US families skipping meals due to
‘Israel First’ policy: Qalibaf
March 31st, 7:17pm
(PressTV)
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has criticized
US foreign policy after a CNN report revealed that US families are
skipping meals to afford skyrocketing gas prices --- triggered by
the US-Israeli war on Iran.
“Just read about Sarah and others in the U.S. skipping meals
because gas prices keep climbing,” Qalibaf wrote in a
social media post. “Sad, but this is what happens
when your leaders put others ahead of hard-
working and ordinary Americans. It’s not
America First anymore it’s Israel First.”
Qalibaf was referring to the CNN report detailing the struggles
of US citizens like Sarah Lawhun, a 31-year-old environmental
scientist from Albany, New York, who now skips lunch at
work .....to offset the rising cost of gasoline.
Lawhun...... has spent nearly $70 more at the pump
this month and drives 50 miles round-trip to her job.
“I’m trying to offset the increase by skipping lunch at work,
saving about $30 a week in homemade sandwiches and
salads” but it's leaving her feeling tired -- and hungry,
the CNN report stated.
Lawhun has also cut back on fresh vegetables and meats,
shopping more at discount grocers to salvage her ability
to save money ....and pay down medical debt.
Hundreds of US citizens wrote to CNN describing similar
hardships, with many forced to cut back on essentials,
trips, entertainment, and other items ..that help fuel
the economy.
The economic pain extends far beyond individual stories.
According to an AFP report citing The Conference Board,
US consumers’ inflation expectations ..surged in March
to levels last seen around seven months ago -- driven
by rocketing energy prices due to the war on Iran.
The Conference Board reported that “consumers’ average
and median 12-month inflation expectations ..surged in
March, to levels last seen in August 2025”, a period
when households were already grappling with
tariff uncertainty.
The percentage of consumers who believe interest rates
will rise over the next 12 months skyrocketed from
34.9 percent to 42.4 percent.
The price surge stems directly from the US-Israeli war of
aggression against Iran, which began on February 28.
In response to the attacks, Iran effectively restricted access to
the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which
approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply transits.
Oil prices - have jumped sharply as
the fighting entered its fifth week.
Just a reminder ----- KobeissiLetter writes:
Israel's Channel 12 says that in the case
of a US ground operation in Iran Israeli
soldiers..... will not be participating on
the ground.
March 30th, at 1am
(The Kobeissi Letter)
5.1M Views
_________________________________________
France, Italy join Spain --- in resisting
Trump’s pressure to join war on Iran
March 31st, 6:43pm
(PressTV)
France and Italy have joined Spain in resisting Donald Trump’s
pressure to support US-Israeli aggression against Iran, as
the illegal war he launched is now in its fifth week.
Spain said on Monday that it had closed its airspace to US planes
involved in airstrikes on Iran. The move angered Trump, who
described NATO allies as “cowards.”
In a report on Tuesday, Reuters cited sources familiar with the
matter -- stating that France has also refused to allow Israeli
aircraft carrying US weapons to cross its airspace. France
reportedly refused the request over the weekend.
The US president reacted to the decision in a post on his
Truth Social platform on Tuesday, warning that
Washington “will remember.”
The decision in Paris came after Italy last week denied
permission for US military aircraft to land at the
Sigonella air base in Sicily before heading
to West Asia, according to the report.
Some US bombers had been due to land at the base
in eastern Sicily ..before flying to West Asia.
Poland also said recently that it has no plans
to relocate one of its Patriot batteries.
Washington had previously claimed that Warsaw
was considering sending the system to help
shore up air defenses in the region.
In a similar move, Portugal .....has adopted a cautious
stance on US use of the Lajes Air Base in the Azores.
European leaders are increasingly turning down Trump’s
requests to use their airspace, as closing large parts of
southern European airspace would force US bombers
based in the UK ...........to take a longer route to the
Persian Gulf.
This would add time, put extra strain on
flight crews, and require more
aerial refueling.
This comes as the US had already suffered a tanker
setback earlier in the war, when Iraqi resistance
groups downed a KC-135 - in an incident that
killed all six crew members aboard.
Trump is pressuring NATO allies for support, while
European governments have already rebuffed
his calls for help in securing passage
through the Strait of Hormuz.
Since US and Israel launched the aggression against Iran
on February 28, the country has closed the strategic
waterway to enemy vessels and those belonging
to countries aiding the aggressors.
Citing familiar sources, the Wall Street Journal reported
on Monday that Trump is willing to end the aggression
against Iran without reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The report said that the US president told aides he was
prepared to wrap up the aggression even if the strait
remained largely closed --- after concluding that
forcing it open would push the war beyond
a four- to six-week timeline.
This comes as Trump.... had repeatedly threatened
consequences if the waterway were not reopened.
_____________________________________________________
Iran will ‘severely punish’ Israel
for attacking pharmaceutical
company: FM
March 31st, 4:48pm
(PressTV)
The US-Israeli attack on a major Iranian pharmaceutical company
specializing in anti-cancer, anesthesia, and special-disease
drugs caused significant destruction to its production line.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned Israel’s
targeting of pharmaceutical companies in recent strikes,
warning that Tehran will respond forcefully.
“The war criminals in Israel are now openly and unashamedly
bombing pharmaceutical companies,” Araghchi said in a
post on his X account on Tuesday.
He said their intentions are clear, noting that Iran’s armed
forces ---- will severely punish the aggressors.
“What they’ve gotten wrong is that they’re not dealing with
defenseless Palestinian civilians. Our Powerful Armed
Forces will severely punish aggressors.”
Early on Tuesday, following the impact of several Israeli missiles
on the Tofigh Darou industrial complex, the factory’s production
and research-&-development units were completely destroyed.
The complex is engaged in the production of pharmaceutical
raw materials, and part of its output is used in medicines
required by cancer patients.
The US and Israel launched their aggression against Iran --- on
February 28, assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking
military commanders despite indirect Tehran-
Washington negotiations on Iran's
peaceful nuclear program.
Iran’s response has been decisive and strong. The Iranian Armed
Forces have been engaged in daily waves of missile and drone
operations against US interests across West Asia and Israeli
positions in the occupied territories.
___________________________________________
Iran’s Army targets strategic industrial
and tech centres in Tel Aviv, Haifa
March 31st, 4:26pm
(PressTV)
The Iranian Army has announced a new wave of drone
operations ---- targeting strategic industrial and
communication centres linked to Israel.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Army said its forces had
launched retaliatory strikes in response to recent
attacks by Israel and the US on Iran’s
vital infrastructure.
According to the statement, since early Tuesday, the Iranian
forces have carried out drone strikes against key industrial,
telecommunications, and communications facilities
associated with companies such as Siemens,
Telecom, and AT&T.
The targets were located in areas including
Ben Gurion Airport and Haifa.
The statement said an industrial software centre affiliated with
Siemens, situated in central occupied territories near Ben
Gurion Airport, focuses on advanced technologies such
as artificial intelligence and industrial automation.
It said these technologies are employed to enhance weapons
production lines and support the design of military systems.
Additionally - a telecommunications research and development
centre linked to AT&T in Haifa was identified as another target.
The facility was described as being involved in advanced
networking technologies, cloud computing, and AI
systems supporting Israeli military operations.
The Iranian Army said its forces will continue their operations
until the threats against Iran are fully eliminated. It also
noted that it would respond decisively to any further
acts of aggression - without delay.
_________________________________________
IRGC warns it will target
US tech companies for
abetting terror in Iran
March 31st, 3:28pm
(PressTV)
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned 18
major US companies, including tech giants --- that their
offices and properties in the region will come under
attack - as they have assisted US-Israeli terror
operations inside Iran ......by providing
espionage services.
The IRGC said in a Tuesday statement that these companies
should expect Iran's reprisal attacks starting at 20:00 Iran
time on April 1, adding that their offices in the region will
be “annihilated.”
The list released by the IRGC, included big tech names such as
Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, as well as major hardware
suppliers like HP, Intel, IBM, and Cisco.
Other major brands included Tesla,
Nvidia, Oracle, JP Morgan,
and Boeing.
The IRGC described those companies..... as espionage entities
associated with the warmongering government of the United
States, saying their artificial intelligence (AI) and internet
communication technology (ICT) services - have been
the main elements in designing terror operations
and tracing assassination targets by the US
and Israel ....inside Iran.
It stated that the US government and its Israeli allies had ignored
Iran's repeated calls to stop terror operations in the country
and had carried out a new targeted terror attack earlier
on Tuesday, killing a number of Iranian citizens.
“In response to this terrorist operation, henceforth, the main
institutions involved in terrorist activities will be considered
legitimate targets,” the IRGC said.
“We advise employees of these institutions to immediately leave
their workplaces to protect their lives. Residents within a one-
kilometre radius of these terrorist companies across all
countries in the region are also urged to evacuate
and move to safe locations."
Dozens of senior Iranian political and military officials and their
family members, have been assassinated in the ongoing US-
Israeli aggression against Iran that began in late February.
Iran has vowed to avenge the assassinations by targeting
those elements that have been influential in the attacks.
___________________________________________
Iran warns of new false-flag attacks,
denies reports of missile strike
on Türkiye
March 31st, 3:17pm
(PressTV)
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned about
an imminent wave of false-flag operations orchestrated
by enemies --- attempting to drag the region into a
wider conflict.
In a phone call with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan of Türkiye,
Araghchi said reports circulated by some sources claiming
Iran had fired a missile towards Türkiye were
“completely baseless.”
He warned that such disinformation is part of a pattern,
a repeat of false-flag operations.... designed by the
enemies of peace and friendship in the region.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran -- is committed to the principle
of good neighbourliness and respect for Türkiye’s national
sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Araghchi said.
Tehran is ready for technical cooperation
to investigate any such claims, the
Iranian minister said.
Araghchi also highlighted the criminal
nature of the ongoing US-Israeli war
on Iran.
He said US officials - are openly threatening to attack Iran’s
energy and industrial infrastructure, a move he described
as a blatant war crime --------- and a flagrant violation of
international law.
“The rhetoric of US officials in openly threatening to attack Iran’s
energy and production infrastructure is in itself a criminal threat
and a clear sign of the US government’s blatant disregard for
the fundamental foundations of international law and
human principles.”
Araghchi called on the international
community --- to respond decisively.
The foreign minister detailed the scope of US-Israeli strikes,
saying they have targeted schools, universities, scientific
centres, historical and cultural sites, production and
energy infrastructure, and residential areas.
Fidan, for his part, briefed Araghchi - on a recent quadrilateral
meeting in Islamabad with the foreign ministers of Pakistan,
Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, emphasizing regional support for
halting the war ...and restoring peace and stability.
________________________________________________
Iran, resistance front: pursue
long-term strategy to wear
down US-Israeli
capabilities:
IRGC
March 31st, 1:41pm
(PressTV)
In a series of combined operations, the Iranian armed forces and
regional resistance fighters have struck US and Israeli targets
as part of the 88th wave of Operation True Promise 4.
The public relations office of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps
(IRGC) said on Tuesday that the operations were dedicated to
the martyrs of Lebanon’s Hezbollah and conducted as part
of a long-term strategy to wear down the military
capabilities of the US and Israel in the region.
During the operation, the IRGC Aerospace Force effectively
targeted sites across the occupied territories, including
Tel Aviv.
The forces launched heavy missiles, including Emad,
Khorramshahr‑4, and Qadr, at enemy targets,
according to the statement.
Among the targets, it said, were Israel’s military command
centres in Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv, Beersheba, the Galilee, the
Negev, as well as Tel Nof Air Base.
In a separate attack, the IRGC Navy and Aerospace Force also
targeted US forces’ drone control centres and troop hideouts
at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and Ali Al
Salem Air Base - in Kuwait.
The forces --- struck the sites with drones and
precision-guided missiles, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement, the
Islamic Resistance in Iraq, and Yemeni forces carried out over
120 successful operations against the northern and southern
parts of the Israeli‑occupied territories, according to the
IRGC statement.
The resistance groups - have also managed to
target positions where US commanders were
based in central and northern Iraq.
“The tactical shift in Iran’s offensive approach,” the IRGC said,
“along with the use of new missile systems and the strategic
expansion of the front by the resistance forces, reflects a
significant shift in battlefield dynamics.”
The IRGC added that this is “a long‑term objective of
diminishing the capabilities” of the Israeli regime
and the US military in the region.
The remarks come..... as the Islamic Republic continues its
legitimate and proportionate defense against the ongoing
US-Israeli war of aggression, which has targeted civilian
infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, industrial
centres, steel facilities, and other civilian‑linked
infrastructure --------- in clear violation of
international law.
In an earlier statement, the IRGC said that the aggressors,
who initiated the campaign of destruction against Iran’s
production capabilities, are now ---- witnessing the
consequences of their gross miscalculation.
Iranian forces have demonstrated precision and determination
in striking economic and strategic assets that sustain the
enemy’s war machine, sending a clear message that
any further attacks on Iranian soil will be met
with even stronger responses.
_________________________________
US-Israeli aggression on Iran:
What happened on 31st day
of the imposed war
March 31st, 7:52am
(Press TV Website Staff)
Thirty-one days into the US-Israeli war on Iran, which began with
the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution,
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, on February 28, the
military aggression ------ has continued to target
Iranian civilian and industrial infrastructure.
On Monday, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)
announced the martyrdom.. of Navy Commander Rear
Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, who succumbed to injuries
sustained during operations that inflicted heavy
damage on enemy facilities and led to the
downing of a US fighter jet.
On Day 31 of the unprovoked and illegal aggression, US-Zionist
fighter jets struck the Rooya Amusement Park in Isfahan, four
locations in Qom province, parts of Babolsar and adjacent
areas in northern Iran, as well as areas in Tabriz, Shiraz,
and Tehran.
In response, Iran's retaliatory strikes continued against Israeli
and US targets. The IRGC hit US-Israeli command centres,
drone hangars, and pilot hideouts.
The Iranian Army, for its part, launched extensive drone
operations targeting Tel Aviv and Nof HaGalil, the US
logistics centre in western Baghdad, radar stations
and US positions in the UAE, the US Victoria base
in Baghdad, and targets in Bahrain.
On the economic front, Brent crude rose to $115.93 per barrel,
marking a 62 percent gain since February 27. Australia
temporarily halved fuel taxes to protect consumers
from supply disruptions caused by the war.
Meanwhile, Pakistani mediation efforts continued. Iran's Foreign
Minister criticized European countries for their silence
on the brutal US-Israeli attacks.
The following are the key developments
from Day 31 of the imposed war:
Nuclear and military infrastructure
The Associated Press, citing the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA), reported serious damage to the heavy water
production facility in Khondab, near Arak in central Iran,
following US-Israel airstrikes.
IRGC Aerospace Commander said that retribution for attacks
on Iranian infrastructure is being carried out through the
destruction of strategic industries linked to the
US-Zionist enemy in the region.
Strikes hit Neot Hovav chemical industries in the occupied
territories, one refinery, two steel complexes and two
giant aluminium complexes.
An MQ9 drone was downed in Isfahan's sky by the IRGC's
advanced new air defense system, operating under the
country's integrated air defense network.
Iran's retaliatory strikes
The IRGC hit US-Israeli command centres, drone hangars,
and pilot hideouts in new missile strikes on their military
installations in the region.
The Iranian Army said that it launched extensive drone
operations since early Monday ---- to hit areas in the
Israeli-controlled cities of Tel Aviv and Nof HaGalil.
News sources reported a new Iranian missile attack
on the Amir Sultan US base in eastern Saudi Arabia.
Reports indicated that the US logistics support centre
in western Baghdad was hit by three drone strikes.
The Iranian Army Public Relations announced that radar
stations and US forces' positions in the UAE were hit
by drones from the Iranian Army.
Army attack drones targeted US radar stations in the UAE
responsible for detecting and tracking missiles and
combat drones. In this wave of attacks, Iranian
army drone attacks also hit the positions of
the US army in the UAE.
News sources reported new explosions heard at the US
Victoria base in Baghdad, with smoke columns rising
from the site.
Severe explosions were also heard in Bahrain,
with smoke columns rising from the blast site.
Israel Hayom reported that Iran fired three waves
of missiles toward southern Israel within 1 hour.
Israel Radio and Television reported
a missile strike in Be'er Sheva.
Agricultural company ADAMA said its Makhteshim plant
in southern Israel had been hit on Sunday by either an
Iranian missile or debris from a missile.
IRGC Navy Commander martyred
IRGC announced the martyrdom of Navy Commander
Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri following injuries he
sustained in the US-Israeli aggression.
Tangsiri was wounded after operations that “inflicted
heavy damage on enemy facilities and infrastructure
and led to the downing of an American fighter jet.”
Operations in Syria
"Karrar Battalions of Syria" began their operations
with a missile strike on the US base in Syria.
Syrian resistance groups launched missiles targeting
US soldiers at the Tadmur military airport.
Israeli attacks on Kuwait
NASA FIRMS satellite data.. identified an active fire at
the Doha West power and water desalination station
in Kuwait since yesterday.
Doha West is Kuwait's largest combined power and water
desalination facility, with a capacity of 2,400 megawatts
and 110 million gallons of water per day — 38.5 percent
of Kuwait's total desalinated water production.
Attacks Inside Iran
US-Zionist fighter jets targeted the
Rooya Amusement Park in Isfahan.
Four locations in Qom province were
hit by US and Israeli projectiles.
Two areas in the northern and western parts of Qom
were attacked 4 times by Israeli and US warplanes.
US-Israeli strikes hit parts of Babolsar and adjacent
areas, including Hadishahr and Behnamir in
northern Iran.
Explosion sounds were heard in Tabriz and Shiraz.
Several areas were hit in Tehran by Israel and the US.
Iranian casualties and civilian infrastructure damage
Following the Israeli and US attack - on a newly
established charity orphanage centre in Fardis,
Alborz, two citizens were killed and five
others were wounded.
As per the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and
Handicrafts --- over 131 historical sites have been
damaged in US-Israeli attacks on Iran, so far.
US-Israeli strikes caused a power outage in Tehran.
Power grid disruptions caused by shrapnel and
explosion waves were resolved in less than
two hours, and electricity was restored to
all areas that experienced blackouts.
Iranian officials' statements
Mohammad Reza Arif, First Vice President of Iran, stated,
"We ---- have crushed the aggressors. They.... are now
begging us to negotiate over the Strait of Hormuz.
But we must see how ready they are to give the
necessary concessions. They must say.. 'We
will no longer aggress against Iran, and we
recognize all of Iran's international rights.'"
IRGC Quds Force Commander Ismail Qaani wrote on X:
"Netanyahu dreamed.. of expanding a security belt in
the region, but the intelligent and brave fire of our
Hezbollah brothers in the north and Ansarallah
in the south --- exposed the regime's false
promises to settlers. The wish.. of the
martyred resistance commanders -
has been fulfilled: The resistance
front's war room - is one. Get
used to the new order in
the region."
US statements
The Wall Street Journal, citing a source, claimed that
Trump has ordered his advisors to pressure Iran to
hand over enriched uranium as a condition for
ending the imposed war.
Trump claimed in an interview with the Financial Times
that his preferred option is to take Iran's oil in
Kharg Island.
Trump's contradicting statements:
"Maybe we'll seize Kharg Island, maybe not,
meaning we might have to stay there for
a while."
"A ceasefire agreement could be reached
very quickly."
''We have bombed 13,000 targets in Iran,
with about 3,000 targets remaining.''
''It's difficult... to predict where things will go
with Iran because we are negotiating with
them, but the option of attacking them
remains on the table if necessary.''
When asked if he expects an agreement with
Iran next week: ''Yes, I see that possibility,
and it could happen soon.''
''We are engaging with a new group of people
in Iran who behave rationally, and I consider
them - a new system.''
The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US
officials.. that Trump is considering a
military operation: to remove nearly
450 kilograms of uranium from Iran.
Trump wrote on social media: "We are in serious
negotiations with a more rational system to end
military operations in Iran. If no agreement is
reached, I will destroy all power plants, oil
wells, and Kharg Island in Iran. Significant
progress has been made in negotiations
to end military operations in Iran."
White House on talks with Iran: ''What is said publicly
differs from what is discussed in private sessions.
There remains a real opportunity for Iran's
system to sign a good agreement and
permanently abandon its nuclear
ambitions.''
Economic and energy impacts
The Economist reported that Iran is now earning nearly twice
as much from oil sales each day compared to before the US
and Israeli bombings began on February 28. Tehran is
winning the energy war.
Russia has reportedly gained an unexpected windfall from
the West Asian war. Kremlin oil revenues.. have reached
their highest level in four years as oil prices have risen
to $100 per barrel following the Iran war and the
effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Bloomberg, citing sources: Moscow expects significant
additional revenues from the oil price surge. Officials
likely, will not lower Russia's economic forecasts,
will delay planned budget cuts... and may even
increase military spending in the Ukraine war.
The war on Iran and the most severe disruption in global
oil market history have pushed prices above $100 per
barrel and forced the US to effectively greenlight
buyers to purchase Russian oil.
Brent crude price rose 2.98 percent to $115.93 a barrel,
bringing its gains to more than 62 percent - compared
with February 27, according to oilprice.com, topping
the jump that followed Iraq's invasion of Kuwait
in 1990.
Indonesia's main stock index, the Jakarta Composite Index,
has fallen again, after recovering slightly last week.
Malaysia's FTSE Bursa Malaysia Top 100 also fell,
dropping about 1.5% from the previous session.
Australia is temporarily halving fuel taxes to protect consumers
from rising global prices caused by the US-Israeli invasion of
Iran and supply disruptions.
Diplomacy and International Reactions
Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the Bushehr power plant
is active. "The attacks carried out are extremely dangerous
and prove that the US and Israeli regimes recognize no
boundaries in their aggressive war," he said.
Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, said he had
a "good call" with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
to discuss the war in Iran and regional diplomacy. The EU
is deeply concerned about the prolonged war and its
growing global impact.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and French Foreign Minister
Jean-Noël Barrot discussed regional developments and the
security and economic consequences of US and Israeli
military aggression against Iran in a phone call.
Araghchi strongly criticized the positions of
some European countries that express
concern.... only over the economic
consequences - while remaining
silent on the aggressors' brutal
attacks on the Iranian people.
Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's Ambassador & Permanent
Representative to the UN --- stated that Ukraine's
admission - of sending "hundreds of experts" to
the region to confront Iran constitutes material
and operational support for the US- and Israeli
-led military aggression --- and active
participation in the illegal use of
force against a country.
Egyptian President Sisi asked Trump
to stop the war in the region.
Iran's Civil Aviation Organization condemned the Israeli-US
attack -- on an Iranian civilian aircraft carrying medicine
and medical equipment from several countries to Iran,
which had landed at Mashhad Airport.
Under the 1944 Chicago and 1971 Montreal Conventions...
any action against civilian aircraft safety constitutes an
international criminal act in aviation. Under Article 52
of the First Additional Protocol to the Geneva
Conventions ------ attacking civilian targets,
including aircraft carrying humanitarian
aid, is a war crime.
The organization called on international bodies to
immediately address this action, prosecute its
perpetrators ---- and prevent such threats
against civilian aviation.