Russia has strongly condemned the attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, describing it as a dangerous act that could lead to regional disaster. The statement was issued by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who called on the international community to conduct an objective and thorough investigation into the incident.

According to Moscow, such attacks pose serious risks to stability across the Middle East. The Russian government emphasized that irresponsible actions of this nature could escalate tensions and create widespread instability in the region.

The call for an international probe highlights Russia’s concern over growing insecurity in the Middle East following multiple reported attacks in Iran and neighboring countries.

A coalition of 22 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, and South Korea, has announced a joint initiative to secure safe passage for commercial vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The nations condemned Iran’s alleged blockade of the waterway and pledged coordinated efforts to maintain maritime security. The announcement came in a joint statement issued on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The statement sharply criticized Iran’s recent actions in the Gulf region, including attacks on unarmed commercial ships and civilian infrastructure such as oil and gas facilities. The coalition accused Iranian forces of effectively blocking the strait, posing a serious threat to international trade and security. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain also joined the initiative, though most participating nations are from Europe.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy transport, carrying a significant share of the world’s oil supply. The reported Iranian blockade has raised fears of disruptions in global energy markets and potential instability in international shipping routes.

The Bahraini government stated that its Patriot missile defense system successfully intercepted an Iranian drone that targeted a residential area on March 9. According to the government’s statement to Reuters, the interception prevented further damage, though several civilians were injured during the incident. A government spokesperson said the Patriot interceptor played a key role in stopping the attack and saving lives.

Earlier, the U.S. military had reported that an Iranian drone struck a residential area in Bahrain on the same date, injuring civilians. The Bahraini government’s confirmation highlights the use of advanced air defense systems in response to regional drone threats.

The incident underscores rising tensions in the Gulf region, where multiple Iranian attacks have recently been reported against military and civilian targets in neighboring countries.

Iran launched two medium-range ballistic missiles toward the US-British military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing multiple US officials. The missiles failed to hit their target; one malfunctioned mid-flight, while the other was intercepted by a US warship using an SM-3 missile, though it remains unclear whether the interception was successful. The report, published Friday, did not specify the exact time of the launch.

A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence told CNBC that a statement on the incident was being prepared. The White House and the British Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. The Wall Street Journal described the launch as Iran’s first real-world use of medium-range ballistic missiles and a significant attempt to demonstrate its ability to strike far beyond the Middle East, potentially threatening US interests.

The report also noted that Diego Garcia lies about 3,800 to 4,000 kilometers from Iran, far exceeding Iran’s previously declared 2,000-kilometer missile range.

A US F-35 stealth fighter jet was reportedly damaged by an Iranian missile during an operation over Iran’s airspace on March 19, 2026. The aircraft, one of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighters, made an emergency landing at a US base in the Middle East, according to a US statement. The exact location of the base was not disclosed. The incident marks the first reported damage to a US fighter jet since the conflict that began with a joint US-Israeli airstrike on February 28.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the aircraft was forced to land after sustaining damage during the mission. Spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said the F-35 landed safely and the pilot was in stable condition, adding that an investigation is underway. The event demonstrates that even stealth aircraft can be detected by advanced sensor systems.

In a separate statement, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, saying it had successfully targeted a US warplane over central Iran.

An Israeli warplane came under the target of an Iranian surface-to-air missile during an operation inside Iran, both countries confirmed. The exact timing of the incident was not disclosed. Israel stated via Telegram that its crew followed standard procedures, the aircraft was unharmed, and the mission was completed as planned.

Tehran claimed responsibility for a drone strike near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, hitting a fuel tank and a refueling jet, which it said severely disrupted Israel’s military flight and fuel operations. Iran’s military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attacks would continue with full force until threats from Israel were eliminated.

Earlier, an American F-35 fighter jet was damaged by Iranian air defenses and forced to make an emergency landing, which Iranian officials described as a major success for their defense system.

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israel’s attack on a Syrian military base, describing it as an act of aggression. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the strike violated international law and Syria’s sovereignty, urging the international community to take steps to halt such actions. The condemnation aligns Saudi Arabia with Turkey, which has also called for global intervention over the incident.

According to Israeli forces, the strike targeted southern Syria in response to an attack on the Druze community in Suwayda province, claiming it was intended to protect that group. Turkey labeled the assault a dangerous provocation and demanded its immediate cessation. The Syrian government also denounced the strike, calling Israel’s justification baseless and asserting that the attack infringed on its sovereignty.

The report noted that Israel has previously carried out strikes in Syria during periods of conflict. Despite ongoing regional tensions, Syria has sought to avoid direct involvement in broader warfare.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it carried out its 70th retaliatory strike, targeting more than 55 locations linked to U.S. and Israeli interests across the Gulf region and beyond. According to a statement broadcast by Press TV, the attacks caused loud explosions, fires, and thick smoke in the affected areas.

The report said that the strikes, conducted early Saturday using drones and missiles, prompted several regional countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Israel to activate their air defense systems. Additionally, Iran reportedly launched at least two medium-range ballistic missiles toward the joint U.S.-British military base on Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean.

The announcement marks another escalation in Iran’s ongoing campaign of retaliatory operations, reflecting heightened regional tensions involving multiple states and military assets.

Iran has launched two ballistic missiles targeting the joint U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing U.S. officials on March 20. Neither missile hit its target, and one failed during flight. The other was reportedly intercepted by a missile defense system from a U.S. warship, though it remains unclear whether the interception was successful. The Pentagon has declined to comment on the incident.

The base, located about 4,000 kilometers from Iranian territory, is a key hub for U.S. operations in Asia and was previously used during air campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said the launch demonstrates Iran’s possession of longer-range missiles than previously known, potentially exceeding 4,000 kilometers. This development could alter U.S. strategic calculations and raise concerns in London and the European Union.

The report also notes that Britain retains the lease of Diego Garcia despite agreeing to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a decision criticized by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended greetings to Iranian leaders on the occasion of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, reaffirming Moscow’s position as a loyal and reliable partner of Tehran. According to the Kremlin, Putin wished the Iranian people strength and dignity in overcoming the hardships of war, emphasizing that Russia remains a steadfast friend and dependable ally during difficult times.

Russia also commented on the broader regional situation, accusing the United States and Israel of pushing the Middle East into chaos through attacks on Iran and Israel. Moscow said these actions have triggered a major global energy crisis. Additionally, Russia described the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a brutal assassination.

The report further mentioned related developments, including Iranian attacks on military bases in the UAE and Kuwait, as well as a call from Russia for an international investigation into an attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has said the UN is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with the US outlet Politico, he stated that the organization aims to play a mediating role similar to its 2022 involvement in facilitating grain and fertilizer exports between Russia and Ukraine.

Guterres explained that his main goal is to help restore the normal conditions that previously existed in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the UN is currently holding close discussions with Gulf countries and the Council of Europe to address the situation.

The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions, with reports of attacks on military bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, as well as incidents in Iran. Several countries, including the United Kingdom and Japan, have reportedly joined efforts to keep the strategic waterway operational.

A US-based human rights organization, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), has reported that at least 3,220 people have been killed in Iran since February 28 following joint attacks by the United States and Israel. According to HRANA, the victims include 1,398 civilians, among them 210 children, 1,165 military personnel, and 657 others whose identities or roles have not yet been confirmed.

The report highlights a significant discrepancy between HRANA’s figures and official Iranian government data. Iran’s Ministry of Health stated that 1,444 people have been killed and 18,551 injured in the same attacks. HRANA said it gathered its data from field reports, local sources, medical and emergency centers, and civil society networks, as well as reviewing publicly available materials such as photos, videos, and official statements.

Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera noted that it could not independently verify the casualty figures provided by the human rights organization.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has announced a major diplomatic initiative to reopen the Hormuz Strait, which has been blocked amid Iran’s ongoing “Operation Epic Fury.” In an interview with Politico, Guterres said the UN is ready to mediate a deal similar to the 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative to ensure safe passage of energy and food shipments through the strait. He confirmed that high-level discussions are underway with Gulf nations and the European Council to restore stability in the region.

Guterres directly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision-making and his controversial “Board of Peace,” calling it a personal project lacking institutional accountability. While the UN continues limited cooperation with the board on Gaza reconstruction, Guterres warned that Trump’s “go-it-alone” approach has stalled coordinated global diplomacy on the Iran crisis. Several countries, including South Korea and Japan, have voiced concern over the closure’s impact on energy supply chains and economic stability.

Experts cautioned that without a formal diplomatic agreement, irregular maritime movements could trigger serious military misunderstandings or accidents. The world now awaits whether the UN can secure a widely accepted peace framework beyond unilateral authority.

Iran’s state media reported that Israel and the United States carried out another attack on the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility in central Iran on Saturday. The Tasnim News Agency said the strike did not cause any radioactive leakage, and residents near the site, located between Tehran and Isfahan, were not at risk.

Earlier this month, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that the Natanz facility had already been damaged following a series of attacks across Iran on February 28, which were also attributed to the United States and Israel. The latest incident marks a continuation of those hostilities targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

The report did not mention any immediate international response or further details about the extent of the new damage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that his country is prepared to consider any effective proposal to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking to Japan’s Kyodo News, Araghchi stated that Iran welcomes any initiative that could lead to a genuine cessation of hostilities. However, he claimed that the war had been imposed on Iran and that the United States is not yet ready to stop the fighting.

The interview, also published by Iran’s state-run Mehr News Agency, highlighted Araghchi’s view that while some countries are attempting to find a resolution, Washington’s stance remains an obstacle. He emphasized that Iran does not support a temporary ceasefire but seeks a final solution that ensures long-term stability in the region.

The remarks come amid reports of escalating regional tensions, including attacks on military bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, and calls for international investigations into incidents such as the strike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.