The Middle East conflict intensified Thursday as Israel and Iran traded strikes and tensions rose across the region on day 27 of the war. Israel says it struck Iranian infrastructure in Isfahan, while Iran launched missiles into central Israel that caused damage and injuries. Rocket and drone attacks continued from Lebanon and other neighboring states, and an Israeli soldier was killed in Lebanon.
Front lines and military moves
Israeli military officials told reporters they expect operations to continue for weeks and are preparing to ramp up actions inside Iran. A source familiar with the campaign said Israel plans to intensify strikes over the next 48 hours, focusing on arms factories in case a ceasefire is declared.
The Israel Defense Forces announced on X that it carried out “a wave of extensive strikes in Isfahan…targeting infrastructure.” Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and the IDF reported rescue crews were responding to a strike in central Israel. The military also named 21-year-old Sergeant Ori Greenberg as the servicemember killed during ground operations in Lebanon.
Israel continues to strike in southern Lebanon ahead of what officials describe as a likely prolonged ground operation aimed at Hezbollah. The Iran-backed group has persistently fired rockets into northern Israel; Israeli authorities say a civilian woman was killed earlier this week. Israeli leaders have said they intend to push Lebanese operations up to the Litani River, roughly 10–20 miles north of the border, while Hezbollah reported targeting Israeli forces in that area with a drone.
Diplomacy and negotiation claims
President Trump, speaking at a Republican fundraiser, asserted that Iran wants to negotiate with the U.S. but fears domestic backlash. He said Iran’s leadership is reluctant to publicly accept a deal because of concerns about being targeted by internal opponents or by the United States.
Washington circulated a 15-point proposal that would demand Iran end its nuclear program, halt support for proxy militias, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and limit its missile capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief. Tehran rejected the plan and says it will not negotiate on U.S. terms. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined five conditions for an end to the fighting: a halt to aggression, legal guarantees preventing renewed attacks, recognition of clear responsibility, compensation for war damages, and a comprehensive settlement across all fronts including resistance groups, plus affirmation of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials say they are not engaging in direct talks with Washington, instead exchanging messages through regional intermediaries. Pakistan has been mentioned as a potential mediator; an Islamabad official told NPR that Pakistan’s interior minister met privately with Iran’s ambassador.
U.S. military posture and Kharg Island reports
The Pentagon plans to deploy up to 3,000 paratroopers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to the region. Reports say President Trump is considering options that include seizing Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil processing facility — a move analysts warn would be highly risky for U.S. forces. The U.S. military also says it has struck more than 10,000 targets in its air campaign against Iran.
International reaction
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, speaking in Australia, described the war as “a catastrophe for the world’s economies” and sharply criticized U.S. actions, saying Washington has acted without consultation and lacks a coherent exit strategy. He noted the changing tone in transatlantic relations and said Germany would not join combat operations but could help secure shipping lanes once a ceasefire is in place.
Economic and regional impact
Iranian state-affiliated agencies Tasnim and Fars reported that parliament is moving to formalize fees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. About one-fifth of global oil shipments pass through the Strait, which Iran has effectively obstructed since the conflict began, and lawmakers say fees would assert Iranian oversight and generate revenue.
Brent crude hovered near $100 a barrel in Asian trading as markets reacted to the standoff, and Asian and European stock markets opened lower.
Gulf states and civilian impacts
Alerts sounded across the United Arab Emirates after debris from a missile interception in Abu Dhabi reportedly killed two people. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a drone over its Eastern Province, and Kuwait and Bahrain also reported incidents. Airlines continue to cancel flights serving the region; Oman Air announced cancellations to regional destinations and parts of Europe through April 15.
Reporting contributions
Reporting and on-the-ground contributions came from correspondents in Tel Aviv, Beirut, Van (Turkey), Mumbai and other locations.