Here are the latest events related to the war in the Middle East, now entering its second month:
. Iran Threats: American University of Beirut Moves to Online Classes
The American University of Beirut (AUB) announced on Sunday that its classes would be held online for the next two days, following threats from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards to target American universities in the Middle East.
The Guards specifically advised “employees, professors, and students of American universities in the region to stay one kilometer away” from campuses that could be targeted, after reporting the destruction of two universities in Iran by American-Israeli strikes.
. Volodymyr Zelensky Announces Being in Jordan for “Security” Discussions
“Today Jordan. Security is the number one priority, and it is important for all partners to make the necessary efforts in this regard. Ukraine is doing its part. Important meetings ahead,” declared the Ukrainian president.
This visit comes after Ukraine, known for its expertise in countering Iranian drones sent by Russia, signed defense agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
. Impact in an Industrial Zone After an Iranian Strike
The Israeli army told AFP that an industrial zone in southern Israel had likely been hit by a “missile debris,” after local media showed images of a large black smoke cloud above the site.
Reports suggest this was the industrial zone of Ramat Hovav, north of Beersheva, the main city in southern Israel located in the Negev desert.
. Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Prevented from Accessing the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday Mass
For the first time in centuries, Church leaders were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, due to security reasons, according to a joint statement.
The measure was motivated by “security” and had no “malicious intent,” as stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.
At the start of the U.S.-led offensive against Iran on February 28, Israeli authorities banned large gatherings, including in synagogues, churches, and mosques, and limited public gatherings to about 50 people.
. Bahrain Bans Night Navigation in its Territorial Waters Facing “Iranian Aggression”
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced the ban on night navigation due to “blatant Iranian aggression,” referring to strikes targeting Bahrain and its Gulf neighbors for over a month.
The navigation ban, effective “today until further notice,” extends from 6:00 PM to 4:00 AM local time, as specified in the ministry’s statement.
. Middle East War: “God Does Not Listen to the Prayers of Those Who Make War,” Warns the Pope
“Here is our God: Jesus, King of Peace. A God who rejects war, who no one can invoke to justify war, who does not listen to the prayers of those who make war,” warned Pope Leon XIV in his Palm Sunday homily.
“Through prayer, we stand closer than ever to the Christians in the Middle East, suffering from the consequences of a terrible conflict and, in many cases, unable to fully observe these holy days’ rituals,” added the Pope after the Angelus prayer.
. Houthi Attacks on Israel: Paris Denounces as “Irresponsible Act”
“The Houthis must refrain from any attack,” emphasized Pascal Confavreux, French Foreign Ministry spokesman, urging all parties to avoid a further escalation of the conflict.
Yemen’s Houthis claimed two attacks on Israel on Saturday, marking their entry as allied rebels of Tehran into the Middle East conflict.
. Iran Threatens to Target USS Abraham Lincoln
Iran’s naval chief, Shahram Irani, stated that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln would be targeted if within range.
“As soon as the USS Abraham Lincoln naval group is within range, we will avenge the martyrs of the Dena ship by launching various types of sea-to-sea missiles,” he threatened, referring to the Iranian frigate sunk by the U.S. on March 4.
. Two Ships Cross the Strait of Hormuz to India
Two Indian-flagged ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) crossed the Strait of Hormuz, the Indian Ministry of Shipping announced on Sunday.
Both LPG carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, with a combined cargo of about 94,000 tons, are heading to the Indian coast as Iran has nearly halted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
. Quadripartite Meeting in Islamabad on the War
Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey began quadripartite discussions in Islamabad on the Middle East war, where Pakistan acts as an intermediary between the U.S. and Iran.
The diplomatic meeting of these Muslim nations is expected to address “efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region,” according to the Pakistani Foreign Minister.
