US & ‘Israel’ at war with Iran | Day 22 coverage

Several buildings in Arad collapsed following a direct Iranian rocket strike, 'Israeli' media reported. The city’s defense systems attempted to intercept the missile, but it hit a residential area, leaving dozens injured.

'Israeli' emergency services described the incident as a major event, with search and rescue operations ongoing to locate people trapped under the rubble.

At least four injuries have been reported as serious, and the 'Israeli' Air Force has opened an investigation into the strike.

'Israeli' emergency services reported at least 50 people injured in Arad following the latest Iranian rocket attack, with local media saying a state of emergency has been declared in the city.

Medical teams are treating dozens of casualties as rescue operations continue, while authorities urge residents to remain in shelters amid ongoing security concerns.

Jordanian authorities announce the end of the alert period.

Jordanian authorities activate warning sirens after detecting aerial objects.

Loud explosions were reported in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, according to local sources.

A commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the skies over southern ‘Israeli’ territory will remain illuminated for several hours tonight, signaling ongoing missile activity.

He added that new launch systems in upcoming waves will “surprise” both US and ‘Israeli’ forces, highlighting Iran’s intent to escalate military operations amid the current war.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported that its forces intercepted and destroyed two drones in the country’s Eastern Province.

Officials said the defensive operation successfully neutralized the threat, emphasizing the continued monitoring of airspace to ensure national security. No damage or casualties were reported.

Video shows one of the missiles hitting a target inside 'Israel's' Dimona.

Twenty people were injured across twelve locations following an Iranian strike.

Dimona is home to 'Israel’s' nuclear research facility.

Authorities confirmed that the sounds reported across parts of the city were caused by successful air defense interception operations.

The government urged residents to remain calm and rely only on official sources for updates.

No casualties or damage have been reported, and defensive systems continue to monitor the situation.

Twenty-one people were injured across 12 different locations in Dimona following an Iranian missile strike, 'Israeli' media said.

The attack damaged buildings in the area, and emergency teams are responding to treat the wounded and secure the scene.

Alert period ends in Jordan

Sirens blare in Jordan.

An Iranian rocket strike struck a building in Dimona, causing partial collapse and injuring several people, 'Israeli' media reported.

Emergency services rushed to the scene to evacuate residents and provide medical assistance.

Dimona is home to 'Israel’s' nuclear research facility.

Alert period ends in Jordan

 UAE Ministry of Interior announced that air defense systems are responding to a missile threat, urging residents to remain in safe locations.

Authorities called on the public to stay calm and follow official instructions, as defensive measures are actively being carried out.

Jordanian authorities activate warning sirens after detecting aerial objects.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it carried out its 72nd wave of strikes targeting positions in ‘Israeli’ territory and the US Fifth Fleet, according to Iranian state media.

The IRGC said the attacks employed precision missiles of the Qadr and Emad types, describing them as powerful and accurate.

Targets also included the 'Israeli' Air Force in central and northern areas of ‘Israel’.

Iranian officials also claimed that locally developed offensive and defensive systems would continue to achieve “greater accomplishments.”

'Israeli' media reported that air raid sirens were activated across the Upper Galilee region.

Residents were urged to take immediate shelter as the alerts signaled potential incoming threats.

Iranian state television reported the start of a new wave of missile fire targeting 'Israeli' territory.

In response, the 'Israeli' Home Front Command said sirens were activated in the northern towns of Shlomi and Nahariya, warning residents of incoming projectiles. Authorities urged civilians to seek shelter immediately and follow safety protocols.

Iranian police announced the arrest of 25 individuals accused of acting as agents for foreign adversaries in West Azerbaijan province.

Authorities said the suspects were providing photographs and intelligence data to hostile parties, according to state media.

Officials did not release further details.

• Russia support for Iran is now under scrutiny amid crisis
• Russia-Iran pact lacks defense clause amid nuclear concerns

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Iranian leaders on Nowruz, stressing that Moscow remains a “loyal friend and reliable partner” to Tehran, the Kremlin said Saturday.

In a message marking the Persian New Year, Putin expressed hope that the Iranian people would overcome current challenges “with dignity,” signaling continued political support as tensions in the region persist.

"Vladimir Putin wished the Iranian people to overcome the harsh ​trials with dignity and stressed that in this difficult time Moscow remains a loyal friend and reliable partner of Tehran," said the Kremlin.

Despite these assurances, the extent of Russia’s backing remains under scrutiny. Iranian sources cited by Reuters said Tehran has received limited practical assistance from Moscow during what is widely seen as its most serious crisis since the 1979 Iranian Revolution.

The discrepancy between Moscow’s rhetoric and perceived action has raised questions about the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly at a time when Iran faces mounting regional and international pressure.

Notably, the strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran does not include a mutual defense clause, underscoring the limits of their alliance despite growing cooperation.

Under the agreement, neither side is obligated to provide military assistance if the other is attacked, distinguishing the partnership from formal defense alliances.

Additionally, Russia has stated it does not support Iran developing a nuclear weapon, warning that such a move could spark a wider arms race across the Middle East.

The US military said Saturday that Iran's ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz has been "degraded" by the bombing this week of an underground facility where it stored cruise missiles and other weaponry.

"We not only took out the facility, but also destroyed intelligence support sites and missile radar relays that were used to monitor ship movements," Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command said in video message posted on X.

"Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz is degraded as a result, and we will not stop pursuing these targets," he added.

Several blasts were heard in Bahrain's capital of Manama on Saturday, according to media reports, as Iran presses its aerial campaign against Gulf states.

Two missiles were seen being intercepted in the sky and a number of explosions rocked the city after warning sirens sounded.

Tehran has targeted Bahrain and other neighbouring countries in retaliatory strikes following US-‘Israeli’ attacks on Iran beginning 28 February.

Iran was "unsuccessful" in targeting the joint UK-US Indian Ocean military base at Diego Garcia, a UK official source confirmed to AFP on Saturday, after the Wall Street Journal reported Tehran fired two ballistic missiles at it.

The source said the "unsuccessful targeting of Diego Garcia" took place before the UK government announced Friday that it would allow the United States to use some of its bases to target Iranian sites being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) release footage of wave 71 of their attacks against ‘Israel’ and the United States, amid the ongoing regional war.

Iranians gather for a funeral procession in Tehran for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman, Ali Mohammad Naini.

The IRGC said in a statement on their website on Friday that Naini had been killed in US-‘Israeli’ strikes.

He will be buried tomorrow in Kashan in Iran's Isfahan province.

The UN atomic watchdog on Saturday said it was looking into a report by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked in the war with the United States and ‘Israel’.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi repeated a "call for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident", the agency posted on X.

"The IAEA has been informed by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked today. No increase in off-site radiation levels reported," it added.

Hundreds of Muslims hold Eid al-Fitr prayers in Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosque, marking the end of the Ramadan fast against the backdrop of war with the United States and ‘Israel’.

Iran, a majority-Shia nation, marked the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan a day after most other Muslim countries, which are mainly Sunni.

• Despite overnight strikes on Tehran, Isfahan, and Arak, worshippers filled the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque and surrounding streets; however, the new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was notably absent, leaving Judiciary Head Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i to lead the congregation.
• Shia-majority Iran observed the holiday one day after most Sunni-majority nations, celebrating amidst a landscape of destroyed landmarks and heightened security following the February 28 assassination of the previous Supreme Leader and the following war.

Thousands of Muslims held Eid al-Fitr prayers in Iran on Saturday to mark the end of the Ramadan fast against the backdrop of the Middle East war, state television footage showed.

Iran, a majority-Shia nation, marked the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan a day after most other Muslim countries, which are mainly Sunni.

The Islamic republic's supreme leader traditionally leads the Eid prayers but Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since his appointment earlier this month, did not attend.

The head of the judiciary, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, however, attended the prayer at central Tehran's Imam Khomeini grand mosque -- named after the founder of the Islamic republic.

‘Israeli’ Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that the United States and Israel would intensify their strikes on Iran in the coming week starting Sunday.

"This week, the intensity of the strikes to be carried out by the IDF and the US military against the Iranian terror regime and the infrastructure on which it relies will rise significantly," Katz said in a statement issued by the defence ministry on Saturday.

Professor Jiang (@predictivehistory_) , in an interview with Tucker Carlson, discusses the potential for a prolonged "war of attrition" in Iran, drawing parallels to the conflict in Ukraine.

He predicts the conflict will be drawn out, as neither side is likely to concede defeat despite the potential benefits of a ceasefire.

The war's duration could have "dramatic consequences" for the global economy, he added, with repercussions already being felt, and suggests that a diplomatic solution remains out of reach for the time being.

An Iraqi officer was killed on Saturday in a drone attack targeting an Iraqi intelligence services building in a residential Baghdad neighbourhood, the agency said.

"An officer was martyred," Iraqi intelligence said in a statement condemning "a terrorist attack carried out by rogue elements".

A security official and an Iraqi emergency services source reported that another officer was wounded.

Video from Friday shows smoke rising from an IRGC Basij base following a strike in Semnan in northern Iran. 

The United States and ‘Israel’ attacked Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, state media reported on Saturday. 

“Shahid Ahmadi Roshan enrichment complex in Natanz was hit this morning” by US and ‘Israeli’ strikes, Tasnim news agency said citing sources. 

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran also confirmed the attack, saying the facility was “hit again” this morning.

It added that there was "no leakage of radioactive materials reported" in the area in central Iran.

An upscale Baghdad neighbourhood came under drone attack Saturday morning, a security official told AFP, with one drone targeting an Iraqi security service building.

The drone "carried out the attack on a communications building", the official said, adding that the building houses an Iraqi security agency that works with US advisors in Iraq.

Another drone, filming the operation, crashed into a private members sports club popular with Iraqi elite and foreign diplomats, according to the same source.

• Iran's military warned that it would launch "heavy strikes" against the UAE city of Ras Al Khaimah if any "aggression" came from Emirati territory against the disputed islands of Abu Musa and Greater Tunb.
• These strategic islands, controlled by Iran but claimed by the UAE, sit at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz; Iran continues to accuse Gulf states of hosting US strike platforms, despite repeated denials from Abu Dhabi regarding the use of their airspace for the ongoing war.

Iran's military warned the United Arab Emirates on Saturday against allowing attacks from its territory on two disputed islands in the Gulf, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

"We warn the United Arab Emirates if any further aggression originates from its territory against the Iranian islands of Abu Musa and Greater Tunb in the Persian Gulf, Iran's powerful armed forces will subject Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE to heavy strikes," the military's operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by Tasnim news agency.

Abu Musa and the Greater Tunb islands, which are controlled by Iran but claimed by the UAE, have long been a source of dispute between the two countries.

The islands are located in the Gulf near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, through which normally about a fifth of the world's oil passes.

But marine traffic has been disrupted by the regional war, which began with US-‘Israeli’ strikes on Iran on February 28 and has since spread across the Middle East.

Iran accuses Gulf states of allowing US forces to carry out attacks from their territory, and has launched missile and drone strikes against what it calls US interests in those countries throughout the war.

Gulf states have repeatedly denied those accusations, saying even before the war that they would not allow their territory or airspace to be used to attack Iran.

Professor Jiang, in an interview with Tucker Carlson aired on his Youtube channel, discusses a controversial scenario regarding the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the potential for a "Third Temple" in Jerusalem.

Jiang asserts that the construction of a Third Temple would require the destruction of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

He suggests that archaeological digs may have been used to weaken the mosque's foundation, alleging a plan for a controlled demolition that could be blamed on external missile strikes from Iran - which could be used as a pretext to ignite a broader war and move toward the “Greater Israel” project.

Iranian media reported three explosions in the eastern part of Tehran, with air defenses responding to “hostile targets,” according to the report.  

Additional reports indicate explosions in the Piroozi area in eastern Tehran.

All-clear sirens sound across Jordan

The ‘Israeli’ military said that rescue services are on their way to areas where reports of casualties were received in central ‘Israel’, after Iran fired a missile salvo which included a cluster warhead.

The latest Iranian missile salvo carried a cluster warhead, and its munitions hit buildings in the area of Rishon LeZion, part of the Tel Aviv district, according to Hebrew media.

‘Israel’s’ emergency service said there are no known casualties at this stage, in a statement carried by YNET.

The ‘Israeli’ military said it detected missiles launched from Iran towards ‘Israel’.

“Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said in a statement.

Warning sirens sound across Jordan

• US President Trump signaled he is considering "winding down" military operations within the next 1–3 weeks, while the US Treasury issued a 30-day waiver (expiring April 19) to allow the sale of 140 million barrels of Iranian oil already at sea.
• Despite talk of victory, Iran launched a "dizzying" wave of 20+ drones and missiles targeting eastern Saudi Arabia and ‘Israel’, while a drone strike hit Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, causing a fire.

President Donald Trump said Friday that he was considering "winding down" military operations against Iran, as the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil shipments to stem a global supply crisis.

Iran launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and ‘Israel’ meanwhile after supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei claimed to have dealt a "dizzying blow" to his country's enemies.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the United States was "getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East."

His post was the strongest indication yet that he may be prepared to soon end hostilities that began on February 28.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a post on X shortly after Trump's message, said "the President and the Pentagon predicted it would take approximately 4-6 weeks to achieve this mission."

"Tomorrow marks week 3 -- and the US Armed Forces are doing an exceptional job," Leavitt continued.

"Day by day, the Iranian Regime is being crippled, and their ability to threaten the United States and our allies is being significantly weakened."

Amid growing concern over oil prices and global supply shortages, the US Treasury said it was temporarily lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto vessels.

The authorization allows for the delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil and other petroleum products loaded onto ships before March 20 and will last through April 19, it said.

"By temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, the United States will quickly bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets, expanding the amount of worldwide energy and helping to relieve the temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

“Dangerous escalation”

Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world's oil and gas normally flows, and the numerous attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East have sent crude oil prices soaring.

A barrel of North Sea Brent crude was up 3.26 percent on Friday to $112.19.

On Wall Street, stocks ended sharply lower after oil prices shot up on fears that lengthy supply disruptions would lead to a global economic downturn.

Saudi Arabia said it "intercepted and destroyed" more than 20 Iranian drones in the east of the kingdom early Saturday, while ‘Israel’ said a new wave of missiles had been fired from Iran.

Iranian attacks continued meanwhile on energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

On Friday, drone attacks hit Kuwait's giant Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, causing a fire that was later brought under control, a day after a direct hit on Qatar's vital Ras Laffan natural gas facility.

“We have won”

Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday he was not looking for a truce with the Islamic Republic.

"I think we have won," he said.

"I don't want to do a ceasefire. You know you don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side."

Trump, after slamming NATO allies as "cowards," said other nations would have to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz.

"The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it -- The United States does not!" he posted.

"If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn't be necessary once Iran's threat is eradicated."

Trump said the United States wanted to talk to Iran but "there's nobody to talk to" because of the killing of Iran's former supreme leader and other top officials.

Iran's new supreme leader has not appeared in public since being named to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei.

In a written statement to mark Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Mojtaba Khamenei said Iranians have "dealt him (the enemy) a dizzying blow so that he now starts uttering contradictory words and nonsense."

"At the moment, due to the particular unity that has been created between you our compatriots... the enemy has been defeated," Khamenei said.

Trump has repeatedly said he does not plan to send ground troops into combat with Iran, but The Wall Street Journal reported that an additional 2,200 to 2,500 US Marines were headed to the region.

Trump would not confirm a report by the Axios news outlet that he was considering an occupation or blockade of Iran's Kharg Island oil hub to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait.

US forces hit Kharg with strikes that Trump said had "totally obliterated" all military targets on the island, but Washington has so far avoided hitting its oil infrastructure.

Sirens sound to announce end of alert period

The 'Israeli' Home Front reports sirens in south 'Israel', Dimona and the Negev after detection of an Iranian rocket attack.

Air raid sirens blare across Jordan.

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry condemned on Saturday 'Israel's' strikes on Syrian army camps as "aggression", calling on the international community to intervene.

'Israel's' military said on Friday it had struck southern Syria in response to what it called attacks against the Druze community in Sweida province.

The Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement that the kingdom condemned "the blatant Israeli aggression... in flagrant violation of international law and Syrian sovereignty", urging the international community "to put an end to Israel's violations of international laws and norms".

Iran has said it is prepared to allow Japanese-linked vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments, as talks between Tehran and Tokyo continue amid ongoing conflict in the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Kyodo News that the strait remains open, though restrictions have been placed on vessels from countries involved in attacks against Iran. He said Tehran is willing to ensure safe passage for countries such as Japan if coordination takes place.

The strategic waterway has faced disruptions during the three-week war involving Iran, the United States and 'Israel', contributing to rising oil prices and concerns over global energy supplies.

Japan depends on the Middle East for more than 90% of its crude oil imports, most of which pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The recent tensions have prompted Tokyo, along with other countries, to release oil from strategic reserves to ease supply pressures.

Araghchi said the issue was discussed in recent talks with Japan’s foreign minister, with negotiations still ongoing.

He also stressed that Iran is seeking a “comprehensive and lasting end” to the war rather than a temporary ceasefire, adding that Tehran remains open to diplomatic efforts while continuing what it describes as self-defense.

The conflict has raised fears of wider regional escalation and further disruption to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Kuwait's military said its air defence systems were responding to a missile and drone attack on Saturday, as Iran continues to strike Gulf nations.

"Kuwaiti air defences are currently responding to hostile missile and drone threats," an army statement said.

The Trump administration has temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil, allowing purchases of oil already loaded onto ships by 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday. The exemption, which lasts until April 19, is aimed at easing soaring oil prices amid the U.S.’s war with Iran.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move could release roughly 140 million barrels of oil previously "hoarded by China," adding that Tehran would see little benefit from the sales.

The decision marks a wartime loosening of Trump’s long-standing “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, which has targeted the country’s energy sector and broader economy. It follows a similar temporary reprieve for Russian oil purchases.

The administration is responding to rising oil prices caused by slowed tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Trump has also released oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and suggested potential military escorts for tankers in the strait.

Critics, including congressional Democrats, warn that easing sanctions on sanctioned countries could boost adversaries’ finances and prolong conflicts.

The U.S. Victoria Base in Baghdad, Iraq, was hit by multiple Iranian drones, causing large fires and prompting air defense systems to respond near Baghdad International Airport.

Saudi Arabia intercepts 10 drones in east: defence ministry

Iranian state television reports a fresh missile barrage targeting 'Israel'.

An Iraqi security source said that the attacks targeted the U.S. logistics camp near Baghdad Airport. Details are still emerging.

US President Donald Trump said Friday he was considering "winding down" military operations against Iran and that the Strait of Hormuz would need to be "guarded and policed" by other countries who use the vital waterway.

"We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

"The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it -- The United States does not!" he said.