately admitted that a deadly missile strike on the region—which killed six Peshmerga forces—was a “mistake” and promised an investigation. Global economic fallout: Oil prices drop slightly, UK proposes Hormuz summit The regime’s attempt to weaponize global trade via the Strait of Hormuz—recently declaring that only “non-hostile” ships coordinating with Tehran may pass—has choked off roughly 20% of global oil supplies. However, global oil prices experienced a sudden drop on Wednesday following Donald Trump’s assertions that peace negotiations were underway. Brent crude fell roughly 6.5% to $97.65 a barrel, down from over $100 just a day prior. US crude also fell by 6% to $86.77. To mitigate the crisis, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, stated he is ready to release more oil reserves if necessary, following an earlier historic unlock of 400 million barrels by member states. Diplomatic efforts to secure the vital shipping lane are also intensifying. The UK Ministry of Defence has offered to host an international security summit to develop a collective plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. More than 30 countries have signed a joint statement committing to safeguard the waterway, utilizing military planners and potentially deploying minesweeping drones to the Gulf. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed the urgency of resolving the crisis, stating in parliament that ending the war is the only viable way to bring global energy prices back under control.