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.

Global oil markets are facing heightened uncertainty as roughly 170 million barrels of Iranian crude oil stored at sea are expected to enter circulation following the recent easing of U.S. sanctions on Iran. Analysts cited by Reuters on Saturday said the oil is currently held on ships stretching from the Gulf region to Chinese waters. Consultancy Energy Aspects estimated the volume at 130 to 140 million barrels, equivalent to less than two weeks of Middle Eastern supply shortfall.

The Middle East supplies about 60 percent of Asia’s crude demand, but near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz this month has forced regional refineries to cut production and limit exports. Analysts warned that any instability in this key waterway directly affects global energy markets.

China has remained Iran’s main buyer since U.S. sanctions were imposed in 2018, importing about 1.38 million barrels per day last year. India, facing low reserves, is also exploring Iranian purchases but awaits clarity on payment terms and U.S. policy. Traders noted ongoing challenges over payment mechanisms and the use of older “shadow fleet” vessels for transport.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Iran has launched a strategic diplomatic move amid Middle East tensions by offering Japan a special proposal allowing Japanese-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without security risks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed direct talks with his Japanese counterpart, describing the offer as part of Tehran’s effort to attract Tokyo and prevent it from joining U.S.-led military coalitions. Analysts view this as a calculated attempt by Iran to assert control over the vital waterway and reassure nations that avoid conflict with it.

At the same time, the U.S. Treasury has temporarily relaxed sanctions on Iranian oil, granting a 30-day “safe passage” for shipments loaded before March 20. This has prompted Indian refineries to prepare for renewed imports, with reports indicating that around 170 million barrels of Iranian oil have gained legal clearance for sale. Much of this oil remains stored in tankers near Chinese waters.

Traders in Singapore warn that logistical and financial hurdles, including banking reluctance and insurance issues, could delay deliveries beyond the April 19 deadline, complicating the short-term benefits of the sanction relief.

Iran’s military on Saturday warned the United Arab Emirates not to allow any attacks from its territory targeting two disputed islands near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement released through Tasnim News Agency, the operational command of Khatam al-Anbiya said that if aggression against Iran’s Abu Musa and Greater Tunb islands originates from UAE soil, Iran’s armed forces would launch strong strikes on Ras al-Khaimah in the UAE.

The Abu Musa and Greater Tunb islands have long been a source of dispute between Iran and the UAE. The islands are currently under Iranian control, but the UAE continues to claim ownership. Located near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, the area is a vital route through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply is transported.

The warning comes amid regional conflict that began on February 28 with a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, which has since spread across the Middle East. Iran has accused Gulf states of allowing U.S. forces to operate from their territories and has carried out missile and drone strikes against what it describes as U.S. interests in those countries.