US sends 15-point ceasefire proposal to Iran via Pakistan

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https://p.dw.com/p/5BDad
Trump told a cabinet meeting Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers passage through the Strait of Hormuz to show it was serious about talksImage: Evelyn Hockstein/REUTERS
Skip next section What you need to know

What you need to know

  • The UN has called on the US to conclude its investigation into the deadly strike that hit a school in Iran
  • German Foreign Minister Wadephul expects direct talks between US and Iran in Pakistan soon
  • Trump extends Hormuz ultimatum as Wall Street suffers sharpest drop since start of war
  • Pentagon reportedly considering deploying a further 10,000 US soldiers to the Middle East
  • Iran bans sports teams from attending games in ‘hostile’ countries

Here are the developments in the US-Israel war with Iran on Friday, March 27, 2026:

Skip next section China, Pakistan agree to support peace talks in Middle East

March 27, 2026

China, Pakistan agree to support peace talks in Middle East

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, have been discussing the situation in the Middle East.  

In a telephone call, the two ministers reaffirmed the need to restore peace and stability to the region, Dar wrote on X. 

“We agreed to support all efforts aimed at ensuring an immediate end to hostilities, the resumption of peace talks, the protection of non-combatants, the security of shipping lanes, and adherence to the UN Charter,” he added.

According to a summary of the call released by the Chinese ministry, Wang told Dar that China supports Pakistan’s role as a mediator.

Initiating peace talks in the Iran war “is no easy task,” but it ‌would ⁠be “conducive ⁠to restoring normal navigation through the Strait ​of Hormuz,” ​Wang said.

US sends 15-point ceasefire proposal to Iran via Pakistan

https://p.dw.com/p/5BFyU
Skip next section Read: Is another 1970s‑style oil crisis looming?

March 27, 2026

Read: Is another 1970s‑style oil crisis looming?

Insa Wrede
A woman and a boy filling gas cans with fuel at a gas station in Germany on November 7, 1973
In the 1970s, the reduced supply of crude due to an oil embargo by Arab nations set off a sharp rise in fuel pricesImage: Bertram/dpa/picture alliance

Supply disruptions, high prices, nervous markets — the war in Iran brings back memories of the oil crises of the 1970s.

Back then, many economies plunged into stagflation. How bad is the current crisis?

Read the full report here.

https://p.dw.com/p/5BFyi
Skip next section Israel says it will ‘escalate and expand’ attacks on Iran

March 27, 2026

Israel says it will ‘escalate and expand’ attacks on Iran

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israeli attacks on Iran “will escalate and expand.”

In a statement, Israel Katz noted that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “warned the Iranian regime to stop firing missiles at the civilian population in Israel.”

“Despite the warnings, the firing continues — and therefore (Israeli military) attacks in Iran will escalate and expand to additional targets and areas that assist the regime in building and operating weapons against Israeli citizens,” Katz said.

He stressed that the Iranian regime “will pay heavy, increasing prices for this war crime.”

Despite Israel’s robust missile defense system, some Iranian missiles have reached the country and struck multiple locations, killing and injuring numerous civilians.

Iranian strike hits residential neighborhood near Jerusalem

https://p.dw.com/p/5BFUm
Skip next section Rubio arrives at G7 foreign ministers meeting in France

March 27, 2026

Rubio arrives at G7 foreign ministers meeting in France

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in France for a meeting of G7 foreign ministers, accoding to the AFP news agency.

Talks are expected to focus on the US-Israel war with Iran, as well as on American strategy for the further conduct of the conflict.

The ministers are also poised to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, a critical Gulf waterway for transporting oil and gas, which Iran has effectively blocked. This has caused energy prices to spike and financial markets to become unstable.

Before his flight to France, Rubio was asked by reporters about the reception he was expecting to get. He said that he was looking forward to gathering with his G7 counterparts and that “we’re going to have great meetings.”

However, Rubio stressed that he is going to prioritize the interests of the US.

“I’m not there to make them happy,” he said. “I get along with all of them on a personal level, and we work with those governments very carefully, but the people I’m interested in making happy are the people of the United States. That’s who I work for. I don’t work for France or Germany or Japan.”

The lack of support in NATO countries to join the US-Israeli war has further strained relations between Washington and its allies. Trump on Thursday said he was “disappointed” in the alliance, saying it had done “absolutely nothing.”

During a Cabinet meeting, Rubio said he believed “countries around the world, even those that are out there complaining about this a little bit, should actually be grateful that the United States has a president that’s willing to confront a threat like this.”

While G7 and NATO are not the same thing, Japan is the only G7 member not in the NATO alliance.

Standoff in Iran: Is Trump pulling NATO into war?

https://p.dw.com/p/5BF9y
Skip next section Iran Guards prohibit shipping to and from ports of US-Israeli allies

March 27, 2026

Iran Guards prohibit shipping to and from ports of US-Israeli allies

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that shipping to and from ports of allies and supporters of its Israeli-US enemies is prohibited through any corridor or to any destination, according to Iranian state media.

The Guards added that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and that any transit through the waterway will be met with “harsh measures.”

“The movement of any vessel ‘to and from’ ports of origin belonging to allies and supporters of the Zionist-American enemies, to any destination and through any corridor, is prohibited,” it said.

According to media reports, three container ships of various nationalities were turned back from the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after receiving warnings from the Guards’ naval forces.

The strait has been closed since early in the war with much of the traffic passing through being throttled, although some vessels from countries such as India have been allowed through. It wasn’t clear how much the new announcement marks a change in Iran’s position.

The Houthis, who have previously launched attacks against ships passing through the Red Sea in response to Israel’s war in Gaza, have said they are not currently planning to limit passage.

Shipping in limbo as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens

https://p.dw.com/p/5BElG
Skip next section Bahrain says it has repelled hundreds of Iranian attacks

March 27, 2026

Bahrain says it has repelled hundreds of Iranian attacks

The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force announced that its air defense systems are continuing to fend off successive waves of “Iranian terrorist attacks” targeting the country.

In a post on X, the military said it had shot down 362 drones and 154 missiles from Iran so far. It did not say how many strikes had not been shot down.

Bahrain is the small island country, located in the Persian Gulf, which has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian drone attacks.

https://p.dw.com/p/5BEUZ
Skip next section Ukraine, Saudi Arabia sign defense cooperation agreement

March 27, 2026

Ukraine, Saudi Arabia sign defense cooperation agreement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on defense cooperation that lays the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investments.

“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,” the Ukrainian president wrote on X.

“Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” he added.

Zelenskyy, who is currently visiting Saudi Arabia, said the agreement was signed ahead of his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

According to two senior officials who spoke to AFP, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an air defense agreement.

Since the beginning of the US-Israel war with Iran, Tehran has repeatedly launched retaliatory strikes against Saudi Arabia.

On Friday, Saudi state media announced that two drones had been intercepted in Riyadh and the eastern region.

Ukraine, which has been facing drone and missile strikes from Russia for over four years, is hoping to leverage its expertise to secure deals for some of the more expensive equipment used by Gulf countries.

How the Iran war is hurting Ukraine’s chances at peace

https://p.dw.com/p/5BEGQ
Skip next section F1 Japanese GP will be last race for 5 weeks due to Iran war

March 27, 2026

F1 Japanese GP will be last race for 5 weeks due to Iran war

F1 champion Max Verstappen driving on the Bahrain International Circuit on February 21, 2024
Several sporting events have already been impacted by the warImage: Ricardo L. Amador/IMAGO

The Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday, is only the third race of the new Formula 1 season.

However, it will be the last one for five weeks, as events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been canceled due to the US-Israel war with Iran.

The next Formula 1 race will be on May 3 in Miami.

https://p.dw.com/p/5BEG1
Skip next section Iran Guards urge civilians to stay away from areas near US forces

March 27, 2026

Iran Guards urge civilians to stay away from areas near US forces

An aerial view of Kuwait's International Airport with a large plume of black smoke billowing up
An Iranian strike on Kuwait International Airport hit a fuel tank, sending a large plume of black smoke into the skyImage: European Space Agency/AFP

After nearly a month of war involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian counterstrikes on countries in the region, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards urged civilians to stay away from areas near US forces.

“The cowardly American-Zionist forces… are attempting to use civilian locations and innocent people as human shields,” said the Guards in a statement on their Sepah News website. 

“We recommend that you urgently leave locations where American forces are stationed so that no harm comes to you,” the statement said.

Iranian strikes have repeatedly targeted civilian areas in the region, including residential areas and airports.

https://p.dw.com/p/5BE9o
Skip next section UN calls on US to conclude its probe on deadly Iran school strike

March 27, 2026

UN calls on US to conclude its probe on deadly Iran school strike

The UN rights chief, Volker Türk, said that the deadly bombing of an Iranian school on February 28, at the ​start of US-Israeli strikes, caused “visceral horror” and urged the United States to finish its investigation.

“Senior US officials have ‌said the strike ‌is under investigation. ​I call for that process to be concluded ​as soon as possible, and for its findings ⁠to ​be made public,” ​Türk told the UN ​Human Rights ‌Council in Geneva during the deabate focused on the strike.

“There must be justice ⁠for ​the terrible harm done,” he added.

Türk also said that “whatever differences countries have, we can all agree they will not be solved by killing schoolchildren”.

According to the preliminary findings of a US military investigation reported by The New York Times, a US Tomahawk cruise missile hit the school due to a targeting mistake.

Evidence points to US role in deadly Iran school attack

https://p.dw.com/p/5BE1N
Skip next section UAE wants to join the international force to reopen Hormuz — report

March 27, 2026

UAE wants to join the international force to reopen Hormuz — report

The United Arab Emirates has informed the US and other Western allies that it will participate in a multinational maritime task force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

According to three people familiar with the situation, the UAE has informed the United States and other Western nations of its intention to participate in the mission. Two of the FT sources noted that Abu Dhabi will deploy its own naval forces to the operation.

The FT also reported that the UAE is trying to push dozens of countries to create a “Hormuz Security Force” to defend the strait from Iranian attacks and escort shipping.

Several US allies have previously stated that they have no plans to send ships to open the Strait of Hormuz in the near future.

https://p.dw.com/p/5BDoc
Skip next section German FM says US, Iran plan to meet in Pakistan

March 27, 2026

German FM says US, Iran plan to meet in Pakistan

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul speaks to the media as he arrives for a Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, in Brussels on March 16, 2026
Wadephul siad he is aware of indirect communication between Iran and the US [FILE: March 16, 2026]Image: Nicolas Tucat/AFP/Getty Images

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that the United States and Iran have held indirect negotiations and that representatives from both sides plan to meet shortly in Pakistan.

“Based on my information, there have been indirect contacts, and preparations have been made to meet directly. That would be very soon in Pakistan, apparently,” he told Deutschlandfunk radio.

“And that is good news, after all, that these talks can take place,” Wadephul added. 

According to the German minister, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will “perhaps elaborate on this in more detail later today” at the G7 foreign ministers meeting in France.

The foreign minister added that the US had not made any specific requests to Germany for help in the Iran war, but the Germany has offered support for after the conflict.

Wadephul also reiterated Germany’s willingness to help secure shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz once the war ends.

“As we have always said: Once this war is over, Germany is, in principle, prepared to consider whether we can help secure shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” the minister said. “But we have to get there first.”

https://p.dw.com/p/5BDoA
Skip next section Kuwait says its main port hit by drone attack, no casualties reported

March 27, 2026

Kuwait says its main port hit by drone attack, no casualties reported

Kuwait‘s main commercial port, Shuwaikh, was damaged in a drone attack, but authorities said there were no casualties.

The port was targeted on Friday morning “by enemy drones, preliminary reports revealed material damage but no human casualties,” according to a statement from the Kuwait port authority on X.

The authority offered no other details.

Kuwait has been multiple times by Iranian strikes, with one such incident sparking a large fire at its international airport on Wednesday.

https://p.dw.com/p/5BDnm
Skip next section How has US policy toward Iran evolved over the past 4 weeks?

March 27, 2026

How has US policy toward Iran evolved over the past 4 weeks?

February 28: War starts, the US and Israel launch attacks across Iran. Within hours of the strkes, Iran announces closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

March 5: Oil price tops $100 for the first time. US President Donald Trump says he wants a say in who will replace Iran’s killed supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and rules out Khamenei’s son Mojtaba who ends up being picked anyway.

March 13: The US conducts a large-scale bombing raid on Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub. The strikes hit over 90 Iranian military sites but left the oil and gas infrastructure intact.

March 14: Initial reports that more US Marines are being deployed to the Middle East. These reports will continue later in March.

March 21: Trump threatens to attack Iran’s energy facilities if they don’t open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Tehran rejects the threat.

March 23: Trump walks back his threat and extends the deadline by five days. He also speaks of “very good” talks with an unidentified Iranian official, Iran denies any talks.

March 24: The US sends a 15-point peace plan to Iran via intermediaries in Pakistan.

March 25: Iran says it is still not talking to the US and cannot trust them after being attacked twice in the past nine months during ongoing negotiations

March 26: Trump extends the deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days. He says Iran is “begging” for a deal, and the talks are going well. The Wall Street Journal reports the Pentagon is considering sending a further 10,000 troops to the region amid speculation over a ground invasion.

https://p.dw.com/p/5BDnD
Skip next section Israel strikes Beirut, Tehran — reports

March 27, 2026

Israel strikes Beirut, Tehran — reports

| Editor
A view of ruins as large number of buildings, structures, and vehicles were damaged in the region after the Israeli army launched attacks on the Dahieh area in southern Beirut, Lebanon, on March 25, 2026
Beirut has repeatedly come under attack from Israeli forcesImage: Houssam Shbaro/Anadolu Agency/IMAGO

Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs at dawn on Friday, according to media reports.

According to Lebanon‘s official National News Agency, “enemy aircraft” raided Tahouitet al-Ghadir in the southern suburbs at dawn on Friday.

AFP correspondents also heard several explosions in the Hezbollah stronghold, an area that Israel has repeatedly attacked since the outbreak of war this month.

Although Israel had previously issued sweeping evacuation warnings for the area, it provided no specific warning in advance of Friday’s strike.

The Israeli military Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee told residents of Sejoud village in southern Lebanon to evacuate just hours later.

According to the AP news agency, Israel’s military announced early Friday that it had also conducted a series of strikes “in the heart of Tehran.”

There have been no reports of casualties or damage in the Iranian capital yet.

https://p.dw.com/p/5BDgl
Show more posts
  • The UN has called on the US to conclude its investigation into the deadly strike that hit a school in Iran
  • German Foreign Minister Wadephul expects direct talks between US and Iran in Pakistan soon
  • Trump extends Hormuz ultimatum as Wall Street suffers sharpest drop since start of war
  • Pentagon reportedly considering deploying a further 10,000 US soldiers to the Middle East
  • Iran bans sports teams from attending games in ‘hostile’ countries

Here are the developments in the US-Israel war with Iran on Friday, March 27, 2026:

Here are the developments in the US-Israel war with Iran on Friday, March 27, 2026:

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, have been discussing the situation in the Middle East.  

In a telephone call, the two ministers reaffirmed the need to restore peace and stability to the region, Dar wrote on X. 

“We agreed to support all efforts aimed at ensuring an immediate end to hostilities, the resumption of peace talks, the protection of non-combatants, the security of shipping lanes, and adherence to the UN Charter,” he added.

According to a summary of the call released by the Chinese ministry, Wang told Dar that China supports Pakistan’s role as a mediator.

Initiating peace talks in the Iran war “is no easy task,” but it ‌would ⁠be “conducive ⁠to restoring normal navigation through the Strait ​of Hormuz,” ​Wang said.

US sends 15-point ceasefire proposal to Iran via Pakistan

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, have been discussing the situation in the Middle East.  

In a telephone call, the two ministers reaffirmed the need to restore peace and stability to the region, Dar wrote on X. 

“We agreed to support all efforts aimed at ensuring an immediate end to hostilities, the resumption of peace talks, the protection of non-combatants, the security of shipping lanes, and adherence to the UN Charter,” he added.

According to a summary of the call released by the Chinese ministry, Wang told Dar that China supports Pakistan’s role as a mediator.

Initiating peace talks in the Iran war “is no easy task,” but it ‌would ⁠be “conducive ⁠to restoring normal navigation through the Strait ​of Hormuz,” ​Wang said.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

A woman and a boy filling gas cans with fuel at a gas station in Germany on November 7, 1973
In the 1970s, the reduced supply of crude due to an oil embargo by Arab nations set off a sharp rise in fuel pricesImage: Bertram/dpa/picture alliance

Supply disruptions, high prices, nervous markets — the war in Iran brings back memories of the oil crises of the 1970s.

Back then, many economies plunged into stagflation. How bad is the current crisis?

Read the full report here.

Supply disruptions, high prices, nervous markets — the war in Iran brings back memories of the oil crises of the 1970s.

Back then, many economies plunged into stagflation. How bad is the current crisis?

Read the full report here.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israeli attacks on Iran “will escalate and expand.”

In a statement, Israel Katz noted that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “warned the Iranian regime to stop firing missiles at the civilian population in Israel.”

“Despite the warnings, the firing continues — and therefore (Israeli military) attacks in Iran will escalate and expand to additional targets and areas that assist the regime in building and operating weapons against Israeli citizens,” Katz said.

He stressed that the Iranian regime “will pay heavy, increasing prices for this war crime.”

Despite Israel’s robust missile defense system, some Iranian missiles have reached the country and struck multiple locations, killing and injuring numerous civilians.

Iranian strike hits residential neighborhood near Jerusalem

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israeli attacks on Iran “will escalate and expand.”

In a statement, Israel Katz noted that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had “warned the Iranian regime to stop firing missiles at the civilian population in Israel.”

“Despite the warnings, the firing continues — and therefore (Israeli military) attacks in Iran will escalate and expand to additional targets and areas that assist the regime in building and operating weapons against Israeli citizens,” Katz said.

He stressed that the Iranian regime “will pay heavy, increasing prices for this war crime.”

Despite Israel’s robust missile defense system, some Iranian missiles have reached the country and struck multiple locations, killing and injuring numerous civilians.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in France for a meeting of G7 foreign ministers, accoding to the AFP news agency.

Talks are expected to focus on the US-Israel war with Iran, as well as on American strategy for the further conduct of the conflict.

The ministers are also poised to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, a critical Gulf waterway for transporting oil and gas, which Iran has effectively blocked. This has caused energy prices to spike and financial markets to become unstable.

Before his flight to France, Rubio was asked by reporters about the reception he was expecting to get. He said that he was looking forward to gathering with his G7 counterparts and that “we’re going to have great meetings.”

However, Rubio stressed that he is going to prioritize the interests of the US.

“I’m not there to make them happy,” he said. “I get along with all of them on a personal level, and we work with those governments very carefully, but the people I’m interested in making happy are the people of the United States. That’s who I work for. I don’t work for France or Germany or Japan.”

The lack of support in NATO countries to join the US-Israeli war has further strained relations between Washington and its allies. Trump on Thursday said he was “disappointed” in the alliance, saying it had done “absolutely nothing.”

During a Cabinet meeting, Rubio said he believed “countries around the world, even those that are out there complaining about this a little bit, should actually be grateful that the United States has a president that’s willing to confront a threat like this.”

While G7 and NATO are not the same thing, Japan is the only G7 member not in the NATO alliance.

Standoff in Iran: Is Trump pulling NATO into war?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in France for a meeting of G7 foreign ministers, accoding to the AFP news agency.

Talks are expected to focus on the US-Israel war with Iran, as well as on American strategy for the further conduct of the conflict.

The ministers are also poised to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, a critical Gulf waterway for transporting oil and gas, which Iran has effectively blocked. This has caused energy prices to spike and financial markets to become unstable.

Before his flight to France, Rubio was asked by reporters about the reception he was expecting to get. He said that he was looking forward to gathering with his G7 counterparts and that “we’re going to have great meetings.”

However, Rubio stressed that he is going to prioritize the interests of the US.

“I’m not there to make them happy,” he said. “I get along with all of them on a personal level, and we work with those governments very carefully, but the people I’m interested in making happy are the people of the United States. That’s who I work for. I don’t work for France or Germany or Japan.”

The lack of support in NATO countries to join the US-Israeli war has further strained relations between Washington and its allies. Trump on Thursday said he was “disappointed” in the alliance, saying it had done “absolutely nothing.”

During a Cabinet meeting, Rubio said he believed “countries around the world, even those that are out there complaining about this a little bit, should actually be grateful that the United States has a president that’s willing to confront a threat like this.”

While G7 and NATO are not the same thing, Japan is the only G7 member not in the NATO alliance.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that shipping to and from ports of allies and supporters of its Israeli-US enemies is prohibited through any corridor or to any destination, according to Iranian state media.

The Guards added that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and that any transit through the waterway will be met with “harsh measures.”

“The movement of any vessel ‘to and from’ ports of origin belonging to allies and supporters of the Zionist-American enemies, to any destination and through any corridor, is prohibited,” it said.

According to media reports, three container ships of various nationalities were turned back from the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after receiving warnings from the Guards’ naval forces.

The strait has been closed since early in the war with much of the traffic passing through being throttled, although some vessels from countries such as India have been allowed through. It wasn’t clear how much the new announcement marks a change in Iran’s position.

The Houthis, who have previously launched attacks against ships passing through the Red Sea in response to Israel’s war in Gaza, have said they are not currently planning to limit passage.

Shipping in limbo as Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that shipping to and from ports of allies and supporters of its Israeli-US enemies is prohibited through any corridor or to any destination, according to Iranian state media.

The Guards added that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and that any transit through the waterway will be met with “harsh measures.”

“The movement of any vessel ‘to and from’ ports of origin belonging to allies and supporters of the Zionist-American enemies, to any destination and through any corridor, is prohibited,” it said.

According to media reports, three container ships of various nationalities were turned back from the Strait of Hormuz on Friday after receiving warnings from the Guards’ naval forces.

The strait has been closed since early in the war with much of the traffic passing through being throttled, although some vessels from countries such as India have been allowed through. It wasn’t clear how much the new announcement marks a change in Iran’s position.

The Houthis, who have previously launched attacks against ships passing through the Red Sea in response to Israel’s war in Gaza, have said they are not currently planning to limit passage.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force announced that its air defense systems are continuing to fend off successive waves of “Iranian terrorist attacks” targeting the country.

In a post on X, the military said it had shot down 362 drones and 154 missiles from Iran so far. It did not say how many strikes had not been shot down.

Bahrain is the small island country, located in the Persian Gulf, which has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian drone attacks.

The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force announced that its air defense systems are continuing to fend off successive waves of “Iranian terrorist attacks” targeting the country.

In a post on X, the military said it had shot down 362 drones and 154 missiles from Iran so far. It did not say how many strikes had not been shot down.

Bahrain is the small island country, located in the Persian Gulf, which has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian drone attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on defense cooperation that lays the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investments.

“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,” the Ukrainian president wrote on X.

“Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” he added.

Zelenskyy, who is currently visiting Saudi Arabia, said the agreement was signed ahead of his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

According to two senior officials who spoke to AFP, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an air defense agreement.

Since the beginning of the US-Israel war with Iran, Tehran has repeatedly launched retaliatory strikes against Saudi Arabia.

On Friday, Saudi state media announced that two drones had been intercepted in Riyadh and the eastern region.

Ukraine, which has been facing drone and missile strikes from Russia for over four years, is hoping to leverage its expertise to secure deals for some of the more expensive equipment used by Gulf countries.

How the Iran war is hurting Ukraine’s chances at peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on defense cooperation that lays the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investments.

“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,” the Ukrainian president wrote on X.

“Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” he added.

Zelenskyy, who is currently visiting Saudi Arabia, said the agreement was signed ahead of his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

According to two senior officials who spoke to AFP, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an air defense agreement.

Since the beginning of the US-Israel war with Iran, Tehran has repeatedly launched retaliatory strikes against Saudi Arabia.

On Friday, Saudi state media announced that two drones had been intercepted in Riyadh and the eastern region.

Ukraine, which has been facing drone and missile strikes from Russia for over four years, is hoping to leverage its expertise to secure deals for some of the more expensive equipment used by Gulf countries.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

F1 champion Max Verstappen driving on the Bahrain International Circuit on February 21, 2024
Several sporting events have already been impacted by the warImage: Ricardo L. Amador/IMAGO

The Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday, is only the third race of the new Formula 1 season.

However, it will be the last one for five weeks, as events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been canceled due to the US-Israel war with Iran.

The next Formula 1 race will be on May 3 in Miami.

The Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday, is only the third race of the new Formula 1 season.

However, it will be the last one for five weeks, as events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been canceled due to the US-Israel war with Iran.

The next Formula 1 race will be on May 3 in Miami.

An aerial view of Kuwait's International Airport with a large plume of black smoke billowing up
An Iranian strike on Kuwait International Airport hit a fuel tank, sending a large plume of black smoke into the skyImage: European Space Agency/AFP

After nearly a month of war involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian counterstrikes on countries in the region, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards urged civilians to stay away from areas near US forces.

“The cowardly American-Zionist forces… are attempting to use civilian locations and innocent people as human shields,” said the Guards in a statement on their Sepah News website. 

“We recommend that you urgently leave locations where American forces are stationed so that no harm comes to you,” the statement said.

Iranian strikes have repeatedly targeted civilian areas in the region, including residential areas and airports.

After nearly a month of war involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian counterstrikes on countries in the region, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards urged civilians to stay away from areas near US forces.

“The cowardly American-Zionist forces… are attempting to use civilian locations and innocent people as human shields,” said the Guards in a statement on their Sepah News website. 

“We recommend that you urgently leave locations where American forces are stationed so that no harm comes to you,” the statement said.

Iranian strikes have repeatedly targeted civilian areas in the region, including residential areas and airports.

The UN rights chief, Volker Türk, said that the deadly bombing of an Iranian school on February 28, at the ​start of US-Israeli strikes, caused “visceral horror” and urged the United States to finish its investigation.

“Senior US officials have ‌said the strike ‌is under investigation. ​I call for that process to be concluded ​as soon as possible, and for its findings ⁠to ​be made public,” ​Türk told the UN ​Human Rights ‌Council in Geneva during the deabate focused on the strike.

“There must be justice ⁠for ​the terrible harm done,” he added.

Türk also said that “whatever differences countries have, we can all agree they will not be solved by killing schoolchildren”.

According to the preliminary findings of a US military investigation reported by The New York Times, a US Tomahawk cruise missile hit the school due to a targeting mistake.

Evidence points to US role in deadly Iran school attack

The UN rights chief, Volker Türk, said that the deadly bombing of an Iranian school on February 28, at the ​start of US-Israeli strikes, caused “visceral horror” and urged the United States to finish its investigation.

“Senior US officials have ‌said the strike ‌is under investigation. ​I call for that process to be concluded ​as soon as possible, and for its findings ⁠to ​be made public,” ​Türk told the UN ​Human Rights ‌Council in Geneva during the deabate focused on the strike.

“There must be justice ⁠for ​the terrible harm done,” he added.

Türk also said that “whatever differences countries have, we can all agree they will not be solved by killing schoolchildren”.

According to the preliminary findings of a US military investigation reported by The New York Times, a US Tomahawk cruise missile hit the school due to a targeting mistake.

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The United Arab Emirates has informed the US and other Western allies that it will participate in a multinational maritime task force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

According to three people familiar with the situation, the UAE has informed the United States and other Western nations of its intention to participate in the mission. Two of the FT sources noted that Abu Dhabi will deploy its own naval forces to the operation.

The FT also reported that the UAE is trying to push dozens of countries to create a “Hormuz Security Force” to defend the strait from Iranian attacks and escort shipping.

Several US allies have previously stated that they have no plans to send ships to open the Strait of Hormuz in the near future.

The United Arab Emirates has informed the US and other Western allies that it will participate in a multinational maritime task force to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported on Friday.

According to three people familiar with the situation, the UAE has informed the United States and other Western nations of its intention to participate in the mission. Two of the FT sources noted that Abu Dhabi will deploy its own naval forces to the operation.

The FT also reported that the UAE is trying to push dozens of countries to create a “Hormuz Security Force” to defend the strait from Iranian attacks and escort shipping.

Several US allies have previously stated that they have no plans to send ships to open the Strait of Hormuz in the near future.

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul speaks to the media as he arrives for a Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, in Brussels on March 16, 2026
Wadephul siad he is aware of indirect communication between Iran and the US [FILE: March 16, 2026]Image: Nicolas Tucat/AFP/Getty Images

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that the United States and Iran have held indirect negotiations and that representatives from both sides plan to meet shortly in Pakistan.

“Based on my information, there have been indirect contacts, and preparations have been made to meet directly. That would be very soon in Pakistan, apparently,” he told Deutschlandfunk radio.

“And that is good news, after all, that these talks can take place,” Wadephul added. 

According to the German minister, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will “perhaps elaborate on this in more detail later today” at the G7 foreign ministers meeting in France.

The foreign minister added that the US had not made any specific requests to Germany for help in the Iran war, but the Germany has offered support for after the conflict.

Wadephul also reiterated Germany’s willingness to help secure shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz once the war ends.

“As we have always said: Once this war is over, Germany is, in principle, prepared to consider whether we can help secure shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” the minister said. “But we have to get there first.”

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that the United States and Iran have held indirect negotiations and that representatives from both sides plan to meet shortly in Pakistan.

“Based on my information, there have been indirect contacts, and preparations have been made to meet directly. That would be very soon in Pakistan, apparently,” he told Deutschlandfunk radio.

“And that is good news, after all, that these talks can take place,” Wadephul added. 

According to the German minister, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will “perhaps elaborate on this in more detail later today” at the G7 foreign ministers meeting in France.

The foreign minister added that the US had not made any specific requests to Germany for help in the Iran war, but the Germany has offered support for after the conflict.

Wadephul also reiterated Germany’s willingness to help secure shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz once the war ends.

“As we have always said: Once this war is over, Germany is, in principle, prepared to consider whether we can help secure shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz,” the minister said. “But we have to get there first.”

Kuwait‘s main commercial port, Shuwaikh, was damaged in a drone attack, but authorities said there were no casualties.

The port was targeted on Friday morning “by enemy drones, preliminary reports revealed material damage but no human casualties,” according to a statement from the Kuwait port authority on X.

The authority offered no other details.

Kuwait has been multiple times by Iranian strikes, with one such incident sparking a large fire at its international airport on Wednesday.

Kuwait‘s main commercial port, Shuwaikh, was damaged in a drone attack, but authorities said there were no casualties.

The port was targeted on Friday morning “by enemy drones, preliminary reports revealed material damage but no human casualties,” according to a statement from the Kuwait port authority on X.

The authority offered no other details.

Kuwait has been multiple times by Iranian strikes, with one such incident sparking a large fire at its international airport on Wednesday.

February 28: War starts, the US and Israel launch attacks across Iran. Within hours of the strkes, Iran announces closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

March 5: Oil price tops $100 for the first time. US President Donald Trump says he wants a say in who will replace Iran’s killed supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and rules out Khamenei’s son Mojtaba who ends up being picked anyway.

March 13: The US conducts a large-scale bombing raid on Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub. The strikes hit over 90 Iranian military sites but left the oil and gas infrastructure intact.

March 14: Initial reports that more US Marines are being deployed to the Middle East. These reports will continue later in March.

March 21: Trump threatens to attack Iran’s energy facilities if they don’t open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Tehran rejects the threat.

March 23: Trump walks back his threat and extends the deadline by five days. He also speaks of “very good” talks with an unidentified Iranian official, Iran denies any talks.

March 24: The US sends a 15-point peace plan to Iran via intermediaries in Pakistan.

March 25: Iran says it is still not talking to the US and cannot trust them after being attacked twice in the past nine months during ongoing negotiations

March 26: Trump extends the deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days. He says Iran is “begging” for a deal, and the talks are going well. The Wall Street Journal reports the Pentagon is considering sending a further 10,000 troops to the region amid speculation over a ground invasion.

February 28: War starts, the US and Israel launch attacks across Iran. Within hours of the strkes, Iran announces closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

March 5: Oil price tops $100 for the first time. US President Donald Trump says he wants a say in who will replace Iran’s killed supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and rules out Khamenei’s son Mojtaba who ends up being picked anyway.

March 13: The US conducts a large-scale bombing raid on Kharg Island, a major Iranian oil export hub. The strikes hit over 90 Iranian military sites but left the oil and gas infrastructure intact.

March 14: Initial reports that more US Marines are being deployed to the Middle East. These reports will continue later in March.

March 21: Trump threatens to attack Iran’s energy facilities if they don’t open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Tehran rejects the threat.

March 23: Trump walks back his threat and extends the deadline by five days. He also speaks of “very good” talks with an unidentified Iranian official, Iran denies any talks.

March 24: The US sends a 15-point peace plan to Iran via intermediaries in Pakistan.

March 25: Iran says it is still not talking to the US and cannot trust them after being attacked twice in the past nine months during ongoing negotiations

March 26: Trump extends the deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days. He says Iran is “begging” for a deal, and the talks are going well. The Wall Street Journal reports the Pentagon is considering sending a further 10,000 troops to the region amid speculation over a ground invasion.

A view of ruins as large number of buildings, structures, and vehicles were damaged in the region after the Israeli army launched attacks on the Dahieh area in southern Beirut, Lebanon, on March 25, 2026
Beirut has repeatedly come under attack from Israeli forcesImage: Houssam Shbaro/Anadolu Agency/IMAGO

Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs at dawn on Friday, according to media reports.

According to Lebanon‘s official National News Agency, “enemy aircraft” raided Tahouitet al-Ghadir in the southern suburbs at dawn on Friday.

AFP correspondents also heard several explosions in the Hezbollah stronghold, an area that Israel has repeatedly attacked since the outbreak of war this month.

Although Israel had previously issued sweeping evacuation warnings for the area, it provided no specific warning in advance of Friday’s strike.

The Israeli military Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee told residents of Sejoud village in southern Lebanon to evacuate just hours later.

According to the AP news agency, Israel’s military announced early Friday that it had also conducted a series of strikes “in the heart of Tehran.”

There have been no reports of casualties or damage in the Iranian capital yet.

Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs at dawn on Friday, according to media reports.

According to Lebanon‘s official National News Agency, “enemy aircraft” raided Tahouitet al-Ghadir in the southern suburbs at dawn on Friday.

AFP correspondents also heard several explosions in the Hezbollah stronghold, an area that Israel has repeatedly attacked since the outbreak of war this month.

Although Israel had previously issued sweeping evacuation warnings for the area, it provided no specific warning in advance of Friday’s strike.

The Israeli military Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee told residents of Sejoud village in southern Lebanon to evacuate just hours later.

According to the AP news agency, Israel’s military announced early Friday that it had also conducted a series of strikes “in the heart of Tehran.”

There have been no reports of casualties or damage in the Iranian capital yet.

[analyse_source url=”https://www.dw.com/en/iran-war-stocks-sink-as-trump-pushes-back-hormuz-deadline/live-76555531″]


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