Israel Launches Strikes on Iran as Diplomatic Efforts Stall

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Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran early Friday, targeting sites used by Iran to produce ballistic missiles and other weapons. The attacks came ahead of a planned U.N. Security Council meeting to discuss attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure, as the U.S. and Iran appeared at a diplomatic impasse over a proposed ceasefire. The U.S. has ordered thousands more troops to the region, while Iran continues to fire missiles and drones at its Gulf Arab neighbors.

Why it matters

The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated sharply, with both sides launching attacks and the U.S. getting more involved militarily. This threatens to further destabilize the region and disrupt global energy supplies, as Iran maintains a stranglehold on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire have so far failed, raising the risk of the conflict spiraling out of control.

The details

Israel's attack on Friday targeted sites in the heart of Tehran that Iran uses to produce ballistic missiles and other weapons. The strikes also hit missile launchers and storage sites in western Iran. Smoke was also reported over Beirut, though Israel did not immediately claim responsibility. Iran continued firing missiles and drones at its Gulf Arab neighbors, with sirens sounding in Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. Kuwait also reported damage to its Shuwaikh Port from the attacks.

• The attacks occurred early Friday morning.
• The U.S. has pushed a 15-point ceasefire proposal, but the deadline set by President Trump for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz was pushed back to April 6.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting on Friday to discuss the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian civilian infrastructure.