Middle East War: How Iran Conflict Shattered America’s Global Role

Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency, as the conflict with the United States and Israel entered its fourth week on Thursday, March 21, 2026.

The attacks come as more than 1,400 people have been reported killed in Iran, including at least 204 children, according to reports from the region. Air defenses were activated over Tehran and surrounding areas following reported explosions coinciding with the first day of the Persian Recent Year, Nowruz. Iran has also reportedly attacked Israel and US bases in retaliation for the initial strikes, and has threatened Western countries and Gulf states, warning that global shipping and energy infrastructure could be at risk.

The United Kingdom has permitted the United States to utilize its military bases for launching attacks against Iranian missile sites, a decision that prompted a warning from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who stated Iran would “exercise its right to self-defence” and cautioned that British lives were in danger. The Iranian armed forces announced their 70th wave of attacks, targeting Israel and US bases in the Gulf.

Simultaneously, the United States is considering “winding down” the conflict, while explicitly ruling out a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump has decried what he perceives as insufficient support from US allies, particularly regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has reportedly called NATO allies “cowards” for not assisting in securing the vital waterway.

The conflict is increasingly focused on energy infrastructure. Iran is reportedly targeting energy sites in Gulf Arab states following an Israeli bombing of Iran’s South Pars offshore natural gas field in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday. Iran has also threatened to “completely” close the Strait of Hormuz and to strike power plants, following an ultimatum issued by President Trump.

Global oil prices have surged as a result of the conflict, prompting the United States to temporarily lift sanctions on Iranian oil already aboard tankers at sea. This move is intended to alleviate some of the economic pressure caused by disruptions to the energy market.

The situation remains fluid, with the UK calling for “urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war” after Starmer changed his position following Iranian attacks on UK allies. The Revolutionary Guards have reported the death of their spokesman in an airstrike. The US has deployed 2,500 marines and three additional warships to the Middle East.