Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that its air defense system shot down an enemy fighter jet south of Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. The report, carried by Iranian state media on April 3, 2026, stated that the aircraft was successfully targeted by the country’s integrated air defense network.

According to the IRGC statement, the aircraft was hit by a missile and crashed into the sea between Hengam and Qeshm islands. The statement did not specify which country the downed aircraft belonged to. The IRGC emphasized that the operation was conducted under the control of Iran’s coordinated air defense system in the region.

The report, citing Anadolu as its source, did not include any confirmation or reaction from other parties, leaving the nationality of the aircraft and further details of the incident unclear.

Eight people were killed and at least 95 others injured in an attack by US and Israeli forces on Iran’s B1 Bridge in Karaj city, Alborz province, according to the provincial governor’s office. Local officials said the victims included residents of Bilghan village, pedestrians, and families celebrating Nature Day near the bridge.

Iran’s Fars news agency described the B1 Bridge, located on the Tehran–Karaj route, as the tallest bridge in the Middle East. The attack caused heavy casualties due to its location on a major highway. Iranian authorities stated that regional bridges are now being considered “legitimate targets,” claiming the strike hit a civilian infrastructure site with no military use.

In response, an Iranian hacker group threatened to attack the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi. Tehran accused the US and Israel of deliberately targeting civilian and economic facilities to spread fear and weaken Iran’s industrial capacity. The Health Ministry reported that since the conflict began on February 28, a total of 2,766 people, including 216 children, have been killed.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for an attack on a data center operated by U.S. technology company Oracle in Dubai. The claim was reported by Iranian state media amid heightened tensions across the Middle East. The IRGC also stated earlier that it had targeted an Amazon cloud computing facility located in Bahrain.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Iran is increasingly viewing U.S.-linked technology infrastructure as strategic targets. As part of this approach, data centers and technology installations across several Middle Eastern countries have been identified as key objectives.

The report notes that recent weeks have seen escalating conflict in the region, raising the risk of further attacks on technology infrastructure. Such incidents could disrupt global digital services and economic activities, according to the report.

An Iranian military spokesperson has accused the United States and Israel of attacking what he described as 'insignificant' targets, claiming the two countries lack understanding of Iran’s extensive and strategic military capabilities. The statement, issued by the Khatam al-Anbia military command headquarters and published by Tasnim news agency, warned that more extensive, powerful, and destructive attacks are forthcoming.

The spokesperson asserted that Iran’s strategic missile production centers, long-range offensive drones, advanced air defense, and electronic warfare systems remain intact. He emphasized that Iran’s military production facilities are located in undisclosed areas beyond the reach of its adversaries. The Iranian military pledged to continue fighting until what it called the 'final surrender' of its enemies.

The remarks reflect Tehran’s defiant stance amid ongoing hostilities with the United States and Israel, underscoring Iran’s claim of resilience and readiness for escalation.

International experts and human rights organizations have warned that US President Donald Trump’s threat to attack Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including power plants and desalination facilities, would constitute a clear war crime. The warning follows Trump’s statement that if Iran fails to reach an agreement with Washington, the United States could launch widespread strikes on key non-military sites. Reports indicate that more than 113,000 civilian facilities in Iran have already been targeted during the ongoing conflict.

Former US ambassador for war crimes issues Stephen J. Rapp stated that attacking desalination plants would “certainly be a war crime” with little room for doubt. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) urged the US Congress to halt funding that could escalate the war and called for an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for possible war crimes.

Meanwhile, Israel announced plans to target civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon, with its military reportedly planning to destroy homes near the border. Human rights group Medical Aid for Palestinians alleged that Israel is using tactics similar to those deployed in Gaza to forcibly displace civilians.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that its recent attacks on several facilities in the Gulf region were intended as a warning. According to a statement published in Iranian media and cited by Al Jazeera, the IRGC said it targeted a US-linked steel plant in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and an aluminum facility in Bahrain in response to US strikes earlier in the week.

The statement emphasized that these operations were a cautionary message. The IRGC warned that if Iran’s industrial sector is attacked again, its next response would be more severe, targeting the core infrastructure and US economic facilities in the region. Since the start of the conflict, the IRGC has repeatedly warned it could strike US-linked or owned installations across the Gulf.

The announcement underscores rising tensions between Iran and the United States in the Gulf, with the IRGC signaling readiness for further escalation if hostilities continue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

According to a report cited by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, the United States and Israel have ultimately failed to achieve their objectives in the war against Iran. The conclusion comes from an analysis by the Center for Strategic Studies, which reviewed reports from 80 leading think tanks worldwide over the past month.

The research found that while the US and Israel managed limited tactical strikes due to their advanced military technology, they failed strategically to bring down Iran’s political system, destroy its defense capabilities, or force social and political surrender. The report credits Iran’s “exceptional and intelligent warfare tactics” for giving it dominance in the conflict, including maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz and preventing the US-Israel alliance from regaining it militarily.

The analysis describes the war as gradually turning into a war of attrition, favoring Iran over time. It concludes that the US and its allies now face two options: to withdraw while claiming a “propaganda victory” or to end the conflict quickly without any form of victory.

China has joined Pakistan in a joint mediation effort to stop the ongoing war in Iran, which has entered its second month. The conflict has severely disrupted global energy supplies and driven up oil prices. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that American military operations in Iran could continue for another two to three weeks, though the end of the war remains uncertain.

According to reports, China and Pakistan have proposed a five-point plan aimed at achieving a ceasefire and reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz. China’s foreign ministry said both countries are working toward peace and view dialogue and diplomacy as the only effective solutions. As the world’s largest crude oil importer, China faces significant economic risks from prolonged energy instability, which could slow global growth and harm its export-driven economy.

China’s growing economic ties with Middle Eastern nations and its previous mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023 highlight its broader diplomatic ambitions. However, analysts note that China seeks economic stability rather than direct involvement in regional conflicts, and its military influence in the region remains limited.