A United Nations expert has accused Israel of systematically torturing Palestinians in custody since October 7, 2023, describing the scale of abuse as indicative of “collective vengeance and destructive intent.” In a report titled “Torture and genocide,” Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, said detainees have faced brutal physical and psychological abuse, including beatings, sexual violence, starvation, and deprivation of basic human conditions. She cited at least 300 testimonies and reported that more than 18,500 Palestinians, including 1,500 children, have been arrested, with about 9,000 still detained and over 4,000 subjected to enforced disappearance.

The report, released Friday, focuses on Israeli conduct while condemning torture by all parties. Albanese said Israel’s detention system has become one of “systemic and widespread humiliation, coercion, and terror.” She urged Israel to immediately end all acts of torture and called on the International Criminal Court prosecutor to seek arrest warrants for Israel’s defence, national security, and finance ministers.

Albanese, who will present her findings to the UN Human Rights Council on Monday, has faced criticism from Israel and some Western governments, including France and Germany, over her previous statements on Gaza.

Iran announced that Japanese ships will be allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a shift toward a selective blockade of the vital waterway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japan’s Kyodo News that the strait remains open to countries not considered enemies of Tehran, while vessels from nations that have attacked Iran will be barred. He said Iran is ready to provide safe passage for Japanese ships once contact is made to coordinate transit routes.

The announcement follows weeks of near-total closure of the strait after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had previously warned that any ships attempting passage would be targeted, halting most marine traffic. Recently, Iran has softened its stance, allowing vessels from China, India, and Pakistan to pass under Iranian supervision. Lloyd’s List reported that ten ships have already transited by sailing close to Iran’s coastline, forming a “safe corridor.”

Japan, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern oil, has been in talks with Tehran to secure passage for its stranded vessels. Several countries, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have jointly expressed readiness to support efforts ensuring safe navigation through the strait.

Iran has claimed responsibility for attacks on two military bases located in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, the country’s navy carried out the strikes using ballistic missiles and drones. The report, citing Al Jazeera, stated that the Al-Minhad base in the UAE and the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait were targeted, specifically hitting hangars and fuel tanks.

IRIB’s statement alleged that these bases had been used by “American-Zionist aircraft” to launch attacks on Iranian territory. However, the claims have not been independently verified. As of now, neither Kuwait nor the UAE has issued an official response to Iran’s announcement.

The report comes amid heightened regional tensions, with related incidents including attacks in Iran and calls for international investigations into recent strikes on sensitive sites.

A United States-based human rights organization, Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), has reported that at least 640 attacks occurred across Iran in a single day. According to the group, the incidents took place on Friday across 17 provinces, leaving at least 68 people dead or injured. Both military and civilian targets were reportedly hit during the wave of violence.

HRANA stated that since the conflict began about three weeks ago, the total death toll has reached at least 1,398, including 210 children. The information was published by the international media outlet BBC. However, no clear official statements from the involved parties have been made regarding these attacks.

The report highlights the escalating violence across Iran, though the absence of official confirmation leaves uncertainty about the full scope and responsibility for the incidents.

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.