[US-Israel, Iran War Day #30] Conflict Escalates as US Marines Arrive in Mideast

In Brief…

• Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt discussed possible ways to bring an early and permanent end to the war in the Middle East on Sunday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said.
• Multiple explosions were reported across Tehran and nearby areas, including near military-linked sites, while fresh strikes were also reported in Isfahan, Khorramabad and Mazandaran.
• Iranian officials escalated rhetoric, warning US troops against any ground operation, threatening US-linked companies and universities in the region, and saying any move on Iranian islands would bring heavy losses.
• Iran’s nationwide internet blackout entered its 30th day, with connectivity still at about 1% of normal levels, according to NetBlocks on Sunday.
• Serious disagreements have emerged between Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and IRGC chief-commander Ahmad Vahidi over how to manage the war and its damaging impact on people’s livelihoods and the economy, sources with knowledge of the matter told Iran International.
• Iranian media and eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions across Tehran on Saturday evening, with blasts heard in the northeast, west, center and east of the capital.
• US Central Command said Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli arrived in its area of responsibility on March 27, deploying a force that includes roughly 3,500 personnel.

This is a developing story that HO1 will continue to monitor.
Check back for updates.

[UPDATE] Trump says US control of Strait of Hormuz ‘already happening’