Iran struck and set ablaze a large Kuwaiti oil tanker overnight off Dubai, prompting fears of an oil spill. Dubai authorities said the fire was later extinguished and reported no injuries or spill. The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense said it was defending the country against missiles and drones it says were launched by Iran. Saudi Arabia also reported overnight drone attacks.
Iran’s foreign minister said the strikes were aimed at U.S. targets rather than Gulf states. At the same time, a wave of strikes hit central Israel; the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported rescue teams responding to impact sites and media outlets reported injuries. The IDF said it had completed strikes on government infrastructure in Tehran and continued operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, destroying weapon warehouses, headquarters, underground shafts and a rocket launcher. Israeli officials reported multiple military casualties, with several soldiers killed in Lebanon.
The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting after three U.N. peacekeepers from Indonesia were killed in Lebanon. One was reportedly struck by indirect artillery fire and two died when an explosion destroyed their vehicle. Indonesia has called for a swift, transparent investigation; Israel is probing whether its forces or Hezbollah were responsible. Fighting in Lebanon has intensified, with strikes reported in Beirut’s southern suburbs and the Bekaa Valley. Lebanese officials said at least nine civilians have died in recent attacks.
On the U.S. side, the Pentagon planned a briefing by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs chairman Dan Caine. U.S. Central Command said Commander Adm. Brad Cooper met with Israel’s Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, to discuss progress in efforts to degrade Iran’s ability to project power. Cooper also visited U.S. troops supporting “Operation Epic Fury” and recognized service members for their performance during the operation’s early weeks.
Tensions among allies surfaced as well: Spain closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in the conflict, a move sharply criticized by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who accused Spain of “bragging” about the closure. Spain confirmed the restriction and has stressed distancing itself from the war ahead of upcoming elections. Flight records showed multiple in-flight refueling aircraft left joint bases in southern Spain after an initial U.S.-Israel strike on Iran, despite restrictions on providing support.
Inside Iran, authorities said they arrested 46 people for selling Starlink satellite internet connections — one of the few ways Iranians have reached the global internet amid a government blackout NetBlocks said had entered its 32nd day. NetBlocks warned of mounting technical and security problems from prolonged isolation. Iran also said it executed four people: two linked to opposition activities and two accused of spying for the U.S. and Israel.
President Trump reiterated that Iran wants a deal but warned the U.S. might seize Iranian oil and Kharg Island or take other severe measures if Tehran did not comply with U.S. demands, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration still seeks a deal before an April 6 deadline and that private communications with Iran differ from public statements. President Trump also posted a video of explosions on social media that the Associated Press said likely showed a U.S. strike on Isfahan.
Global and religious leaders appealed for an end to the violence. The Dalai Lama called for dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect, echoing the pope’s plea for the laying down of arms.
Reporting contributions came from Beirut, Washington, Van (Turkey), Seville (Spain) and Johannesburg.