US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) said Iran is “being decimated” and confirmed that talks are underway, even as fresh strikes, global warnings and military build-up keep tensions high across West Asia.
Nearly a month into the conflict that began on February 28, the tone is shifting, not towards peace yet, but towards negotiation under pressure. Washington is projecting military success, Tehran is warning of retaliation, and global powers are scrambling to keep energy routes open.
Updates: March 28 – Iran conflict enters critical phase
US Marine Expeditionary Unit arrives in Middle East; Iran daily warns they 'will leave in coffin'
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday said that the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines have arrived in the Middle East, hinting President Donald Trump may order boots on the ground in Iran.
"U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets," CENTCOM said on X.
https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2037906827778682900
As more US troops arrived in the Middle East, Iranian English daily Tehran Times has warned they "will leave in coffins".
The front page headline of the daily read "Welcome To Hell". "US troops who step foot on Iranian soil will only leave in a coffin," read the message accompanying the lead header.
US Marine Expeditionary Unit arrives in Middle East; Iran daily warns they 'will leave in coffin'
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Saturday said that the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines have arrived in the Middle East, hinting President Donald Trump may order boots on the ground in Iran.
"U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets," CENTCOM said on X.
https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2037906827778682900
As more US troops arrived in the Middle East, Iranian English daily Tehran Times has warned they "will leave in coffins".
The front page headline of the daily read "Welcome To Hell". "US troops who step foot on Iranian soil will only leave in a coffin," read the message accompanying the lead header.
UAE intercepted 20 missiles and 37 drones on Saturday, death toll stands at 11
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has intercepted 20 ballistic missiles and 37 drones, the Gulf nation's defence ministry said on Saturday.
The UAE has intercepted 398 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,872 drones since the start of "the blatant Iranian attacks".
According to the defence ministry at least 11 people, including two armed forces personnel and a civilian contracted by the armed forces, have been killed in the Iranian attacks so far.
Iran military says over 500 US troops targeted in Dubai strikes; heavy casualties expected
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian military on Saturday claimed that over 500 US troops were targeted in the Iranian Armed Forces’ latest operations, inflicting “very heavy losses”.
In a statement carried by the state media, spokesperson for the headquarters, Lieutenant-Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, said that the US forces were hiding in two locations outside their conventional bases.
According to the statement, the first hideout in Dubai housed over 400 personnel, while the second contained more than 100. "Both sites were targeted by precision missiles and drones launched by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force and Navy," reported PressTV.
The spokesperson further claimed that it took hours to transport the American soldiers to hospitals.
Iran military says over 500 US troops targeted in Dubai strikes; heavy casualties expected
The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian military on Saturday claimed that over 500 US troops were targeted in the Iranian Armed Forces’ latest operations, inflicting “very heavy losses”.
In a statement carried by the state media, spokesperson for the headquarters, Lieutenant-Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, said that the US forces were hiding in two locations outside their conventional bases.
According to the statement, the first hideout in Dubai housed over 400 personnel, while the second contained more than 100. "Both sites were targeted by precision missiles and drones launched by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force and Navy," reported PressTV.
The spokesperson further claimed that it took hours to transport the American soldiers to hospitals.
Iranian military targets US support boat near Oman port Iran's military on Saturday said that it has targetes a logistics vessel at "a considerable distance" from the port of Salalah.
Drone strike hits Oman port; regional spillover widens
Two drones targeted the port of Salalah in Oman, injuring a foreign worker and damaging port infrastructure.
Separately, Iran-backed groups reportedly launched attacks on multiple air bases and an airport in Jordan, signalling widening regional fallout.
Five Indians injured in UAE after missile debris falls
Five Indian nationals were injured after debris from an intercepted ballistic missile fell near Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi.
Authorities said injuries ranged from minor to moderate and urged the public to rely on official information.
India says ships, seafarers safe; monitoring Hormuz situation
Indian authorities said there have been no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels or seafarers in the past 24 hours.
Around 20 Indian ships with 540 crew members remain safe in the Persian Gulf, officials said, adding that New Delhi continues to push for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
LPG shipment arrives in Gujarat amid heightened vigilance
A shipment of 47,000 metric tonnes of LPG reached Vadinar Terminal in Jamnagar on Saturday.
Indian Navy warships were on standby to support merchant vessels, while authorities said more shipments are expected.
Iran warns of wider retaliation if island targeted
Iran’s Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf said intelligence suggests enemy countries may be planning to occupy one of Iran’s islands.
“If they take any step, all the vital infrastructure of that regional country will be targeted,” he said, warning of sustained retaliation.
US weighs troop deployment, possible move on Kharg Island
Reports indicate the Pentagon may deploy elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to West Asia.
US officials are also said to be considering options involving Kharg Island, while Iran has reportedly reinforced the area with additional forces and mines amid fears of a possible amphibious operation.
Iran says Kharg Island ‘secure’, warns of ‘irreversible’ response
Iran has claimed that normalcy has returned to Kharg Island, a critical oil hub handling most of its crude exports.
“Kharg Island is in complete security… any aggression will be met with a decisive and irreversible response,” said Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s parliamentary security committee.
One killed in Tel Aviv as Iran fires missile with cluster munitions
A man in his 60s was killed in central Tel Aviv after a missile fired from Iran struck multiple locations, Israeli authorities said.
Police said the missile carried cluster munitions, with the victim, a construction worker, hit by shrapnel from an explosion near him.
Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom reported two more people were injured, while air defence sirens sounded across central Israel, sending residents into shelters.
Iran tells Russia it will defend sovereignty amid ‘aggression’
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that Tehran remains firm in defending its sovereignty against what it called “unprovoked American-Israeli aggression.”
He said attacks had targeted civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and residential areas.
During the call, Russia reiterated its condemnation of the attacks and stressed the need to adhere to the UN Charter.
Moscow also expressed readiness to continue consultations aimed at reducing tensions and restoring stability in the region.
Iran defends Hormuz restrictions as ‘legal right’
Araghchi said restrictions on vessels linked to adversaries were within Iran’s rights.
“Preventing the passage of vessels belonging to the aggressors and their allies is Iran's legal right as a coastal state,” he said.
He added that ships from other countries would continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with authorities.
Iran tells Russia it will defend sovereignty amid ‘aggression’
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that Tehran remains firm in defending its sovereignty against what it called “unprovoked American-Israeli aggression.”
He said attacks had targeted civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and residential areas.
During the call, Russia reiterated its condemnation of the attacks and stressed the need to adhere to the UN Charter.
Moscow also expressed readiness to continue consultations aimed at reducing tensions and restoring stability in the region.
IAEA flags growing nuclear safety concerns
The agency has raised concerns over repeated military activity near nuclear infrastructure, including the Bushehr plant, which has seen three strikes in 10 days.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that any damage to a nuclear reactor could trigger a major radiological incident, urging maximum restraint from all sides.
IAEA confirms strikes on Iranian facilities, says no radiation risk
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said Iran has reported fresh strikes on key facilities, including the heavy water production plant at Khondab.
“No radiation risk seen as installation contains no declared nuclear material,” the agency said in a post on X.
Authorities also confirmed that a steel plant in Khuzestan using radioactive sources was hit, but there was no off-site radiation release, and operations remain normal.
Vance signals ‘negotiation with bombs’ strategy
US Vice President JD Vance said the administration continues to pursue diplomacy alongside military pressure.
Officials described the approach as effectively “negotiating with bombs” while pushing for a settlement.
Rubio awaiting Iran response to 15-point proposal
Rubio said Washington is awaiting Tehran’s response to a proposed 15-point framework for ending the conflict.
“Those answers could be coming at any moment,” he said, suggesting clarity could emerge soon.
Energy war fears deepen despite diplomacy
Analysts warn that attacks on energy infrastructure could trigger long-term supply shocks.
One expert described the scenario as a “nightmare for global energy markets,” with potential disruptions lasting years.
Iran military warns US against ground invasion
An Iranian military source warned that any US ground operation would cross a “red line.”
“A ground attack… is one of our red lines… we will show a surprise,” the source said.
IDF confirms strikes on nuclear-linked facilities
Israel said it targeted Iran’s Arak heavy water plant and a uranium extraction facility in Yazd.
The strikes were aimed at disrupting Iran’s nuclear weapons programme by hitting key infrastructure.
Iran warns of ‘HEAVY price’ after Israeli strikes
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran would exact a “HEAVY price” after Israeli strikes on nuclear sites, steel plants and infrastructure.
He said the attacks contradict ongoing diplomatic efforts.
US troop casualties mount amid ongoing strikes
Reports indicate that over 300 American service members have been wounded in the conflict, with 13 killed so far.
A recent attack on a Saudi base left 10 troops injured, including two seriously.
US can achieve goals ‘without ground troops’: Rubio
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington could complete its military objectives without deploying ground forces.
“We are ahead of schedule… and can achieve them without any ground troops,” he said, even as reports suggest possible troop deployments are under consideration.
Trump slams NATO as ‘paper tiger’
Trump sharply criticised NATO, calling it a “paper tiger” and questioning US commitments to allies.
“They didn’t come to our aid… why would we be there for them?” he said, adding that support came only after military action was over.
Elon Musk’s reported presence raises questions
Reports suggested Elon Musk joined the Trump-Modi call, though the White House did not confirm this.
The reported inclusion of a private business leader in a high-level diplomatic call has drawn attention, with no clarity on his role.
India, US discuss Hormuz security in high-level call
The White House described a call between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “productive,” focusing on the Iran crisis and maritime security.
In a post, PM Modi stressed that keeping the Strait of Hormuz “open, secure and accessible” is essential for the world.
UN sets up task force to tackle Hormuz fallout
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has launched a task force to address the humanitarian impact of disruptions in the Strait.
Officials warned the crisis is not just about energy, but a “systematic shock” affecting global food systems, with fertiliser trade also at risk.
G7 calls for ‘toll-free’ navigation through Hormuz
Foreign ministers of G7 nations stressed the “absolute necessity” of restoring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
They warned against disruptions to global supply chains, including oil, fertilisers and commercial goods, and called for protection of civilians and infrastructure.
‘They’re begging to make a deal’: Trump doubles down
At the Miami summit, Trump said Iran was under pressure to negotiate.
“They are negotiating. They're begging to make a deal,” he said.
US warns Iran against Hormuz ‘toll system’
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any attempt by Iran to impose tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would be “illegal” and “dangerous.”
“It’s unacceptable… dangerous for the world,” he said, adding that countries globally would need to coordinate a response.
‘They’re begging to make a deal’: Trump doubles down
At the Miami summit, Trump said Iran was under pressure to negotiate.
“They are negotiating. They're begging to make a deal,” he said.
Trump pauses strikes on energy sites amid talks
Despite aggressive rhetoric, Trump has extended the pause on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure until April 6.
He said the decision followed a “request” from Iran and described ongoing talks as “very good and productive.”
Claims of sweeping military destruction
In a separate address, Trump said Iran’s military infrastructure had been dismantled.
“Iran's navy is gone… Their air force is dead… Their anti-aircraft and communications capabilities are totally dismantled,” he said.
He also claimed key leadership figures had been eliminated and said the US was “two weeks ahead of schedule” in meeting its objectives.
Trump: ‘Iran being decimated’, talks underway
US President Donald Trump said Iran has been severely weakened and is now engaging in talks with Washington.
“On Iran, they are being decimated… They want to make a deal,” he said after arriving on Air Force One.
He repeated the claim in Miami, saying US operations had destroyed key military capabilities and pushed Tehran towards negotiations.