Iran-U.S.-Israel Conflict: Day 28 Updates
Day 28 of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran saw continued military operations and significant policy shifts across the region.
Iran Under Attack, Civilian Casualties Rise
U.S.-Israeli airstrikes were reported in Isfahan, Tehran, Urmia, and Qom. These attacks led to a reported 26 deaths, including seven children, in Isfahan, and at least seven fatalities in Urmia, according to Press TV and BBC. The Israeli military confirmed widespread attacks, announcing strikes on Iranian government infrastructure in Tehran.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported over 1,900 people killed and at least 20,000 injured in Iran since the conflict began.
U.S. Policy Shifts & Military Stockpiles
President Donald Trump again postponed threatened U.S. attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days, citing ongoing talks, which Iran denies. Meanwhile, the U.S. military has fired over 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles, raising concerns at the Pentagon about low stockpiles. Consequently, the Pentagon redirected $750 million from Ukraine weapons funds to replenish U.S. arsenals.
Iran's Retaliation and Regional Impact
Iran launched at least ten missile salvos at Israel, resulting in nine injuries across multiple locations. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reported intercepting drones and missiles, with Kuwaiti ports sustaining material damage. Notably, missiles continued to be launched from Iran's Yazd region despite repeated strikes on the area.
Tehran threatened "special and unprecedented" measures against the UAE and Bahrain if ground attacks are launched against Iranian islands, accusing Gulf states of facilitating attacks.
International Responses & Suspicions
Bellingcat reported evidence of U.S.-made Gator anti-tank munitions scattered near an Iranian village. Iran formally petitioned the UN against reported Israeli assassination plots targeting its Foreign Minister and Parliament Speaker, citing Wall Street Journal and Reuters reports. Discussions are underway at the UN regarding a French-proposed resolution for a "strictly defensive" Hormuz Security Force to restore navigation, with the UAE committing to participate.
Potential Escalation
The Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East, expanding an existing buildup. U.S. officials are also reviewing high-risk ground operation options inside Iran, including seizing Kharg Island or islands near the Strait of Hormuz, or targeting nuclear sites and energy infrastructure.
Lebanon Conflict Developments
Devastating Civilian Toll & Displacement
Israel's assault on Lebanon has resulted in at least 1,116 deaths and 3,229 wounded since March 2, with 22 killed and 110 injured on Thursday alone. Israeli airstrikes killed nine people and wounded 18 across Lebanon.
UNICEF reported over 370,000 children displaced, with 121 killed and 399 injured in Lebanon.
The Israeli military issued a displacement order for all residents south of Lebanon's Zahrani River.
Escalating Ground Battles and International Concern
Hezbollah rocket strikes on Israel killed one person and wounded approximately 25 in Nahariya. Two IDF soldiers were killed in clashes in southern Lebanon. Israel expanded its ground invasion into southern Lebanon, deploying additional troops from Division 162. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned the UN Secretary-General, and multiple European nations expressed concern over humanitarian consequences.
Gaza and West Bank Updates
Continued Violence and Disarmament Proposals
Israeli army gunfire injured two children in Gaza's Al-Maghazi refugee camp, and parts of Al-Shawa and Al-Hasri towers in Rimal collapsed due to ongoing Israeli attacks. A phased disarmament plan for Gaza, presented by Nikolay Mladenov, links reconstruction to weapons handover. Hamas rejected the plan as "catastrophic." Violence by Israeli settlers and soldiers against Palestinians in the West Bank has reportedly escalated.
United States Domestic Policy & Economic Impact
Legislative Actions & Funding Shifts
The House of Representatives delayed a vote on the Iran War Powers Resolution until after the congressional recess. The Senate unanimously passed a Department of Homeland Security funding package (excluding ICE and CBP) amid a 42-day funding lapse impacting TSA officers. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is drafting formal authorization for the use of military force against Iran. The State Department diverted $1.25 billion from international disaster and peacekeeping funds to President Trump's Board of Peace.
Security Concerns & Economic Fallout
An Israeli citizen was arrested in Las Vegas after weapons and biological samples were found at a home linked to a California biosecurity case.
Wall Street experienced its worst day since the Iran war began, with the S&P 500 falling 1.7% amid doubts about an end to the war, rising oil prices, and increased 10-year Treasury yields.
Other International News
Colombia announced its withdrawal from the Investor-State Dispute Settlement system. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Saudi Arabia to discuss exchanging Ukrainian drone expertise for Gulf air-defense missiles.