Iran Fires Missiles at Israel After Trump Threatens Weeks of ‘Extremely Hard’ Strikes

Israel came under missile fire from Iran on Thursday following a stern warning from US President Donald Trump, who said Washington could bomb Iran into the “Stone Ages” with heavy strikes over the next two to three weeks.

Speaking from the White House, Trump sought to reassure Americans that the military campaign launched on February 28, 2026, was nearing completion. He said, “Thanks to the progress we’ve made, we are on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly.” He added that, over the coming weeks, U.S. forces would target key Iranian sites, including electric generating plants and critical infrastructure, unless Tehran agreed to his conditions.

Trump also indicated that negotiations might be possible with Iran’s new leadership, describing them as “less radical and much more reasonable” than their predecessor. Despite this, Iran rejected U.S. ceasefire overtures, calling the demands “maximalist and irrational,” with foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirming that no direct talks were taking place.

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Following Trump’s address, the Israeli military reported four missile barrages within six hours, with air raid sirens sounding across northern and central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Israeli defenses actively intercepted incoming missiles, while the Revolutionary Guards confirmed targeting an oil tanker in the Gulf, allegedly Israeli-owned, which sustained damage but caused no casualties.

The escalation also involved Iran-backed groups in the region. Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into northern Israel, while Israel struck back in Lebanon, killing several militants, including a top commander. Authorities say over 1,300 people have died in Lebanon since the war between Israel and Iran-backed forces erupted on March 2, 2026.

Meanwhile, energy markets reacted sharply, with Brent crude rising more than 4% to over $105 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate reaching around $103 per barrel, due to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil normally passes. Britain hosted a virtual meeting of 35 countries to explore reopening the strait, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing freedom of navigation.

In Tehran, Iranians expressed defiance amid the funeral of a Revolutionary Guards naval commander killed in Israeli strikes. Pro-government citizens vowed continued resistance. “This war has lasted a month. However long it takes, we will continue,” said Moussa Nowruzi, a 57-year-old pensioner.

Trump reassured regional allies — including Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain — that the U.S. would protect them from Iranian retaliatory fire. The conflict remains highly volatile, with analysts warning that further missile exchanges and regional flare-ups are likely if diplomatic solutions are not achieved soon.

Iran Fires Missiles at Israel After Trump Threatens Weeks of ‘Extremely Hard’ Strikes

Israeli Fire Kills Three UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon

Three United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in southern Lebanon, with others seriously injured, as clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants intensify. The fatalities, all members of Indonesia’s UNIFIL contingent, mark one of the deadliest attacks on peacekeepers in recent years.

The first incident occurred on Sunday, March 29, when a projectile exploded near a UNIFIL position in Adchit al-Qusayr, killing one peacekeeper and seriously injuring another. Evidence suggests the projectile may have been fired from an Israeli tank, though investigations are ongoing. The following day, two more Indonesian peacekeepers were killed when a logistics convoy vehicle was destroyed by an explosion of unknown origin near Bani Hayyan, leaving additional personnel injured.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the killings, calling them “grave violations of international humanitarian law” and emphasizing that “no one should ever have to die while serving the cause of peace.” He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

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The incidents have prompted the UN Security Council to convene an emergency session to address the attacks. Several European countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium, issued a joint statement urging all parties to ensure the safety of UNIFIL personnel in accordance with international law. South Korea and other nations also condemned the attacks, highlighting the critical need to protect peacekeepers in conflict zones.

The deaths come amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have involved airstrikes, rocket fire, and ground operations along the Israel-Lebanon border. Civilians in southern Lebanon have been severely affected, with thousands displaced and casualties mounting on both sides.

The Indonesian government has called for a transparent investigation into the deaths of its personnel and stressed the importance of accountability. Meanwhile, UNIFIL continues to operate along the Blue Line, though the recent attacks underscore the growing risks faced by peacekeepers in volatile regions.

Israeli Fire Kills Three UN Peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon

Nigerian Man Gets 15-Year US Prison Term for $1.5M Romance Scam

A U.S. federal court has sentenced Nigerian national Saheed Sunday Owolabi to 15 years in prison for orchestrating an international wire fraud and money laundering scheme that defrauded victims of over $1.5 million. The sentence follows his conviction for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, highlighting the U.S. government’s crackdown on cross-border cybercrime.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Owolabi was a key figure in a sophisticated online scam in which he posed as a woman to build fake romantic relationships with U.S. victims—a tactic commonly known as a romance scam. Once trust was gained, the victims were persuaded to wire money into accounts controlled by Owolabi, who then laundered the funds to Nigeria.

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Investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that Owolabi and his co-conspirators also used victim-provided accounts to launder money from other fraudulent operations. In one case, a single victim in the Eastern District of North Carolina lost more than $120,000, with many other victims nationwide affected by the scheme.

U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle described Owolabi as a “cheat” and said the sentence underscores the FBI’s commitment to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling international fraud and money-laundering networks targeting American citizens.

The court proceedings, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad DeVoe, highlighted Owolabi’s role as an organiser in the fraud, using complex money-laundering methods to conceal illicit proceeds. The case is part of broader U.S. enforcement efforts against online fraud, cybercrime, and cross-border financial crimes, particularly schemes leveraging digital platforms to exploit victims.

Authorities say the sentence serves as a strong deterrent to others involved in international scams and demonstrates that sophisticated internet fraud operations will be pursued rigorously, regardless of the perpetrators’ location.

Nigerian Man Gets 15-Year US Prison Term for $1.5M Romance Scam