Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS News on Sunday that his nation “never asked for a ceasefire, and we have never asked even for negotiation.” That followed President Donald Trump telling NBC News on Saturday, “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet.” Araghchi said of Iran, “We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes.”

Trump on Saturday appealed to other nations to help the U.S. secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint easily attacked by Iranian forces, even if they’re depleted. He wrote on Truth Social that “hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships.”

That followed U.S. forces on Friday attacking military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island, which plays a key role in Iran’s oil network. Trump warned Iran that the island’s oil infrastructure could be next unless the nation stopped restricting traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. A resurfaced Trump quote from 1988 revealed he’s long had the island on his mind, with him saying of Iran at the time, “They’ve been beating us psychologically, making us look a bunch of fools. One bullet shot at one of our men or ships, and I’d do a number on Kharg Island. I’d go in and take it.”

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC News‘ Meet the Press on Sunday that the war would likely last a “few more weeks” and predicted Americans could see gas prices begin to fall once the conflict ends. For now, he added, the strait remains unsafe for shipping and the U.S. is focused on degrading Iran’s offensive capabilities. On Thursday, he said military escorts of oil tankers could start by the end of this month.

Meanwhile the Defense Department released the names of six Air Force personnel who died when a KC-135 crashed in Western Iraq earlier this week.

Mar 15, 2026 at 05:19 PM EDT

Trump, Starmer Discuss Iran War and Hormuz Strait Amid Strained Ties

President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke by phone on Sunday about the Iran war and the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Downing Street said. The leaders discussed the “ongoing situation in the Middle East” and the disruption to global shipping, which has driven up costs worldwide. The call followed Trump’s public criticism of Starmer over Britain’s limited role in the U.S.-led campaign against Iran. U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper pushed back, defending London’s decision to restrict its involvement to defensive measures. Starmer’s cautious stance aligns with public opposition in the U.K. to joining the war, according to recent polling.

Mar 15, 2026 at 04:21 PM EDT

EU ministers to discuss naval missions amid Trump push on Hormuz Strait

European Union foreign ministers are set to discuss the bloc’s naval missions on Monday, as the White House presses allies to help form a coalition to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. One option is expanding the EU’s Aspides naval mission, which currently operates in the Red Sea, to the strategic Gulf waterway. But that mission hasn’t been effective in the first place, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a Sunday radio interview, so he’s skeptical of it working in the strait. The operation is a purely EU‑led mission and runs separately from U.S. naval efforts in the region.

Mar 15, 2026 at 03:28 PM EDT

Sports events in Middle East canceled as Iran War escalates

UEFA said on Sunday that the Argentina vs. Spain Finalissima in Qatar was canceled due to security concerns in the region. The soccer match had been slated for March 27 in Doha’s Lusail Stadium. On Saturday, Formula One Group announced the cancellation of grands prix in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia amid Middle East turmoil stemming from the Iran War. The U.S. State Department recently issued travel advisories to American citizens for much of the Middle East.

Mar 15, 2026 at 02:56 PM EDT

Iraqi prison holding thousands of ISIS prisoners at risk of attacks, officials warn

After five missiles struck Baghdad International Airport on Sunday, Iraqi officials warned that continued attacks in the area risk hitting the nearby Al‑Karkh Central Prison, which holds thousands of ISIS detainees transferred from Syria. Iran‑backed militias have claimed responsibility for attacks near the airport, saying they targeted the former U.S. base Camp Victory, which still hosts U.S. diplomatic operations. On Saturday, the U.S. embassy was also hit by such militias, with smoke seen rising from its roof. Americans were warned to leave Iraq immediately, given the high risk of being attacked or kidnapped.

Mar 15, 2026 at 02:04 PM EDT

Trump’s appeal to send warships to Hormuz Strait gets tepid response from other countries

President Donald Trump on Saturday wrote on Truth Social that “many countries” will send warships to keep the Hormuz Strait open in conjunction with the U.S.” He did not however name any, stating only that “hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships.” As of Sunday, his call has received no promises, though Energy Secretary Chris Wright told NBC he’s been “in dialogue” with some of the nations. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will meet Trump at the White House on Thursday and may be asked directly.

Mar 15, 2026 at 01:15 PM EDT

Gas prices jump again as Americans feel Iran War impact

The average price for a gallon of gas in the U.S. has jumped from $3.45 a week ago to $3.70 on Sunday, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). A month ago, it was $2.93. Lowering gas prices and energy bills was one of President Donald Trump‘s central campaign pledges, and some Republican lawmakers have warned that sustained elevated prices could hurt them in the midterms later this year. Average prices could reach between $5 and $5.50 if brent tops $150 per barrel, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan told Barron’s, with much depending on when the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens.

Mar 15, 2026 at 12:50 PM EDT

Pope Leo XIV presses for Iran War ceasefire

Pope Leo XIV made his strongest appeal yet for an Iran War ceasefire, saying on Sunday: “On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict. Cease fire so that avenues for dialogue may be reopened. Violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace that the people are waiting for.” The Vatican signaled it would keep diplomatic channels open with all parties while pressing for a ceasefire and civilian protections.

Mar 15, 2026 at 12:29 PM EDT

Iran War will end in four to six weeks, Pentagon estimates

The Pentagon estimates the Iran War will be over in four to six weeks, according to a White House official. Speaking Sunday on CBS’ Face the Nation, Kevin Hassett, head of the National Economic Council, said, “We expect that the global economy is going to have a big positive shock as soon as this is over.” Iran has significantly less leverage than during the 1970s energy crisis, he said, adding, “They think they’re going to harm the US economy and get President Trump to back down. There couldn’t be anything that is a stupider thing to say. We’ve got lots and lots of oil.”

Mar 15, 2026 at 11:51 AM EDT

Iranian official rejects Trump’s claim Iran wants to make a deal

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS News on Sunday that his nation “never asked for a ceasefire, and we have never asked even for negotiation.” That followed President Donald Trump telling NBC News on Saturday, “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet.” Araghchi said of Iran, “We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes.”