What we know on the ninth day of the US and Israel’s war with Iran

James Legge, CNNSun, March 8, 2026 at 3:57 AM UTC

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An explosion erupts following strikes near Azadi Tower close to Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran on March 7, 2026. - Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty Images

Israel’s onslaught against Iran has entered a new phase, targeting energy resources in the country.

Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliatory strikes against US-friendly Gulf nations appear to be continuing, despite President Masoud Pezeshkian apologizing for previous attacks on the oil-rich kingdoms and suggesting they would end.

Conflicting statements and scattered messaging from Iranian officials underscore a possible divide within Tehran’s ruling establishment, amid reports that Tehran could choose its new supreme leader within the next 24 hours. The new figurehead would replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of nearly four decades who was killed in the war’s opening salvo.

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Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said American ground troops could “possibly” be sent to Iran, but added there would have to be a “very good reason.”

Here’s what to know on day nine.

What are the main headlines? -

Iranian oil targeted: Israel has begun striking oil storage sites in Iran as part of the next phase of the war, an Israeli source told CNN. The Israeli military said it hit fuel sites in the capital Tehran on Saturday evening that distribute fuel “to various consumers, including military entities in Iran.”

‘Surprises prepared’: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded statement that Israel and the US have achieved “almost complete control” over Iranian skies, and that there are “many more targets and surprises prepared.”

Gulf attacks continue: Countries across the Persian Gulf reported airstrikes and interceptions heading into early Sunday morning. The various drone and missile attacks come despite Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian apologizing to Gulf nations for the past week’s attacks on US bases in the region, saying Iran would stop striking its neighbors unless it came under attack.

What’s happening in Iran and Lebanon?

A man inspects the debris of destroyed buildings at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted Haret Hreik neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on March 7, 2026. - AFP/Getty Images -

‘Quagmire’: Iran’s top security official said Trump’s war against Iran is the result of his “international miscalculation,” in that Trump thought he could repeat the Venezuela model in Iran. In an interview broadcast on Iranian state TV, Ali Larijani said the US is now “stuck in the quagmire of its own miscalculations,” and that Trump had failed to achieve his aims through strikes on Iran.

Mixed messages: Conflicting statements from Iranian officials underscore possible rifts within the leadership following Khamenei’s death. While Pezeshkian apologized for attacks in neighboring nations, in a later “explanation,” his office vowed to continue striking US targets in the region.

Deadly raid: Lebanese authorities said dozens of people were killed when Israeli commandos raided a border region hunting for the remains of a long-missing airman.

Central Beirut hit: At least four people have been killed and 10 others wounded after an Israeli strike hit a hotel in central Beirut, Reuters reported early Sunday, citing Lebanon’s health ministry. The attack notably hit the heart of Beirut, rather than the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs where the vast majority of recent Israeli airstrikes have taken place. Israel’s military said it had “conducted a precise strike” targeting key commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force.

What’s happening in the rest of region? -

Strikes continue: Countries across the Persian Gulf reported airstrikes and interceptions. The Kuwaiti Army said that a “wave of hostile drones” targeted fuel storage at Kuwait International Airport. Saudi Arabia also said it endured drone attacks.

Dubai evacuation: Buildings around Dubai’s Marina were evacuated Saturday after debris from projectile interceptions damaged the facade of a high-rise building in the Emirati city. Among the evacuees were CNN staff.

Drones shot down over Iraq: Two explosive-laden drones were shot down over the Iraqi Kurdish city of Erbil on Saturday, a security source told CNN. According to the source, the drones were shot down around 11p.m. local time, the same time a CNN team on the ground heard loud explosions and air defenses firing into the sky.

The latest from Trump

US President Donald Trump speaks with the media as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looks on aboard Air Force One during a flight from Dover, Delaware, to Miami, Florida, on March 7, 2026. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images -

Possible escalation: Trump said US troops could “possibly” be sent on the ground in Iran, as the war continues, but there would have to be a “very good reason.”

Kurdish involvement: Trump said the US does not want Iranian Kurdish groups involved in the war with Iran, contradicting previous efforts by the CIA, reported by CNN, to arm them in the hopes of sparking an uprising. “We’re not looking to the Kurds going in. We’re very friendly with the Kurds, as you know, but we don’t want to make the war any more complex than it already is,” Trump said.

Shifting blame: The president cast blame on Tehran for the strike on an Iranian elementary school that killed at least 168 children and 14 teachers, despite analysis by CNN and experts suggesting the US military was likely responsible.

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