Two UN soldiers have died on the 31st day of war 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 (UNIFIL).
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Two more UN soldiers killed in Lebanon, new threats from Donald Trump on the Iranian island of Kharg, a fourth Iranian missile intercepted by Turkey, Spanish airspace closed to American planes…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 latest day of war.
Two UN blue helmets killed in southern Lebanon
Two UN Blue Helmets have died in an “explosion of unknown origin” in a location in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel, according to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli army are ongoing in this region. These two deaths come the day after another Blue Helmet, Indonesian, died in another location in southern Lebanon, killed by the explosion of a projectile of unknown origin. “Two soldiers of UNIFIL have been 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 hit,” details a statement from UNIFIL, which said it is conducting an investigation into the incident 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 Defense Ministry. “A ballistic missile, which was established to have been fired from Iran and had entered Turkish airspace, was neutralized by the anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense means of NATO 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 planes
Spain, whose left-wing government is “completely opposed” to American-Israeli attacks on Iran, has closed its airspace to American planes involved in this war, announced the Spanish Defense Minister. “The use of bases (American bases in Spain) is not authorized, and of course the use of Spanish airspace for actions related to the war in Iran is also not permitted,” said Margarita Robles in statements transmitted to AFP, confirming a report from the newspaper El País. In practice, “Spain’s refusal to cooperate has complicated the operation” of the United States in the Middle East, according to El País, as some American bombers had to “circumvent the Iberian Peninsula to enter through the Strait of Gibraltar,” forcing them to “modify their routes” and logistics.
Iran calls on Saudi Arabia to expel American forces
The Iranian foreign minister has urged Saudi Arabia to expel American forces from its territory, reaffirming that their attacks in the region only target their enemies. “Iran respects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and considers it a brotherly country,” said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on X. “Our operations target enemy aggressors who have no respect for Arabs or Iranians, and who cannot provide any security (…). It is high time to expel American forces,” he added.
Donald Trump once again threatens the Kharg island
The American president promised in a social media post on his Truth social network to “destroy” this essential oil site for Tehran if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened and if discussions with the Iranians, which he describes as “serious,” do not yield results “quickly.” The publication by the head of state, before the opening of American markets, comes as the price of oil continues to rise, a result of 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.
