U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran over his Monday deadline to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz so ship traffic can flow again.
Meanwhile, the search continued for a second day in a remote area of Iran for a missing U.S. pilot whose warplane was . Iran has urged residents to turn in the “enemy pilot†for a reward.
And Israel vowed to “continue to crush†Iran and confirmed it struck a petrochemical complex Saturday. Iranian state media reported at least five people were killed.
Here is the latest:
Five university professors and 60 students killed since war started, Iranian official says
Iran’s Minister of ¹ú²úÓÕ»ó¸£Àû, Research and Technology Hossein Simaei Sarraf spoke to reporters Saturday while checking the aftermath of strike on a university research center in southern Tehran.
A laser and plasma research center at the prestigious Shahid Beheshti University was damaged Friday following an airstrike.
“The enemy with no roots in history, culture and civilization is acting worse than (humans living) in the stone age and attacks a scientific center,†he told reporters while standing in the midst of the wreckage. AP video from the scene shows fallen ceilings and walls, blown out windows and damaged equipment.
It wasn’t clear if the strike was carried out by the United States or Israel or why the center was targeted. Iranian media did not report any casualties.
Since 2011, Shahid Beheshti University has been sanctioned by the EU for its involvement in nuclear weapons development.
AP journalists witness destruction at Shiite religious complex in Zanjan, Iran
Residents in the northwestern Iranian city told the AP an airstrike that hit the Grand Husayniyya of Zanjan on March 31 also caused damage to a library and clinic within the complex where people used to get treated for free. Part of the Husayniyya, a congregation hall for Shiite commemorations and rituals, is centuries old.
Damage could be seen in the building’s golden dome and nearby minaret during a visit Saturday. A nearby building within the complex was heavily damaged. Workers were still cleaning up debris.
Jaafar Mohammadi, director general of cultural and Islamic guidance in Zanjan province, said the strike killed two people, including the caretaker of the library, Alirezza Soubatlo, and a volunteer with the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
The library was home to more than 35,000 books, many of which are very old and handwritten.
Prediction market taking bets on search for missing US military service member has been shut down
A prediction market accepting bets on the search for a U.S. military service member still missing from a fighter jet Friday has been shut down by Polymarket for violating its standards.
Polymarket, which has turned prediction markets into an increasingly popular phenomenon alongside rival operator Kalshi, disclosed it blocked the wagering on the search for the missing military member about two hours after U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton posted a note of outrage on social media.
“This is DISGUSTING,†wrote Moulton, a Democrat from Massachusetts who was in combat in the Middle East while serving in the Marines.
In its response on the X platform, Polymarket said Friday it had removed the market cited by Moulton and was investigating how it slipped through the safeguards set up to protect its integrity standards.
Polymarket has recently been coming under increasing scrutiny, including calls .
The criticism has mounted after some of its users made substantial bets ahead of the war in Iran and the earlier this year.
Police forcibly dispersed anti-war protest in Tel Aviv amid wartime restrictions
Several hundred people attended the demonstration at Habima Square in Tel Aviv calling for an end to the war, in between sirens warning of incoming missiles from Iran and from Yemen.
Israeli wartime restrictions currently limit gatherings in public areas to 150 people. But in response to an appeal, supreme court justices on Saturday evening issued an interim ruling saying at least 600 people would be allowed to gather at Habima Square and 150 at each of several other locations across the country.
At around 8 p.m., police declared the demonstration unlawful, claiming there were “hundreds more than the court ordered†at the protest. Police officers forcibly removed protesters from the square and arrested at least 17.
Argentina says Iran’s top diplomat has been expelled from the country
Argentina’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said Saturday it had expelled Iran’s top diplomat as tensions increase between Iran’s theocratic regime and Argentina’s libertarian government, which is closely aligned with the Trump administration.
In a message on X, Argentina’s Foreign Affairs Minister Pablo Quirno said Iran’s Charge D’Affaires, Mohsen Soltani Tehrani, had left the country “in compliance†with a resolution issued Thursday that gave the Iranian diplomat 48 hours to leave the South American country.
Tensions between both nations intensified earlier this week after Argentina declared Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization. The measure will enable the Argentine government to issue financial sanctions against those conducting business with that branch of Iran’s armed forces and seize any assets it could own in Argentina.
Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry replied to the terrorism designation with a statement which said Argentina’s actions amounted to an “unforgivable offense†influenced by the United States.
Iran state media say five killed in strikes on petrochemical facilities
The U.S.-Israeli strikes also wounded others in the attack on the facilities in the Mahshahr Special Petrochemical Economic Zone in southwestern Iran, state media cited a provincial security official as saying.
The Israeli military claimed responsibility for the attack on the facilities earlier Saturday and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed in a video statement on X to press ahead with more attacks. He claimed the complex was “responsible for producing and exporting chemical materials to the regime’s armed forces†and that the targeted facilities were “used to produce materials for explosives, ballistic missile, and additional weaponry.â€
White House says Trump is ‘working nonstop’
As the clock ticks closer to the U.S. president’s Monday deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the White House says Trump is firmly at work.
“There has never been a President who has worked harder for the American people than President Trump,†Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, posted on X. “On this Easter weekend, he has been working nonstop in the White House and Oval Office. God Bless him.â€
The president often travels to his Palm Beach, Florida, club on the weekends, but he’s staying in Washington for the Easter weekend. Since he delivered his prime-time address on Iran on Wednesday night, the president has held a series of closed-press meetings at the White House.
Meloni says Gulf visit aimed at solidarity and protecting Italy’s energy and security interests
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said in a video message released by her office Saturday that her mission to the Gulf was aimed at showing solidarity with countries “that continue to suffer unjustified attacks by Iran,’’ while also addressing Italian security and energy interests.
Meloni is the first EU leader to travel to the Gulf since the U.S.-Israel war on Iran began, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on a two-day visit.
“I think it is important for Italy in such a difficult moment to be present in the places where a fundamental part of our security is being decided, and also our economic future,’’ Meloni said in the video shot as she was being driven in the back of a car through Doha, Qatar. “Because when instability increases in the Gulf, not just the international balance is impacted, but also energy prices,’’ which affect companies’ cost and families’ purchasing power.
She noted Italy receives 10% of its natural gas from Qatar and the Gulf region supplies 15% of its petroleum needs.
Netanyahu confirms Israel hit Iranian petrochemical factories, says they’ll continue to ‘crush’ Iran
“After we destroyed 70% of its ability to create steel, which is used as the raw material for the weapons used against us, today we attacked their petrochemical factories,†Israeli Prime Minister said in a video statement posted on his X account.
The Israeli military said that earlier Saturday its air force struck a petrochemical complex in Mahshahr, in southwestern Iran. It alleged the complex was “responsible for producing and exporting chemical materials to the regime’s armed forces†and that the targeted facilities were “used to produce materials for explosives, ballistic missile, and additional weaponry.â€
“I promised you that we will continue to crush the terrorist regime in Tehran, and that is exactly what we are doing,†Netanyahu said.
World commodity prices rise for 2nd straight month with Strait of Hormuz closure posing additional risks
World food commodity prices rose for a second consecutive month in March, driven largely by increasing energy costs linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization reported Friday.
The latest FAO benchmark index, tracking monthly changes in the international prices of a basket of globally traded food commodities, rose 1% from a year ago, highlighting how geopolitical tensions are pushing up production and transportation expenses, adding renewed pressure on global food markets. Prices were up 2.4% from a month earlier.
Price surges have been relatively contained compared with after the start of the Ukraine war in 2022 because markets remain well-supplied following strong harvests in major growing regions, said David Laborde, the FAO agrifood economics director.
With a large portion of the world’s fuel and fertilizer moving through the Strait of Hormuz, he noted that a long-term closure will force farmers to make difficult planting decisions. That will affect the cost of producing the next harvest, as well as yields.
Iran says Iraq is exempt from transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s joint military command spokesperson said in a statement in Arabic on Saturday that the restrictions imposed in the Strait of Hormuz “only apply to enemy countries.â€
Addressing Iraqis, Ebrahim Zolfaghari said in a speech carried by state media that “you are a nation that bears the marks of American occupation on your chest, and your struggle against America is worthy of appreciation and praise.â€
Iran-backed militias in Iraq have claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks on U.S. bases and other facilities in the country in solidarity with Tehran since the war began.
The Iran war, now its second month, has dealt a massive blow to Iraq’s economy. The country is heavily dependent on oil revenues for almost 90% of its budget and most of its oil is exported through the Strait of Hormuz, where cargo traffic has effectively been stopped by Iran during the conflict.
Israel says a ballistic missile from Yemen was launched against the country
The attack triggered sirens across the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
The Houthis in Yemen have launched several missiles against Israel since joining the war last week in support of Iran.
Israel says another soldier killed in Lebanon
The death brings the number of Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon in the current war to 11.
A military official said the soldier was killed by friendly fire. He spoke anonymously in line with military regulations.
Meloni wraps Gulf tour in UAE, discusses end to conflict and new investments
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni concluded her two-day visit to three Gulf states in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, discussing with the country’s leader additional investments by both countries in energy, defense and security, her office said in a statement.
Meloni is the first EU, G20 and NATO leader to visit the Gulf region since the start of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran. She began her two-day visit Friday in Saudi Arabia and visited Qatar earlier Saturday. The start of the mission was unannounced due to security concerns.
Meloni and UAE’s president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also discussed ways to bring an end to the conflict in the region and open the Strait of Hormuz, Meloni’s office said. The Italian leader also expressed her support for the country, which has suffered attacks from Iran following the launch of the war.
US revokes green cards and visas of several Iranian nationals connected to Tehran government
The Trump administration has revoked the green cards or U.S. visas of at least four Iranian nationals connected to the current or former Iranian government, including two who’ve been detained by immigration authorities and are to be deported.
The latest actions were taken just this week when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined they were no longer eligible for either lawful permanent resident status, or to enter the United States. The steps follow a move late last year in which the visas of several diplomats and staffers at Iran’s mission to the United Nations were also revoked.
In a statement Saturday, the State Department said the niece and grand-niece of former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike near the Baghdad airport in 2020, had been arrested late Friday by immigration agents after Rubio revoked their green cards.
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Pakistan says US-Iran talks effort on track as Tehran denies refusing Islamabad visit
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Saturday there was no truth to speculation in local media that the mediation effort had stalled due to Iran’s refusal to send a delegation.
He dismissed reports suggesting an impasse in the regionally backed initiative, saying the peace efforts are right on track.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a post on X also said Tehran had “never refused to go to Islamabad†but was seeking a “conclusive and lasting†end to the conflict. “We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad,†Araghchi wrote.
He said “What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war that is imposed on us.â€
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed Araghchi’s remarks, saying he appreciated the clarification.
Pakistan, with backing from regional partners, is still working to bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiations table. However, no dates have been set for the proposed talks and it remains unclear whether any such engagement would be direct or indirect.
Israel says it identified another launch of missiles from Iran, the 8th on Saturday
It comes shortly after an attack that damaged buildings in East Jerusalem. Sirens were activated across northern Israel.
Buildings damaged in East Jerusalem after the latest barrage in a day of consistent fire from Iran
For the seventh time Saturday, missiles launched from Iran triggered sirens in multiple cities and towns in Israel.
Fire and Rescue services said their teams were treating two sites in East Jerusalem where buildings were damaged in the latest round. It wasn’t immediately clear if the impact was from parts of a missile or of an interceptor. No injuries were reported.
The military had said its defense systems were activated to try and intercept the missiles.
Hezbollah on Saturday also kept up its rocket fire on communities in northern Israel. Most were intercepted and there were no reports of injuries.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claims it struck two US Black Hawk helicopters
In a briefing Saturday, Iran’s joint military command spokesperson said it hit other enemy targets Friday, including the two helicopters.
The AP could not independently verify the claims. Some media outlets in the U.S. have reported the helicopters were hit.
Ebrahim Zolfaghari said in a statement carried by state media that it “must be called a black and humiliating Friday for the American and Zionist enemies.â€
Iran had claimed the downing of two American warplanes Friday.
On Saturday, the U.S. military was pressing ahead with its search for a missing pilot over a remote area in southwestern Iran.
Israeli fire kills one Palestinian in central Gaza, health officials say
The airstrike on a civilian vehicle wounded two others, according to health officials at Al-Aqsa hospital, where the casualties arrived.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Gaza Strip has seen near-daily Israeli fire and strikes since a fragile ceasefire was reached in October, and nearly 713 Palestinians have been killed since then, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
Since the Iran war began over a month ago, Gaza militants have sat out the conflict and haven’t claimed any attacks against Israel.
US military jets hit in Iran war are the first shot down by enemy fire in more than 20 years
Iran marks an exceedingly rare assault for the U.S. that hasn’t happened in more than 20 years and shows the to hit back despite President Trump asserting it has been “completely decimated.â€
The attacks came five weeks after U.S. and Israeli strikes first pounded Iran, with that Tehran’s “ability to launch missiles and drones is dramatically curtailed.â€
Iran shot down a U.S. F15-E Strike Eagle fighter jet Friday, with one service member getting rescued and the search still underway for a second, U.S. officials say. Iranian state media also said a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft crashed after being hit by Iranian defense forces.
The last time a U.S. warplane was shot down by enemy fire in combat was an A-10 Thunderbolt II during the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, a former F-16 fighter pilot.
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Kuwait continues to intercept Iranian aerial attacks
In its daily briefing posted on X, the Kuwaiti army said Saturday that it had intercepted eight ballistic missiles and 19 drones over the last 24 hours.
Since the war began, Kuwaiti air forces have engaged with a total of 709 Iranian drones, 327 ballistic missiles and nine cruise missiles, according to the briefing.
Relatives of the late Gen. Soleimani have been arrested
The U.S. State Department says the niece and grand niece of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who had lead the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, are now in ICE custody.
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were arrested after the State Department terminated their green cards.
The State Department said “as identified by both press reporting and her own social media commentary, Soleimani Afshar is an outspoken supporter of the totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran.â€
Afshar’s husband is also banned from entering the U.S.
