Iran-Israel war highlights: Trump says U.S. to leave Iran 'very soon,' deal or not

#### Key Updates

• China and Pakistan outline five-point plan to end war on Iran

• Israeli forces will occupy parts of south Lebanon even after war: Defence Minister

• U.S.-Israel targeted major pharmaceutical company: Iran govt

• Trump tells affected nations to go to Hormuz and ‘get your oil’

• Trump willing to end war 'even if Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed', report says

#### Iran Guards say will target U.S. tech firms if more leaders killed

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday (March 31) that they would target leading U.S. technology firms like Apple, Google and Meta if more Iranian leaders were killed in “targeted assassinations”.

“These companies, starting from 8:00 p.m. (1630 GMT) Tehran time on Wednesday, April 1, should expect the destruction of their relevant units in exchange for every assassination in Iran,” the Guards said in a statement listing the names of 18 companies it alleged were complicit in the killing of officials.

“We advise the employees of these institutions to immediately leave their workplaces to preserve their lives,” it added.- AFP

• April 01, 2026 05:09 Israeli strikes kill 7 in Beirut and nearby town: Lebanon Health Ministry Israeli strikes in south Beirut and a nearby area killed seven people, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).“The Israeli enemy’s raid on the Jnah area in Beirut has, according to an initial toll, resulted in five martyrs and 21 others wounded,” a Ministry statement said, referring to an area in south Beirut.Another strike that hit a vehicle in Khaldeh, just south of the capital, killed two people and wounded three, the Ministry of Health said in another statement.- AFP

Israeli strikes in south Beirut and a nearby area killed seven people, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

“The Israeli enemy’s raid on the Jnah area in Beirut has, according to an initial toll, resulted in five martyrs and 21 others wounded,” a Ministry statement said, referring to an area in south Beirut.

Another strike that hit a vehicle in Khaldeh, just south of the capital, killed two people and wounded three, the Ministry of Health said in another statement.

• April 01, 2026 04:27 Trump says U.S. to leave Iran 'very soon,' deal or not President Donald Trump said Tuesday (March 31) that U.S. forces would end operations in Iran “very soon,” evoking a timeline of two to three weeks as his administration pursues talks with Iranian authorities while continuing its aerial campaign.Asked during a White House event about the impact of high fuel prices since the start of the war on February 28, Mr. Trump said that “All I have to do is leave Iran, and we’ll be doing that very soon, and they’ll tumble down.”“We’re finishing the job, and I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer, to do the job,” he added.- AFP

President Donald Trump said Tuesday (March 31) that U.S. forces would end operations in Iran “very soon,” evoking a timeline of two to three weeks as his administration pursues talks with Iranian authorities while continuing its aerial campaign.

Asked during a White House event about the impact of high fuel prices since the start of the war on February 28, Mr. Trump said that “All I have to do is leave Iran, and we’ll be doing that very soon, and they’ll tumble down.”

“We’re finishing the job, and I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer, to do the job,” he added.

• April 01, 2026 04:22 Thousands more U.S. troops heading to West Asia Thousands of additional U.S. troops are heading to West Asia as the Trump administration has insisted that progress has been made in talks with Iran and has threatened to escalate the war if a deal is not reached soon.The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush deployed Tuesday (March 31) and is slated to go to West Asia along with three destroyers, two U.S. officials said. The carrier strike group consists of more than 6,000 sailors.It comes as thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division have also begun arriving in the West Asia, according to two other U.S. officials, who, like the others, spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.- AP

Thousands of additional U.S. troops are heading to West Asia as the Trump administration has insisted that progress has been made in talks with Iran and has threatened to escalate the war if a deal is not reached soon.

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush deployed Tuesday (March 31) and is slated to go to West Asia along with three destroyers, two U.S. officials said. The carrier strike group consists of more than 6,000 sailors.

It comes as thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division have also begun arriving in the West Asia, according to two other U.S. officials, who, like the others, spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military plans.

• April 01, 2026 04:16 Israel says it struck senior Hezbollah commander and senior member in Beirut Israel’s military ‌said on Wednesday (April 1) it carried ⁠out two separate ‌strikes in ‌the ‌Beirut ⁠area a ⁠short while ago, targeting a ‌senior Hezbollah commander and another senior ‌member of the group.The military ⁠did not provide ‌further details on their identities or ‌the outcome of the strikes. - Reuters

Israel’s military ‌said on Wednesday (April 1) it carried ⁠out two separate ‌strikes in ‌the ‌Beirut ⁠area a ⁠short while ago, targeting a ‌senior Hezbollah commander and another senior ‌member of the group.

The military ⁠did not provide ‌further details on their identities or ‌the outcome of the strikes.

• •Reuters

• April 01, 2026 03:53 Systematically crushing Iran, forging alliances with important countries in West Asia: Netanyahu Lauding “enormous accomplishments” in the war against Iran, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday evening that the joint Israel-U.S. campaign was “systematically crushing” the Islamic regime while removing existential threats to the Jewish State.Addressing the nation in Hebrew ahead of the Jewish festival of Pesach (Passover), Mr. Netanyahu stressed that “sooner or later” the Iranian regime will fall, while Israel creates “new alliances with important countries in the region” against the shared threat emanating from Tehran.The Israel Prime Minister did not mention any country but in the passing simply said he hopes that “soon, I will be able to tell you more about these vital alliances”.-AP

Lauding “enormous accomplishments” in the war against Iran, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday evening that the joint Israel-U.S. campaign was “systematically crushing” the Islamic regime while removing existential threats to the Jewish State.

Addressing the nation in Hebrew ahead of the Jewish festival of Pesach (Passover), Mr. Netanyahu stressed that “sooner or later” the Iranian regime will fall, while Israel creates “new alliances with important countries in the region” against the shared threat emanating from Tehran.

The Israel Prime Minister did not mention any country but in the passing simply said he hopes that “soon, I will be able to tell you more about these vital alliances”.

• April 01, 2026 01:51 Israeli strikes in south Lebanon kill 8, including paramedic: Health Ministry Israeli strikes in south Lebanon kill 8, including a paramedic, says the Health Ministry- AFP

Israeli strikes in south Lebanon kill 8, including a paramedic, says the Health Ministry

• April 01, 2026 01:12 Pope Leo urges Trump to find 'off-ramp' to end Iran war Pope Leo urged U.S. ‌President Donald Trump on Tuesday (March 31) to look for an “off-ramp” to end ⁠the Iran war, in a rare direct appeal from the pontiff as the regional conflict expands.“I’m ‌told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to ‌end the war,” said Leo, the ‌first ⁠pope from the United States.“Hopefully he’s ⁠looking for an off-ramp,” the pope told journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome. “Hopefully, he’s looking for a ‌way to decrease the amount of violence.”- Reuters

Pope Leo urged U.S. ‌President Donald Trump on Tuesday (March 31) to look for an “off-ramp” to end ⁠the Iran war, in a rare direct appeal from the pontiff as the regional conflict expands.

“I’m ‌told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to ‌end the war,” said Leo, the ‌first ⁠pope from the United States.

“Hopefully he’s ⁠looking for an off-ramp,” the pope told journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome. “Hopefully, he’s looking for a ‌way to decrease the amount of violence.”

• •Reuters

• April 01, 2026 01:10 Haiti imposes austerity measures as Iran war drives up oil prices, disrupts supplies Haiti’s government announced new austerity measures on Tuesday (March 31) as the war in Iran disrupts critical oil supplies and drives up prices worldwide.Officials in the troubled Caribbean country imposed a ban on the purchase of any new vehicles, will reduce fuel expenditures for public institutions, and said that foreign travel will be limited to essential missions authorised by the Prime Minister.In addition, security escorts will be limited to one vehicle in a country where gangs control an estimated 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and swaths of rural areas.- PTI

Haiti’s government announced new austerity measures on Tuesday (March 31) as the war in Iran disrupts critical oil supplies and drives up prices worldwide.

Officials in the troubled Caribbean country imposed a ban on the purchase of any new vehicles, will reduce fuel expenditures for public institutions, and said that foreign travel will be limited to essential missions authorised by the Prime Minister.

In addition, security escorts will be limited to one vehicle in a country where gangs control an estimated 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and swaths of rural areas.

• March 31, 2026 22:44 'Iran will be at World Cup' and play in U.S.: FIFA presidentFIFA president Gianni Infantino told on Tuesday (March 31) that Iran “will be at the World Cup” and will play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the war.“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Mr. Infantino said at half-time as Iran beat Costa Rica 5-0 in a friendly in southern Turkey.“That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.”“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Mr. Infantino, whose attendance at Tuesday’s game was unannounced.Mr. Infantino went on to stress that Iran’s “matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”.- AFP

FIFA president Gianni Infantino told on Tuesday (March 31) that Iran “will be at the World Cup” and will play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the war.

“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Mr. Infantino said at half-time as Iran beat Costa Rica 5-0 in a friendly in southern Turkey.

“That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.”

“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Mr. Infantino, whose attendance at Tuesday’s game was unannounced.

Mr. Infantino went on to stress that Iran’s “matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”.- AFP

• March 31, 2026 20:56 Iranian attack sparks fire on Kuwaiti oil tanker at Dubai PortAn Iranian attack sparked a fire on a Kuwaiti oil tanker at Dubai Port, state media reported on Tuesday (March 31), as Tehran continued its campaign in the Gulf in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes.“The Kuwaiti giant crude oil tanker was subjected to a direct and malicious Iranian attack while in the anchorage area of Dubai Port in the UAE,” official news agency KUNA reported, citing Kuwait’s state-owned oil company.- AFP

An Iranian attack sparked a fire on a Kuwaiti oil tanker at Dubai Port, state media reported on Tuesday (March 31), as Tehran continued its campaign in the Gulf in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes.

“The Kuwaiti giant crude oil tanker was subjected to a direct and malicious Iranian attack while in the anchorage area of Dubai Port in the UAE,” official news agency KUNA reported, citing Kuwait’s state-owned oil company.- AFP

• March 31, 2026 19:47 China and Pakistan outline five-point plan to end war on IranChina and Pakistan called on Tuesday (March 31) for an immediate end to the war in the West Asia, and for peace talks as soon as possible, as they agreed to boost their cooperation on Iran.The two countries outlined a joint initiative “for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region”, after a visit from senior Pakistani officials to Beijing.Both countries have sought to mediate in the West Asia to prevent the conflict from escalating, with Islamabad saying it is ready to host “meaningful talks” between the United States and Iran.- AFP

China and Pakistan called on Tuesday (March 31) for an immediate end to the war in the West Asia, and for peace talks as soon as possible, as they agreed to boost their cooperation on Iran.

The two countries outlined a joint initiative “for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region”, after a visit from senior Pakistani officials to Beijing.

Both countries have sought to mediate in the West Asia to prevent the conflict from escalating, with Islamabad saying it is ready to host “meaningful talks” between the United States and Iran.- AFP

• March 31, 2026 19:20 Israeli forces will occupy parts of south Lebanon even after war: Defence MinisterDefence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday (March 31) said Israel’s military would occupy a swathe of southern Lebanon even after the end of the current war against the Hezbollah armed group.“At the end of the operation, the IDF will establish itself in a security zone inside Lebanon, on a defensive line against anti-tank missiles, and will maintain security control over the entire area up to the Litani,” Mr. Katz said in a video statement published by his Ministry, referring to a river around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border.He said the return of more than 600,000 displaced Lebanese residents would be “completely prevented” until north Israel’s security was ensured. - AFP

Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday (March 31) said Israel’s military would occupy a swathe of southern Lebanon even after the end of the current war against the Hezbollah armed group.

“At the end of the operation, the IDF will establish itself in a security zone inside Lebanon, on a defensive line against anti-tank missiles, and will maintain security control over the entire area up to the Litani,” Mr. Katz said in a video statement published by his Ministry, referring to a river around 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the border.

He said the return of more than 600,000 displaced Lebanese residents would be “completely prevented” until north Israel’s security was ensured. - AFP

• March 31, 2026 18:54 Italy denied use of base to some U.S. aircraft headed to West AsiaItaly recently refused authorisation for some U.S. aircraft headed to the West Asia on a combat mission to land at its Sigonella base, a defence ministry source and Italian media said on Tuesday (March 31).Under the terms of agreements with the United States, some Italian bases can be used by U.S. military aircraft, but only for logistical purposes.Authorisation for any use for combat missions has to come from the government which in turn needs to get the go-ahead from Parliament.- AFP

Italy recently refused authorisation for some U.S. aircraft headed to the West Asia on a combat mission to land at its Sigonella base, a defence ministry source and Italian media said on Tuesday (March 31).

Under the terms of agreements with the United States, some Italian bases can be used by U.S. military aircraft, but only for logistical purposes.

Authorisation for any use for combat missions has to come from the government which in turn needs to get the go-ahead from Parliament.- AFP

• March 31, 2026 18:21 Pentagon chief says talks on ending Iran war 'gaining strength'Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said Tuesday (March 31) that talks on ending the Iran war are making progress even as the more than month-long U.S.-Israeli military campaign against the Iran continued.“They are very real. They are ongoing, they are active, and I think, gaining strength,” Mr. Hegseth told reporters of the negotiations.- AFP

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said Tuesday (March 31) that talks on ending the Iran war are making progress even as the more than month-long U.S.-Israeli military campaign against the Iran continued.

“They are very real. They are ongoing, they are active, and I think, gaining strength,” Mr. Hegseth told reporters of the negotiations.- AFP

• March 31, 2026 17:32 U.S.-Israel targeted major pharmaceutical company: Iran govtU.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) hit one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Iran which produces anaesthetic and cancer drugs, the Iranian government said.“During the U.S. and Zionist regime attacks on civilian centres, on the morning of Tuesday, one of the largest companies producing anti-cancer, anaesthetic and specialised medicines was damaged and the drug production line was damaged,” the government said in a post on X.The pharmaceutical company was named as Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company, which is owned by the Social Security Investment Company, a state-run holding firm.- AFP

U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) hit one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Iran which produces anaesthetic and cancer drugs, the Iranian government said.

“During the U.S. and Zionist regime attacks on civilian centres, on the morning of Tuesday, one of the largest companies producing anti-cancer, anaesthetic and specialised medicines was damaged and the drug production line was damaged,” the government said in a post on X.

The pharmaceutical company was named as Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company, which is owned by the Social Security Investment Company, a state-run holding firm.- AFP

• March 31, 2026 16:58 Trump tells affected nations to go to Hormuz and ‘get your oil’U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) “the hard part” in the war against Iran was done and asked other countries affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to buy oil from America or go to the Strait and take it.Trump tells affected nations to go to Hormuz and ‘get your oil’Trump urges nations affected by the Strait of Hormuz to either buy U.S. oil or "take it" themselves.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) “the hard part” in the war against Iran was done and asked other countries affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to buy oil from America or go to the Strait and take it.

Trump tells affected nations to go to Hormuz and ‘get your oil’

Trump urges nations affected by the Strait of Hormuz to either buy U.S. oil or "take it" themselves.

• March 31, 2026 16:34 Satellite images begin to show damage wrought by Iran warSatellite images are beginning to be released, giving a glimpse into the toll of the Iran war, with ships ablaze in an Iranian port and destroyed buildings at American bases in the region.Information has so far been scarce about the damage being done across the West Asia, particularly when it’s inside closed military facilities, since the war started on February 28.The images come from Planet Labs PBC, a San Francisco-based firm used by media outlets, including The Associated Press. Planet Labs has put a two-week delay on its imagery becoming public, citing concerns its imagery could be used by “adversarial actors.” High-resolution images have also been published by competing firms. Other providers, like the US Geological Survey, have been publishing lower-resolution imagery as well, which has been useful.-AP

Satellite images are beginning to be released, giving a glimpse into the toll of the Iran war, with ships ablaze in an Iranian port and destroyed buildings at American bases in the region.

Information has so far been scarce about the damage being done across the West Asia, particularly when it’s inside closed military facilities, since the war started on February 28.

The images come from Planet Labs PBC, a San Francisco-based firm used by media outlets, including The Associated Press. Planet Labs has put a two-week delay on its imagery becoming public, citing concerns its imagery could be used by “adversarial actors.” High-resolution images have also been published by competing firms. Other providers, like the US Geological Survey, have been publishing lower-resolution imagery as well, which has been useful.

• March 31, 2026 16:19 Qatar says Gulf states 'unified' in calling for war de-escalationThe Gulf states are unified in calling for a de-escalation of the West Asia war, Qatar said today as Tehran launched new strikes against its neighbours.“Our understanding is that there is a very unified position in the Gulf on calling for the de-escalation and an end to the war,” Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a regular news briefing.-AFP

The Gulf states are unified in calling for a de-escalation of the West Asia war, Qatar said today as Tehran launched new strikes against its neighbours.

“Our understanding is that there is a very unified position in the Gulf on calling for the de-escalation and an end to the war,” Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a regular news briefing.

• March 31, 2026 16:06 Brussels urges EU states to 'coordinate' in face of oil price hikeThe European Commission today urged EU member states to make “timely and coordinated preparations” to secure oil supplies in the face of surging energy prices caused by the West Asia war.“We need to act already now, and we need to act together,” EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said in a statement, ahead of video talks with ministers from the 27-nation bloc.-AFP

The European Commission today urged EU member states to make “timely and coordinated preparations” to secure oil supplies in the face of surging energy prices caused by the West Asia war.

“We need to act already now, and we need to act together,” EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen said in a statement, ahead of video talks with ministers from the 27-nation bloc.

• March 31, 2026 16:02 Malaysian ships to be spared from Iran's Hormuz tolls: MinisterMalaysian tankers permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will be exempt from paying any prospective tolls imposed by Iran, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today.Iranian state media reported yesterday that a parliamentary commission had approved plans to impose tolls on vessels transiting the vital waterway that Tehran has effectively closed due to the West Asia war.Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said on Saturday the tankers -- owned by petroleum giant Petronas, Sapura Energy and maritime firm MISC -- were awaiting clearance to safely sail through the strait.“No, this is a complete no... The Iranian ambassador (to Malaysia) has mentioned this, no toll being imposed on Malaysian vessels,” Mr. Loke told reporters today.“We are a friendly party. We have a good diplomatic relationship with the Iranian government.”Iran has indicated that it will allow vessels from nations it deems friendly to pass through the strait.-AFP

Malaysian tankers permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will be exempt from paying any prospective tolls imposed by Iran, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today.

Iranian state media reported yesterday that a parliamentary commission had approved plans to impose tolls on vessels transiting the vital waterway that Tehran has effectively closed due to the West Asia war.

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said on Saturday the tankers -- owned by petroleum giant Petronas, Sapura Energy and maritime firm MISC -- were awaiting clearance to safely sail through the strait.

“No, this is a complete no... The Iranian ambassador (to Malaysia) has mentioned this, no toll being imposed on Malaysian vessels,” Mr. Loke told reporters today.

“We are a friendly party. We have a good diplomatic relationship with the Iranian government.”

Iran has indicated that it will allow vessels from nations it deems friendly to pass through the strait.

• March 31, 2026 15:37 U.S. gas price hits $4 a gallon, highest since 2022The average price of gasoline at U.S. pumps has soared past $4 a gallon, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reported roday, the highest for nearly four years on the back of the Iran war.Spiking gas prices, up from less than $3 at the end of February, represent the latest bad news for President Donald Trump after he ordered strikes on Iran in a war that has threatened to drag down the global economy.The average price was $4.018 per gallon as of this morning, the AAA data said on its website.The last time prices were above $4 was in August 2022, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.In mid-2022, prices soared to $5 a gallon in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and after Russia invaded Ukraine.-AFP

The average price of gasoline at U.S. pumps has soared past $4 a gallon, the American Automobile Association (AAA) reported roday, the highest for nearly four years on the back of the Iran war.

Spiking gas prices, up from less than $3 at the end of February, represent the latest bad news for President Donald Trump after he ordered strikes on Iran in a war that has threatened to drag down the global economy.

The average price was $4.018 per gallon as of this morning, the AAA data said on its website.

The last time prices were above $4 was in August 2022, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

In mid-2022, prices soared to $5 a gallon in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and after Russia invaded Ukraine.

• March 31, 2026 15:31 West Asia war pushes eurozone inflation higherEurozone inflation leapt in March because of surging energy prices caused by the West Asia war, official data showed today, hitting its highest level since January 2025.The conflict, triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has led to soaring oil and gas prices because of an almost complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure.The European Union has warned that as a result, the bloc is at risk of a “stagflationary shock” -- when slower growth coincides with higher inflation.Consumer prices rose by 2.5% in March, sharply up from 1.9% in February, the EU’s statistics agency said.The figure was slightly lower than analysts had predicted but significantly above the European Central Bank’s 2% target for the 21-country single currency area.The last time eurozone inflation reached 2.5% was in January 2025.-AFP

Eurozone inflation leapt in March because of surging energy prices caused by the West Asia war, official data showed today, hitting its highest level since January 2025.

The conflict, triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, has led to soaring oil and gas prices because of an almost complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure.

The European Union has warned that as a result, the bloc is at risk of a “stagflationary shock” -- when slower growth coincides with higher inflation.

Consumer prices rose by 2.5% in March, sharply up from 1.9% in February, the EU’s statistics agency said.

The figure was slightly lower than analysts had predicted but significantly above the European Central Bank’s 2% target for the 21-country single currency area.

The last time eurozone inflation reached 2.5% was in January 2025.

• March 31, 2026 15:20 Israel army says prepared for weeks more fighting after Netanyahu commentsThe Israeli military said today it was prepared for weeks more fighting, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the war with Iran was beyond the halfway point.Mr. Netanyahu told the conservative U.S. broadcaster Newsmax yesterdaythat the war was “definitely beyond the halfway point,” but declined to give a timeframe.He added that the halfway point referred to missions, “not necessarily in terms of time.”When asked for the military’s stance at an online media briefing, spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said decisions on timing belonged to the political echelon.-AFP

The Israeli military said today it was prepared for weeks more fighting, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the war with Iran was beyond the halfway point.

Mr. Netanyahu told the conservative U.S. broadcaster Newsmax yesterdaythat the war was “definitely beyond the halfway point,” but declined to give a timeframe.

He added that the halfway point referred to missions, “not necessarily in terms of time.”

When asked for the military’s stance at an online media briefing, spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said decisions on timing belonged to the political echelon.

• March 31, 2026 15:18 US, Israeli strikes hit pharmaceutical company producing cancer drugs U.S.-Israeli strikes hit today one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Iran, which produces anaesthetic and cancer drugs, the Iranian government said.“During the U.S. and Zionist regime attacks on civilian centres, in the morning, one of the largest companies producing anti-cancer, anaesthetic and specialised medicines was damaged and the drug production line was damaged,” the government said in a post on X.The pharmaceutical company is owned by the Social Security Investment Company, a state-run holding firm managing pension funds.-AFP

U.S.-Israeli strikes hit today one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Iran, which produces anaesthetic and cancer drugs, the Iranian government said.

“During the U.S. and Zionist regime attacks on civilian centres, in the morning, one of the largest companies producing anti-cancer, anaesthetic and specialised medicines was damaged and the drug production line was damaged,” the government said in a post on X.

The pharmaceutical company is owned by the Social Security Investment Company, a state-run holding firm managing pension funds.

• March 31, 2026 15:00 Archaeologists forced by Mideast war to cut short Iraq digsArchaeologists told AFP that some of the projects interrupted by the war had been planned for years, but their teams have had to evacuate ancient sites since the United States and Israel attacked Iraq’s neighbour, Iran.Like other countries around the region, Iraq has become engulfed in the war, bringing to an abrupt end a period of nascent stability.Iraq’s precious archaeological sites, some dating back thousands of years, had for years faced threats ranging from climate change to successive conflicts.Under normal circumstances, around 60 international teams would have been working on digs, a government official said, but “all of these missions have left Iraq”.-AFP

Archaeologists told AFP that some of the projects interrupted by the war had been planned for years, but their teams have had to evacuate ancient sites since the United States and Israel attacked Iraq’s neighbour, Iran.

Like other countries around the region, Iraq has become engulfed in the war, bringing to an abrupt end a period of nascent stability.

Iraq’s precious archaeological sites, some dating back thousands of years, had for years faced threats ranging from climate change to successive conflicts.

Under normal circumstances, around 60 international teams would have been working on digs, a government official said, but “all of these missions have left Iraq”.

• March 31, 2026 14:58 Asia to suffer most from Iran war energy fallout: KplerAsia faces the gravest fallout from the war on Iran and is confronting a major energy crisis, a global maritime analytics firm warned in an interview with AFP today.“We think Asia will, for now, be the ones suffering the most,” Kpler president Jean Maynier said.He added that the continent did not have enough energy resources of its own to cover the gap, saying: “It will not be enough in China, it will not be enough to cover in big countries like the Philippines or Indonesia. So it’s a real energy crisis.”-AFP

Asia faces the gravest fallout from the war on Iran and is confronting a major energy crisis, a global maritime analytics firm warned in an interview with AFP today.

“We think Asia will, for now, be the ones suffering the most,” Kpler president Jean Maynier said.

He added that the continent did not have enough energy resources of its own to cover the gap, saying: “It will not be enough in China, it will not be enough to cover in big countries like the Philippines or Indonesia. So it’s a real energy crisis.”

• March 31, 2026 14:54 Four people injured after debris falls on south Dubai houses: governmentFour people were injured by debris from an interception that fell on residential houses in southern Dubai today, authorities said, as Iran presses its Gulf campaign a month into the West Asia war.“Authorities confirm that they are responding to an incident caused by debris from a successful interception that fell on residential houses in southern Dubai, resulting in property damage and minor injuries to four Asian nationals,” the Dubai Media Office said on X.-AFP

Four people were injured by debris from an interception that fell on residential houses in southern Dubai today, authorities said, as Iran presses its Gulf campaign a month into the West Asia war.

“Authorities confirm that they are responding to an incident caused by debris from a successful interception that fell on residential houses in southern Dubai, resulting in property damage and minor injuries to four Asian nationals,” the Dubai Media Office said on X.

• March 31, 2026 14:52 Strikes damage desalination plant on Iran island in Strait of HormuzStrikes have hit a desalination plant on Iran’s Qeshm island in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, putting it out of service, Iranian media reported today.“One of the desalination plants on Qeshm Island was targeted... and is now completely out of service, as it is not possible to repair it in the short term,” the ISNA news agency reported, quoting Health Ministry official Mohsen Farhadi.It was not immediately clear when the attack took place.-AFP

Strikes have hit a desalination plant on Iran’s Qeshm island in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, putting it out of service, Iranian media reported today.

“One of the desalination plants on Qeshm Island was targeted... and is now completely out of service, as it is not possible to repair it in the short term,” the ISNA news agency reported, quoting Health Ministry official Mohsen Farhadi.

It was not immediately clear when the attack took place.

• March 31, 2026 14:51 Italy refuses U.S. aircraft use of Sicily base for West Asia operations, source saysItaly has denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air ‌base in Sicily before flying to the West Asia, a ⁠source close to the matter said today, confirming a newspaper report.-Reuters

Italy has denied permission for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air ‌base in Sicily before flying to the West Asia, a ⁠source close to the matter said today, confirming a newspaper report.

-Reuters

• March 31, 2026 14:48 Dubai rolls out AED 1 billion incentives, other measures to boost economyDubai has rolled out a series of economic measures, including incentives worth AED 1 billion, for the next three to six months to help businesses and individuals tackle financial difficulties.The Executive Council of Dubai, in a meeting chaired by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved a series of initiatives and strategies, empowering individuals and society, promoting trade and investment, enhancing means of measuring economic performance, and safeguarding the workforce.The move comes at a time when countries around the world are facing supply chain challenges due to disruptions in international trade triggered by the ongoing war in West Asia involving the U.S., Israel and Iran.The initiative, to be implemented from April 1, is designed to ease financial pressures on businesses and individuals across various sectors.-AFP

Dubai has rolled out a series of economic measures, including incentives worth AED 1 billion, for the next three to six months to help businesses and individuals tackle financial difficulties.

The Executive Council of Dubai, in a meeting chaired by Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved a series of initiatives and strategies, empowering individuals and society, promoting trade and investment, enhancing means of measuring economic performance, and safeguarding the workforce.

The move comes at a time when countries around the world are facing supply chain challenges due to disruptions in international trade triggered by the ongoing war in West Asia involving the U.S., Israel and Iran.

The initiative, to be implemented from April 1, is designed to ease financial pressures on businesses and individuals across various sectors.

• March 31, 2026 14:27 U.S.-Israeli strikes damage religious site in Iran's northwest: state media U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tuesday damaged a Shia Muslim mosque and religious site in northwest Iran, state media reported, adding to a growing list of cultural institutions and sites affected by the war.State television said the building of the Grand Husseiniya, a hall for Shia gatherings and mourning ceremonies, “was damaged following the enemy’s morning attack on the Ferdowsi street” in the city of Zanjan.It added that “parts of the dome and minarets were damaged.”According to the UN, at least four of Iran’s 29 UNESCO-listed sites have been damaged in the war.- AFP

U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tuesday damaged a Shia Muslim mosque and religious site in northwest Iran, state media reported, adding to a growing list of cultural institutions and sites affected by the war.

State television said the building of the Grand Husseiniya, a hall for Shia gatherings and mourning ceremonies, “was damaged following the enemy’s morning attack on the Ferdowsi street” in the city of Zanjan.

It added that “parts of the dome and minarets were damaged.”

According to the UN, at least four of Iran’s 29 UNESCO-listed sites have been damaged in the war.

• March 31, 2026 14:04 Saudi Arabia says drone interception leaves two injured near Riyadh A drone interception left two people injured in a Saudi region southeast of the capital Riyadh, the country’s civil defence said Tuesday.“Falling debris from the interception of a drone in Al-Kharj province caused two minor injuries and limited material damage to three homes and several vehicles,” said a statement carried by Saudi Arabia’s official SPA news agency.Al-Kharj province is home to Prince Sultan air base.- AFP

A drone interception left two people injured in a Saudi region southeast of the capital Riyadh, the country’s civil defence said Tuesday.

“Falling debris from the interception of a drone in Al-Kharj province caused two minor injuries and limited material damage to three homes and several vehicles,” said a statement carried by Saudi Arabia’s official SPA news agency.

Al-Kharj province is home to Prince Sultan air base.

• March 31, 2026 13:50 Eight injured in Israel after Iran missile fire Israel’s emergency services said Tuesday that eight people with minor injuries were evacuated to hospitals in the Tel Aviv area, where police reported falling munitions fragments after an alert for incoming Iranian missiles.Six of the injured were treated in the city of Bnei Brak, which is largely populated by ultra-Orthodox Jews, according to Magen David Adom, Israel’s equivalent of the Red Cross.It specified that they were in mild condition with blast injuries.The military’s Home Front Command said it had received “reports of damage” in the central parts of the country.- AFP

Israel’s emergency services said Tuesday that eight people with minor injuries were evacuated to hospitals in the Tel Aviv area, where police reported falling munitions fragments after an alert for incoming Iranian missiles.

Six of the injured were treated in the city of Bnei Brak, which is largely populated by ultra-Orthodox Jews, according to Magen David Adom, Israel’s equivalent of the Red Cross.

It specified that they were in mild condition with blast injuries.

The military’s Home Front Command said it had received “reports of damage” in the central parts of the country.

• March 31, 2026 13:39 South African Finance Minister considering lowering fuel levy due to Iran warSouth Africa’s Finance ‌Minister Enoch Godongwana ⁠is looking into lowering ‌the fuel levy because ‌of ‌the ⁠impact ⁠of the Iran war, a ‌senior government official told Reuters on Tuesday.Godongwana ‌will announce his decision ⁠on the fuel ‌levy today, the official said, asking not ‌to be named because of the ⁠sensitivity of ⁠the matter.-Reuters

South Africa’s Finance ‌Minister Enoch Godongwana ⁠is looking into lowering ‌the fuel levy because ‌of ‌the ⁠impact ⁠of the Iran war, a ‌senior government official told Reuters on Tuesday.

Godongwana ‌will announce his decision ⁠on the fuel ‌levy today, the official said, asking not ‌to be named because of the ⁠sensitivity of ⁠the matter.

-Reuters

• March 31, 2026 13:37 EU tells members to prepare for 'prolonged disruption' to energy markets from West Asia warEuropean Union governments should ‌prepare for a “prolonged disruption” ⁠to energy markets as a result ‌of the Iran ‌war, the ‌bloc’s ⁠energy chief ⁠has told Ministers ahead of an ‌emergency meeting today.In a letter to ‌ministers, seen by Reuters, EU Energy Commissioner ⁠Dan Jorgensen said while ‌the fallout on Europe’s energy supplies is currently contained, ‌governments are “encouraged to make timely preparations ⁠in anticipation of ⁠a potentially prolonged disruption”.-Reuters

European Union governments should ‌prepare for a “prolonged disruption” ⁠to energy markets as a result ‌of the Iran ‌war, the ‌bloc’s ⁠energy chief ⁠has told Ministers ahead of an ‌emergency meeting today.

In a letter to ‌ministers, seen by Reuters, EU Energy Commissioner ⁠Dan Jorgensen said while ‌the fallout on Europe’s energy supplies is currently contained, ‌governments are “encouraged to make timely preparations ⁠in anticipation of ⁠a potentially prolonged disruption”.

-Reuters

• March 31, 2026 13:35 Explosion heard near Iraq's Erbil airport: AFP journalistAn explosion was heard this morning near the international airport of Erbil, a city in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, an AFP journalist said.Erbil is home to a major U.S. consulate complex, while its airport houses military advisers attached to a U.S.-led international anti-jihadist coalition.-AFPRegular drone attacks by pro-Iran armed groups have usually been intercepted by air defences.

An explosion was heard this morning near the international airport of Erbil, a city in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, an AFP journalist said.

Erbil is home to a major U.S. consulate complex, while its airport houses military advisers attached to a U.S.-led international anti-jihadist coalition.

Regular drone attacks by pro-Iran armed groups have usually been intercepted by air defences.

• March 31, 2026 13:34 South Korea hit by steepest stocks selloff since 2008, currency tumblesSouth Korean markets buckled today, with shares sliding ‌toward their worst monthly performance since the global financial crisis and the won sinking to post-crisis ⁠lows, as the West Asia war sent investors fleeing worldwide.The benchmark KOSPI sank 4.3% day, taking its fall from late February’s ‌record closing high to 19.9%, a whisker short of confirming, on some measures, a bear ‌market.The monthly drop of 19% is the largest ‌since ⁠2008 and the won slumped around 1% to ⁠trade weaker than 1,500 to the dollar - levels previously broached only in the aftermath of the global financial crisis in 2009 and the late 1990s Asian crisis.The ‌market’s earlier gains this year only deepened the rout, as soaring energy prices and fading risk tolerance left global investors with nowhere to hide, forcing a rapid ‌unwinding of once-favoured assets.-Reuters

South Korean markets buckled today, with shares sliding ‌toward their worst monthly performance since the global financial crisis and the won sinking to post-crisis ⁠lows, as the West Asia war sent investors fleeing worldwide.

The benchmark KOSPI sank 4.3% day, taking its fall from late February’s ‌record closing high to 19.9%, a whisker short of confirming, on some measures, a bear ‌market.

The monthly drop of 19% is the largest ‌since ⁠2008 and the won slumped around 1% to ⁠trade weaker than 1,500 to the dollar - levels previously broached only in the aftermath of the global financial crisis in 2009 and the late 1990s Asian crisis.

The ‌market’s earlier gains this year only deepened the rout, as soaring energy prices and fading risk tolerance left global investors with nowhere to hide, forcing a rapid ‌unwinding of once-favoured assets.

-Reuters

• March 31, 2026 13:20 China, Pakistan to 'strengthen' cooperation on Iran: BeijingChina and Pakistan will “strengthen” their cooperation on Iran, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said today, as top Islamabad officials visited the Chinese capital.“The two foreign ministers will strengthen strategic communication and coordination on the Iran situation and... make new efforts toward advocating for peace,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press conference, calling China and Pakistan “all-weather” strategic partners.-AFP

China and Pakistan will “strengthen” their cooperation on Iran, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said today, as top Islamabad officials visited the Chinese capital.

“The two foreign ministers will strengthen strategic communication and coordination on the Iran situation and... make new efforts toward advocating for peace,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press conference, calling China and Pakistan “all-weather” strategic partners.

• March 31, 2026 13:12 China expresses 'gratitude' after three vessels transit Hormuz straitBeijing expressed “gratitude” today as it said three Chinese ships had transited the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has all but closed during the war in the West Asia.“Following coordination with relevant parties, three Chinese vessels recently transited the Strait of Hormuz; we express our gratitude to the relevant parties for the assistance provided,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference.-AFP

Beijing expressed “gratitude” today as it said three Chinese ships had transited the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has all but closed during the war in the West Asia.

“Following coordination with relevant parties, three Chinese vessels recently transited the Strait of Hormuz; we express our gratitude to the relevant parties for the assistance provided,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference.

• March 31, 2026 13:09 Indonesia urges people not to hoard fuel as prices will remain unchangedIndonesia’s Deputy ⁠House Speaker ‌Sufmi ‌Dasco ‌Ahmad ⁠today urged ‌people not ‌to hoard fuel, ⁠saying prices ‌will ‌remain unchanged.-Reuters

Indonesia’s Deputy ⁠House Speaker ‌Sufmi ‌Dasco ‌Ahmad ⁠today urged ‌people not ‌to hoard fuel, ⁠saying prices ‌will ‌remain unchanged.

-Reuters

• March 31, 2026 13:03 Pakistani Foreign Minister to discuss Iran during China visit, Chinese Ministry saysChina’s ‌Foreign Minister and his Pakistani ⁠counterpart will discuss ‌the situation ‌in ‌Iran during ⁠the latter’s ⁠visit to China today, China’s Foreign Ministry said.The two ‌countries have similar positions on ⁠major international and regional ‌issues, a spokesperson for the Ministry ‌said in a press briefing.-Reuters

China’s ‌Foreign Minister and his Pakistani ⁠counterpart will discuss ‌the situation ‌in ‌Iran during ⁠the latter’s ⁠visit to China today, China’s Foreign Ministry said.

The two ‌countries have similar positions on ⁠major international and regional ‌issues, a spokesperson for the Ministry ‌said in a press briefing.

-Reuters

• March 31, 2026 12:32 Brazil's dual-fuel ethanol fleet stabilises gasoline prices despite Iran war oil shockAs the war in Iran rattles global oil markets, Brazil is partially shielded by a decades-old buffer against shocks that is both cheap and environmentally friendly.Tens of millions of drivers here can choose between filling their tank with 100% sugarcane-based ethanol or a gasoline blend that contains 30% of biofuel.Brazil’s massive dual-fuel fleet — consisting of vehicles capable of running on any combination of ethanol and gasoline — is unique in its scale. The program, launched in 1975 during the country’s military dictatorship, has successfully evolved in democratic times to reduce dependency on foreign oil.Today, as the latest conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel enters its fifth week, nations like India and Mexico are looking at the Brazilian model as a blueprint for energy security.While consumers worldwide face steep price hikes, Brazilian gasoline prices rose just 5% in March — compared to 30% in the United States. Analysts partially credit the stability to a mature domestic biofuels industry that allows the country to withstand geopolitical shocks with minimal risk of fuel shortages.-AP

As the war in Iran rattles global oil markets, Brazil is partially shielded by a decades-old buffer against shocks that is both cheap and environmentally friendly.

Tens of millions of drivers here can choose between filling their tank with 100% sugarcane-based ethanol or a gasoline blend that contains 30% of biofuel.

Brazil’s massive dual-fuel fleet — consisting of vehicles capable of running on any combination of ethanol and gasoline — is unique in its scale. The program, launched in 1975 during the country’s military dictatorship, has successfully evolved in democratic times to reduce dependency on foreign oil.

Today, as the latest conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel enters its fifth week, nations like India and Mexico are looking at the Brazilian model as a blueprint for energy security.

While consumers worldwide face steep price hikes, Brazilian gasoline prices rose just 5% in March — compared to 30% in the United States. Analysts partially credit the stability to a mature domestic biofuels industry that allows the country to withstand geopolitical shocks with minimal risk of fuel shortages.

• March 31, 2026 12:20 Dalai Lama warns 'violence begets violence', urges peace in West AsiaBuddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama warned today that violence only results in more conflict, urging peace as conflict rages in the West Asia and Ukraine.“History has shown us time and again that violence only begets more violence and is never a lasting foundation for peace,” he wrote in a letter on today.“An enduring resolution to conflict, including the ones we see in the West Asia or between Russia and Ukraine, must be rooted in dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect -- approached with the understanding that, at the deepest level, we are all brothers and sisters,” the Nobel Peace Prize laureate added.“I urge for and pray that the violence and conflicts may soon come to an end.”-AFP

Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama warned today that violence only results in more conflict, urging peace as conflict rages in the West Asia and Ukraine.

“History has shown us time and again that violence only begets more violence and is never a lasting foundation for peace,” he wrote in a letter on today.

“An enduring resolution to conflict, including the ones we see in the West Asia or between Russia and Ukraine, must be rooted in dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect -- approached with the understanding that, at the deepest level, we are all brothers and sisters,” the Nobel Peace Prize laureate added.

“I urge for and pray that the violence and conflicts may soon come to an end.”

• March 31, 2026 11:52 Two Chinese container ships transited Strait of Hormuz yesterday: monitorTwo container vessels belonging to the Chinese shipping giant Cosco have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz as they exited the Gulf, ship tracking data showed today.The CSCL Indian Ocean crossed the strait at around 0914 GMT yesterday, followed by CSCL Arctic Ocean 27 minutes later, according to data from Marine Traffic.-AFP

Two container vessels belonging to the Chinese shipping giant Cosco have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz as they exited the Gulf, ship tracking data showed today.

The CSCL Indian Ocean crossed the strait at around 0914 GMT yesterday, followed by CSCL Arctic Ocean 27 minutes later, according to data from Marine Traffic.

• March 31, 2026 11:50 Strikes in central Iran hit 'military sites': Iranian mediaIranian media reported today that initial investigations indicated strikes in central Iran had hit some “military sites”, without specifying the locations.“Initial investigations indicate that some military locations in Isfahan were targeted,” the Fars news agency quoted Akbar Salehi, a security official at the governor’s office in Isfahan province, as saying.The official also said the extent of the damage and any casualties were not immediately clear.-AFP

Iranian media reported today that initial investigations indicated strikes in central Iran had hit some “military sites”, without specifying the locations.

“Initial investigations indicate that some military locations in Isfahan were targeted,” the Fars news agency quoted Akbar Salehi, a security official at the governor’s office in Isfahan province, as saying.

The official also said the extent of the damage and any casualties were not immediately clear.

• March 31, 2026 11:36 US attacks Iranian nuclear site while Tehran hits oil tanker off Dubai coastA likely strike by the United States hit the central Iranian city of Isfahan early today, sending a massive fireball into the sky, and Tehran struck a fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.The attacks were a testament to the intensity of the monthlong war the U.S. and Israel launched against Iran, which has maintained its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, closing off the vital waterway for global energy shipments, sending oil prices skyrocketing and roiling world markets.U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been insisting there is progress in diplomatic talks toward a ceasefire, shared video of the attack on Isfahan, with fiery explosions lighting up the night sky. Isfahan is home to one of three sites earlier attacked by the U.S. military in June, and some of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is likely stored or buried there.-AP

A likely strike by the United States hit the central Iranian city of Isfahan early today, sending a massive fireball into the sky, and Tehran struck a fully loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Persian Gulf.

The attacks were a testament to the intensity of the monthlong war the U.S. and Israel launched against Iran, which has maintained its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, closing off the vital waterway for global energy shipments, sending oil prices skyrocketing and roiling world markets.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been insisting there is progress in diplomatic talks toward a ceasefire, shared video of the attack on Isfahan, with fiery explosions lighting up the night sky. Isfahan is home to one of three sites earlier attacked by the U.S. military in June, and some of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is likely stored or buried there.

• March 31, 2026 11:16 Indonesia urges UNSC meeting after peacekeepers killedIndonesia urged warring parties in West Asia “to respect international humanitarian law” after three of its peacekeepers were killed in Lebanon, and called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting.“The safety of peacekeeping troops must be the top priority. All parties to the conflict are urged to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the security of peacekeeping personnel,” Defence Ministry spokesman Rico Ricardo Sirait said in a statement.The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said two of its personnel were killed yesterday in an explosion, and another died late Sunday when a projectile hit their position.The UN force said it launched an investigation into the separate incidents.Condemning the “heinous” attacks, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said on Tuesday that he had discussed the deaths with UN chief Antonio Guterres, and asked for an emergency UN Security Council meeting as well as “a swift, thorough and transparent investigation”.-AFP

Indonesia urged warring parties in West Asia “to respect international humanitarian law” after three of its peacekeepers were killed in Lebanon, and called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting.

“The safety of peacekeeping troops must be the top priority. All parties to the conflict are urged to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the security of peacekeeping personnel,” Defence Ministry spokesman Rico Ricardo Sirait said in a statement.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said two of its personnel were killed yesterday in an explosion, and another died late Sunday when a projectile hit their position.

The UN force said it launched an investigation into the separate incidents.

Condemning the “heinous” attacks, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said on Tuesday that he had discussed the deaths with UN chief Antonio Guterres, and asked for an emergency UN Security Council meeting as well as “a swift, thorough and transparent investigation”.

• March 31, 2026 11:08 France's Macron due in Japan for talks dominated by West Asia warFrench President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Japan today for a visit that initially aimed to strengthen partnerships in nuclear energy and space innovation, but will now be dominated by the West Asian war.Mr. Macron will hold talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi tomorrow, and “the crisis in the West Asia will be at the heart of discussions”, the Elysee said ahead of the trip.The two leaders will discuss “how we can try to find common solutions”, it added.Japan depends on the West Asia for 95% of its oil imports and has had to dip into strategic stockpiles to temper the impact of rising fuel prices since the start of the war.Economy and finance ministers of G7 countries, which include France and Japan, said yesterday they stood ready to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the stability of the energy market as they tackled the economic consequences of the war.-AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Japan today for a visit that initially aimed to strengthen partnerships in nuclear energy and space innovation, but will now be dominated by the West Asian war.

Mr. Macron will hold talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi tomorrow, and “the crisis in the West Asia will be at the heart of discussions”, the Elysee said ahead of the trip.

The two leaders will discuss “how we can try to find common solutions”, it added.

Japan depends on the West Asia for 95% of its oil imports and has had to dip into strategic stockpiles to temper the impact of rising fuel prices since the start of the war.

Economy and finance ministers of G7 countries, which include France and Japan, said yesterday they stood ready to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the stability of the energy market as they tackled the economic consequences of the war.

• March 31, 2026 10:48 Iran executes two men convicted of attack on government buildingIran ‌executed two men convicted of ⁠links to the ‌People’s Mojahedin ‌Organisation ‌of Iran ⁠and ⁠involvement in multiple attacks, including ‌firing launcher weapons at a ‌government building, the judiciary news outlet ⁠reported today.Yesterday, two other men ‌linked to the same opposition ⁠group were executed.-Reuters

Iran ‌executed two men convicted of ⁠links to the ‌People’s Mojahedin ‌Organisation ‌of Iran ⁠and ⁠involvement in multiple attacks, including ‌firing launcher weapons at a ‌government building, the judiciary news outlet ⁠reported today.

Yesterday, two other men ‌linked to the same opposition ⁠group were executed.

-Reuters

• March 31, 2026 10:31 Oil steadies and Asian stocks are mostly lower on mixed signs on IranOil steadied and Asian stocks were mostly trading lower on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) as signs of a de-escalation of the Iran war remained mixed.Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 was down 1.2% to 51,245.50. Losses after the Iran war began on Feb. 28 have been wiping out the gains it made from the beginning of the year.South Korea’s Kospi lost 3.4% to 5,097.11. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down 0.5% to 24,624.55, while the Shanghai Composite index fell 0.4% to 3,908.28.Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.7%, while Taiwan’s Taiex was trading 2.2% lower.U.S. futures were up nearly 1% early Tuesday (March 31).AP

Oil steadied and Asian stocks were mostly trading lower on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) as signs of a de-escalation of the Iran war remained mixed.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 was down 1.2% to 51,245.50. Losses after the Iran war began on Feb. 28 have been wiping out the gains it made from the beginning of the year.

South Korea’s Kospi lost 3.4% to 5,097.11. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down 0.5% to 24,624.55, while the Shanghai Composite index fell 0.4% to 3,908.28.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.7%, while Taiwan’s Taiex was trading 2.2% lower.

U.S. futures were up nearly 1% early Tuesday (March 31).

• March 31, 2026 10:13 Pakistan Ambassador to U.S. says Iran peace talks won't be 'easy'Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, in an interview with Fox News has said that the efforts to facilitate U.S.-Iran peace talks are underway, but cautioned that the process will be complex and time-consuming.Speaking on the network’s programme “Special Report”, Mr. Sheikh highlighted initial confidence-building measures as a step towards negotiations.“And in terms of the who exactly dealing part we are dealing with is the fact that the confidence-building measure demonstrated in movement of ships that were allowed, eight in the first instance and now another twenty in the second instance, is not just a concept of operation, but a proof of concept that has been implemented to induce confidence in the system, which has to be a prerequisite for commencement of the actual negotiation procedure, but contacts are in place, “ he said.ANI

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, in an interview with Fox News has said that the efforts to facilitate U.S.-Iran peace talks are underway, but cautioned that the process will be complex and time-consuming.

Speaking on the network’s programme “Special Report”, Mr. Sheikh highlighted initial confidence-building measures as a step towards negotiations.

“And in terms of the who exactly dealing part we are dealing with is the fact that the confidence-building measure demonstrated in movement of ships that were allowed, eight in the first instance and now another twenty in the second instance, is not just a concept of operation, but a proof of concept that has been implemented to induce confidence in the system, which has to be a prerequisite for commencement of the actual negotiation procedure, but contacts are in place, “ he said.

• March 31, 2026 09:36 Korean Air to shift to emergency mode in April amid rising oil prices from Iran warKorean Air will enter emergency management mode ‌from April as rising oil prices driven by the war in West Asia weigh on costs, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).The airline ‌said in an internal memo reviewed by Reuters that if high oil prices ‌persist, it expects significant disruption to its ‌annual ⁠business targets, and will shift to ⁠an emergency operating system from April.The memo added that the airline plans to implement phased response measures based on oil price levels, ‌and step up company-wide cost efficiency to offset surging fuel costs.

Korean Air will enter emergency management mode ‌from April as rising oil prices driven by the war in West Asia weigh on costs, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).

The airline ‌said in an internal memo reviewed by Reuters that if high oil prices ‌persist, it expects significant disruption to its ‌annual ⁠business targets, and will shift to ⁠an emergency operating system from April.

The memo added that the airline plans to implement phased response measures based on oil price levels, ‌and step up company-wide cost efficiency to offset surging fuel costs.

• March 31, 2026 09:06 Iranian Parliament Speaker warns enemy's threats, calls it 'big mistake'Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf condemned the enemy’s aggression, stating that it will be met with a strong response. In a post on X, he wrote: “The enemy promotes its desires as news while threatening our nation at same time. Big Mistake. If they hit one, they’ll take several back. God willing, the people of Iran, under the leadership of the Supreme Leader, will make the enemy regret the aggression and reclaim their rights.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf condemned the enemy’s aggression, stating that it will be met with a strong response. In a post on X, he wrote: “The enemy promotes its desires as news while threatening our nation at same time. Big Mistake. If they hit one, they’ll take several back. God willing, the people of Iran, under the leadership of the Supreme Leader, will make the enemy regret the aggression and reclaim their rights.”

• March 31, 2026 09:02 Israeli military says four soldiers killed in southern LebanonThe ‌Israeli military ⁠said on Tuesday ‌(March 31, 2026) that ‌four ‌of ⁠its ⁠personnel were ‌killed and two ‌wounded during combat ⁠in southern ‌Lebanon.Reuters

The ‌Israeli military ⁠said on Tuesday ‌(March 31, 2026) that ‌four ‌of ⁠its ⁠personnel were ‌killed and two ‌wounded during combat ⁠in southern ‌Lebanon.

• March 31, 2026 08:46 Explosions heard in Tehran: local mediaExplosions were heard in Tehran and power cuts hit some parts of the capital, Iranian media reported on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).“Power outages in parts of Tehran after multiple explosions heard,” Fars news agency reported.Tasnim news agency also reported some residents in eastern Tehran were without electricity and that authorities were working to restore power.AFP

Explosions were heard in Tehran and power cuts hit some parts of the capital, Iranian media reported on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).

“Power outages in parts of Tehran after multiple explosions heard,” Fars news agency reported.

Tasnim news agency also reported some residents in eastern Tehran were without electricity and that authorities were working to restore power.

• March 31, 2026 08:27 Trump willing to end war 'even if Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed', report saysU.S. President has now told his aides that he is willing to end the military campaign against Iran even if Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed and leave a complex operation to reopen it for a later date, The Wall Street Journal reported. This comes as the White House said he wanted to reach a deal with Tehran before the April 6 deadline. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday (March 30) that the war had achieved more than half its aims, without putting a timeline on when it would end.Donald Trump willing to end war without reopening Strait of Hormuz, says Wall Street JournalTrump considers ending military operations against Iran without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, prioritizing diplomatic pressure instead.

U.S. President has now told his aides that he is willing to end the military campaign against Iran even if Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed and leave a complex operation to reopen it for a later date, The Wall Street Journal reported. This comes as the White House said he wanted to reach a deal with Tehran before the April 6 deadline. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday (March 30) that the war had achieved more than half its aims, without putting a timeline on when it would end.

Donald Trump willing to end war without reopening Strait of Hormuz, says Wall Street Journal

Trump considers ending military operations against Iran without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, prioritizing diplomatic pressure instead.

• March 31, 2026 08:23 Iranian drone attacks target Amir Sultan Air Base in eastern Saudi Arabia: reportAmir Sultan Air Base in eastern Saudi Arabia, hosting U.S. forces, came under drone attacks on Tuesday (March 31, 2026), Iranian Press TV says citing reports.

Amir Sultan Air Base in eastern Saudi Arabia, hosting U.S. forces, came under drone attacks on Tuesday (March 31, 2026), Iranian Press TV says citing reports.

• March 31, 2026 07:59 Trump posts video clip of massive explosions, does not give detailsU.S. President Donald Trump has posted a video clip on his Truth Social platform showing a series of powerful explosions, reportedly moments after a new wave of attacks hit the Iranian capital.He did not say when or where the blasts took place.The 31-second clip showed a series of explosions, with balls of fire and clouds of smoke, lighting up the dark skies in a mountainous area.

U.S. President Donald Trump has posted a video clip on his Truth Social platform showing a series of powerful explosions, reportedly moments after a new wave of attacks hit the Iranian capital.

He did not say when or where the blasts took place.

The 31-second clip showed a series of explosions, with balls of fire and clouds of smoke, lighting up the dark skies in a mountainous area.

• March 31, 2026 07:56 Four wounded after interception debris causes fire in Dubai Emergency teams responded early Tuesday (March 31, 2026)to a fire in an abandoned house in Al Badaa, a residential area in Dubai, after debris fell following an air defense interception, injuring four people, the Dubai Media Office said.In Bahrain, authorities said warning sirens were sounded.AP

Emergency teams responded early Tuesday (March 31, 2026)to a fire in an abandoned house in Al Badaa, a residential area in Dubai, after debris fell following an air defense interception, injuring four people, the Dubai Media Office said.

In Bahrain, authorities said warning sirens were sounded.

• March 31, 2026 07:55 Fire on Kuwaiti oil tanker extinguished, Dubai authorities sayThe fire on the Kuwaiti oil tanker hit by an Iranian attack early Tuesday (March 31, 2026) has been extinguished, Dubai Media Office said citing authorities.“Relevant teams continue to assess the situation and take the necessary measures,” it said in a post on X.

The fire on the Kuwaiti oil tanker hit by an Iranian attack early Tuesday (March 31, 2026) has been extinguished, Dubai Media Office said citing authorities.

“Relevant teams continue to assess the situation and take the necessary measures,” it said in a post on X.

• March 31, 2026 07:35 Gulf allies privately make the case to Trump to keep fighting until Iran is decisively defeated: reportGulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are urging President Donald Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran, arguing that Tehran hasn’t been weakened enough by the monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to US, Gulf and Israeli officials.After private grumbling at the start of the war that they were not given adequate advance notice of the U.S.-Israeli attack and complaining the U.S. had ignored their warnings that the war would have devastating consequences for the entire region, some of the regional allies are making the case to the White House that the moment offers a historic opportunity to cripple Tehran’s clerical rule once and for all.While regional leaders are broadly supportive now of the U.S. efforts, one Gulf diplomat described some division, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the calls for increasing military pressure on Tehran.The UAE has emerged as perhaps the most hawkish of the Gulf countries and is pushing hard for Trump to order a ground invasion, the diplomat said. Kuwait and Bahrain also favour this option.Reuters

Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are urging President Donald Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran, arguing that Tehran hasn’t been weakened enough by the monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to US, Gulf and Israeli officials.

After private grumbling at the start of the war that they were not given adequate advance notice of the U.S.-Israeli attack and complaining the U.S. had ignored their warnings that the war would have devastating consequences for the entire region, some of the regional allies are making the case to the White House that the moment offers a historic opportunity to cripple Tehran’s clerical rule once and for all.

While regional leaders are broadly supportive now of the U.S. efforts, one Gulf diplomat described some division, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the calls for increasing military pressure on Tehran.

The UAE has emerged as perhaps the most hawkish of the Gulf countries and is pushing hard for Trump to order a ground invasion, the diplomat said. Kuwait and Bahrain also favour this option.

• March 31, 2026 07:21 U.S. pump prices hit $4 a gallonThe U.S. ⁠national average retail price ‌of gasoline ‌crossed $4 ‌a ⁠gallon ⁠for the first time in more ‌than three years on Monday (March 30, 2026), ‌data from price-tracking service GasBuddy ⁠showed, as the ‌U.S.-Israeli war with Iran rages on.Reuters

The U.S. ⁠national average retail price ‌of gasoline ‌crossed $4 ‌a ⁠gallon ⁠for the first time in more ‌than three years on Monday (March 30, 2026), ‌data from price-tracking service GasBuddy ⁠showed, as the ‌U.S.-Israeli war with Iran rages on.

• March 31, 2026 07:19 Leaders killed, U.S. strikes and Iranian response: a month of Iran-U.S. warOver the past month, the contours of the confllct between Iran and Israel-U.S. alliance have shifted. Initially, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the joint attack on Iran was a pre-emptive action against the Gulf nation’s looming nuclear arsenal, which he said could hit the U.S. if he did not take actions to destroy Iran’s ballistic programme.Recently, Mr. Trump has talked of possible compromises to end the war with Iran, but both sides have not managed to reach a mutually acceptable ceasefire deal. As such, the war does not have a certain end date yet, a month after hostilities began. Leaders killed, U.S. strikes and Iranian response: a month of Iran-U.S. warA month after the beginning of U.S.-Israel strikes against Iranian targets, here are key developments in the war over the past 30 days.

Over the past month, the contours of the confllct between Iran and Israel-U.S. alliance have shifted. Initially, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the joint attack on Iran was a pre-emptive action against the Gulf nation’s looming nuclear arsenal, which he said could hit the U.S. if he did not take actions to destroy Iran’s ballistic programme.

Recently, Mr. Trump has talked of possible compromises to end the war with Iran, but both sides have not managed to reach a mutually acceptable ceasefire deal. As such, the war does not have a certain end date yet, a month after hostilities began.

Leaders killed, U.S. strikes and Iranian response: a month of Iran-U.S. war

A month after the beginning of U.S.-Israel strikes against Iranian targets, here are key developments in the war over the past 30 days.

• March 31, 2026 07:11 India condemns attacks on UN peacekeepers in LebanonIndia has strongly condemned the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon, stressing that the safety and security of peacekeepers must remain a top priority.In a post on X on Monday (March 30, 2026), India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Parvathaneni Harish said, “Peacekeepers serve under difficult conditions and are deployed with the backing of a UN mandate in conflict areas. Peacekeeping is multilateralism in action. The safety and security of the Peacekeepers must be a priority.”

India has strongly condemned the recent attacks on UN peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon, stressing that the safety and security of peacekeepers must remain a top priority.

In a post on X on Monday (March 30, 2026), India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Parvathaneni Harish said, “Peacekeepers serve under difficult conditions and are deployed with the backing of a UN mandate in conflict areas. Peacekeeping is multilateralism in action. The safety and security of the Peacekeepers must be a priority.”

• March 31, 2026 07:02 Netanyahu says Iran war goals achieved 'beyond halfway point'Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday (March 30, 2026) that the war on Iran had achieved more than half its aims, without putting a timeline on when it would end.“It’s definitely beyond the halfway point. But I don’t want to put a schedule on it,” Mr. Netanyahu told the conservative U.S. broadcaster Newsmax.He added that he meant the war was more than halfway “in terms of missions, not necessarily in terms of time.”AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday (March 30, 2026) that the war on Iran had achieved more than half its aims, without putting a timeline on when it would end.

“It’s definitely beyond the halfway point. But I don’t want to put a schedule on it,” Mr. Netanyahu told the conservative U.S. broadcaster Newsmax.

He added that he meant the war was more than halfway “in terms of missions, not necessarily in terms of time.”

• March 31, 2026 06:52 Kuwait says an oil tanker hit in Iranian attack at Dubai port, warns of possible oil spillKuwait Petroleum Corporation said a giant Kuwaiti ‌crude oil tanker, Al Salmi, ⁠was directly targeted in what it described ‌as an Iranian attack ‌while anchored ‌at Dubai ⁠port in ⁠the United Arab Emirates, causing damage to the vessel ‌and a fire onboard, the state news agency ‌KUNA said on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).The corporation said the tanker ⁠was fully loaded at the time of ‌the incident and warned of a possible oil spill in surrounding waters, ‌adding no casualties were reported and an assessment of ⁠the damage was ⁠under way, KUNA added.Kuwait’s military also said its air defences were responding to “hostile missile and drone attacks”, according to an X post.Reuters

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation said a giant Kuwaiti ‌crude oil tanker, Al Salmi, ⁠was directly targeted in what it described ‌as an Iranian attack ‌while anchored ‌at Dubai ⁠port in ⁠the United Arab Emirates, causing damage to the vessel ‌and a fire onboard, the state news agency ‌KUNA said on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).

The corporation said the tanker ⁠was fully loaded at the time of ‌the incident and warned of a possible oil spill in surrounding waters, ‌adding no casualties were reported and an assessment of ⁠the damage was ⁠under way, KUNA added.

Kuwait’s military also said its air defences were responding to “hostile missile and drone attacks”, according to an X post.

• March 31, 2026 06:51 Israel says it is reviewing reports of UN peacekeepers killed in LebanonThe Israeli army said early Tuesday (March 31, 2026) it is aware of reports regarding two instances in which United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon peacekeepers were killed.The army said and is reviewing them to determine whether the deaths resulted from Hezbollah activity or Israeli fire, noting that “these incidents occurred in an active combat area.” The statement comes after UNIFIL said three peacekeepers have been killed in southern Lebanon within 24 hours in two separate instances.An explosion of “unknown origin” on Monday (March 30, 2026) destroyed a vehicle near the village of Bani Hayyan, killing two peacekeepers and wounding two others, including one with severe injuries. Earlier, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed after a base was hit by a projectile.AP

The Israeli army said early Tuesday (March 31, 2026) it is aware of reports regarding two instances in which United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon peacekeepers were killed.

The army said and is reviewing them to determine whether the deaths resulted from Hezbollah activity or Israeli fire, noting that “these incidents occurred in an active combat area.” The statement comes after UNIFIL said three peacekeepers have been killed in southern Lebanon within 24 hours in two separate instances.

An explosion of “unknown origin” on Monday (March 30, 2026) destroyed a vehicle near the village of Bani Hayyan, killing two peacekeepers and wounding two others, including one with severe injuries. Earlier, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed after a base was hit by a projectile.

• March 31, 2026 06:47 Trump threatens to strike Iran’s civilian infrastructure if no deal is reachedU.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday (March 30, 2026) that his administration was engaging in talks with Iran and threatened to strike its oil, power and water infrastructure if Tehran did not quickly agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran denied holding direct talks, saying it had received a proposal through intermediaries that contained “very excessive, unrealistic and irrational” demands.Trump threatens to strike Iran’s civilian infrastructure if no deal is reachedTrump threatens to target Iran’s infrastructure if a deal isn't reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday (March 30, 2026) that his administration was engaging in talks with Iran and threatened to strike its oil, power and water infrastructure if Tehran did not quickly agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran denied holding direct talks, saying it had received a proposal through intermediaries that contained “very excessive, unrealistic and irrational” demands.

Trump threatens to strike Iran’s civilian infrastructure if no deal is reached

Trump threatens to target Iran’s infrastructure if a deal isn't reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Published - March 31, 2026 06:43 am IST

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