All six crew members were killed when a U.S. military KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq, the American military said. Concerns are growing that the war's stranglehold on Gulf oil exports is destabilizing the global economy. Brent crude oil, the international standard, remained over $100 per barrel as Iran kept its stranglehold on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Merz said the world is witnessing “a dangerous escalation,” and said Iran is “indiscriminately” carrying out attacks on countries across the Gulf region. — By Alanna Durkin Richer and Corey Williams▶ Read MoreHegseth says an officer has been picked to lead probe into Iran school strike

Source: Washington Post March 16, 2026 19:56 UTC