As the conflict triggered by the February 28 US-Israel strikes on Iran entered its 28th day on March 27, pressure built across multiple fronts, with Israel’s military chief warning of internal strain, Washington extending its pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, and the UN nuclear watchdog raising concern over reported attacks near Iran’s Bushehr plant.
The day also saw fresh claims of Iranian strikes on Haifa and US-linked targets in the Gulf, confirmation from Israel and CENTCOM on the killing of IRGC Navy chief Alireza Tangsiri, renewed diplomatic messaging through intermediaries, and growing international focus on the Strait of Hormuz as a military and energy flashpoint.
Live updates: Iran-Israel-US conflict | 27 March 2026
IDF vows to disarm Hezbollah if Lebanese govt fails
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson BG Effie Defrin has issued a stern warning regarding the escalating tensions on the northern border, asserting that the military will take direct action to disarm Hezbollah if the Lebanese government fails to do so.
In a video address, Defrin highlighted the long-standing security challenges, stating, "For years, we have been defending our northern border against Hezbollah's attacks on our civilians." He further alleged that the group has persisted in its efforts to "rearm and re-weaponise in violation of the ceasefire agreement."
The naval arm of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a defiant response to claims made by US President Donald Trump regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz. According to a report by Iran's state-owned Press TV, the IRGC Navy dismissed assertions that the vital waterway is open for transit, insisting that it remains under a blockade.
The statement follows recent remarks from the US administration suggesting that the maritime route was functioning. In a direct rebuttal, the IRGC military command made it clear that it maintains full control over the chokepoint.
Israel Defence Forces strike Iran's missile production facility in Yazd
Israel Defence Forces today said that it had struck the Iranian Regime's primary facility for the productions of missiles and sea mines in Yazd, Iran. The IDF claimed that the site was used for the planning, development, assembly, and storage of advanced missiles intended for launch from cruise platforms, submarines, and helicopters toward both mobile and stationary maritime targets.
Israel Defence Forces strike Iran's missile production facility in Yazd
Israel Defence Forces today said that it had struck the Iranian Regime's primary facility for the productions of missiles and sea mines in Yazd, Iran. The IDF claimed that the site was used for the planning, development, assembly, and storage of advanced missiles intended for launch from cruise platforms, submarines, and helicopters toward both mobile and stationary maritime targets.
'Defence shall persist as long as it is needed', Iran at UN
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi slammed the United States and Israel for the attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran, most notably the Minab Elementary Girls' school, which killed over 160 people.
Calling the actions a war crime, he urged the world to come together against the injustice towards Iran and underlined that the country would continue to defend itself as long as needed. He made the remarks while virtually addressing the UN debate over the fatal school strike in Iran.
Iran says over 600 schools damaged in strikes
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said more than 600 schools have been damaged or destroyed in the past 27 days, with over 1,000 students and teachers killed or wounded.
“Iran has never sought war… yet it will continue to defend itself as long as it is needed,” Araghchi said.
Ballistic missile attack detected after brief lull
Israel said it detected a fresh ballistic missile attack from Iran after a lull of nearly eight hours.
Fresh strikes hit missile launchers, storage sites
The IDF said its air force carried out overnight strikes across western Iran, targeting launchers and missile storage infrastructure.
Strikes were reported in Kermanshah and Dezful, with around 70 munitions used in multiple sorties.
Israel strikes missile production facility in Yazd
The Israeli military said it struck Iran’s primary facility for producing missiles and sea mines in Yazd.
The site was used for planning, assembly and storage of advanced missiles intended for maritime targets, it said.
Strikes hit Gulf bases, Israeli infrastructure
Iran said targets included oil storage in Ashdod, a site in Modi’in, and US-linked facilities such as Al-Dhafra, Al-Udeiri and Ali Al-Salem airbases.
The operation used long-range and medium-range missiles along with loitering drones.
IRGC warns civilians near US bases to leave immediately
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a warning to people in West Asia, urging them to stay away from areas where US forces are stationed.
It accused US and Israeli forces of using civilians as “human shields” and said it would target them “wherever we find them”.
Tehran protests use of Gulf states’ territory in strikes
In separate communications, Iran also protested against Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE, alleging their territory and airspace were used for attacks.
Tehran said it reserves the right to take “necessary measures” to protect its sovereignty.
Iran flags alleged assassination plots to UN
Iran has formally written to the United Nations raising concerns over media reports that US and Israeli forces may be targeting senior Iranian officials.
Iran’s UN envoy Amir Saeed Iravani said reports naming Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as potential targets indicate a “serious violation” of international law.
Targets include Gulf bases, Israeli infrastructure
The IRGC said targets included oil storage in Ashdod, a site in Modi’in, and US-linked facilities such as Al-Dhafra and Ali Al-Salem airbases.
It said the attacks used a mix of long-range missiles, multi-warhead systems and loitering drones.
IRGC launches 83rd wave of ‘Operation True Promise 4’
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they launched the 83rd wave of retaliatory operations early Friday, targeting US and Israeli military installations across the region.
The strikes involved advanced missiles and drones and hit multiple sites, including bases, fuel depots and logistics facilities, according to reports carried by Press TV.
US considers sending 10,000 more troops despite ongoing talks
The United States is considering deploying an additional 10,000 ground troops to West Asia, even as diplomatic engagement with Iran continues.
A report cited by The Jerusalem Post, based on The Wall Street Journal, said the deployment could include infantry and armoured units alongside the 82nd Airborne Division already in the region.
Officials have not confirmed where the additional forces would be stationed.
China recalibrates stance, signals de-escalation push
China is adjusting its approach to the conflict, signalling support for de-escalation ahead of possible talks with the US.
Officials indicated Beijing may push Iran towards negotiations while maintaining engagement with Washington.
Rubio presses allies to act on Hormuz crisis
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged global partners to step up efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
“It’s in their interest… the world has a great interest in that,” he said, stressing that responsibility should not fall solely on Washington.
Iran warns hotels hosting US troops could be targeted
Iran has issued a warning that hotels in Bahrain and the UAE hosting US personnel could become military targets.
Officials accused US forces of using civilian locations as cover after leaving military bases.
Trump says Iran ‘begging’ for deal after strikes
Trump claimed Tehran is now seeking negotiations following sustained US strikes.
“They are begging to make a deal… not me,” he said, warning of continued military pressure if talks fail.
US opens backchannel talks with Iran via Pakistan
Washington has opened a diplomatic channel with Tehran through Pakistan, presenting a 15-point framework for a potential peace deal.
US envoy Steve Witkoff said the proposal had led to “strong and positive messaging” from Iran.
Iran’s reach seen expanding towards Indian Ocean
US officials have warned that Iran’s missile programme may be extending beyond the Gulf region.
Lawmakers pointed to a reported launch toward Diego Garcia, suggesting Tehran could project power into the Indian Ocean.
Officials said Iran’s space programme could support long-range missile development.
India, France push coordination on Hormuz safety
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
Both sides agreed to continue coordination to ensure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing disruptions to global energy supply.
IRGC Navy chief Tangsiri killed in airstrike
The United States Central Command confirmed that IRGC Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri was killed in an Israeli strike.
CENTCOM said his death “makes the region safer”, accusing him of directing attacks on commercial vessels and maritime targets.
It added that 92 per cent of Iran’s large naval assets have been destroyed since the start of US-led operations.
Fresh wave of strikes hits US-linked targets
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched the 82nd wave of retaliatory operations across the region.
Targets included US-linked sites in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, including radar systems, drone hangars and fuel depots.
The operations, it said, would continue through the day.
Iran launches drone strikes on Haifa port
Iran’s military said it carried out a “massive drone attack” on strategic sites in Israel’s Haifa port.
Targets included naval logistics facilities and fuel storage sites for warplanes, according to statements carried by Press TV.
The strikes were described as retaliation for earlier attacks on Iranian infrastructure.
IAEA warns of nuclear risk after strikes near Bushehr
The International Atomic Energy Agency has raised alarm over reported strikes near Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.
Director General Rafael Grossi warned that damage to the operational facility could trigger a “major radiological accident” affecting Iran and neighbouring regions.
The agency has called for maximum restraint to avoid nuclear safety risks.
Trump claims US has ‘already won the war’ militarily
Despite ongoing operations, Trump asserted that Washington has already achieved military victory.
“We have already won the war, militarily,” he said, claiming US and Israeli strikes had destroyed Iran’s navy, air force and most missile systems.
He added that Iran’s missile capabilities were down to about 9 per cent.
Trump extends strike pause to April 6 amid talks
US President Donald Trump has extended the pause on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6.
“They asked for seven, and I said… I’m going to give you 10,” Trump said, adding the decision followed ongoing talks with Tehran.
He also claimed Iran had allowed oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as a “present” during negotiations.
IDF chief warns Army could ‘collapse’ under pressure
Israel’s military leadership has raised serious concerns about manpower shortages amid sustained operations.
Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir warned the Army could “collapse in on itself” due to mounting operational strain, according to reports cited by The Times of Israel.
“I am raising 10 red flags before you,” he told ministers, calling for urgent laws on conscription, reserve duty and extension of mandatory service.
The military is currently short of around 12,000 troops, with the shortage deepening since the Gaza war began in 2023.