The Latest
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Iran Threatens USS Abraham Lincoln Amid Tensions
Tehran also expressed intentions to target U.S. universities in the region.
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Iran declared its intent to target the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier if it enters missile range. Iran’s navy chief issued this statement following remarks from Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who accused the United States of preparing a ground assault on Iran while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic channels.
In Islamabad, Middle East powers are holding talks to mediate the conflict. These discussions aim to find an end to the ongoing hostilities in the region.
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Iran Attack Damages U.S. Military Aircraft in Saudi Arabia
Ten U.S. service members were injured, some critically.
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On March 27, the Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia led to significant damage to U.S. military aircraft, including a possible total loss of a U.S. Air Force E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
Ten U.S. service members were injured, some critically.
Images circulated on social media show what appears to be extensive damage to the E-3. The authenticity of these images is not yet confirmed, though initial assessments suggest they might be genuine. The attack reportedly involved long-range drones and ballistic missiles. Commercial satellite imagery from foreign sources shows notable damage to the base’s main apron. Satellite imagery before the image delays by major U.S. providers, such as Planet Labs, indicates attempts to protect assets by dispersing aircraft across the airfield.
Five other tankers were also damaged earlier in the conflict at Prince Sultan Air Base, a key site for supporting the U.S. war effort. The U.S. had deployed six E-3s to the Middle East before the conflict, and replacements like the E-7 Wedgetail are delayed. Iran has reportedly targeted regional radar installations, with potential targeting data support from Chinese and Russian satellites.
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Pentagon May Reroute Weapons from Ukraine to Middle East
The possible reallocation includes air defense interceptor missiles purchased through a NATO initiative designed to supply U.S. arms to Ukraine.
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The Pentagon is considering reallocating weapons initially intended for Ukraine to the Middle East due to the challenges posed by the conflict in Iran, according to a Washington Post report citing three sources familiar with the situation.
A Pentagon representative assured the Washington Post that the Defense Department remains committed to ensuring that U.S. forces and their allies receive necessary resources to succeed.
In response to inquiries about the report, a NATO official confirmed the ongoing commitment of alliance members and partners to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program. They stated, “Equipment is continuously flowing into Ukraine,” noting that several billion dollars have already been pledged, with further contributions anticipated.
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U.S.-Iran Talks Denied by Tehran, Airstrikes Paused
President Donald Trump announced a five-day pause in U.S. airstrikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, citing ‘very good and productive conversations’ with Tehran about resolving regional hostilities. However, Iran claims no direct or indirect talks with U.S. officials have occurred.
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President Donald Trump announced a five-day pause in U.S. airstrikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, citing ‘very good and productive conversations’ with Tehran about resolving regional hostilities. However, Iran claims no direct or indirect talks with U.S. officials have occurred.
Over the weekend, Trump had given Iran 48 hours to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of potential consequences. Despite Iran’s denial, Trump insists discussions are progressing, with ‘major points of agreement’ identified. He noted the talks involved his Middle East envoys and a ‘respected’ Iranian leader, not Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who remains incapacitated following recent events.
Tehran’s Fars News Agency disputes Trump’s claims, suggesting his statements indicate a withdrawal from aggressive stances. Despite the purported diplomatic efforts, tensions persist, with Iran allegedly planning retaliatory strikes on key U.S. infrastructures, and Iranian armed forces threatening the use of ‘secret weapons.’
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Strikes Near Israel’s Nuclear Research Center Mark New Phase of War
Iranian missiles hit areas near Dimona in southern Israel, raising concerns over proximity to nuclear facilities.
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Iranian missile strikes on March 21 targeted southern Israel, hitting areas around Dimona and Arad. The attacks injured over 100 people and caused significant damage.
Evidence indicates that the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center near Dimona was not directly hit, though at least one missile landed nearby. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed no damage to the facility and reported normal radiation levels after the attack.
Dimona is a critical site linked to Israel’s nuclear research. Although specific capabilities are undisclosed, the site’s strategic importance makes military activity in the vicinity notable, even if unintentional impacts occur.
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Iran threatens to attack Mideast electrical plants powering US bases
Israel and Iran continue exchanging strikes, heightening regional tensions.
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Early Monday, Israel conducted extensive strikes on Tehran’s infrastructure, while Iran renewed its attacks on neighboring Gulf states, threatening to target their power plants. Amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to reopen the waterway, threatening military action against Iranian power plants. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned of retaliatory strikes on American bases’ power supplies.
In an interview on Iran International, U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper advised Iranians to remain in shelters, noting Iran’s missile and drone launches from populated areas might be targeted.
Meanwhile, defense systems in the United Arab Emirates intercepted a missile near Abu Dhabi, injuring one person with shrapnel. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also reported intercepting projectiles. Rising oil prices and stock market volatility reflect global apprehensions about an energy crisis.
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Kremlin: Ukraine Peace Talks Paused Amid Iran Conflict
The Kremlin announced a pause in Ukraine peace talks, citing the Iran conflict.
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The Kremlin announced Thursday that peace negotiations with the Trump administration concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict are on a “situational pause” due to ongoing events in Iran.
Ukraine has expressed readiness to support the U.S. in countering drone attacks from Iran, while Russia has opposed the U.S. and Israeli military actions. CIA Director John Ratcliffe informed a Senate committee that Iran has sought Russian intelligence support, but did not confirm whether such support was provided, citing classified discussions.
Six months ago, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska to further peace talks for the Ukraine crisis.
In December, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a comprehensive peace plan, which involves some territorial concessions and a security pact involving the U.S., NATO, and European nations.
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Iran Women’s Soccer Team Receives Hero’s Welcome in Tehran
Iran’s women’s soccer team returned home to a hero’s welcome after some players initially sought asylum.
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Iran’s national women’s soccer team returned home to a large welcome in Tehran after playing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. The team members, including six players and a staff member, initially sought asylum but later decided to return. The return drew attention amid allegations of familial pressure by Iranian authorities.
State media reported thousands gathered in Valiasr Square for the event, where images showed expressions of loyalty to Iran. Players, who faced backlash for not singing the national anthem during an early match, later joined in singing it. Team members who returned cited national pride over offers of asylum-related incentives.
In Australia, some players, criticized at home as “wartime traitors,” submitted asylum claims, which they later withdrew. Activists allege their families faced pressure in Iran, while Iranian officials mentioned athletes were courted by lucrative offers abroad.
Iranian soccer official Farideh Shojaei acknowledged these offers but praised the athletes for prioritizing their national identity. Two players remained in Australia, while the others traveled back to Iran via Malaysia, Oman, and Turkiye.
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FBI Takes Down Pro-Iranian Websites After Stryker Hack
The FBI seized websites linked to Handala after a cyberattack on Stryker.
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The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shut down two websites linked to the pro-Iranian hacktivist group Handala, which recently claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on U.S. medical technology company Stryker. One site publicized Handala’s cyberactivities, while the other doxed individuals tied to the Israeli military and defense firms. These sites now display a banner citing U.S. law enforcement activity.
The FBI’s announcement suggested that the websites were used for cyber activities involving a foreign state actor, stating, “The United States Government has taken control of this domain to disrupt ongoing malicious cyber operations and prevent further exploitation.” Nameserver records confirm FBI control.
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Trump imposes 25% tariff on nations trading with Iran
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President Trump on Monday announced a 25% tariff on all goods from countries engaging in trade with Iran, a move aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran amid ongoing anti-government protests.
The tariffs are effective immediately, Trump wrote on Truth Social, applying to “any and all business being done with the United States of America.”
The specific countries affected were not identified. Iran maintains significant trade relationships with China and the United Arab Emirates. China imported approximately $22.4 billion in Iranian goods in 2022, according to World Bank data, and continues to purchase Iranian oil despite existing U.S. sanctions, a CBS News investigation noted.
China is also the United States’ third-largest trade partner. In 2024, Americans imported $438.9 billion in Chinese goods, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Iran also imported around $18 billion in goods from the United Arab Emirates in 2022. The UAE hosts thousands of U.S. military personnel and is considered a key regional security partner.
Trade between Iran and the United States remains minimal due to longstanding U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear program. The new tariffs mark a further step in restricting Iran’s access to the global economy.
The announcement comes as Iran experiences its largest wave of anti-government protests in years, partly driven by economic hardship. More than 500 people have been reported killed in the unrest, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Trump has said he would consider action if Iranian authorities escalate the crackdown. “The military is looking at it, and we’re looking at some very strong options,” he told reporters Sunday. “We’ll make a determination.”
A U.S. official told CBS News that Trump has been briefed on possible military responses in Iran.