Two new UN soldiers killed in Lebanon, new threats from Donald Trump against the Iranian island of Kharg, a fourth Iranian missile intercepted by Turkey, Spanish airspace closed to American aircraft. On the 31st day of conflict in the Middle East, Monday, March 30, tensions continue to rise between Iran, Israel, the United States, and their allies. Here’s what you need to know from this new day of war.
Two UN peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon
Two UN peacekeepers died in an “explosion of unknown origin” in a location in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel, announced the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Finul). Clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli army are ongoing in this region. These two deaths come the day after another peacekeeper, an Indonesian, was killed in another location in southern Lebanon by the explosion of a projectile of unknown origin. “Two Finul soldiers were tragically killed in southern Lebanon (…) by an explosion of unknown origin that destroyed their vehicle near Bani Hayyan. A third was seriously injured, and a fourth was injured,” detailed a Finul statement, which said an investigation is underway and does not attribute responsibility.
Turkey announces interception of an Iranian missile
Turkey announced the interception of a fourth missile aimed at its territory, attributed to Iran by the Ministry of Defense. “A ballistic munition, found to have been fired from Iran and entered Turkish airspace, was neutralized by NATO’s air and missile defense assets deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean,” detailed the ministry in a statement. NATO confirmed, emphasizing that it would “always do what is necessary to defend all Allies.”
Madrid closes its airspace to American aircraft
Spain, whose left-wing government is “totally opposed” to American and Israeli attacks on Iran, closed its airspace to American aircraft involved in this war, announced the Spanish Defense Minister. “The use of bases (American ones in Spain) is not authorized, and of course, the use of Spanish airspace for actions related to the war in Iran is also not allowed,” said Margarita Robles in statements to AFP, confirming a report in the El País newspaper. In practice, “Spain’s refusal to cooperate has complicated the operation” of the American forces in the Middle East, according to El País, as some Washington bombers had to “bypass the Iberian Peninsula to enter through the Strait of Gibraltar,” forcing them to “alter their routes” and logistics.
Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to expel American forces
The Iranian foreign minister urged Saudi Arabia to expel American forces from its territory, reiterating that their attacks in the region only target its enemies. “Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly country,” said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. “Our operations target enemy aggressors who have no respect for Arabs or Iranians and cannot provide any security (…). It is time to expel American forces,” he added.
Donald Trump once again threatens Kharg Island
The American president promised in a post on his social network, Truth social, to “destroy” this essential oil site for Tehran if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened and if discussions with the Iranians, whom he describes as “serious,” do not progress “quickly.” The head of state’s post, before the opening of American markets, comes as the price of oil continues to rise due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic point for global oil supply has been almost blocked by Tehran since the beginning of the war triggered by an attack by Israel and the United States.
