Iran launched missiles and drones towards Israel and the Gulf states early Tuesday morning, while U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is in talks with Iran to end the war. Trump also extended a deadline for Iran to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic or face airstrikes on its power plants, briefly lowering oil prices and boosting stocks.
The postponement provided relief after the U.S. and Iran exchanged threats over the weekend of attacks that could have cut off electricity to millions in Iran and the Gulf, disabling desalination plants that provide drinking water to many desert nations, while raising fears of a possible catastrophe if nuclear plants were targeted.
Pakistan confirms it has offered to mediate between Iran, the U.S., and Israel
Pakistan is leading a mediation initiative with Turkey and Egypt to end the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel, according to government sources. Pakistan has offered to host peace talks, leveraging its military ties with Tehran and its relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump appears determined to reach an agreement with Iran, according to three senior Israeli officials
Israeli government officials have stated that U.S. President Donald Trump seems focused on reaching an agreement with Iran to end the military conflict between both countries and their allies, amid signs of dialogue and the postponement of planned military attacks, citing progress in negotiations with Iranian representatives.
Iran warns Israel that if it carries out attacks against civilians, there will be "unlimited retaliation"
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard issued a warning to the Israeli military that its troops deployed in northern Israel and Gaza would be targets of "unlimited" attacks if Israel conducted operations against civilians in Palestinian territories or Lebanon.
China reiterates that dialogue is the "only way out" of the conflict in the Middle East
China stated that the continuation of the conflict in the Middle East benefits no one and that a ceasefire and dialogue are the only way out, following the U.S. decision to postpone an attack on an Iranian power plant to allow for negotiations.
The Spanish stock market opens with a 0.11% advance despite the rise in oil prices
The Spanish stock market opened with a 0.11% advance on Tuesday, despite the Brent crude oil price rising over 2.5%, while doubts remain about a possible de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
A local Iranian official states that the attack on the Jorramshahr gas pipeline station did not affect operations
A local Iranian official confirmed that the attack on the Jorramshahr gas pipeline station did not impact operations or disrupt the normal functioning of the facility, with limited damage reported that did not affect gas supply or key infrastructure.
Israel says it has bombed over 3,000 targets in Iran in 25 days of war
The Israeli military claims to have bombed over 3,000 targets across Iran since the start of the military offensive on February 28, with recent airstrikes targeting intelligence command centers, weapon depots, and air defense systems in central Tehran.
Macron convenes a Defense Council to address the war in the Middle East
French President Emmanuel Macron is organizing a Defense and National Security Council meeting on Tuesday afternoon to address the situation of the conflict in the Middle East, involving ministers and officials with defense and security responsibilities.
Iran considers itself less vulnerable than its neighbors in case of an attack on energy infrastructure
The Iranian Energy Minister stated that Iran is less vulnerable than other countries in the event of an attack on its electrical facilities, highlighting the dispersed electricity production across the country compared to centralized production in Gulf countries and Israel.
At least 15 former paramilitaries killed in Iraq
An "American attack" in western Iraq killed 15 fighters from the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi), including the commander of operations for Al Anbar province, Saad Dawai, according to an updated statement from the alliance of former paramilitaries.
Jerusalem will not celebrate its traditional Palm Sunday due to the war with Iran
Jerusalem's traditional Palm Sunday celebration, scheduled for March 29, is canceled due to the war with Iran. Instead, a prayer for Jerusalem will be held at a yet-to-be-determined location, as the city's holy sites remain closed amid the conflict.
Two Iranian energy facilities attacked early this morning
Two Iranian energy facilities were targeted in Israeli-U.S. attacks early Tuesday, shortly after Donald Trump's unexpected decision not to strike power plants. The gas administration building and gas reduction station in Isfahan were partially damaged in the attacks.
Iran launches at least six missile barrages against Israel early morning
Iran launched up to six missile barrages against Israel early Tuesday, prompting Israeli military alerts and search and rescue efforts in central Israel. Buildings were damaged in Tel Aviv, with reports of car fires and debris following the missile impacts.
Six injured in Tel Aviv by Iranian missiles
Six people were lightly injured in Tel Aviv on Tuesday morning following missile alerts and explosions, with reports of damaged buildings and burning vehicles in different locations.
Israeli attack leaves two dead in southern Beirut
Two people died in an Israeli attack on Bshamoun, a village south of Beirut near a stronghold of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The attack resulted in two civilian deaths and five injuries.
Japan to begin releasing oil from state reserves on Thursday amid conflict in Iran
Japan's Prime Minister confirmed that Tokyo will start releasing state oil reserves on Thursday due to concerns over supply amid the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran. The release of private reserves began on March 16, with state reserves set to be released this week.