Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for an attack on an Amazon cloud computing center in Bahrain, describing it as a “first real warning.” The claim was reported by Iran’s state news agency IRNA on April 2, 2026. The IRGC said the strike was a response to recent U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran that caused extensive damage to private infrastructure. The group warned that if such actions continued, it would take harsher measures in the future.

In its statement, the IRGC said that companies previously identified by the group would face stronger punitive actions if hostilities persisted. It also asserted that the U.S. president would bear responsibility for any destruction of regional assets belonging to these firms. The announcement follows heightened regional tensions after cross-border attacks and retaliatory threats.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that such claims of attacks could further escalate the risk of broader conflict across the Middle East, as both sides exchange warnings and retaliatory actions.

Saudi Arabia is increasingly frustrated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war, as his erratic behavior and remarks about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have strained ties between Riyadh and Washington. Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian power plants, suggestions that Gulf states should bear the war’s costs, and crude comments about the Saudi crown prince during a Miami investment conference have deepened Saudi unease. Analysts say Riyadh, once heavily invested in strengthening its U.S. alliance, now feels disillusioned with the White House.

Experts cited in the report note that Trump’s unilateral decisions and disregard for consequences have alarmed Saudi leaders. The ongoing conflict, initially supported by Gulf states under pressure, has exposed their vulnerability to Iranian missile and drone attacks. Iran has struck key infrastructure across the region, including Saudi refineries and facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has joined regional diplomatic efforts with Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey to push for a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Observers warn that if Trump ends the war without curbing Iran’s regional threat, tensions could escalate further.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone conversation emphasizing the need to intensify political and diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war in the Middle East. According to a Kremlin statement cited by Al Jazeera, both leaders stressed the urgency of achieving a ceasefire and pursuing a lasting resolution to the conflict.

The timing of the call is considered significant as Ukraine recently signed an air defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Ukraine aims to use its experience countering Iranian-made Shahed drones and has proposed supplying cost-effective drone defense technology in exchange for expensive air defense missiles used by Gulf countries.

During the discussion, Putin and the Saudi Crown Prince also noted that the current crisis has disrupted energy production and transportation, negatively affecting global energy security.

Russia has announced its readiness to assist in resolving the ongoing conflict involving Iran, following aggressive attacks by the United States and Israel and Iran’s retaliatory strikes. The situation has heightened tensions across the Middle East, prompting several countries, including Pakistan and Turkey, to seek ways to de-escalate the crisis.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday that Russia is prepared to contribute to resolving the Iran conflict. He said President Vladimir Putin continues discussions with regional leaders and emphasized that Moscow stands ready to help restore peace as quickly as possible if its assistance is needed.

The statement underscores Russia’s intention to play a diplomatic role in stabilizing the region as multiple nations engage in mediation efforts.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key oil transport routes, will remain open to ships that are not linked to aggressor nations. In an interview with Newsroom Africa, spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said vessels will be permitted to pass through the strait after necessary coordination with Iranian authorities.

Baghaei commented on the broader regional conflict, stating that Iran would not tolerate what he described as a recurring cycle of war, negotiation, ceasefire, and renewed conflict. He referred to a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June, during which the United States targeted several Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

The statement underscores Iran’s attempt to balance its strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz with assurances of continued maritime access for neutral nations, while signaling frustration over repeated escalations involving Israel and the United States.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have claimed responsibility for killing at least 40 Hezbollah fighters in the past 24 hours during coordinated air, land, and sea operations in southern Lebanon. According to a report cited by Al Jazeera, the IDF said it carried out extensive airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s military installations and infrastructure.

The IDF stated that the attacks destroyed several key sites, including weapons depots and rocket launch facilities. Ground forces reportedly identified and neutralized a Hezbollah cell in the region, while the Israeli navy struck a weapons warehouse in southern Lebanon. The operations were described as part of a comprehensive campaign against Hezbollah’s military presence.

As of the report’s publication, Hezbollah had not issued any official response to Israel’s claims, leaving the extent of the casualties and damage unverified.

An Iranian military spokesperson has accused the United States and Israel of carrying out attacks on what he described as 'trivial' targets. In a statement published by the IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency and the semi-official Fars News Agency, he warned that a 'catastrophic, more extensive and destructive' response could follow.

The spokesperson said both countries possess 'incomplete' information about Tehran’s military capabilities and equipment. He added that Iran’s military production takes place in undisclosed locations and rejected former US President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran’s arsenal had been significantly depleted. The spokesperson further warned that the United States and Israel would have to 'pay the price for the aggression they started.'

The statement reflects heightened rhetoric amid ongoing regional tensions, though no specific details about the timing or nature of the alleged attacks were provided in the report.

A severe humanitarian and economic crisis has emerged in the Persian Gulf as Iran’s blockade has trapped at least 2,190 commercial vessels, including 320 oil and gas tankers, in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to the latest marine data released Wednesday, the ships are stranded in the middle of the Gulf with almost no exit route. Maritime intelligence agency Kepler reported that among the trapped vessels are 50 crude oil carriers and 12 large liquefied gas ships. Normally, around 120 ships pass through the strait daily, but only six managed to cross between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Iran currently maintains full control over the waterway, allowing limited passage through a special corridor near Larak Island. Reports allege that Iran is charging up to $2 million per ship to pass, a practice sailors have dubbed the “Tehran toll booth.” Tehran has hinted that ships from “friendly” nations like Malaysia may be exempted. China confirmed that three of its ships crossed under special coordination, while some Indian and Greek vessels also managed limited passage.

The crisis has left about 20,000 sailors stranded at sea. The UK has called an emergency meeting with 35 countries, while China and Pakistan urged an immediate ceasefire and safe navigation. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to lift the blockade or face tougher military action.

Eight Muslim-majority countries have jointly condemned Israel’s recently passed death penalty law, calling it discriminatory and a violation of Palestinian rights. According to the report, foreign ministers from Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement criticizing the law. The Israeli parliament passed the bill earlier this week, introducing capital punishment for Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis in what it defines as ‘terrorist’ acts, while exempting Jewish Israelis from the same penalty.

The ministers said the law denies Palestinians’ fundamental rights and institutionalizes an apartheid-like system in the occupied territories. They also expressed deep concern over the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, citing reports from human rights groups about torture, food shortages, and deprivation of basic rights.

The European Union and several European countries have also voiced concern and criticism over the law. Human rights organizations warned that the measure will further entrench discrimination against Palestinians and strengthen Israel’s apartheid system.

China’s Foreign Ministry has called on all parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Iran to immediately cease hostilities. The appeal came after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to launch larger-scale attacks in Iran in the coming weeks. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the statement during a press briefing, emphasizing that military means cannot fundamentally resolve the problem and that escalating the conflict serves no party’s interests.

Mao further stated that the root cause of instability in the Strait of Hormuz lies in illegal military activities in the area. She urged all sides to avoid actions that could have more severe impacts on the global economy and energy security. The statement reflects Beijing’s concern over the potential regional and global repercussions of continued hostilities.

The call for restraint follows heightened tensions in the region, with reports of potential attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and volatility in global oil and precious metal markets.

Kuwait International Airport was hit by another drone attack on April 2, 2026, which Kuwaiti authorities claimed was carried out by Iran. The strike triggered a massive fire at the airport’s fuel depot, according to the country’s Civil Aviation Authority. CNN reported that the attack caused extensive damage to fuel tanks, though no casualties were reported. On the same day, Bahrain also reported a drone attack.

Abdullah Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for Kuwait’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, said the drones targeted the airport’s fuel tanks, leading to a large blaze at the site. In Bahrain, the Interior Ministry confirmed that emergency teams were working to extinguish a fire at a company facility following what it described as an Iranian drone strike.

Authorities in both countries are assessing the damage, and no immediate information was available about potential disruptions to airport operations or further security measures.

Iran’s army chief Amir Hatami has instructed the country’s operational headquarters to closely monitor every movement of the United States and Israel amid concerns of a potential ground attack. In a video shared by Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Hatami was seen meeting with other senior military officials, emphasizing the need for constant surveillance and readiness.

According to IRNA’s summary of his remarks, Hatami directed the armed forces to ensure that if any enemy attempts a ground operation, none of them should return alive. The summary further stated that the military has been ordered to observe enemy movements with maximum precision and to implement plans to counter any form of attack.

The report, citing Al Jazeera as its source, comes amid heightened regional tensions and warnings of possible assaults, including alerts around the US embassy in Baghdad.

The United States Embassy in Baghdad has issued an emergency alert warning that attacks could occur within the next 24 to 48 hours. According to the embassy statement released on Thursday, Iran-backed militia groups may be planning assaults in central Baghdad. Potential targets include US citizens, businesses, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, airports, and other sites linked to the United States. Iraqi government institutions and civilian areas were also cited as being at risk.

The statement noted that such militias have previously attempted to kidnap American citizens, referencing an incident two days earlier in which a US journalist was abducted in Baghdad. In light of the deteriorating security situation, the embassy urged all American citizens to leave Iraq immediately.

The alert underscores heightened security concerns in Baghdad as tensions involving Iran-backed groups continue to pose threats to US-linked entities and local institutions.

An Iranian military spokesperson has warned of an impending 'extreme, widespread and destructive' attack against the United States and Israel. The statement, published by the Tasnim news agency linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accused both countries of targeting what he called 'trivial' objectives. The warning comes amid heightened regional tensions and follows recent military actions attributed to the US and Israel.

The spokesperson rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran’s weapons stockpile had been significantly depleted. He asserted that Washington and Tel Aviv possess incomplete information about Tehran’s military capabilities and equipment. The statement further cautioned that the US and Israel would have to pay a 'heavy price' for what was described as their ongoing aggression.

The remarks were reported by BBC and reflect a sharp escalation in rhetoric between Iran and its adversaries, signaling the potential for further confrontation if diplomatic efforts fail to ease tensions.

Iran’s armed forces have declared that the United States and Israel are unaware of the full extent of Iran’s military and strategic capabilities. The statement came from the headquarters of the Khatam al-Anbiya military command, which asserted that both countries hold incomplete information about Iran’s defense strength. The Iranian military also pledged to continue fighting until what it called the “final surrender” of its enemies.

According to a statement published by the Tasnim news agency, a spokesperson for the command said that Iran’s adversaries should not assume they have destroyed its missile production centers, long-range precision drones, modern air defense systems, or electronic warfare capabilities. The spokesperson added that Iran’s strategic military production takes place in undisclosed locations beyond the reach of its enemies.

The statement included a warning of harsher and more destructive actions against adversaries, reinforcing Iran’s commitment to sustained military resistance. The report was sourced from Al Jazeera.