US Israel Iran War Live: The war between US Israel and Iran has now entered its fourth week. The conflict has already seen thousands of deaths in Iran, and hundreds on the US-Israeli side, since the conflict began on February 28.
Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump on Saturday issued a stark 48-hours ultimatum to Iran demanding reopening of Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its energy infrastructure, as Tehran carried out its most severe strike yet against Israel. The warning followed his earlier suggestion of scaling back military action after three weeks of conflict, even as the vital oil route remained effectively shut and additional US Marines deployed to the region.
Over 100 people, including children, were injured after Iranian missile strikes hit the southern Israeli towns of Arad and Dimona on Sunday, according to authorities in Tel Aviv. The attacks caused extensive damage to residential areas and reportedly occurred after air defence systems failed to intercept the incoming missiles. This came as a day earlier Iran also reportedly fired two-long range ballistic missiles towards the US-UK base at Diego Garcia underscoring its expanding capabilities. Neither missile struck its target.
At the same time, Washington moved to ease pressure on global energy markets by temporarily lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto tankers, allowing sales until 19 April. Officials estimate the measure could release around 140 million barrels of crude, helping to stabilise prices amid supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite these signals, fighting has continued. Iran launched fresh drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, UAE and other Gulf and Arab countries.
Key points
- SaudiArabia tracked the launch of three ballistic missiles towards Riyadh, intercepting one, while the other two fell in an uninhabited area.
- The ministry also said it downed six drones headed toward the kingdom’s eastern region, one of its least densely populated areas near Iran and home to major oil installations.
- Fresh “large explosions” were heard to the west of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, moments after an Iraqi security official said that air defences intercepted two drones near a US logistics camp in the vicinity of the Baghdad international airport.
- Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran demanding reopening of Strait of Hormuz.
- The projectile struck close to a bulk carrier, causing an explosion, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said early Sunday.
- The United States temporarily eased sanctions on Iranian oil shipments already at sea to stabilise global supply, despite Tehran insisting it has no surplus crude.