KC-135 crashes in Iraq and Khamenei vows revenge

1 minute readUpdated: Mar 13, 2026 10:43 am IST

March 13 marks the fourteenth day of war between the United States, Israel and Iran. The war began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets. Around 2,000 people have been killed during the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.

<br />

These are the main developments as the war enters its 14th day:

A US military refueling plane crashed in western Iraq while participating in operations related to the war with Iran. Rescue operations are underway. The aircraft involved was a KC-135 tanker aircraft used for in-flight refueling. US Central Command said the accident did not cause any type of fire.

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued his first comments since the war broke out. He promised to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and asked neighboring countries to close US bases on their territory if they want Iran to stop attacking.

A television host read his comment: “I assure you all that we will not neglect avenging the blood of your martyrs.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held his first press conference since the US and Israeli airstrikes began. He said: “I will not detail the actions we are taking. We are creating the optimal conditions to overthrow the regime, but I will not deny that I cannot tell you with complete certainty that the people of Iran will overthrow the (Iranian) regime: a regime is overthrown from within.”

President Emanuel Macron has announced that a chief non-commissioned officer was killed during an attack in the Iraqi region of Erbil in which “several” other French soldiers were also wounded, and which he linked to the war with Iran.

“Several of our soldiers have been wounded. France is at their side and at the side of their loved ones,” he added. The president said French troops were stationed in Iraq as part of the fight against the ISIS group.

An Indian sailor died after a US-owned oil tanker was attacked near Basra on March 11 amid tensions between Iran and Israel. The sailor was part of the crew of the US-owned tanker MT Safesea Vishnu. A total of 16 Indians were part of the crew. So far three Indian sailors have been confirmed dead in the ongoing West Asian war.

In an effort to stabilize global energy markets, the United States on Thursday issued a 30-day license for countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea. The US Secretary of the Treasury said:

“The temporary rise in oil prices is a temporary, short-term disruption that will result in a massive benefit to our nation and our economy in the long term.”

The cost of the US war against Iran in just six days is estimated to have been at least $11.3 billion. These estimates were shared in a closed briefing with Pentagon officials.

However, the estimate covers only the initial cost of the war, excluding resources invested in training military personnel and equipment before the attack. The real cost of the war is expected to rise.

The Indian Express’ Express Global Desk offers authoritative, fact-checked and context-based coverage of key international developments shaping global migration politics, policies and trends. The section focuses on stories with direct relevance to Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explanations and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is U.S. visa and immigration policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely follows Canada’s immigration, visa and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residency programs and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All Global Desk reports conform to The Indian Express editorial standards and are based on official data, government notifications, court documents and proprietary sources. The desktop prioritizes clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep experience in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar, Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats: Deputy editor specializing in American politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-based international coverage. Mashkoora Khan: Deputy editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on policy coverage related to Canada studies, immigration and visas. … Read more

Stay up to date with the latest – click here to follow us on Instagram

Click Here to Get More