US attacks Isfahan in Iran as gas price average tops $4 dollars

Footage aired by Iran’s state-run television Tuesday appeared to show Majid Mousavi, commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), visiting underground missile facilities and meeting with launch operators.

The broadcast comes amid reports from Iran International that Mousavi has faced criticism from senior IRGC officials for his alleged absence during ongoing clashes, with some accusing him of leaving his forces without direct leadership.

Four Israeli soldiers were killed and several others were wounded during a clash with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Tuesday, as fighting with the Iran-backed group continues in the region.

A civilian was also injured in a rocket attack on the border community of Avivim.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces would maintain control over large areas of southern Lebanon until the threat from Hezbollah is eliminated, adding that “all homes in Lebanese villages near the border will be destroyed.”

In separate incidents, four additional IDF soldiers and three reservists were wounded in Hezbollah attacks, including injuries caused by rocket shrapnel and a drone strike near Israeli troops.

According to The Times of Israel , Hezbollah operatives also launched an anti-tank missile at Israeli forces, though no further injuries were reported.

The IDF also captured a Hezbollah operative, the outlet said, following a strike in Beirut that killed senior Hezbollah commanders.

The United States is sending a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, increasing its military presence in the region, according to reports.

The USS George H.W. Bush is set to join the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford, which are already operating in the area, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials.

If completed, the latest deployment would result in three U.S. aircraft carriers stationed in the Middle East.

The spread of nuclear weapons is making the world more dangerous, Warren Buffett warned Tuesday, while cautioning that Iran gaining a bomb would raise the risk of a catastrophic conflict.

In an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” the Berkshire Hathaway chairman said the growing number of nuclear-armed states has changed the global risk landscape, raising concerns about proliferation.

“Now you’ve got … nine countries,” Buffett said.

“We worried enormously about it when there were two. … You were not dealing with unstable people or anything like that. The ship’s turned around.”

“Just think of how you’d feel with North Korea having it and Iran wanting to get it,” he added.

“The most dangerous thing is, actually, somebody that’s got their hand on the switch, who is dying themselves or is facing enormous embarrassment. ... I don’t know the answer for it, but I do know that … it’ll be more difficult if Iran has the bomb than if they don’t.”

Asked what advice he would give a U.S. president confronting the issue of enriched uranium, Buffett said something will happen “to cause it to be used.”

“I would say that one way or another … in the next 100 years — maybe it’s 200 years, who knows — something will happen to cause it to be used,” he said. “And we can’t take what’s out there now.”

The U.S. Embassy in Riyadh urged Americans in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place Tuesday as missile and drone threats from Iran persist across the region.

In a statement, U.S. officials said there were no changes to departure guidance or embassy operations, but updated shelter-in-place instructions to reflect further security concerns.

The State Department also said it continues to prioritize the safety of American citizens, advising those who remain in the Kingdom to stay indoors, monitor official alerts, and prepare essential supplies as regional tensions continue.

The statement said that commercial flights are still operating out of Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, though delays, cancellations, and airline suspensions are ongoing.

“Airspace remains open but subject to restrictions due to missile and drone threats,” it said before explaining that the embassy is “tracking reports of threats against locations where American citizens gather.”

“We advise U.S. citizens that hotels and other gathering points, including U.S. businesses and U.S. educational institutions, may be potential targets.”

A worldwide caution alert issued March 22 advises increased vigilance for Americans globally, the embassy said.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains in Iran but will not be making public appearances “for understandable reasons,” Russia’s ambassador to Iran said Tuesday, according to the RTVI news outlet, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed power after his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed when Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

U.S. officials have since indicated they believe that Mojtaba Khamenei may have been wounded in those attacks, though Iran has not confirmed those claims.

Since taking over as Supreme Leader, Khamenei has issued only four public statements.

His first message came in the form of a letter reportedly written by him, while subsequent communications have been delivered through unspecified channels, further fueling speculation about his health and ability to appear publicly.

China and Pakistan released a five-point plan for peace in the Middle East on Tuesday following a meeting between their foreign ministers in Beijing.

“The meeting was held in an exceptionally warm and cordial atmosphere, featuring hours of engagement from restricted talks to delegation-level discussions,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post shared on X.

“The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, exchanged views on regional developments in the West Asia, and discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest,” it added.

On the evolving situation in West Asia, both sides underscored their shared commitment to peace, stability and dialogue, and issued a five-point initiative “aimed at promoting regional peace and stability,” the statement said.

“The two sides also reaffirmed their close coordination at multilateral fora and agreed to remain in regular and close contact,” the ministry said.

The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, the resumption of peace talks, an end to attacks on nonmilitary targets and the restoration of shipping activity in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a warning Tuesday to employees of U.S. technology companies to leave their workplaces.

“From now on, the main institutions involved in such operations will be considered legitimate targets,” the IRGC said in a statement that named 18 companies, including Apple, Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Intel, HP and Cisco.

The statement shared by Iranian state media warned employees of the companies “in all countries of the region” to evacuate their workplaces and stay a kilometer away from their offices.

The statement described the companies as “key institutions involved in terrorist espionage operations” and said they would be considered targets.

More key European allies are restricting U.S. military access as the Trump administration presses ahead with its war against Iran, with both France and Italy moving to block U.S.-linked aircraft from using their airspace or bases.

Italy denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella Air Base in Sicily before heading to the Middle East, Reuters reported Tuesday, saying Washington had not sought prior authorization from Rome. 

France has also refused overflight for planes carrying U.S. military supplies to Israel, according to President Donald Trump, marking a rare disruption to routine military coordination between Washington and key European allies.

Their refusals carry operational weight because U.S. bases in Europe — including those in Italy — are "essential" for supporting Middle East operations, acting as critical staging and transit hubs for military aircraft. 

The move marks the latest sign of growing friction between the United States and European allies as President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on NATO partners to support operations tied to the war with Iran.

John Hemmings, director of the National Security Centre at the Henry Jackson Society, a London-based foreign policy think tank, told Fox News Digital the decision reflects deeper tensions.

"The news that Italy has blocked U.S. overflight and base use for aircraft taking part in the conflict in Iran is the visible sign of a transatlantic crisis bubbling over," Hemmings said. "U.S. political and military authority is at rock bottom in Europe. Italy’s defection is a worrying indicator since Italy currently has a right-leaning populist government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a known ‘Trump Whisperer,’ the only European leader to attend Trump’s inauguration."

An Italian government statement pushed back on reports of a rupture, saying: "With reference to media reports regarding the use of military bases, the government reiterates that Italy acts in full compliance with existing international agreements and with the policy guidelines set out by the government to parliament." 

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Efrat Lachter.

The Iranian regime’s retention of key nuclear weapons sites and material for building atomic bombs — highly enriched uranium — has led to new efforts by the U.S. and Israel to take out the last vestiges of the regime's program.

On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that its "Air Force Struck the Arak Heavy Water Plant — A Key Plutonium Production Site for Nuclear Weapons." The Arak plant is located in central Iran.

Prior to Friday's attack, an IDF spokesperson, speaking in reference to Arak, told Fox News Digital there is a "high estimation" that attacks on "uranium enrichment sites are part of the plan.":

The IDF declined to answer more specific questions about its target list and if any ground operations to retrieve the nuclear weapons-grade uranium were being considered.

Reuters, quoting regime media outlet Fars, reported that joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Friday hit the Khondab heavy water research reactor. 

A statement released by the IDF said, "Heavy water is a unique material used to operate nuclear reactors, such as the inactive Arak reactor, which was originally designed to have weapons-grade plutonium production capabilities. These materials can also be used as a neutron source for nuclear weapons.

"The plant was a significant economic asset for the terror regime and served as a source of income for the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, generating tens of millions of dollars for the regime each year."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Benjamin Weinthal.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon  is calling for a decisive end to the conflict with Iran, saying the U.S. must "finish this thing" to protect the global economy and remove the threat to the region.

Dimon appeared on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday, saying American strength depends on decisive action in the Middle East and embracing the artificial intelligence revolution.

"It’s much more important that this be successfully completed than what the market does," Dimon said. 

Threats to Middle East oil flows have added uncertainty to markets, as the United States, Israel and Iran continue to exchange strikes. On Tuesday, Iran struck an oil tanker off the coast of Dubai and continues to block shipments in the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Dimon said Americans should be hoping the United States wins the latest conflict and acts to "clean up the straits," minimizing future threats to the U.S. and its allies.

"These people have been doing something bad for 47 years. They've been killing people. They've been killing Americans," Dimon said. 

"I think people are surprised to find out they had a ballistic missile and go 3,000 miles. These are bad people, and they needed to be stopped," he added. 

Dimon advocated for the country to "finish this thing," warning that if the U.S. fails to act, the cycle of threats will continue.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox Business' Madison Colombo.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley joined ‘America’s Newsroom’ to discuss President Donald Trump’s potential next moves in Iran and the impact of rising oil prices and more.

Haley said Operation Epic Fury has already been hugely successful in eliminating Iran's traditional military capabilities, such that a "win" now for Iran would simply be to survive.

She went on to argue that Russia has gained most from the conflict as it has taken attention away from the war in Ukraine and diverted Western resources.

Pakistan’s U.S. ambassador warned Monday on "Special Report" that Iran is too "war-torn" to respond quickly in negotiations as President Donald Trump extends his strike deadline, while Islamabad pushes to facilitate talks aimed at ending U.S.-Iran hostilities.

Amb. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh cast Pakistan as an active facilitator in de-escalation talks, but warned that the process is complicated by Tehran’s diminished ability to communicate amid the chaos of war and damaged infrastructure.

"Iran is a war-torn country with the communication channels certainly disrupted, and it is not even easy to get responses in a good time from the system that currently is in place there," Sheikh said.

While he said "diplomacy is a gradual process," he also expressed hope that peace talks would soon proceed for the good of the region. He pointed to Iran's willingness to allow some oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as evidence that confidence was being built in the possibility of negotiations.

Trump also delayed his 48-hour deadline for Iran to clear the Strait of Hormuz, which was set to expire Monday evening, and ordered the Department of War to pause attacks on Iranian power infrastructure amid negotiations with Tehran. He said the U.S. has had "very good" talks that could lead to a "complete" end of hostilities.

Sheikh said a ceasefire is a good start to any negotiation process, "but it is, of course, upon the conflicting parties to reach an understanding there and indicate something good on that scope."

Pakistan faces its own hostilities with neighboring India and Afghanistan, and has a strong alliance with Saudi Arabia. But as the war grinds on and Islamabad tries to maintain relations with its regional neighbors as well as the U.S., China and Iran, analysts warn the nation's room for neutrality is shrinking. 

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Max Bacall.

The House Democrats' campaign committee chair charges that "skyrocketing" gas prices sparked by the Iran war are "another broken promise" by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene told Fox News Digital that House Democrats will keep spotlighting gas prices as part of their affordability messaging as they aim to win back the chamber's majority from Republicans in this year's midterm elections.

The average price of gasoline in the U.S. topped $4 per gallon on Tuesday, according to national averages from AAA and GasBuddy, the highest level in four years.

The surge in gas prices comes amid the monthlong attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel. In response, Iran has targeted energy facilities with missile and drone attacks in a number of Persian Gulf nations. It has also made the Strait of Hormuz nearly impassable to commercial shipping, bringing roughly 20% of the world's oil supply to a halt and sending global fuel prices sharply higher.

The White House says the surge in prices is temporary.

"When Operation Epic Fury is complete, gas prices will plummet back to the multiyear lows American drivers enjoyed before these short-term disruptions," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Tuesday.

Leavitt emphasized that "President Trump remains committed to fully unleashing American energy dominance, lowering costs, and putting more money back in the pockets of hardworking American families."

The gas price surge is giving Democrats more political ammunition to target the GOP.

"BREAKING: National Gas Prices Skyrocket to $4 Per Gallon," read the headline from an email Tuesday morning from the Democratic National Committee.

The DCCC last week launched digital ads showing prices at the pump going up and an image saying "D.C. Republicans Did That!" Sources say to expect another round of ads on gas prices in the coming weeks.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Paul Steinhauser.

JetBlue is raising baggage fees by $4–$9 for economy passengers, citing increasing jet fuel prices due to global oil supply shortages amid the Iran war.

"As we experience rising operating costs, we regularly evaluate how to manage those costs while keeping base fares competitive and continuing to invest in the experience our customers value," JetBlue wrote in a statement to FOX Business. "Adjusting fees for optional services used by select customers, such as checked baggage, allows us to continue offering more competitive fares while delivering the onboard experience our customers love, including complimentary snacks and drinks, unlimited, high-speed Wi-Fi and seatback entertainment screens."

"While we recognize that fee increases are never ideal, we take careful consideration to ensure these changes are implemented only when necessary," the statement continued.

For domestic, Caribbean and Latin America flights, the first checked bag will now cost $39 during off-peak travel, up from $35, and $49 during peak periods, up from $40. Travelers who pay less than 24 hours before departure will still face an added $10 charge.

Passengers with eligible JetBlue co-branded credit cards or elite frequent flyer status remain exempt from the bag fees.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Eric Mach.

Israeli Defense Forces say they completed over 230 strikes against Iranian infrastructure over the past 24 hours on Tuesday.

The IDF released footage of three strikes that hit Iranian air defense systems in the capital of Tehran. Other targets included ballistic missile launchers that were "ready for launch," and weapon production sites.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth did not say reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a core objective for the U.S. in Operation Epic Fury on Tuesday.

Hegseth was asked about the Hormuz issue during Pentagon press conference, and he reiterated that the core goals of Epic Fury are to eliminate Iran's nuclear capabilities, cripple its ballistic missile manufacturing, and destroy the nation's navy.

Hegseth said the Hormuz issue is "not just a United States of America problem set," referencing a statement from President Donald Trump earlier Tuesday calling on European nations to pick up the slack.

"We've been willing to lead--President Trump's led the entire time--but it's not just us. So ultimately, I think other countries should pay attention when the president speaks. He's proven that when he speaks, he means something. And he's pointing out, you know, you might want to start learning how to fight for yourself," he said.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth shared images from his covert visit to U.S. troops in the Middle East on Tuesday.

Hegseth met with U.S. servicemembers as they continued to carry out Operation Epic Fury on Saturday.

"I witnessed warriors. A brotherhood of men and women - warriors all," Hegseth wrote.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that talks with Iran are still "very real" and ongoing on Tuesday.

"So on the talks, I can tell you, having been with with Steve [Wikoff] and Jared [Kushner] and the vice president and Marco [Rubio] and many others yesterday, they are very real. they are ongoing. they're active, and I think gaining strength. And we appreciate that," Hegseth said.

Hegseth went on to say that the U.S. wants Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, but added that his role is to put as much pressure on Iranian leaders as possible.

"I didn't mean it flippantly when I said, in the meantime, we'll negotiate with bombs. Our job is to ensure that we compel Iran to realize that this new regime, this regime in charge, is in a better place if they make that deal. And so we'll continue. We're working hand in hand. But the primary effort is a deal. We want that deal to be accomplished if at all possible. If not, then we're prepared to continue.  

The U.S. has deployed B-52 Stratofortress bombers to the skies over Iran for the first time since Operation Epic Fury began, Pentagon officials say.

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine made the announcement Tuesday morning during a press conference alongside War Secretary Pete Hegseth. Caine said the U.S. and Israel have dismantled Iran's air fighting capability to such an extent that the lumbering bombers can now operate safely in the region.

"Given the increase in air superiority, we've successfully started to conduct the first overland B-52 missions, which allow us, as we've said before, to continue to get on top of the enemy," Caine said.

U.S. forces have hitherto relied on speed and stealth to carry out strikes within Iranian airspace, deploying more sophisticated weapons like the B-2 and B-1 bombers.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth says he made a covert visit to U.S. troops engaged in Operation Epic Fury this weekend.

Hegseth made the revelation during a Tuesday press conference at the Pentagon, saying he and other officials spent roughly half the day on Saturday visiting with U.S. troops overseas.

The secretary said he witnessed troops' commitment to the mission of destroying the Iranian regime.

"I witnessed sheer competency," Hegseth said of the visit, recounting conversation with pilots as well as watching teams call out enemy missiles to be shot down.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to hold a press conference at the Pentagon early Tuesday morning.

Hegseth will be joined by Join Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.

President Donald Trump lashed out at France for allegedly closing its airspace to planes bound for Israel and loaded with military supplies.

Trump made the statement in a post on Truth Social, ominously saying that the U.S. will "remember" France's move.

"The Country of France wouldn’t let planes headed to Israel, loaded up with military supplies, fly over French territory. France has been VERY UNHELPFUL with respect to the “Butcher of Iran,” who has been successfully eliminated!" Trump wrote.

"The U.S.A. will REMEMBER!" he added.

The statement came a day after Spain blocked U.S. military aircraft involved in the Iran conflict from using its airspace.

Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed the move, saying Spain has denied both airspace access and the use of joint U.S.-Spanish bases for any operations tied to the Iran conflict.

President Donald Trump has told White House aides that he is willing to end military action against Iran even without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Tuesday report from the Wall Street Journal.

Trump's administration is engaged in ceasefire talks with Iran this week as the president's 10-day pause on attacks against Iranian energy infrastructure ticks by.

According to the Journal, Trump and his close aides determined that forcing a reopening of the Strait would push military demands beyond the initially announced window of four to six weeks.

President Donald Trump called on nations feeling the strain from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to fight and fix the situation themselves.

Trump made the statement in a Truth Social post on Tuesday, calling out the United Kingdom in particular.

"All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT," Trump wrote.

"You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!" he added.

U.S. gas prices jumped past an average of $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022 as fuel prices continue to soar worldwide thanks to the war in Iran.

Motor club AAA put the price of a gallon of gas at $4.02 on Tuesday, up more than $1 from a month ago.

Prices are climbing across nearly every region, with some states already well above the national average.

On Sunday, West Coast drivers were seeing the highest costs, with prices reaching $5.87 per gallon in California and $5.32 in Washington.

Along the East Coast, gas prices were already approaching or exceeding $4 in several areas, including $4.16 in Washington, D.C., and $3.93 in New York.

President Donald Trump shared a video on Truth Social on Monday showing a military strike in Iran at night.

The video showed explosions lighting up the sky.

According to reports, the U.S. carried out a massive strike on an ammunition depot in Isfahan Monday.

A U.S. official told The Wall Street Journal the depot contained a high volume of 2,000-pound penetrator munitions.

Fox News' Emma Bussey contributed to this report.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Monday mourned IRGC Navy Chief Commodore Alireza Tangsiri, calling him a “brave commander” who “attained martyrdom after years of struggle,” according to state news agency IRNA.

Khamenei also described Tangsiri as courageous and central to Iran’s role in the Persian Gulf, adding that he “died for his country” so its military “may continue on the path of Iran’s maritime authority and resistance, stronger and more firmly than in the past.”

Tangsiri, 64, died of injuries sustained while on duty, the IRGC said, after working to strengthen Iran’s coastal defenses, though Israel says he was killed in an airstrike targeting a naval base in Bandar Abbas.

This marks only the fourth public written message from Khamenei since succeeding his father, who died in a strike Feb. 28.

Fox News' Emma Bussey contributed to this report.