Press Release: Update on the 18th Day of Acts of Aggression by the United States and the Israeli
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Press Release March 18, 2026
Update on the 18th Day of Crimes of Aggression by US and Zionist Regime against Iran
Saturday, February 28, 2026, the United States and Zionist regime launched a large-scale military assault against the Islamic Republic of Iran on the first working day of the week and synchronizing their attacks with the start of daily activities in the early days of the holy month of Ramadan.
This military aggression, carried out without a declaration of war and outside any legal framework or international legitimacy, occurred while diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the United States were ongoing, mediated by the Foreign Minister of Oman, who had spoken of significant progress in the talks and expressed hope for their success.
On the eighteenth day of the unlawful aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran, the enemy -unable to defeat Iran- has turned to attacking civilians, residential homes, and the country’s infrastructure. Despite the steadily rising number of civilian casualties in U.S.–Israeli bombings, many of whom are children, almost none of the Western countries have condemned this aggression or taken any practical and effective action against the aggressors. This once again exposes their double standards—a policy previously evident in their response to the killing of more than 70,000 innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip by the Zionist regime’s army.
On this day, the U.S. and Israeli regimes, in yet another unlawful act and in clear violation of international law, assassinated Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of our country. This crime constitutes a breach of fundamental principles of international law and Articles 2(4), 2(1), 2(7), and 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.
On the eighteenth day of this aggression, while the Iranian nation continues its resistance and shows the way forward to all free nations of the world, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dublin wishes to inform the media and public opinion of the following points:
- Positions of Officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Recent Days
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Parliament, wrote on X:
“Trump has claimed nine times in the past two weeks that he has defeated us; it’s Hilarious!”
Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran, stated in an interview with the Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Iran is ready, together with regional countries, to form a joint fact-finding committee to examine the nature of the targets attacked. He emphasized that Iran’s operations target only U.S. bases and interests in the region and have not targeted any civilian areas in neighboring countries.
He added that the United States has developed a drone similar to Iran’s Shahed drones, named “Low Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS),” and uses it to strike targets in Arab countries, later falsely attributing the attacks to Iran. He also suggested it is highly likely that some attacks on civilian targets in these countries are carried out by the Zionist regime to damage their relations with Tehran.
He warned that if Iran’s energy infrastructure is targeted, Iran will strike U.S. company infrastructure in the region. Regarding ending the war, he stated that cessation of hostilities depends on credible guarantees against repeated aggression and compensation for damages.
In a televised interview with HS Now, he said: “The Strait of Hormuz is closed only to those who attack us and their allies; others can pass freely.”
In another post on X, he wrote:
“Touted US security umbrella has proven to be full of holes and inviting rather than deterring trouble. US is now begging others, even China, to help it make Hormuz safe. Iran calls on brotherly neighbors to expel foreign aggressors, especially as their only concern is Israel.”
He also stated: “Told CBS: Iran has neither sought a truce nor talks. Such claims are delusional. Our Powerful Armed Forces will keep firing until POTUS realizes that illegal war he's imposing on both Americans and Iranians is wrong and must never be repeated. Victims must also be compensated...”
Regarding the bombing of fuel depots in Tehran, he wrote:
“Israel's bombings of fuel depots in Tehran violate international law and constitute ecocide. Residents face long-term damage to their health and well-being. Contamination of soil and groundwater could have generational impacts. Israel must be punished for its war crimes.”
- Deliberate Attacks on Civilians and Infrastructure
According to Iran’s Ministry of Health:
Injured women: 3210; killed women: 227
Injured under 18: 1,350; killed under 18: 204
Children under 5 killed: 13; under 2 injured: 50
Damaged health centers: 175; evacuated hospitals: 6; damaged ambulances: 33
A three-day-old infant was killed along with family members in Arak.
Additional reports:
At least 120 schools heavily damaged; 206 teachers and students killed,
A major pharmaceutical warehouse in Hamadan damaged,
Over 67,000 residential units damaged,
A student dormitory at Persian Gulf University in Bushehr (capacity 600) was completely destroyed, in violation of international law prohibiting attacks on educational institutions,
Between Feb 28 and March 14, at least 56 museums and historical sites damaged: In Tehran, major historical sites including Golestan Palace, Tehran Bazaar, Marble Palace, and others were damaged. Similar destruction was reported in Isfahan, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Kermanshah, Bushehr, and Ilam.
- Psychological Warfare
During the attacks, Iran’s women’s national football team, present in Australia for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, became the target of a political-media campaign. The U.S. president publicly encouraged Australia to persuade players to defect and seek asylum. Of five players granted asylum, several later chose to return to Iran, including Mohadeseh Zolfi, Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali, and Zahra Meshkin-Kar. The decision was praised in Tehran as a symbol of patriotism and courage in the face of efforts to exploit their situation for political gain.”
Despite recent U.S. attacks on Kharg Island and threats of further strikes “just for fun,” long lines formed to buy tickets to travel there. Oil workers continued normal operations, demonstrating public resilience against psychological pressure.
- Iran’s Retaliatory Actions
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced impact-oriented strikes. A new phase of “True Promise 4” operations began on March 17 using precision missiles and drones.
The 58th and the 59th waves targeted locations in Beit Shemesh, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and U.S. bases in the region using advanced missile systems, reportedly successfully.
Iran has done a great job till now and has successfully balanced back and now has an upper hand in the vast battle field now. In fact, Iran’s performance has exceeded the expectations of the aggressors and by inflicting painful damages on them. This pressure is clearly evident in Trump’s confusion and frustration. Based on Trump’s behavioral pattern, his fumbling attempts to justify the logic of the war, his frequent changes in war objectives, false claims on his complete command on the situation, and exaggerated displays in describing their capabilities and achievements clearly show that he has effectively lost control of the situation.
- Diplomatic Efforts
Iranian and French foreign ministers held a phone call discussing the war and regional situation.
Iran’s foreign minister emphasized that the U.S. and Israel are responsible for regional insecurity and called for condemnation of their actions.
Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, stressing Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty and criticizing countries enabling attacks. Macron expressed concern over escalation and regional tensions.
Araghchi also spoke with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stating that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are a direct result of U.S.–Israeli aggression and urging international condemnation.
- Continued Public Support
Since the beginning of the attacks, large crowds have gathered across Iran in support of the armed forces.
On the 18th night of the war, even larger crowds gathered, breaking their fast and praying while air defense systems were active overhead.
Funeral ceremonies were held for 84 sailors of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which sank after being torpedoed by a U.S. submarine near Sri Lanka. Reports indicate no rescue assistance was provided by the U.S. submarine, raising serious humanitarian law concerns. Statements attributed to Donald Trump suggesting sinking ships is “more fun” shocked public opinion and were seen as trivializing the deaths of sailors, many of whom remain missing and are honored as martyrs in Iran.
The Embassy of I. R of Iran in Ireland emphasizes that this war was not our choice. This war was imposed on us. This is a patriotic war and Iranians have always shown throughout history that they will not hesitate to sacrifice even their lives in defense of their land, integrity, and honor.
This is our world and we all are responsible in protecting it. Iranians, expect all awakened consciences of the region and the world to stand on the right side of history. We must not leave the oppressors and aggressors to continue with impunity!
Ends.