Key development: Iran fired missiles at Dubai and hit a Kuwaiti oil tanker while the US struck targets near Iranian nuclear facilities—the war just escalated into the Gulf.
Military Operations
The US hit a pharma facility and sites in Iran, including near Isfahan’s nuclear facilities. Iran says a cancer drug factory’s production line was damaged. Al Jazeera reports the pharma company was targeted, while France 24 reports strikes near Isfahan sent a massive fireball into the sky and that a desalination plant on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz has been offline since earlier this month. (Al Jazeera, France 24, Euronews)
Context: These strikes are part of ongoing US-Israeli operations against Iranian infrastructure. The US is also using AI to help select targets—officials say AI picked the first thousand targets in Iran. Airstrikes have been knocking out power in parts of Tehran since Sunday, with residents hearing “the unnerving sound of thundering explosions” before authorities restore electricity in some neighborhoods.
| Sources: Al Jazeera | France 24 | Euronews |
Iran launched missiles and drones at Dubai and set a Kuwaiti oil tanker on fire. At least five explosions hit Dubai as residents ran for shelters—Iran’s now attacking Gulf states hosting US forces. Iranian missiles also hit central Israel, injuring several people. (Euronews, France 24)
Context: This marks a major escalation beyond direct US-Iran exchanges. UAE authorities said they were “actively engaging” with the threat. The strikes came the same day the US hit targets near Isfahan.
| Sources: Euronews | France 24 |
US Defense Secretary says “the upcoming days will be decisive.” Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth gave an update on Iran operations. France 24 described the briefing as “trying to put the best face on a mission they did not anticipate,” noting that US troops continue building up in the region despite claims that talks are making progress. (Al Jazeera, France 24)
Context: Power outages continue hitting Tehran after repeated airstrikes. The war shows no signs of stopping despite diplomatic claims.
| Sources: Al Jazeera | France 24 |
US Policy
Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s main oil export hub at Kharg Island if Tehran doesn’t accept a deal. He’s also eyeing seizing enriched uranium, which experts warn could be catastrophic. Trump told allies to “go get your own oil” as US gas prices jumped past $4 for the first time since 2022. (France 24, Euronews)
Context: Trump said he’d obliterate Kharg Island (which handles nearly 90% of Iranian crude exports), along with oil wells and power plants. He’s also reportedly considering a military mission to grab uranium enriched to 60%—experts call it “one of the most risky and difficult operations the US military has undertaken since the Second World War.” Oil prices climbed above $115 a barrel.
| Sources: France 24 | France 24 | Euronews |
Trump floated making Arab nations pay for the Iran war. [UNCONFIRMED] The White House says he could ask Arab states to bear the cost of the conflict. (Al Jazeera)
Context: This echoes Trump’s history of demanding other nations foot the bill for US military operations. No details yet on which countries or how much he’d ask for.
Sources: Al Jazeera
Economy
Oil blew past $115 a barrel and eurozone inflation jumped to 2.5%. The Strait of Hormuz is shut down and Europe’s scrambling to figure out how long this lasts. (Euronews)
Context: Consumer prices jumped at their fastest monthly pace since October 2022, almost entirely driven by the energy shock. Economists are split on whether the European Central Bank will hike rates. EU governments are throwing billions at fuel tax cuts and price caps, and Brussels is urging member states to boost energy savings and prepare for prolonged disruption.
| Sources: Euronews | Euronews | Euronews |
Europeans are rushing to buy solar panels, heat pumps and EVs. [UNCONFIRMED] The war’s become an accidental catalyst for green tech as people look for alternatives to volatile oil and gas. (Euronews)
Context: With energy prices spiking and supply uncertain, Europeans are scrambling for less volatile energy sources. Sales of renewable tech and electric vehicles are reportedly surging.
Sources: Euronews
Regional Actors
Three UN peacekeepers were killed in Lebanon in 24 hours. Two Indonesian peacekeepers died in an explosion Monday, one more on Sunday—all from “projectiles of unknown origin” as Israel and Hezbollah keep firing. (France 24, Euronews)
Context: The UN force policing southern Lebanon said it’s investigating the separate incidents. The deaths come amid ongoing exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah. The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session over the deaths.
| Sources: France 24 | Euronews |
Yemen’s Houthis are threatening to choke off the Red Sea exit at Bab al-Mandab. If they block that strait, it’ll hammer European oil supplies now that Hormuz is closed. (France 24)
Context: With the Strait of Hormuz shut, the Red Sea route through Bab al-Mandab has become critical. An expert from Cambridge told France 24 that “the Houthis hold serious cards” and blocking the strait “will have a dramatic impact on the oil supply,” especially for Europe.
| Sources: France 24 | France 24 |
The FBI says a Michigan synagogue attack was inspired by Hezbollah. Someone drove a truck packed with fuel at Michigan’s largest Jewish temple. (Euronews)
Context: The attack happened earlier in March. The FBI confirmed it was inspired by the Iran-backed Lebanese group, marking domestic spillover from the Middle East conflict.
Sources: Euronews
Diplomacy
Pakistan’s trying to broker peace talks and just sent its deputy PM to China. Islamabad’s pushing for negotiations between the US and Iran, but Iranians don’t see Trump’s 15-point plan as real diplomacy. (Al Jazeera)
Context: Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar visited China after Islamabad talks aimed at getting both sides to negotiate. But sources told Al Jazeera that “Iranians don’t consider Trump’s 15-point plan as beginning of a diplomatic track.”
| Sources: Al Jazeera | Al Jazeera |
International
Italy refused to let the US use its air bases to attack Iran. Rome reportedly denied authorization for US bombers to land at a base in Sicily. (Al Jazeera)
Context: Italian press reports say the government blocked the US military from using its facilities for Iran operations. This shows cracks in European support for the US campaign.
Sources: Al Jazeera
What to watch: Whether Trump actually moves on Kharg Island in the next few days, and if the Houthis make good on their threat to block Bab al-Mandab.