A resident gestures from an upper floor of a ruined residential building that was hit in an airstrike earlier this morning on March 30, 2026 in the west of Tehran, Iran.
Majid Saeedi/Getty Images Europe
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Majid Saeedi/Getty Images Europe
Amid escalating tensions, President Trump took to social media advising European nations grappling with fuel shortages to “Go get your own oil!” following their hesitance to aid the U.S. in the ongoing conflict. His remarks came after a night filled with hostilities, where Iranian forces targeted a Kuwaiti oil tanker off the coast of Dubai. Local authorities confirmed that the fire was extinguished without any oil spills or injuries.
Tuesday morning saw the Emirates’ Defense Ministry announcing the interception of missiles and drones launched by Iran. Meanwhile, central Israel was under attack, with the military confirming rescuer deployment to the affected areas amidst reports of injuries.
The Israeli forces responded by executing airstrikes on government infrastructure in Tehran and advancing their offensive into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s weapon facilities. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 1,200 lives in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese government, including the loss of three Israeli soldiers.
Trump Criticizes Allies
In a bold statement on social media, President Trump criticized allies like France and the UK for their lack of support. “All of those countries that can’t get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT,” he posted on Truth Social.
Despite Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz leading to rising oil and gas prices, allies have been reluctant to join the conflict. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated the UK’s stance against involvement. President Trump concluded his post by urging these nations to secure their energy resources independently, as “the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us.”
Trump further criticized France for its refusal to allow military supply flights to Israel over its airspace, labeling the nation as “VERY UNHELPFUL.”
Upcoming Pentagon Briefing
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are set to address the press on the Iran conflict at 8 a.m. Eastern Time. It marks their first media interaction since March 19. President Trump warned of potential U.S. actions, including seizing Iran’s resources or “blow it up,” should Tehran fail to open the Strait of Hormuz. Talks with Iran continue, with the White House aiming for a resolution before the April deadline.
U.S. Central Command reported that Commander Adm. Brad Cooper met with Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir of the Israel Defense Forces during a visit to Israel to discuss operations aimed at curbing Iran’s influence. Cooper also recognized over 40 U.S. service members for their contributions to Operation Epic Fury.
UN Security Council Convenes
Following the deaths of three U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon, the United Nations Security Council is convening an emergency session. Israel’s military actions in southern Lebanon have intensified, with recent strikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds.
All three peacekeepers, from Indonesia, were killed under circumstances still under investigation. Indonesia’s foreign ministry is demanding a swift and transparent inquiry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s objectives in Iran are nearing completion, but the military efforts in Lebanon are expanding.
Arrests and Executions in Iran
In a crackdown on communication, Iran has detained 46 individuals for selling Starlink internet connections, a vital link to the global web amidst government-enforced internet blackouts. NetBlocks highlighted ongoing challenges faced by Iranians due to the digital isolation.
Additionally, Iran executed four individuals, including two accused of espionage for the U.S. and Israel, amidst the ongoing unrest.
Rising Tensions with NATO Allies
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Spain for closing its airspace to U.S. military planes involved in the Iran conflict, accusing the country of boasting about the decision. Spain’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles confirmed the airspace closure, adding fuel to the diplomatic tensions.
The closure has complicated U.S. and Israeli military operations, prompting President Trump to threaten trade sanctions against Spain if the restriction remains. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, however, has remained firm in his opposition to the conflict, using it as a political platform domestically.
Trump Shares Video of Explosion
President Trump posted a video of an explosion on Truth Social, which the Associated Press suggests may depict a U.S. attack on Isfahan. The post, conspicuously lacking a caption, shows two consecutive explosions with a significant smoke plume.
Dalai Lama Advocates for Peace
The Dalai Lama called for peace across the Middle East, emphasizing the detrimental cycle of violence. “History has shown us time and again that violence only begets more violence and is never a lasting foundation for peace,” he expressed on his official account on X.
He encouraged dialogue and mutual respect as pathways to conflict resolution, resonating with Pope Leo’s call for peace made during Palm Sunday Mass.
Carrie Kahn in Tel Aviv, Lauren Frayer in Beirut, Jennifer Pak in Shanghai, Giles Snyder in Washington D.C., Emily Feng in Van, Turkey, Miguel Macias in Seville, Spain, and Kate Bartlett in Johannesburg contributed to this report.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
