Over 100 children killed in Tehran strike as Pentagon weighs troop surge and Gulf tensions escalate
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday condemned the US strike on a Tehran school as a “calculated” assault, after American attacks reportedly hit an elementary girls’ school on February 28, killing more than 100 students aged between seven and 12. The incident has triggered global outrage and intensified diplomatic pressure on Washington as the Iran-US war enters its fourth week. Iran has also reported fresh civilian casualties in Qom, where US-Israel strikes allegedly hit residential areas, killing at least six people, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.
Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles and drones over Riyadh
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted six missiles in Riyadh, shooting down two, while the remaining four reportedly fell in uninhabited areas or Gulf waters. Earlier, Saudi authorities also reported intercepting drones over Riyadh and the oil-rich eastern region. The attacks come amid escalating Iranian strikes on US-linked facilities across the region, even as Washington claims it remains open to negotiations with Tehran.
Thai cargo ship attacked by Iran runs ashore near Qeshm Island
In a separate development, Iranian media reported that the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree, attacked earlier this month in the Strait of Hormuz, has run ashore near the village of Ramchah on Qeshm Island. Iran attacked the vessel on March 11, after which three crew members went missing. Reports say rescuers have not located the missing crew so far, adding to concerns about shipping safety in the vital oil route.
Pentagon considers sending 10,000 troops as Trump pauses energy strikes
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon is considering deploying 10,000 additional ground troops to the Middle East, raising speculation about possible preparations for a broader ground operation. US President Donald Trump has also paused strikes on Iran’s energy sector until April 6, claiming Iran requested more time. However, the Wall Street Journal cited mediators who said Iran did not ask for such a pause. Trump has also claimed the US has “already won the war militarily,” stating that US-Israel strikes have weakened Iran’s naval and missile strength.
