March 28, 2026
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels said late Saturday they launched a second missile and drone attack targeting Israel, after officially declaring their entry into the month-long war earlier in the day. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said the group fired “a barrage of cruise missiles and drones targeting several vital and military sites” in Israel, adding the action “coincided with the military operations being carried out by” Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Houthis vowed to continue operations in the coming days.
Israel reported intercepting a missile over Tel Aviv that it said had been launched by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it struck a Tehran compound used by Iran to research and develop naval weapons, calling it the headquarters of the Marine Industries Organization responsible for a range of maritime systems.
Regional and international developments
US condemnation: The US “unequivocally and forcefully” condemned an attack on the private residence of Nechirvan Barzani, president of the autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq, blaming pro-Iran militias. State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the actions by Iran and its proxies were “a direct assault on Iraq’s sovereignty, stability, and unity.” Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called the drone attack “cowardly” and urged Baghdad to act.
Iraq: Iraq’s Interior Ministry reported that two police officers were killed and five wounded in strikes on Mosul that it blamed on the US and Israel. The ministry said the wounded were hit in a second strike while rescuing colleagues; the initial attack hit a police station shared with Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a mostly Shiite umbrella group with factions aligned to Iran.
Lebanon: An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed two reporters and a cameraman working for Al Mayadeen and Al Manar, broadcasters affiliated with Hezbollah. Al Manar said correspondent Ali Shoeib died in an attack on a vehicle near Jezzine. The Israeli military acknowledged targeting Shoeib, accusing him of acting as an intelligence operative for Hezbollah’s Radwan Force and using journalistic cover to expose IDF positions.
Syria: State media reported Syrian forces foiled a drone attack from Iraq targeting the Al-Tanf base in southern Syria, a site that previously hosted US forces. Earlier this week Damascus said one of its northeast bases had been hit by a missile from Iraq.
Maritime and diplomacy moves
Strait of Hormuz: Iran has allowed 20 more Pakistani-flagged ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz—two per day—after largely closing the waterway since the war began. Pakistan’s foreign minister described the gesture as constructive and urged de-escalation; Pakistan is hosting talks with top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt to mediate an end to the conflict. Indonesia said talks with Iran over safe passage for Pertamina tankers were “positive,” and Thailand said it reached a deal with Tehran to allow its tankers safe transit.
Military deployments and alliances
US forces: The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship normally based in Japan, arrived in the Middle East carrying about 3,500 sailors and Marines along with aircraft and amphibious assets, US Central Command said. The vessel was ordered to the region amid fears of a widening conflict. The USS Boxer and other ships have also been deployed from San Diego. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US could meet its objectives without ground invasion, while President Donald Trump remained vague on intentions.
Ukraine-Qatar pact: Ukraine and Qatar signed a defense cooperation deal after an unannounced visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Doha. Kyiv has been sharing expertise in drone and anti-drone warfare with Gulf states facing Iranian attacks.
Human impact and wider reactions
Casualties and refugees: The conflict continues to exact a civilian toll and displace people regionally. DW reported Iranians crossing into Turkey recounting fear, disruption and uncertainty after a month of war.
Journalism and antisemitism: The killing of journalists in Lebanon has raised concerns about press safety. Separately, a wave of antisemitic incidents across Europe prompted Belgium to deploy soldiers to protect Jewish sites; communities say tensions fueled by recent conflicts are affecting daily life.
Protests in the US: Demonstrations under the “No Kings” banner spread across the United States, reflecting rising discontent with President Trump over policies including the Iran war, perceived corruption, immigration and economic issues. Trump’s approval ratings have fallen amid the conflict and rising energy prices tied to disruptions in the Gulf.
Infrastructure concerns: DW Tech explored whether the Iran war threatens underwater internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz—and whether global connectivity is at risk—as attacks and blockades disrupt maritime routes and energy flows.
Multilateral repercussions: As fighting spreads, various states are pursuing diplomacy to protect shipping and de-escalate. Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand and others reported talks or agreements with Iran to secure safe passage for tankers. Pakistan emphasized diplomacy and confidence-building measures as the path forward.
Summary: The conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran has broadened into a regional confrontation—drawing in Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis, prompting sorties and ballistic or drone exchanges across borders, and triggering diplomatic, military and humanitarian repercussions across the Middle East and beyond.