Main PointsKey Reads
Katie Mellett – 3 minutes ago
Iran reviewing possible exit from Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Iran’s parliament is reviewing a possible exit from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Monday, while insisting Tehran has not and will not seek nuclear weapons.
Iranian lawmakers had also raised the possibility of leaving the NPT, which recognises the right to develop, research, produce and use nuclear energy as long as nuclear weapons are not pursued, after the 12-day-war last June when Israel and the US struck Iranian nuclear facilities.
“What is the benefit of joining a treaty in which bullying parties at the international level not only do not allow us to benefit from its rights but also attack our nuclear facilities?” Baghaei said, adding that Tehran would respect the treaty as long as it is a member.
Katie Mellett – 8 minutes ago
Fire erupts at Israeli oil refinery after reported missile attack
An industrial building and a a fuel tanker at the Bazan oil refinery in Israel’s northern city of Haifa were struck by debris from an intercepted missile, the Times of Israel has cited the country’s fire and rescue service as having said.
There were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage to production facilities.
The Wall Street journal is among those reporting that the oil refinery was hit by an Iranian missile. – Guardian
Katie Mellett – 19 minutes ago
No direct US-Iran negotiations have taken place, says Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson
Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, has reaffirmed that Iran has not had any direct negotiations with the US.
“What has been discussed are messages we received through intermediaries stating that the US wants to negotiate,” he said.
“Iran has been clear about its position from the beginning, and we know very well what the framework is that we are considering. The material conveyed to us has been excessive and unreasonable requests.”
Pakistan, seen as a potential mediator between Washington and Tehran, hosted a four-way meeting with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt on Sunday, but nothing significant appeared to emerge from the talks and the war is showing no signs of de-escalation.
Last week after President Trump said the US and Iran had held “very good and productive conversations” about ending the war, Iranian officials quickly denied any such talks had occurred. – Guardian
Katie Mellett – 24 minutes ago
Starmer says UK won’t get ‘dragged into’ Iran war
Prime minister Keir Starmer speaks to media after speaking at the launch of Labour’s local election campaign in the West Midlands at City College on March 30th, 2026 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
The British prime minister, Keir Starmer said: “People look at their screens and they’re worried when they see explosions, infrastructure blown up, the rhetoric that goes with it, worried about whether this is going to escalate even further.
“And therefore it’s really important that I reiterate where I stand and where this government stands, because this is not our war and we are not going to be dragged into it.”
He says this applies “whatever the pressure [to join in] and whoever it’s coming from”. – Guardian
Katie Mellett – 31 minutes ago
Spain closes airspace to US planes involved in Iran war, defence minister says
Spain has closed its airspace to US planes involved in attacks on Iran, a step beyond its previous denial of use of jointly-operated military bases, defence minister Margarita Robles said.
“We don’t authorise either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran,” she told reporters in Madrid.
“This decision is part of the decision already made by the Spanish government not to participate in or contribute to a war which was initiated unilaterally and against international law,” economy minister Carlos Cuerpo said during an interview with radio Cadena Ser when asked if the decision to close Spain’s airspace could worsen relations with the US.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has been one of the most vocal opponents of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, describing them as reckless and illegal.
President Trump has threatened to cut trade with Madrid for denying the US use of Spain’s bases in the war. – Reuters
Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago
Fuel costs in Ireland
Fuel prices at Circle K on O’Moore Street, Tullamore on March 24th. Photograph: Vivienne Clarke
Photographs sent in by Vivienne Clarke show that at Circle K on O’Moore Street, Tullamore on March 24th, before the Government’s measures to reduce fuel costs, diesel was priced at €2.20 a litre while petrol cost €2.
The Government introduced its €250 million package of measures to mitigate increases in the cost of fuel, including cutting excise duty on diesel by 20c and on petrol by 15c.
Since then, on March 26th and 27th, fuel at the same station was priced at €2.10 for diesel and €1.90 for petrol.
Fuel prices at Circle K on O’Moore Street, Tullamore on March 26th and 29th. Photograph: Vivienne Clarke
Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago
IDF claims to have struck cell of Hizbullah military operatives
🎯STRUCK: A cell of Hezbollah military operatives who were dressed as paramedics and operated near an ambulance in southern Lebanon.
The military operatives systematically used ambulances to transfer weapons between northern to southern Lebanon. Additionally, dozens of rockets…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 30, 2026
In a post on X, Israel Defense Forces claims it has struck a cell of Hizbullah military operatives.
It also said, “dozens of rockets have been launched toward Israel from areas in which these terrorists operated”.
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli air strike that targeted an area in Beirut’s southern suburbs on March 30th, 2026. Photograph: Ibrahim Amro/AFP via Getty Images
Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago
UN secretary-general António Guterres ‘strongly condemns’ killing of Indonesian peacekeeper
I strongly condemn Sunday’s incident during which an Indonesian peacekeeper of @UNIFIL_ was killed amidst hostilities between Israel & Hizbullah. Another Indonesian peacekeeper was seriously injured in the same incident.
My deepest condolences to the family, friends &…
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 30, 2026
Guterres also condemned the killing of an Indonesian peacekeeper in an incident that also saw another Indonesian peacekeeper seriously injured.
In a post on X he said, “My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the peacekeeper who died and to Indonesia. I wish a full and fast recovery to the injured peacekeeper.
“This is just one of a number of recent incidents that have jeopardized the safety and security of peacekeepers. I call on all to uphold their obligations under international law and to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times.”
Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago
Israel’s health ministry said 6,008 injured people have been evacuated to hospitals since the beginning of the war, of whom 121 are currently hospitalised, including one in critical condition, and 16 in serious condition.
Katie Mellett – 1 hour ago
Taoiseach condemns killing of Indonesian peacekeeper in Lebanon
24/03/2026 Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced measures to reduce energy costs at Government Buildings this afternoon. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
On Sunday, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed and three others wounded when a projectile exploded near a village in south Lebanon.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said all Irish personnel were safe and accounted for.
He said: “I strongly condemn the killing of an Indonesian Unifil peacekeeper and the shocking escalation of violence that has injured a number of peacekeepers in recent days.
“The role of the peacekeeper must be respected and honoured at all times.
“Both Israel and Hizbullah must do everything in their power to keep peacekeepers from harm,” said Martin.
“I have been briefed by our defence forces and all Irish personnel serving in Lebanon continue to be well and accounted for.”
There are more than 360 Irish peacekeepers on a six-month deployment to a United Nations interim force (Unifil) base in southern Lebanon. – Press Association
I strongly condemn the killing of an Indonesian @UNIFIL_ peacekeeper and the shocking escalation of violence that has injured a number of peacekeepers in recent days.
The role of the peacekeeper must be respected and honoured at all times. (1/2)
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 30, 2026
Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago
Iran’s use of cluster munition attacks on Israel may amount to war crimes, says report
The Iranian government has “repeatedly” used cluster munitions delivered by ballistic missiles in attacks on Israel since the US-Israeli war on Iran started on February 28th, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report.
HRW said at least four civilians have been killed in the airstrikes, which may amount to war crimes.
“Iran’s use of cluster munitions in populated areas in Israel pose a foreseeable and long-lasting danger to civilians,” Patrick Thompson, a researcher in the crisis, conflict and arms division at HRW said.
“Cluster munition bomblets are dispersed over a wide area, making them unlawfully indiscriminate in violation of the laws of war.”
Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago
The price of oil has risen sharply to $116 (€101) a barrel after Trump said he wanted to ‘take the oil in Iran’
Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, rose by two per cent in early trading on Monday, after US president Trump said that he could seize the Iranian export hub of Kharg Island.
Trump told the Financial Times in an interview on Sunday: “To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran, but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people.”
“Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options,” he said.
Katie Mellett – 2 hours ago
Aircraft destroyed when Iraqi air base hit by rockets
Iraq’s defence ministry said that the Mohamad Alaa air base, located beside Baghdad International Airport, was hit by rockets in the early hours of Monday, destroying an aircraft but causing no casualties.
The ministry added that authorities are assessing the damage and tracking the source of the attack.
The Syrian army also said that drone attacks targeted several of its bases near the Iraqi border, adding that most of the drones were shot down and that it is assessing response options, state news agency SANA reported.
Katie Mellett – 3 hours ago
Israel Defense Forces takes responsibility for death of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy Commander
Iran confirmed the death of Revolutionary Guard’s Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri following severe injuries, Iranian media reported, based on a statement by the guards.
The naval commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike last Thursday.
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said on March 26th: “In a precise and lethal operation, the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) eliminated the commander of the IRGC Navy, Tangsiri, along with senior naval command officials.” – Reuters
Katie Mellett – 3 hours ago
Israel’s defence ministry said it signed a $48m (€41.8m) deal with Elbit Systems for “tens of thousands” of 155mm artillery shells.
The ministry said in a LinkedIn post that the deal will help “reduce reliance on external munitions sources and grow Israel’s domestic defence production base”.
The US is overwhelmingly the biggest supplier of arms to Israel. – Guardian
Katie Mellett – 3 hours ago
A strike hit Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday,
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli air strike that targeted an area in Beirut’s southern suburbs on March 30th, 2026. Photograph: Ibrahim Amro/ AFP via Getty Images
The strike hit the area after Israel issued a warning for people in the Hizbullah stronghold to leave.
The strike is the first since Friday in the area, which is now largely deserted since Israel began frequent attacks against Hizbullah in early March. – Guardian
Katie Mellett – 4 hours ago
Indonesian peacekeeper killed in the Lebanon
An Indonesian Unifil peacekeeper was killed by a missile near the southern Lebanese village of Adchit al-Qusayr yesterday, the UN has confirmed.
Another peacekeeper was critically injured, the UN said in a statement early this morning.
“A peacekeeper was tragically killed last night when a projectile exploded in a Unifil position near Adchit Al Qusayr. Another was critically injured. No one should ever lose their life serving the cause of peace,” Unifil said in a statement.
Indonesia’s foreign ministry said the deceased peacekeeper was one of its citizens and that three others were injured by indirect artillery fire in the vicinity of the Indonesian Unifil contingent’s position near Adchit al-Qusayr.
“We do not know the origin of the projectile. We have launched an investigation to determine all of the circumstances,” Unifil said.
REPORTER: “You mentioned that Cuba will be next, what did you mean by that exactly?”
PRESIDENT TRUMP: “Yeah, Cuba’s going to be next. Cuba’s a mess, it’s a failing country, and they’re going to be next.”
“Within a short period of time, it’s going to fail, and we will be there… pic.twitter.com/VFIOTs9Ewg
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 30, 2026
Katie Mellett – 4 hours ago
Aluminium increases in price following Iran attacks
Iran’s weekend strikes on Middle Eastern aluminum plants are threatening to send a fragile market into crisis, raising the prospect of record prices for the metal used in everything from airplanes to food packaging and solar panels.
On the first day of trading after two major producers confirmed attacks by Iranian drones and missiles, aluminum futures on the London Metal Exchange surged nearly 6 per cent— the most since 2024.
The region’s top supplier, Emirates Global Aluminium, said on Saturday it sustained “significant damage” at its site in Abu Dhabi, while Aluminium Bahrain said it was assessing the extent of damage to its facility.
Even before the industry became a direct target, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had left the Middle East’s giant smelters running short of key input ingredients, and the industry had been bracing for a cascading series of production cuts in the coming weeks. The Middle East accounts for about 9 per cent of global production.
Katie Mellett – 5 hours ago
Trump has ‘no problem’ allowing Russian oil into Cuba
Donald Trump appeared to reverse course on blocking oil shipments to Cuba on Sunday, saying he had “no problem” with any country sending in crude as a Russian tanker neared a Cuban port with a badly needed shipment.
A sanctioned Russian vessel, part of the country’s “shadow fleet,” was just off the coast of eastern Cuba on Sunday, according to ship tracking data, and was expected to reach port on Monday, a lifeline for the country’s economy that has nearly ground to a halt under a de facto oil blockade imposed by Washington.
The US cut off Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba after toppling Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro on January 3rd, and Trump threatened to slap punishing tariffs on any other country that sent crude to Cuba. Mexico, the largest supplier to Cuba along with Venezuela, then halted its shipments.
A man carries buckets down a street in Havana, Cuba. Photo by Yamil Lage/AFP via Getty Images
As a result, Cuba has not received an oil tanker in three months, exacerbating an energy crisis that has led to strict rationing of fuel and a series of blackouts across the country of 10 million people. Cuban health officials say the crisis has increased the mortality risk for Cuban cancer patients, especially children.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed sympathy for the Cuban people’s need for energy and said he was unconcerned with any assistance it might provide the Communist government in Havana because he predicted it would soon fall on its own.
“If a country wants to send some oil into Cuba right now, I have no problem with that, whether it’s Russia or not,” Trump said.“Cuba is finished. They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership, and whether or not they get a boat of oil, it’s not going to matter.
“I’d prefer letting it in, whether it’s Russia or anybody else, because the people need heat and cooling and all of the other things that you need.”
Katie Mellett – 5 hours ago
US considering mission to extract uranium from Iran
Donald Trump is weighing a military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds (454kg) of uranium from Iran, the Wall Street Journal is reporting, citing unnamed US officials.
The mission would likely put American forces inside the country for days or longer, the report says. It quotes the officials as saying the US president hadn’t made a decision on whether to go ahead, and that he was considering the danger to US troops.
But the president remains generally open to the idea, according to the officials, because it could help accomplish his central goal of preventing Iran from ever making a nuclear weapon.
The report could not be independently verified.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt takes questions during a news briefing in the White House. Photograph: Heather Diehl/Getty Images
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said any Pentagon preparations “does not mean the president has made a decision”, the WSJ report said.
The Pentagon did not comment and a spokesperson for US Central Command declined to comment.
Trump told reporters on Sunday night that Iran must do what the US demands or “they’re not going to have a country”, the report said.
Referring to Iran’s uranium, he said: “They’re going to give us the nuclear dust.”
Katie Mellett – 5 hours ago
Talks on how to end conflict held in Pakistan
As Mark Weiss reports from Jerusalem, regional powers held talks on Sunday in Pakistan to discuss how to end the Middle East war, now in its fifth week.
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt met in Islamabad for the talks, but neither Iranian nor US diplomats were present in an indication of the significant gaps that remain between the sides.
The Iranian Kayhan newspaper, which is closely aligned with the regime leadership, outlined nine demands for ending the conflict but all appeared to be non-starters for Washington.
The demands included: a full withdrawal of US forces from the region; dismantling US bases in west Asia; lifting sanctions; releasing frozen Iranian assets; formally declaring the United States and Israel as aggressors while paying compensation; and Iranian control over maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Katie Mellett – 5 hours ago
Israel attacks regime sites across Tehran
The Israeli military has just said it is attacking the Iranian regime’s infrastructure “throughout Tehran”.
The brief post on X gave no further details.
צה”ל תוקף כעת תשתיות של משטר הטרור האיראני ברחבי טהרן
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) March 30, 2026
Katie Mellett – 5 hours ago
Trump wants to ‘take the oil’ in Iran
Good morning and welcome to our latest coverage of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
US president Donald Trump has said his “preference would be to take the oil” in Iran and that US forces could seize the Iranian export hub on Kharg Island, the Financial Times is reporting, as the US sends thousands of troops to the region.
In an interview with the FT on Sunday, he compared the potential move to Venezuela, where the US intends to control the oil industry “indefinitely” following its ousting of president Nicolás Maduro in January.
“To be honest with you, my favourite thing is to take the oil in Iran, but some stupid people back in the US say: ‘why are you doing that?’ But they’re stupid people,” he said.
Such a move would involve seizing Kharg Island, through which most of Iran’s oil is exported, the FT report continues. But an assault on the export hub would be extremely risky, raising the chances of more US casualties and extending the cost and duration of the war.
“Maybe we take Kharg Island, maybe we don’t. We have a lot of options,” Trump said.
He also told the Financial Times that Iran had agreed to let through another 20 “big boats”, presumably tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as a concession. That would also seem to be a tacit recognition that Iran controls the Strait.
Kharg Island: the site of Iran’s key oil export hub. Photograph: Planet Labs PBC/AP