Live Updates on US-Iran Conflict: Kuwaiti Oil Tanker Struck Near Dubai; Three UNIFIL Peacekeepers Killed in Lebanon

By Lyndal Rowlands, Ted Regencia, Zaid Sabah

*March 31, 2026*

*Al Jazeera*

The US-Iran conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, with US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile facilities following the breakdown of negotiations, has entered its second month. The initial strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, according to US and Israeli statements. The Pentagon has reported destroying more than 7,800 Iranian military targets, including 120 ships and 11 submarines, in the early phase of operations. Iranian and proxy forces have responded with drone, missile, and other attacks across the region. Below are the latest developments.

Trump Shares Video of Explosions Near Tehran

US President Donald Trump posted a 31-second video clip on his Truth Social platform showing a series of explosions with fireballs and smoke clouds illuminating a mountainous area at night. Trump did not specify the time or location of the blasts. The post came shortly after Al Jazeera Arabic correspondents reported hearing explosions in multiple areas of Tehran. Further details are pending confirmation.

Details on Attack on Kuwaiti Oil Tanker Al-Salmi

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), operated by the British military, reported that the tanker Al-Salmi was attacked 31 nautical miles (57 km) northwest of Dubai at approximately 1 a.m. local time (20:20 GMT). The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), the ship's owner and operator, stated that the incident caused a fire onboard and damage to the hull. The vessel was fully loaded with oil at the time, raising concerns about a potential spill into surrounding waters, though no spill has been confirmed.

Dubai authorities reported that firefighters continued responding to the blaze, and all 24 crew members were accounted for and safe. According to Maritime Optima data, the Al-Salmi is a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) with a deadweight capacity of 319,660 tonnes, placing it in the second-largest category of oil tankers.

Key Points from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's Al Jazeera Interview

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave an exclusive interview to Al Jazeera, discussing the conflict with Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and regional implications. Video highlights of the interview are available, covering topics such as US strategy and allied coordination.

Democratic Senator Warns of Healthcare Funding Cuts

California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, a critic of the Trump administration and former House manager in Trump's first impeachment trial, warned that the Pentagon's request for an additional $200 billion to fund the conflict could lead to reductions in federal healthcare spending. Citing an Axios report, Schiff noted that Republicans were considering cuts to health programs to offset costs related to the war and immigration enforcement.

In a post on X, Schiff wrote: "A war you don’t want, paid for by (more) cuts to your health care." He estimated the funding request equates to $1,400 per American family, excluding increased fuel prices and other indirect costs. Schiff questioned the objectives, mentioning potential outcomes such as a new Iranian supreme leader, higher gas prices, benefits to Russia via sanctions relief, and risks to US service members.

No Republican lawmakers have publicly confirmed plans for healthcare cuts in response to these claims.

Hezbollah Reports Attacks on Israeli Targets

Lebanon's Hezbollah group claimed responsibility for two attacks on Israeli forces. It stated that its fighters used drones to target a military checkpoint in the Misgav Am settlement in northern Israel. Separately, Hezbollah said it fired a guided missile at an Israeli Merkava tank on the road between al-Qantara and Taybeh in southern Lebanon, describing the tank as burning and prompting an Israeli evacuation under smoke and phosphorus shell fire. Israeli authorities have not confirmed these claims.

Iraqi PMF Reports US-Israeli Airstrikes on Its Bases

Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) stated that US-Israeli aircraft struck two of its bases: the 45th Brigade in Jurf al-Nasr, Babil province (three strikes), and the 31st Brigade in al-Karma, east of Anbar province (one strike). The PMF reported no casualties. In a statement, the group affirmed its continued security operations despite the attacks, emphasizing readiness and commitment to stability. US or Israeli officials have not commented on the reported strikes.

Attacks on Peshmerga Forces in Sulaimaniyah Thwarted

Sources from the Sulaimaniyah Security Directorate in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region told Al Jazeera Arabic that authorities intercepted two drones and two missiles targeting the headquarters of the Peshmerga's 70th Brigade. No further details on the origin or success of the interceptions were immediately available.

Three Indonesian UNIFIL Peacekeepers Killed in Southern Lebanon

Three Indonesian peacekeepers with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were killed by explosions in southern Lebanon amid ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The incident occurred separately from direct operations in Iran, with the explosion's origin listed as unknown by UN officials. UNIFIL has increased patrols in the area to monitor ceasefire violations. This marks a recent escalation in cross-border incidents tied to the broader conflict.

US Supports Israel's New Death Penalty Law for Certain Palestinian Convicts

Israel's Knesset approved a law on March 30, 2026, expanding the death penalty to Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, a rare measure in Israel, which has executed only one person since 1948. A US State Department spokesperson told AFP: "The United States respects Israel’s sovereign right to determine its own laws and penalties for individuals convicted of terrorism. We trust that any such measures will be carried out with a fair trial and respect for all applicable fair trial guarantees and protections."

The statement contrasts with criticism from European governments and human rights organizations, which called the law discriminatory.

Dispute Over Cause of Fire at Haifa Oil Refinery

A fire broke out at an oil refinery in Haifa Bay, Israel, a key facility for the country's refining capacity and a repeated target in the conflict. Israeli authorities stated the blaze was quickly extinguished with no threat to oil supplies or disruptions. They attributed it to debris from an intercepted missile.

Hezbollah claimed a rocket strike caused the fire. The incident follows previous attacks on the site by Iranian missiles and Hezbollah weapons from Lebanon, amid efforts by both sides to target energy and infrastructure. Haifa's proximity to the Lebanese border places it within range of Hezbollah's arsenal.

Democratic Senator Criticizes US Strategy in Conflict

Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, described the US approach as lacking strategy and stated that forces were "badly and embarrassingly losing this war." In posts on X, Murphy argued that tactics without strategy, such as past operations in Vietnam and Afghanistan, fail to achieve goals. He noted that while US forces have neutralized much of Iran's air and naval assets—including the Pentagon's reported destruction of 7,800 targets, 120 ships, and 11 submarines—remaining Iranian drones and suicide boats continue attacks.

Murphy, among lawmakers calling for an end to the US-Israeli operations, warned of a potential stronger China-Iran alliance. Proponents of the operations, including Trump administration officials, have cited the degradation of Iranian capabilities as evidence of progress.

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