Dubai: Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Iran early Friday, including attacks described as targeting the “heart of Tehran,” ahead of a planned UN Security Council meeting on assaults against Iranian civilian infrastructure. There was no immediate confirmation of specific targets or damage. Smoke was also seen over Beirut, while air-raid sirens sounded in Israel as its military reported efforts to intercept Iranian missiles. Iran continued strikes on Gulf Arab neighbours, with incoming drones and missiles reported in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Diplomatically, Iran and the United States appeared at an impasse. Washington has been urging Tehran to enter talks on a 15-point ceasefire proposal delivered via intermediaries, even as the US ordered thousands more troops to the region amid suggestions of preparing to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Markets reacted nervously: after Wall Street’s worst day since the war began, Asian shares mostly fell on growing doubts over de-escalation.
Deaths continue to climb, primarily in Iran and Lebanon
Since the conflict began, Iran’s Health Ministry reports more than 1,900 killed. Eighteen people have died in Israel, including at least three Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon. At least 13 American troops, four people in the occupied West Bank, 20 in Gulf Arab states, more than 1,100 in Lebanon, and 80 members of Iraqi security forces have also been reported killed as Iranian-backed militias entered the fighting.
Israel says it needs thousands more troops
Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Israel needs roughly 15,000 soldiers — about half combat troops — to be at full strength for operations on multiple fronts. Tens of thousands of reservists remain deployed in Gaza and Lebanon, and repeated call-ups have sparked public pushback over exhaustion and economic strain. Israel plans to broaden operations across several fronts, including the occupied West Bank.
Diplomacy on Strait of Hormuz and international mission talks
France’s foreign minister said discussions continue at the UN on a draft resolution for a “strictly defensive” international mission to ensure free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed mission would escort ships and restore traffic once calm returns, with the stated aim of helping to lower energy prices.
Life and damage in southern Lebanon
Tyre, an ancient coastal city, is nearly empty after Israel intensified strikes on Hezbollah and ordered evacuations south of the Litani River. Bridges over the Litani have been destroyed, isolating parts of the country. Several thousand residents remain, refusing to leave, while fishermen struggle under curfews and scarce customers.
US response and escalation risks
Facing market turmoil, President Trump delayed a threat to destroy Iranian energy plants that was linked to Tehran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He said talks aimed at ending the conflict were progressing and that Iran asked for a grace period; he announced extending a deadline to April 6.
Latest live-fire reports
Israel’s military said it conducted a wave of strikes in Tehran early Friday. Kuwait reported shooting down Iranian drones in an attack on its territory, and the UAE issued a missile alert over Dubai, though no interception sound was reported there.
Iran raises assassination threat concerns at UN
Iran sent a letter to the United Nations alleging media reports that its foreign minister and parliament speaker had been considered assassination targets by Israel and the US. The letter warned of an “operational framework” contemplating attacks on the country’s highest-ranking officials.
