★UNITED STATES

1. Trump Says Iran Begging For Deal As Strikes Continue

The U.S. President Donald Trump framed Iran as a collapsing adversary under overwhelming U.S. military pressure, stating its navy has been destroyed, missile infrastructure largely degraded, and leadership structure severely disrupted. He said U.S. strikes have eliminated key nuclear facilities and warned Iran continues pursuing nuclear capabilities despite prior attacks, reinforcing his position that Iran will never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. He described the campaign as decisive and historic, asserting the United States has “saved the Middle East” from a nuclear-armed Iran while portraying Tehran as no longer a dominant regional power. He emphasized that Iran had previously targeted multiple Gulf states, not just Israel, and highlighted newly demonstrated long-range missile capabilities. At the same time, he said Iran is now seeking negotiations under pressure, claiming it is “begging to make a deal,” while signaling that military operations will continue until Iran’s capabilities are fully neutralized. He also suggested internal instability in Iran’s leadership and implied the possibility of de facto regime collapse, while maintaining that continued U.S. force is necessary to secure victory and prevent future threats.

2. Twelve US Troops Wounded in Iran Strike on Saudi Base

Twelve U.S. troops were wounded, two seriously, in an Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, a U.S. official said. The casualties add to over 300 U.S. service members injured since the war with Iran began on February 28, with 13 troops killed so far. Most wounded troops have returned to duty, according to the military.

3. Pakistan to Host Quadrilateral Talks on Middle East Peace

Pakistan announced that the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will meet in Islamabad on March 29–30 for a quadrilateral summit to discuss diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Middle East conflict. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed separate meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and noted Pakistan is facilitating US-Iran communications to advance peace negotiations.

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★ISRAEL

4. One Killed, Several Wounded in Iranian Missile Strike on Israel

An Iranian ballistic missile carrying a cluster bomb hit central Israel late March 27, 2026, killing a 52-year-old man in Tel Aviv and wounding several others, including two in Kuseife. The attack, the sixth that day, marks over 450 missiles fired since the war began, with Israel intercepting 92% of threats to populated areas and infrastructure.

5. Explosions Heard in Damascus as Israel Intercepts Iranian Missiles

Explosions shook Damascus and its outskirts on March 28, 2026, after Israeli forces intercepted Iranian missiles, Syrian authorities reported. The conflict, ongoing for a month, has already killed four in Sweida from an Iranian strike. Syria has largely avoided direct involvement, while Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and Kurdish opposition groups face strikes amid the expanding Iran–Israel–U.S. war in the region.

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★YEMEN

6. Houthis Launch First Missile Strike on Southern Israel

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis fired a ballistic missile at southern Israel on March 27, 2026, triggering sirens in Beersheba, marking their first direct involvement in the ongoing US-Israel–Iran war. The IDF intercepted one missile. The Houthis warned of further military action if new alliances join attacks on Iran or if the Red Sea is used for hostile operations.

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★IRAN

7. Thailand and Iran Agree on Safe Passage for Tankers

Thailand secured an agreement with Iran to ensure safe transit of Thai oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, easing fuel supply concerns after earlier disruptions. Under the deal, Thailand notifies Iran of each transit, which is approved, with Bangchak Corporation already benefiting. Foreign Minister Sihasak stressed Thailand is not a conflict party.

8. Iran Reports Six “Diplomats” Killed in Israeli Strike on Lebanon

Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that six of its diplomats were killed in an Israeli attack on their Beirut residence, calling it a “crime and organized terrorism.” Iranian media released their names and photos, noting all held ranks in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Israel said it targeted Quds Force operatives, amid rising tensions over Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel.

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★IRAQ

9. Sudani Condemns Attack On Barzani Residence Orders Joint Investigation

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani condemned an attack on Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani’s residence in Duhok during a phone call with Barzani, according to an official statement. Sudani ordered a joint federal and regional security team to investigate, identify perpetrators, and take legal action, while reaffirming efforts to prevent any actors from dragging Iraq into broader regional conflict.

10. Drone Crashes in Majnoon Oilfield After Erbil Explosions

A drone fell in Iraq’s Majnoon oilfield in Basra province without detonating or causing damage, following earlier explosions near Erbil International Airport, which hosts US-led coalition forces. Baghdad and Washington announced a joint high-level coordination committee to counter ongoing attacks on Iraqi and American targets. In contrast, Iraqi air defenses continue intercepting drones amid rising Iran-backed militia operations.

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★LEBANON

11. Israel Strikes South Lebanon, Hezbollah Retaliates; Two Commanders Killed

Israel continued airstrikes on southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing two senior Hezbollah communications officers, while Hezbollah targeted Israeli forces near the border, including a Merkava tank in Dibl. Israeli forces aim to establish a 30-km security zone to push back fighters, with attacks hitting weapon depots, launchers, and military infrastructure amid escalating month-long hostilities.

12. Nine Israeli Soldiers Injured in Southern Lebanon Clashes

Two Israeli officers were seriously wounded, and seven soldiers were injured in separate southern Lebanon incidents, the IDF reported. The first involved an anti-tank missile fired by Hezbollah, striking two officers, while the second saw rocket fire injure one officer and six soldiers. The attacks come amid ongoing cross-border hostilities and periodic confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah.

13. Over 400 Hezbollah Fighters Killed in the Israel Conflict So Far

More than 400 Hezbollah fighters have been killed since the group launched attacks on Israel on March 2, sources said. Israel’s military estimates that at least 700 fighters, including elite Radwan Force members, have died. Lebanese health authorities report 1,142 deaths in Lebanon, including 122 children and 83 women.

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★GULF STATES

14. Drone Attack Hits Oman Salalah Port, Causing Injuries and Damage

Two drones struck Oman’s Salalah port early Saturday, injuring a foreign worker and causing minor damage to a crane, according to an official security source. Oman condemned the attack and affirmed measures to ensure safety. The incident follows earlier drone strikes on Salalah and Duqm ports amid escalating Iran-related regional tensions.

15. Kuwait Airport Radar Damaged in Drone Attacks, No Casualties

Kuwait International Airport suffered significant damage to its radar system after multiple drone attacks, the Civil Aviation Authority reported. No casualties were reported. Authorities confirmed the airport remains operational while assessing and repairing the radar system.

16. UAE Reports Three Fires, Six Injured After Iranian Drone Strikes

The UAE confirmed three industrial fires in Abu Dhabi and six injuries following Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Air defenses intercepted incoming threats, with shrapnel causing most injuries. Authorities contained the fires and continue cooling operations at the affected Khalifa Industrial Zone – Kizad sites, while UAE fighters remain on alert against ongoing Iranian assaults.

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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.