Attacks persist in Iran as Trump asserts peace talks, but officials refute claims amid ongoing violence.
United States-Israeli attacks struck several Iranian cities on March 24, 2026, with explosions reported in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, and Karaj, according to Iranian media. The strikes hit two gas facilities and a pipeline in Isfahan, causing partial damage, as reported by the Fars news agency.
In southwestern Iran, a projectile struck the Khorramshahr gas pipeline processing station, as stated by the city's governor. A leading Iranian scholar, Saeed Shamaghdari, and his two children were killed in an attack on his residence north of Tehran, according to local media reports.
Key Incidents and Casualties
Iran's emergency service head, Jafar Miadfar, reported that 208 children have been killed since the war began on February 28, 2026, with 168 from US missile strikes on a girls' school in Minab. Rights groups have called for investigation into the Minab attack as a potential war crime, and the Iranian government stated over 1,500 civilians have died so far.
Attacks extended to the Gulf region, with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense intercepting 19 drones targeting its Eastern Province. Kuwait's army responded to hostile missile and drone attacks, and Amazon confirmed disruptions to its AWS region in Bahrain.
The death toll from a US air attack on Iran-aligned forces in Iraq's Anbar province rose to 14, including the head of the Popular Mobilisation Forces, Saad Dawai. Iran launched strikes on Israel, injuring at least six people in Tel Aviv from missile shrapnel.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for a negotiated solution during her visit to Australia, condemning Iran's efforts to block energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abass Araghchi held calls with several countries, but senior officials denied Trump's claims of 'very good and productive conversations' to end the war.
An Iranian parliament member, Esmaeil Kowsari, dismissed US claims as lies aimed at creating division. Al Jazeera correspondents noted uncertainty about any diplomatic pause, as the conflict has sparked a global energy crisis with rising oil prices.
