Middle East war live: Iran drone sparks fires at Kuwait refinery as Israel strikes Tehran on Nowruz

© Vahid Salemi, AP
by FRANCE 24
March 20, 2026
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3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran during Nowruz as Iranian drone sparked fires at Kuwaiti refinery, escalating Middle East conflict.

How This Affects You

Escalating Middle East military exchanges risk disrupting global oil supplies and raising gas prices for American consumers.

AI Summary

Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran on Friday, striking Iran's capital during Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebration. An Iranian drone sparked fires at a Kuwaiti refinery, part of escalating regional military exchanges that have intensified tensions across the Middle East. The strikes coincide with a broader conflict that has destabilized global energy markets and raised the risk of direct involvement by Iran's Arab neighbors. The timing—during Iran's most significant cultural holiday—underscores the intensity of the current hostilities. The escalation threatens to widen a regional war that has already disrupted international oil supplies and drawn multiple nations closer to direct confrontation.

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