Middle East Situation Update (April 3)

U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict:
① Iran
1. Iran’s iconic bridge was attacked; vows to escalate retaliation.
2. Iran’s Isfahan Mubarake Steel Plant has fully shut down production.
3. Iran’s Parliament Speaker states that 7 million volunteers are willing to fight to defend the country.
4. Iran has launched the 90th wave of strikes against U.S.-related metal industry facilities.
5. According to Tasnim News Agency: Power outages in parts of Alborz Province, Iran.
6. Iranian Revolutionary Guard: Will expand the scope of targets and accelerate the expulsion of U.S. presence in the region.
7. According to Iranian media Fars News: Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps “Fateh” unit was killed.
8. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: In Shiraz, Army Air Defense destroyed two MQ-9 drones.
9. Iran claims to have shot down an “enemy” fighter jet over Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz; U.S. Central Command denies.
10. Iran claims to have struck Oracle and Amazon data centers in the Gulf region; UAE Dubai media office denies attacks on local Oracle data centers.
11. Fars News lists multiple bridges in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, and Jordan, calling them potential targets for Iran’s military operations.
② United States
1. U.S. Navy: USS Gerald R. Ford is ready to re-engage in Iran operations.
2. U.S. Embassy in Iraq: U.S. citizens are to immediately evacuate Iraq.
3. Trump delivers a nationwide speech: declares victory, promises “intense strikes” in the next two to three weeks, claims the Iran regime has changed.
4. Trump: Iran’s largest bridge has collapsed and can no longer be used—more will follow! It’s time for Iran to reach an agreement before it’s too late; all potential for becoming a great nation will vanish!
③ Israel
1. U.S.-Israel attack on a top Iranian medical research center.
2. Regional coordinated counterattacks intensify; Israeli military faces troop shortages.
3. Israeli military reports killing over 40 Hezbollah fighters in the past day.
4. Israeli analysts: Trump is unlikely to send ground troops.
④ Others
1. Argentina expels the Iranian diplomat accredited in Argentina.
2. Putin calls Saudi Crown Prince to discuss Middle East crisis and OPEC+ cooperation.
3. Macron criticizes Trump’s remarks for weakening NATO’s trust; says militarily reopening the Strait of Hormuz is unrealistic.
4. According to Austrian “Der Kurier”: Austrian Defense Ministry states Austria refuses U.S. military aircraft flying through Austrian airspace to the Gulf region.
5. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Borrell: Must expand EU’s Operation Aspide; we cannot afford to lose another critical trade route.
⑤ Strait of Hormuz
1. Philippines states Iran has promised to ensure passage for Filipino ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
2. Russian Presidential Aide Ushakov: The Strait of Hormuz is open to Russia.
3. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister: Iran will impose transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
4. South Korea Blue House: Reports about considering paying fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz are false.
5. Market rumor: UK will convene allied military planners next week to discuss the Strait of Hormuz.
6. Brother of the late Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani: The Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war status.
7. According to IRNA: Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi states Iran is drafting a transit agreement for the Strait of Hormuz with Oman.