Israel launched a new wave of strikes on Iran early Friday, with some attacks described as striking the ‘heart of Tehran’ ahead of a planned U.N. Security Council meeting on assaults against Iranian civilian infrastructure. There was no immediate independent confirmation of specific targets or the extent of any damage. Smoke was also reported over Beirut, and air-raid sirens sounded in parts of Israel as its military said it was attempting to intercept incoming Iranian missiles.
Iran continued attacks on Gulf Arab neighbors, with Kuwait reporting it shot down Iranian drones and the United Arab Emirates issuing missile alerts, including over Dubai. The region remains on high alert as several countries reported incoming drones or missiles.
Diplomatic efforts appeared at an impasse. Washington has been pressing Tehran to engage with a 15-point ceasefire proposal conveyed through intermediaries, even as the U.S. ordered thousands more troops to the region amid signals it may act to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Markets reacted nervously: after Wall Street’s worst day since the conflict began, Asian shares largely fell amid rising doubts that de-escalation can be achieved soon.
Rising death toll
Casualties continue to climb across the region. Iran’s Health Ministry says more than 1,900 people have been killed since the fighting began. Reported deaths include 18 people in Israel, including at least three Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon; at least 13 U.S. service members; four people in the occupied West Bank; about 20 in Gulf Arab states; more than 1,100 in Lebanon; and roughly 80 members of Iraqi security forces. Iranian-backed militias have also been reported entering the conflict, adding to the toll.
Israeli military needs and mobilization
Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Israel requires roughly 15,000 additional soldiers to operate at full strength across multiple fronts, about half of them combat troops. Tens of thousands of reservists remain deployed in Gaza and Lebanon, and repeated call-ups have prompted public concern over fatigue and the economic strain of extended mobilization. Israel has indicated plans to widen operations to include the occupied West Bank and other fronts.
Talks on the Strait of Hormuz
France’s foreign minister said discussions at the U.N. continue over a draft resolution proposing a ‘strictly defensive’ international mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The concept would involve escorts for commercial vessels and measures to restore maritime traffic once conditions permit, with one stated aim being to help stabilize energy markets and ease price pressures.
Life in southern Lebanon
Southern Lebanese areas such as Tyre are largely emptied after intensified Israeli strikes on Hezbollah and evacuation orders south of the Litani River. Bridges have been destroyed, isolating communities. Several thousand residents remain, some refusing to leave, while fishermen and other civilians face curfews, lost income and scarce customers.
U.S. posture and timelines
Facing market turbulence and rising regional tensions, President Trump delayed a threatened strike on Iranian energy infrastructure that had been linked to Tehran’s partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The administration said talks aimed at ending the conflict were progressing and that Iran requested a grace period; the president announced an extension of a previously stated deadline to April 6.
Latest live-fire updates and U.N. concerns
Israel’s military reported a wave of strikes in Tehran early Friday. Kuwait said it intercepted Iranian drones; the UAE issued missile alerts though not all reported launches produced audible intercepts. Separately, Iran sent a letter to the U.N. alleging media reports that its foreign minister and parliament speaker had been considered assassination targets by Israel and the United States, warning that an ‘operational framework’ contemplating attacks on senior officials had been discussed. The charge adds another diplomatic flashpoint as the international community seeks ways to contain the widening conflict.
