Washington Edition

Iran War Lines Harden as Effects Ripple Beyond Region

Trump and Iranian leader delivered defiant messages on the conflict.

Fire on an oil tanker after it was hit in Iraqi waters, in an image released on March 12.Source: Iraqi Ports

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By Joe Sobczyk

March 12, 2026 at 8:30 PM UTC

This is Washington Edition, the newsletter about money, power and politics in the nation’s capital. Today, senior editor Joe Sobczyk compiles the biggest war news of the day. Sign up here. Email our editors here.

With ships burning in the Persian Gulf, oil prices surging and stock falling, President Donald Trump and Iran’s leaders are staking out hardline stands.