★UNITED STATES

1. Trump Threatens Strikes on Iran Bridges, Power Plants

U.S. President Donald Trump warned of targeting Iran’s bridges and electric power plants, escalating threats against critical infrastructure. He signaled intensified strikes in the coming weeks if Iran resists U.S. demands, while legal experts cautioned such attacks could violate the Geneva Conventions.

2. CENTCOM Chief: Iranian Navy, Air Force Largely Inactive

U.S. Central Command head Brad Cooper reported that the military campaign against Iran, now in its fifth week, shows “undeniable progress.” Iranian naval and air activity is minimal, with air defense and missile systems largely destroyed. Over 12,300 strikes and 13,000 sorties have hit command centers, IRGC sites, missile and drone facilities, and military infrastructure.

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★IRAN

3. Eight Killed, Ninety-Five Injured in Karaj Bridge Attack

Iranian state media reported that eight people were killed and 95 were injured in an attack on the “B1” bridge in Karaj, west of Tehran. The bridge was hit twice by Israeli-American strikes on Thursday, with the second attack occurring while rescue teams were assisting victims after the first strike.

4. Severe Damage to Tehran’s Pasteur Institute After Airstrikes

Iran’s Ministry of Health reported that airstrikes heavily damaged the century-old Pasteur Institute, a key public health facility. Spokesperson Hussein Kermanbour called it a “direct attack on global health security.” The Paris-based Pasteur Institute expressed solidarity, noting the two institutes operate independently and have no scientific collaboration.

5. Argentina Expels Iranian Envoy Over AMIA Bombing Dispute

Argentina declared Iranian charge d’affaires Mohsen Tehrani persona non grata, giving him 48 hours to leave, citing Tehran’s “false, offensive” claims and refusal to cooperate with the 1994 AMIA bombing investigation. The decision reflects Argentina’s commitment to justice and counterterrorism, amid its alignment with Israel and the U.S. during the ongoing Iran conflict.

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★ISRAEL

6. Israel Strikes IRGC Base, Mobile Command Sites in Tehran

The Israel Defense Forces destroyed an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ground forces base and mobile command site in Tehran, targeting leadership units inside. Israeli strikes also hit a ballistic missile storage site in Tabriz. Simultaneously, Iranian reports indicated damage to Karaj’s B1 bridge and local power outages, amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli air operations against Iran.

7. Israel Kills Jamshid Eshaqi, Iranian Oil Funding Commander

The Israel Defense Forces announced the killing of Jamshid Eshaqi, head of Iran’s oil command responsible for funding military activities and developing Iranian forces’ capabilities. Eshaqi oversaw support for missile production and provided financial backing to Iran-linked groups in the region, including Hezbollah and the Houthis, as part of strikes on Iran’s military-financial infrastructure.

8. Houthis Launch Fourth Missile Attack on Israel

Yemen’s Houthis carried out their fourth attack on Israel since joining the Middle East war,  firing ballistic missiles at strategic targets near Jaffa. The Israeli military reported detecting a missile launch from Yemen and worked to intercept it, following previous Houthi strikes on Israel and shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.

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★LEBANON 

9. Hezbollah Intensifies Attacks on Israel; Katz Warns Naeem Qassem

Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets and drones at northern Israeli settlements, including Shlomi, Nahari, and Kiryat Shmona, injuring soldiers and civilians. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz vowed Hezbollah leader Naeem Qassem would “pay a heavy price.” Israeli air and artillery strikes killed 10 and wounded 9 in southern Lebanon, amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran since February 28.

10. IDF Kills 40 Hezbollah Fighters in Southern Lebanon Operations

The Israel Defense Forces killed over 40 Hezbollah militants and struck dozens of the Iranian-backed group’s infrastructure in Southern Lebanon. Air, naval, and ground units targeted headquarters, weapons caches, anti-tank positions, and observation posts. 

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★IRAQ

11. Two Drones Target U.S. Diplomatic Facility Near Baghdad Airport

Two drones struck a U.S. diplomatic support facility near Baghdad International Airport, following repeated warnings of potential attacks by Iran-aligned Iraqi militias. The U.S. embassy had alerted citizens to leave Iraq amid escalating drone and missile strikes since the February 28 U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, while Iraqi authorities have yet to comment on damages or casualties.

12. Iraq Begins Oil Exports via Syria After Hormuz Closure

Iraq’s Oil Ministry announced the start of fuel oil exports via Syria using tanker trucks after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran war. The move aims to sustain revenues and diversify routes, with shipments reaching Baniyas refinery for re-export through Mediterranean ports, expanding gradually.

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★GULF STATES

13. Russia Pledges Support for Saudi Sovereignty and Security

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the regional military escalation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the negative impact on maritime security and the global economy. Putin affirmed Russia’s support for safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial security, while both leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

14. Gulf States Consider Military Action to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Gulf countries are reportedly exploring military options to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, alongside diplomatic efforts by around 40 nations pressuring Iran to reopen the strategic waterway. The discussions include mine clearance and securing vital oil shipping routes, while U.S. policy on direct military intervention remains undecided amid rising global oil prices.

15. UAE Intercepts 19 Ballistic Missiles, 26 Drones from Iran

The United Arab Emirates’ air defenses intercepted 19 ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran, part of a broader wave of attacks on Gulf states. Since the campaign began, UAE forces have countered 457 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles, and 2,038 drones, causing multiple military and civilian casualties, while maintaining full readiness to defend national security.

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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.