Iran Revolutionary Guards Retaliate with Strikes on Gulf Aluminium Plants
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that it conducted missile and drone attacks on aluminium production facilities in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates over the weekend. These actions were described as retaliation for a US-Israeli assault on Iranian industrial infrastructure, which was reportedly launched from bases located in Gulf states.
The IRGC stated that the targeted sites were linked to the US military presence in the region. Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict at the end of February, Bahrain and other Gulf countries have frequently been subjected to Iranian missile and drone strikes as a response to the US-Israeli campaign.
According to a statement broadcast by Iranian state media IRIB, the Guards targeted an aluminium plant in the UAE and Aluminium Bahrain’s main facility, characterizing both as "industries affiliated with and connected to the US military and aerospace sectors in the region." Aluminium Bahrain, also known as Alba and one of the world’s largest aluminium producers, reported that two employees sustained minor injuries during the Iranian strike on Saturday.
Seafarers Face Critical Conditions Amid Gulf Conflict
Helplines supporting seafarers have reported a surge in communications from crews trapped in the Gulf region due to the ongoing conflict. Many are urgently requesting repatriation, compensation, and essential onboard supplies.
"Writing to urgently inform you that our vessel is currently facing a critical situation regarding provisions and one crew health conditions," read an email dated 24 March from a seafarer to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarer Support team.
"Immediate supply of food, drinking water, basic necessities is required to sustain the crew," the message continued.
The ITF has received over 1,000 messages from seafarers stranded around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf area since the conflict escalated with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on 28 February.
Live Update: Escalation in Middle East Conflict
Welcome to our ongoing coverage of the Middle East conflict as it enters its second month. The situation continues to intensify following Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group confirming a second wave of attacks since joining the conflict on Saturday. The Houthis have pledged to continue their strikes in the coming days, posing significant risks to regional security and global trade routes.
In Tehran, two powerful explosions were reported early Sunday morning in the northern part of the city, according to an AFP journalist. The blasts occurred around 7:20 a.m. local time amid active air defence operations, though the specific targets remain unclear.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the United States is preparing plans for potential ground operations in Iran. The US has already deployed Marines to the Middle East as part of its military posture in the region.
Houthis Intensify Attacks on Israel
In a televised address, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced that the group had launched a "barrage of cruise missiles and drones" in a second attack on Israel, targeting key military installations. Saree vowed that the Houthis would maintain military operations until Israel ceases its attacks and aggression.
The Houthis’ involvement introduces a direct threat to the Bab al-Mandab Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea, a critical chokepoint for energy supplies and trade entering and leaving the Middle East. Iran’s near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz, combined with a potential shutdown of Bab al-Mandab—which lies between Yemen and the Horn of Africa—would significantly exacerbate the conflict’s impact on the global economy and could reignite hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
US Plans Ground Raids in Iran
The Pentagon is reportedly preparing plans for several weeks of ground operations in Iran, potentially including raids on Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz. However, President Donald Trump has not yet authorized any deployment, according to the Washington Post. The planned operations would not constitute a full-scale invasion but would involve special operations forces and conventional infantry troops conducting targeted raids, citing unnamed officials.
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Signals Readiness to Lead
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi addressed one of the United States’ largest annual conservative gatherings, expressing his readiness to lead a new Iranian government. He stated he would call upon Iranian citizens to rise up when the "right moment arrives," according to the Associated Press. Pahlavi is the son of the former Shah, who was deposed in 1979 when the Islamic Republic was established.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Threatens Retaliation Against US Universities
Following US-Israeli strikes that targeted two Iranian universities, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued a warning to US universities in the Middle East. The Guard demanded that the US government officially condemn the bombings by 12 noon on Monday, 30 March, Tehran time, or face retaliatory actions. The statement was published by Iranian media.
Pakistan Hosts Regional Meeting to Seek Conflict Resolution
Pakistan announced it would host a meeting of Middle Eastern powers on Monday aimed at developing a regional approach to ending the conflict. The talks will include foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt but notably exclude any of the warring parties, raising questions about the effectiveness of the diplomatic efforts and US claims of progress.
Israeli Strike Kills Journalists in Southern Lebanon
Israeli attacks killed three journalists in a targeted strike on their vehicle in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese president condemned the incident as a "blatant war crime." The victims were Ali Shoeib from Hezbollah-owned al-Manar TV, and Fatima Ftouni and her brother Mohammed Ftouni, a cameraman for the pro-Hezbollah outlet al-Mayadeen.
WHO Calls for Protection of Medical Personnel
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, called for an end to attacks on medical staff after nine paramedics were killed in southern Lebanon on Saturday.
Israeli Military Strikes Tehran
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported conducting a "wide-scale wave of strikes" on Tehran, damaging residential areas, civilian infrastructure, and research and educational buildings. The IDF also stated it had targeted Iran’s military facilities.
Pakistan Facilitates Oil Tanker Passage Through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has permitted 20 oil tankers from Pakistan to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that two ships would pass daily. Pakistan has played a key mediatory role in the ongoing conflict.
