U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces are close to achieving their objectives in Iran, describing the ongoing military campaign as being in its final stage. In a televised address delivered Wednesday local time, Trump said the operation, named “Epic Fury,” began a month ago and has inflicted devastating blows on Iran’s military. He claimed Iran’s navy and air force have been destroyed and that most of its leaders are dead. Trump stated it may take another two to three weeks to finish the mission and warned that Iran’s power plants could become targets if no agreement is reached.

Trump reiterated that Iran was close to developing a nuclear bomb, though he provided no evidence. He credited the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal for protecting Israel’s existence and thanked allies including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain for their support. Experts, however, cautioned that such claims should be treated carefully without verified battlefield evidence.

Trump acknowledged rising fuel prices in the U.S. since the war began, saying they had increased by more than 25 percent but described the surge as temporary.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan held a phone conversation with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The discussion focused on regional conditions, geopolitical risks, and strategies to maintain stability in conflict-prone areas.

According to a statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry, both leaders emphasized the current impact on regional security and the importance of international efforts to ease tensions. They also discussed the necessity of establishing lasting peace through multilateral dialogue and diplomatic initiatives.

The conversation underscored the shared concern over regional instability and highlighted the need for coordinated global engagement to promote peace and security.

Israel has claimed responsibility for conducting more than 400 airstrikes on various infrastructure targets in Tehran over the past two days. According to a statement from the Israeli military, the air force used 650 munitions in operations aimed at what it described as the 'Iranian regime’s infrastructure.' The statement added that Israeli warplanes carried out extensive overnight raids across central Tehran, striking multiple key facilities.

Israel further asserted that around 15 weapons production centers were damaged in the attacks, including a central complex reportedly linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defense. The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not specify the exact locations or the extent of the damage.

Iran has not issued any immediate response or provided official information regarding casualties or material losses resulting from the strikes.

U.S. President Donald Trump has turned his frustration toward NATO as the Iran war intensifies, raising new concerns about the alliance’s future. European allies have refused to provide military support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and, in some cases, denied U.S. aircraft access to their bases. In an interview with the British newspaper The Telegraph, Trump called NATO a “paper tiger” and said he is seriously considering withdrawing the United States from the alliance.

The tension is not new. Trump has previously labeled NATO “obsolete” and threatened to withhold protection from members that fail to increase defense spending. The situation has deepened as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Washington might reconsider its NATO ties if European nations continue to block base access. Former U.S. ambassador Ivo Daalder said the crisis has shaken the alliance’s trust, calling it potentially NATO’s biggest challenge in history.

Despite the rift, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed full commitment to NATO, and Secretary-General Mark Rutte argued that Trump’s pressure has strengthened the alliance. The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara this July is expected to test the alliance’s cohesion amid growing calls in Europe for greater defense autonomy.

Qatar’s Ministry of Defense reported that an Iranian-launched cruise missile struck a Qatari oil tanker early Wednesday. The vessel, named Aqua 1 and operated under lease by QatarEnergy, was hit within Qatar’s territorial waters. All 21 crew members aboard managed to evacuate safely, and no casualties were reported. QatarEnergy confirmed the incident and stated that there was no negative environmental impact from the strike.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) acknowledged responsibility, saying its naval missile caused damage to the tanker, which it claimed was Israeli-owned. The conflicting narratives from Qatar and Iran have drawn attention to the already tense regional situation.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that the incident could further escalate tensions in the region, though no immediate retaliatory actions were mentioned.

Iran has launched its largest missile attack on Israel since the start of the ongoing conflict, according to multiple international media reports. On Wednesday, Iran fired around ten ballistic missiles targeting Israel’s central region, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv, Shephelah, and nearby areas. Residents reportedly heard explosions, and Israeli media indicated that missile debris may have struck several locations, prompting rescue operations. One missile was alleged to have carried a cluster warhead that dispersed smaller bombs midair.

In response, the Israeli military announced a broad offensive targeting Iranian military infrastructure in Tehran. The report added that since February 28, the United States and Israel have jointly conducted airstrikes in Iran, resulting in about 1,340 deaths, including the country’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, according to claims cited in the report.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes not only on Israel but also on U.S. bases in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and air travel.

Iran launched approximately ten ballistic missiles toward central Israel, according to the Israeli military, which confirmed the incident on April 1, 2026. The attack has been described as the largest since the early phase of the ongoing conflict, as reported by Middle East Eye. Israeli defense forces stated that most of the missiles were intercepted by their air defense system, while some were allowed to strike open areas under standard protocol.

Emergency services reported responding to multiple impact sites but said no casualties had been confirmed so far. The Israeli military’s statement emphasized that the defense systems functioned as intended during the assault.

Reports noted that Iran’s previous attacks typically involved around three missiles, making this strike significantly larger in scale. The escalation marks a notable intensification of hostilities between the two countries, though immediate consequences or further responses were not specified in the report.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to the country’s enemies. The statement, broadcast on Iran’s state television, emphasized that the strategic waterway is under the IRGC Navy’s firm and authoritative control.

The declaration came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that Iran had requested a ceasefire. However, Iran has not yet issued any response to Trump’s claim. The situation reflects heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with the Strait of Hormuz once again at the center of geopolitical friction.

The IRGC’s assertion underscores Tehran’s intent to maintain control over the vital maritime route, while the lack of an official Iranian reaction to Washington’s statement leaves uncertainty about the next diplomatic or military steps.

The United Nations has expressed concern over attempts to suppress media freedom in the United States and Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, according to Al Jazeera. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated that civic space is shrinking across the Middle East and other regions, with increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Türk criticized efforts to limit press freedom, citing Israel’s military censorship regulations and the US Federal Communications Commission’s threat to revoke broadcast licenses over war-critical coverage. He warned that invoking security concerns to justify such restrictions undermines fundamental rights.

The statement highlights growing international concern about the erosion of civil liberties during wartime, particularly regarding the right to free expression and independent journalism.

Poland has declined a U.S. request to send one of its Patriot air defense systems to the Middle East. Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the decision on Tuesday, according to Anadolu. The U.S. proposal reportedly came amid rising tensions surrounding Iran and increased risks of missile attacks on American forces and allies in the region.

Kosiniak-Kamysz stated on social media that Poland’s Patriot systems will remain dedicated to protecting the country’s airspace and NATO’s eastern flank, emphasizing that national security remains the top priority. The Polish Defense Ministry added that the United States had not exerted any pressure regarding the matter. Meanwhile, Chief of General Staff Wiesław Kukuła denied that any such request had been made.

Poland currently operates two fully functional Patriot batteries, which became fully operational by the end of 2025. They are stationed in the Sochaczew area and can intercept aircraft and missiles up to 100 kilometers away.

Canada is facing renewed criticism over its position on Iran, as observers accuse Ottawa of maintaining a dual policy that publicly supports international law and human rights while indirectly backing U.S. and Israeli actions. Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a recent speech at Davos, called for a fairer global order based on sovereignty and justice, warning that unchecked behavior by major powers threatens global stability.

Critics argue that Canada’s actual policies contradict its stated ideals. While the government has hinted that U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran violate international law, it has simultaneously expressed support for those same actions, creating a policy contradiction. Analysts note that Canada continues to align with its allies and supports efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Experts warn that such double standards undermine confidence in the international system and could deepen global divisions. The weakening of the rules-based order, they say, raises questions about the role of middle powers like Canada in maintaining global stability.

Iranian media reported that more than 130 historical sites across the country have been damaged following attacks by the United States and Israel. According to the latest field assessments and expert surveys conducted by Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, the number of affected sites has reached 132. Each of these sites is described as being deeply connected to Iran’s history and civilization.

The report, citing the BBC Persian Service, stated that historical buildings and monuments in 18 provinces of Iran have been either destroyed or damaged. The extent of the destruction and the specific locations of the affected sites were not detailed in the report.

The findings highlight the cultural toll of the ongoing conflict, though the report did not specify what measures, if any, are being taken to preserve or restore the damaged heritage sites.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the country is prepared to continue defending itself against military aggression from the United States and Israel and can sustain the conflict for six months or longer if necessary. In an interview with Al Jazeera in Tehran, he said Iran would not operate under any imposed timeline and would not accept deadlines set by its adversaries.

Araghchi clarified that there have been no direct talks or agreements with the United States, though some messages have been exchanged through official channels under the supervision of the national security council. He emphasized that Iran did not seek war but is resisting firmly to protect its interests. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed only to ships from aggressive states, he added, warning that any attacks on Iranian infrastructure would lead to severe consequences.

He further stated that Iran’s goal is to establish peace across the region and that its military actions target only US and Israeli positions, not friendly nations. Araghchi urged regional countries to rely on mutual coordination and cooperation rather than foreign forces for long-term security.

Bangladeshi Islamic scholar Mizanur Rahman Azhari has rejected a British media report claiming that the Australian government canceled his visa and ordered him to leave the country. According to the Daily Mail, Azhari was touring Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra as part of the 'Legacy of Faith' series when his visa was revoked on Tuesday, leaving him awaiting departure from Australia.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Azhari stated that he had been in Australia for five days at the invitation of the local Muslim community and that the report was a misinterpretation of facts. He said the claim that his visa was canceled due to recent remarks was false, as he had not delivered any speech in Australia. Azhari alleged that certain interest groups and atheist factions had misused old, isolated statements to influence administrative decisions, similar to incidents he faced in the United Kingdom.

He reaffirmed his belief in communal harmony and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing that these values are evident in his previous discussions.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host a high-level international summit to discuss ways to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement comes amid growing disruption in this vital maritime trade route, which has been effectively blocked by Iran in response to attacks from Israel and the United States.

According to the report, the blockade has caused significant interruptions to global energy supplies and driven up fuel prices worldwide. Starmer emphasized that the United Kingdom will not become directly involved in the Middle East conflict. Instead, he stated that the most effective way to control living costs is to apply international pressure to reduce tensions and ensure the swift resumption of normal maritime traffic through the strait.

He added that all possible diplomatic avenues are being explored to achieve this goal, underscoring the UK’s focus on diplomacy rather than military engagement.