Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have launched missiles at Israel in their first attack since the current Middle East conflict broke out.
The Houthis, whose involvement on Saturday risks broadening and prolonging a war that has entered its fifth week, warned their operations would continue until the “aggression” on all fronts ended. Israel said it had intercepted a missile from Yemen.
Experts have warned the rebel group may attempt to block the Bab al-Mandab Strait south of Yemen, further disrupting shipping lanes around the Red Sea.
The escalation comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's latest update on the war suggested the conflict would last “weeks, not months” and Iran had indicated a willingness to talk about “certain things”.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has closed the Strait of Hormuz, adding that any transit through the waterway will face “harsh measures”, according to state media.
Rubio raised concerns that Iran could operate the strait using a tolling system if their control over the waterway persisted.
He also said that he believed the US could achieve its goals in Iran without ground troops, despite reports from theDonald Trump is considering sending another 10,000 troops to the Middle East.
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Key Points
- Houthis confirm they launched missile on Israel
- Dozens of US troops wounded in Iranian attacks on Saudi air base, sources say
- Iran war could end in 'weeks, not months', Rubio says
- Israel claims strikes on water plant and uranium facility in Iran
- Nearly 1,500 Iranians killed in US-Israel strikes
Who are the Houthi rebels? And why experts are worried their involvement will be worse for shipping chaos
09:45 , Maira ButtThe Houthis, formed in the late 1990s, developed as political-religious Shia movement and launched a series of guerrilla wars against Yemen’s national army upon conception.
The rebels have developed an arsenal including ballistic missiles and armed drones capable of hitting Israel more than 1,000 miles from Sana’a.
In 2024, the rebel group launched its first sustained attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea claiming it was in retaliation for Israel’s attacks on Gaza. The onslaught disrupted global trade by striking the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which is a narrow strip of sea between Yemen and east Africa that is a key international trade route.
Experts say the Houthis, along with Gaza’s Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, form part of Iran’s “axis of resistance” - a military alliance built over four decades to oppose Israeli and American power in the Middle East.
Explosions and sirens heard across Israel as Houthis enter the fray
09:31 , Maira ButtIsrael’s military said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel early Saturday and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels later claimed responsibility for the attack, their first since the war in the Mideast started.
Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the Houthis, claimed responsibility in a statement aired Saturday morning on the rebels' Al-Masirah satellite television.
The possible entry to the war of the Houthis calls into question whether the group will again target commercial shipping traveling through the Red Sea corridor.
Sirens went off around Beer Sheba and the area near Israel’s main nuclear research center for the third time overnight Friday into Saturday as Iran and Hezbollah continued to fire on Israel overnight.
Loud explosions also filled the air in Tel Aviv and Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service said it was responding to 11 different impact sites across the metro area.
FBI confirms Kash Patel photos were leaked by Iran-linked hackers
09:10 , Vishwam SankaranAn FBI spokesperson confirmed that the agency chief Kash Patel's email was hacked by the Iran-linked Handala Hack Team.
The group published dozens of emails and photographs on Friday that they said were taken from a personal inbox belonging to Patel.
“We have taken all necessary steps to mitigate potential risks associated with this activity," FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson said today.
The data accessed by the hackers were “historical in nature and involves no government information”, Williamson said.
How war disrupts semiconductor production
08:51 , Vishwam SankaranIranain strikes have forced the shutdown of Qatar's production of helium, which is critical to semiconductor manufacture.
“The shutdown of Qatar helium production due to the US-Iran military conflict has removed roughly a third of global helium supply and shifted the market from oversupplied to undersupplied,” Deutsche Bank analysts said earlier this month.
Experts warn that a drawn-out war could forced chip makers to seek alternate sources and supply routes.
Russia, which is the world's third largest helium supplier could gain from this disruption.
“If Qatari disruptions persist, Russia is well placed to further expand its role in China’s helium supply mix,” Center on Global Energy Policy researcher Erica Downs wrote in a blog post.
Kuwait international airport suffers 'significant' radar system damage after drone attacks
08:45 , Tara CobhamKuwait International Airport was targeted by multiple drone attacks that caused significant damage to its radar system but resulted in no casualties, state news agency KUNA said on Saturday, citing the country's Civil Aviation Authority.
India prepares for internet disruptions as war threatens key subsea cables
08:30 , Vishwam SankaranIndia's telecom department convened a meeting yesterday to draw up contingency plans as the Iran war threatens critical subsea cable routes which could put India–Europe connectivity at risk.
Telecom companies have reportedly sought the Indian government support to engage with Iran to safeguard subsea cable infrastructure.
Experts warn that the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz are key risk zones for international data flows via undersea cables where disruptions could take months to repair.
“While a complete internet blackout is unlikely, India remains exposed to congestion and performance issues due to its reliance on limited routes and landing points," Amajit Gupta, chief of cloud connectivity services provider Lightstorm, told Moneycontrol.
"Strengthening resilience will require diversifying cable landings, expanding eastward connectivity, and building domestic repair capabilities with policy support,” Gupta said.
FAO chief economist warns of severe global food security risks
08:10 , Vishwam SankaranThe chief economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization warned that the disruption to the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing war in the middle east is a "systematic shock affecting agrifood systems globally".
The region accounts for nearly half of the global sulphur trade, necessary to produce fertilisers for crops.
FAO chief economist Máximo Torero warned that disruptions to Sulphur supply are already translating into higher costs for farmers worldwide.
“Farmers are facing a dual cost shock: they have more expensive fertilizers alongside rising fuel costs affecting the entire agricultural value chain, including irrigation and transport,” Torero said.
Video: UN warns Somalia 'on the edge' as war deepens aid crisis
07:50 , Vishwam SankaranYemen's Houthis confirm launching attack on Israel for first time in current war
07:42 , Tara CobhamYemen's Iran-aligned Houthis confirmed on Saturday that they had launched an attack on Israel for the first time during the current Israeli-US war against Iran, marking their entry to the conflict and raising the prospects of a broader regional confrontation.
Israel earlier said it was working to intercept a missile from Yemen.
The group said the attack with a barrage of missiles came after continued targeting of infrastructure in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq and the Palestinian territories, adding that their operations would continue until the "aggression" on all fronts ends.
Dozens of US troops wounded in Iranian attacks on Saudi air base in past week, sources say
07:40 , Tara CobhamMore than two dozen US troops were wounded in Iranian attacks on Saudi air base in the past week, AP sources say.
Houthis confirm they launched missile on Israel
07:24 , Vishwam SankaranYemen's Iran-linked rebel group Houthis confirmed today that they launched a missile against Israel, marking their first escalation since the war in Iran began.
The Houthis said their attack on Israel comes after Tel Aviv's continuous targeting of infrastructure in Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestinian territories.
The rebel group said their operations would continue till their objectives are reached, marking a key escalation in the conflict.
Experts have warned that a Houthi involvement in the war risks broadening and prolonging the conflict as the rebel group has the ability to strike targets that can disrupt shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea.
Trump says military action against Cuba could be next: 'Pretend I didn't say that'
07:10 , Vishwam SankaranSpeaking at an investment forum in Miami, the US president hinted that after operations in Venezuela and Iran, military action against Cuba could be next.
"I built this great military. You'll never have to use it. But sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba is next by the way," Trump said.
"But pretend I didn't say that. Pretend I didn't," he said at the conference.
It isn't clear how serious Trump was about his statement.
Earlier this month, he said Cuba may be subject to a "friendly takeover", before adding that "it may not be a friendly takeover".
Nearly 1,500 Iranians killed in US-Israel strikes
06:50 , Vishwam SankaranMore than 1,440 civilians have been killed in dozens of US-Israel strikes across Iran that have hit schools, hospitals and other non military infrastructure, a consortium of human rights groups reported on Friday.
At least 217 of those killed were children, according to the report, which describes the figures on fatalities as “verified minimums”, The Washington Post first reported.
“Children are being killed at school. Men are dying at checkpoints as they try to move their families...Women are being killed while waiting in line for bread. Medics are being killed while responding to emergencies,” said Skylar Thompson, deputy director of Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), which co-authored the report.
Russia providing upgraded Iranian drones back to Tehran
06:30 , Vishwam SankaranRussia is sending drones to Iran, including upgraded versions of Tehran's own drones that it provided Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine, US officials told the Associated Press.
While Iran has been firing its own Shahed drones at targets in Israel and its Gulf neighbours, the Russian supply includes upgraded versions of those supplied by Tehran during the war in Ukraine, officials say.
Some of these upgrades include better navigation capabilities.
However, White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said “nothing provided to Iran by any other country is affecting our operational success".
Israel claims missile launched from Yemen for first time since Iran war
06:10 , Vishwam SankaranThe Israeli military said it identified a launch of a missile from Yemen early on Saturday.
If confirmed, this could be the first time a missile has been launched from Yemen since the war erupted.
The report comes after the Iran-aligned rebel group Houthis said yesterday that they were prepared to act if there was any escalation against Iran and its "axis of resistance".
“We confirm that our fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention”, Houthis said earlier.
Experts have warned that if the Houthis enter the war, it could raises the prospects of broader confrontation as the rebel group may attempt to block the Bab al-Mandab strait south of Yemen, further disrupt shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea.
UN creates fertiliser trade task force to prevent 'massive humanitarian crisis'
05:50 , Vishwam SankaranThe UN has announced the creation of a new task force to ensure ships carrying fertilisers and “related raw materials” cross the Strait of Hormuz in order to prevent “a massive humanitarian crisis”.
"The disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz risk creating ripple effects impacting humanitarian needs and agricultural production in the coming months," the task force head Jorge Moreira da Silva posted on X.
"Our focus is to facilitate the trade of commercial fertilisers and the movement of related raw materials. We are standing by to support this lifesaving operation," da Silva said.
"It is urgent to prevent a massive humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and beyond including in Africa and Asia import-dependent on fertilisers," he added.
UAE battling two fires near key economic zone
05:30 , Vishwam SankaranAbu Dhabi authorities said they were dealing with fires near the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, or KEZAD, early this morning.
The fires were reportedly caused by debris falling from the interception of a ballistic missile.
No causality has so far been reported from the incident.
Three killed by Israeli forces in West Bank: report
05:10 , Rachel DobkinThree people have been killed by the Israeli military in the occupied West Bank, the Associated Press reported, citing the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Two men were killed when the Israeli forces raided the Qalandiya refugee camp area in two separate recent incidents, according to the health ministry. A 15-year-old boy was also recently killed during a raid on the Dheisheh refugee camp, the ministry said.
The Israeli military said in a statement shared by the AP that “violent disturbances” happened in two incidents in the Qalandiya area, and troops responded with live fire toward “key instigators.”
Trump threatens to cut Nato support as allies decline to join Iran war
04:47 , Vishwam SankaranAmerican president Donald Trump cast doubt on US commitment to Nato after several countries part of the military alliance refused to join the ongoing war against Iran.
"Nato wasn’t there for us. We send billions of dollars to them every year to protect them," Trump said at a business conference yesterday.
PRESIDENT TRUMP: NATO wasn’t there for us. We send billions of dollars to them every year to protect them. We would have always been there for them. But based on their actions, I guess we don’t have to be, do we?
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 27, 2026
Why would we be there for them if they’re not there for us? pic.twitter.com/SGPWqZjhzg
"We would have always been there for them. But based on their actions, I guess we don’t have to be, do we? Why would we be there for them if they’re not there for us?" the American president said.
Explosions heard in Damascus as Israel intercepts Iranian missiles over Syria
04:30 , Vishwam SankaranExplosions were heard over the Syrian capital Damascus early on Saturday as Israeli air defence systems intercepted missiles from Iran over Syria, according to Syrian state television.
No casualties have been mentioned so far by Syrian officials.
Bahrain urges citizens to take cover in 'nearest safe place'
04:10 , Vishwam SankaranBahrain’s Interior Ministry has issued two public notices in the past hour urging its citizens and residents to take cover in the "nearest safe place".
The siren has been sounded . Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) March 28, 2026
"The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," the ministry posted on X.
The warnings come after authorities reported a fire at an unidentified facility targeted in an earlier Iranian attack.
Iran war could end in 'weeks, not months', Rubio says
03:44 , Vishwam SankaranThe US secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Friday that the ongoing military operations against Iran could end within "weeks, not months", adding that Washington could meet its objectives without deploying ground troops.
However, Rubio said the US was deploying ground troops to the region "to give the president maximum optionality and maximum opportunity to adjust the contingencies, should they emerge."
He told reporters after meeting G7 counterparts in France that Washington was "on or ahead of schedule in that operation, and expect to conclude it at the appropriate time here - a matter of weeks, not months."
Trump says he wants to be remembered as a 'great peacemaker' amid Iran war
03:30 , Rachel DobkinUS President Donald Trump has said he wants to be remembered as a “great peacemaker,” despite starting a major military conflict in the already warring Middle East.
Trump claimed he has settled eight wars, which is an exaggeration, during an appearance at the Future Investment Initiative summit in Miami, Friday evening local time.
“I would love my legacy to be made as a great peacemaker,” the president said.
CENTCOM shares photos of military equipment in 'Operation Epic Fury'
03:00 , Rachel DobkinUS Central Command has shared photos of military equipment used in its military campaign against Iran, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.”
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon lands at a base in the Middle East after a combat flight in support of Operation Epic Fury. pic.twitter.com/5ygl0gO3q3
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 27, 2026
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is pictured transiting the Arabian Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is nearly as long as New York City's Empire State Building is tall. pic.twitter.com/LTtExaGlA9
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 27, 2026
US-Iran war in numbers: Thousands dead, billions spent and a global economy in crisis
02:30 , Bryony GoochThe US-Israeli war with Iran has thrown the region into chaos, killing thousands of people, costing billions of dollars, and sending energy prices to their highest levels since the invasion of Ukraine.
As the conflict enters its second month, more than 4,500 people have lost their lives, according to reports from more than a dozen countries dragged into the war since February 28.
Still, there are no signs of the war winding down, as Tehran continues to choke global trade with its grip on the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. reportedly prepares to send an additional 10,000 troops to the region.
Read more from James C. Reynolds...
US-Iran war in numbers: Thousands dead, billions spent, and global economy in crisis
Iran says Israel hit two of its largest steel plants: report
02:15 , Rachel DobkinIsrael has hit two of Iran’s largest steel plants, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday night local time, citing Iranian state media and the country’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Mobarakeh Steel in Isfahan and Khuzestan Steel in Ahvaz were reportedly targeted.
Earlier Friday, the WSJ reported that the Israeli military confirmed it hit two Iranian nuclear sites — the heavy-water plant at Khondab and the Shahid Rezayee Nejad Yellow Cake Production Facility.
New US aircraft carrier to be deployed amid Iran war: report
02:00 , Rachel DobkinThe USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier is set to be deployed amid the Iran war, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
The aircraft carrier will be positioned in the US Central Command’s area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East, the source said.
CNN reported that there are two other US aircraft carriers already in the region. It’s unclear whether the USS George H.W. Bush will be in addition to the other aircraft carriers or replace one of the vessels.
How Iran’s ‘complete control’ of Strait of Hormuz affects oil and gas
01:45 , Bryony GoochThe world is facing a major fuel crisis as Iran continues to retain a firm grip over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which one fifth of the world’s oil and gas moves.
One month after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, countries across the globe have been affected with soaring costs and strained supplies.
But despite American overtures towards peace talks and negotiations, Iran has insisted it will continue to stop ships from passing through the Strait.
Read more from Maira Butt...
Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important? How US-Iran war created global fuel crisis
Number of US troops hurt in Saudi air base attack rises to 12, according to one report
01:31 , Rachel DobkinA total of 12 US troops were hurt in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia Friday, The New York Times reported, citing US officials.
Earlier reports said 10 service members were injured.
Trump says 'we don't have to be there for Nato'
01:00 , Bryony GoochUS President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States does not "have to be there for Nato" given the alliance declined to provide material support to the US during its ongoing war on Iran.
Watch: Trump calls Strait of Hormuz 'The Strait of Trump'
00:30 , Bryony Gooch10 US troops wounded in Saudi air base attack: report
00:00 , Rachel DobkinAt least 10 American service members have been wounded in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia Friday, two US officials told the Associated Press.
Two of the service members were seriously injured, according to one of the officials.
The AP earlier reported, citing a US official, that the attack involved an Iranian missile and unmanned drones.
More than 300 US troops have been injured in the Iran war so far, US Central Command said in reports. Another 13 service members have died.
Mourning held for IRGC naval intelligence chief says Iranian state media
Friday 27 March 2026 23:00 , Bryony GoochIranian news agencies reported early on Saturday that mourning was held for Iran's Revolutionary Guards' navy intelligence chief, Behnam Rezaei.
The confirmation comes days after the Israeli military said it killed Rezaei in a strike in Iran's Bandar Abbas.
Trump criticises Nato in praise for Middle Eastern allies
Friday 27 March 2026 22:06 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump has commended the likes of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Turkey in a criticism on Nato.
“I have to say that Bahrain and Kuwait, they were stand up more so than Nato,” he said. “Now they're a little closer to the action than Nato, and [often I have] been very disappointed with Nato, but I wasn't disappointed with our allies in the Middle East and others.
“We had tremendous support from countries that were not in the general area, but they were tremendously supportive.
“Turkey was fantastic, actually fantastic, and they stayed out of things that we asked them to.”
Trump says he's not calling Middle Eastern conflict a war for 'legal reasons'
Friday 27 March 2026 22:05 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump has said he’s not calling the ongoing conflict with Iran a war.
Speaking at the Future Investments Initiative, he responded to claims he was losing the MAGA base “because of the war.”
“See, I get into a war. Of course, they call it a war. I call it a military conflict, but there's a legal reason for that,” he said. “But you get into a war or a military operation or conflict for you.”
Watch: Moms at CPAC agree Barron Trump should serve in military if U.S. puts boots on the ground in Iran
Friday 27 March 2026 22:00 , Bryony GoochTrump says Iran has to open the 'Strait of Trump'
Friday 27 March 2026 21:47 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump appeared to call the Strait of Hormuz the Strait of Trump in an apparent misspeak at the Future Investment Intiative.
“We're negotiating now, and be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up,” he said. “They have to open up the Strait of Trump. I mean, Hormuz.”
When the audience laughed, he joked: “Excuse me, I'm so sorry.
“Such a terrible mistake. The fake news will say he accidentally said... there's no accidents with me, not too many.
“If there were, we'd have a major story.”
Trump restates claims that Iran gifted the US 10 ships of oil out of Hormuz
Friday 27 March 2026 21:45 , Bryony GoochPresident Donald Trump has said that Iran was negotiating through sending oil out of the Strait of Hormuz, which they closed on Friday.
Trump said at the Future Investment Initiative: “They were negotiating, which they admitted two days later, and in order to make up for their misstatement, they said we're going to send you eight ships of oil.
“I saw in one of the networks, very strange, there were eight ships of oil coming out of Iran, and then they actually said, we're going to add an extra two. And they added an extra two, so we had 10 ships.”
Trump: Iran is on the run
Friday 27 March 2026 21:41 , Bryony GoochPresident Donald Trump has said Iran is “on the run” as he speaks at the Future Investment Initiative.
“For 47 years, Iran has been known as the bully of the Middle East, but they are not the bully any longer. They're on the run.”
Trump: United States has weapons nobody has ever seen before
Friday 27 March 2026 21:40 , Bryony GoochPresident Donald Trump said the United States has weapons nobody has ever seen before as he speaks at the Future Investment Initiative.
“We have the most powerful military in the world, by far. I built it in my first term, remember I said a trillion dollars.
“They also, what do you mean? A trillion dollars? A trillion dollars every year, another trillion. The next another trillion.
“We have the best people. We have by far the best equipment. We have weapons that nobody's ever seen before. We have weapons that nobody even knows about except for a few of us.”
Trump: We're closer than ever to a free Middle East
Friday 27 March 2026 21:39 , Bryony GoochSpeaking at the Future Investment Initiative, President Donald Trump has said the Middle East is closer than ever to being free from Iran’s “terror aggression”.
He said: “Tonight, we're closer than ever to the rise of the Middle East that is finally free, at last, from Iranian terror aggression and nuclear blackmail. That's what's happened.
“It was nuclear blackmail for years and years and beyond that there was blackmail period under my leadership, America is ending the threat posed by this radical regime, decimating Iran's capabilities.
“Operation Epic Fury is something that nobody's ever seen anything quite like it.
Elon Musk joined Trump’s call with Modi on war in Iran, says report
Friday 27 March 2026 21:32 , Bryony Gooch Elon Musk joined Trump’s call with Modi on war in Iran, says report
Iran says US attacks while calling for talks 'intolerable', response undecided
Friday 27 March 2026 21:00 , Bryony GoochA senior Iranian official said on Friday US attacks on Iran while simultaneously calling for talks were "intolerable," adding Tehran had yet to decide whether to respond to a US proposal due to attacks on industrial and nuclear infrastructure.
Iran's response to US proposals had originally been expected to be delivered on Friday or Saturday, the official added.
Iran's response to US peace proposal expected Friday, source says
Friday 27 March 2026 20:30 , Bryony GoochIran's response to a US peace proposal aimed at ending the war in the Middle East is expected on Friday, according to a source briefed on the matter.
US president Donald Trump and top White House officials have been told via interlocutors to expect Iran's counter-proposal then, the source said.
The war, which began when the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, has spread across the Middle East. Iran had been reviewing a 15-point proposal, sent via Pakistan, that included demands ranging from dismantling Iran's nuclear program to curbing its missile development and effectively handing over control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources and reports.
Iran has expressed willingness to talk about certain things in an exchange of messages, US secretary of state Marco Rubio told reporters after a G7 meeting in France on Friday.
"We're waiting for further clarification about who it is that we would be talking to, what we would be talking about, and when will we be talking," Rubio said. "It could happen in any moment. It could happen today. Could happen tomorrow."
Iranian foreign minister accuses US and Israel of attacking civilian targets
Friday 27 March 2026 20:00 , Bryony GoochIranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi has accused the United States and Israel of attacking civilian targets, including schools, hospitals, and historical sites in a phone call with his Russian counterpart.
Speaking to Sergei Lavrov, Aragchi said Iran would continue to decisively defend itself, according to state media.
Iran-US war mapped as more countries dragged into widening Middle East conflict
Friday 27 March 2026 19:30 , Bryony Gooch Iran-US war mapped as more countries dragged into widening Middle East conflict
Merz uncertain about US-Israeli goals of war in Iran
Friday 27 March 2026 19:00 , Bryony GoochGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday expressed scepticism that the United States and Israel had a clear strategy to end the war in Iran but he said Germany would in principle be ready to take part in an international stabilisation mission after the end of hostilities.
"I'm just not convinced that what's happening right now - what Israel and America are doing - will actually lead to success," he said at a conference hosted by the FAZ newspaper.
Watch: Iran can't hold world economy 'hostage': Yvette Cooper
Friday 27 March 2026 18:00 , Bryony GoochIsrael claims strikes on water plant and uranium facility in Iran
Friday 27 March 2026 17:18 , Bryony GoochThe Israeli military has claimed two strikes on infrastructure in central Iran.
It says it struck a uranium extraction facility from ore, located in Yazd, and a heavy water plant in Arak.
UN to create new mechanism for Strait of Hormuz trade, spokesperson says
Friday 27 March 2026 17:15 , Bryony GoochThe United Nations has created a task force to create a new mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate fertiliser trade and movement of related raw materials, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Friday.
Rubio: US can achieve goals without ground troops
Friday 27 March 2026 16:57 , Bryony GoochUS secretary of state Marco Rubio has affirmed a believe that the United States can achieve its goals in Iran without ground troops.
Mr Rubio’s comments follow growing reports that a ground operation could be on the cards as an escalation in the war.
Rubio: Tolling system on Strait of Hormuz would be unacceptable
Friday 27 March 2026 16:54 , Bryony GoochUS secretary of state Marco Rubio has said that it would be unacceptable if Iran began a tolling system to control transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Following a G7 meeting on Friday, Mr Rubio said that Iran could set up a tolling system for the vital waterway after it announced a decision to close the strait.
More than 1,900 people killed in Iran, says Red Cross
Friday 27 March 2026 14:33 , James ReynoldsMaria Martinez, IFRC Head of Delegation for Iran, says that more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran in the last month.
Attacks have been reported across 30 provinces, and around 3% of the population is internally displaced, she says in a press briefing.
According to the Iranian Red Crescent’s latest report from today, 17 Red Crescent centres have been struck, and nearly 100 ambulances were damaged or destroyed, she adds.