Important Update on the 34th Day of Conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel

Here are the key points to remember on the 34th day of conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

As the Middle East war enters its 34th day on Thursday, April 2, French President Emmanuel Macron has deemed a military operation to “liberate” the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran since the beginning of the conflict on February 28, as “unrealistic,” “would take an infinite amount of time,” and carries “many risks.” This is in response to the solemn address by President Donald Trump the previous day at the White House, urging countries dependent on this strategic passage in the Persian Gulf to intervene in the region. Trump reiterated his call throughout the day to reach an agreement with the Islamic Republic, which has launched a series of attacks targeting American industrial and military sites in the Gulf, as well as Israeli installations. Concurrently, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claim to have conducted a fourth missile attack against Israel, while China calls for de-escalation. Here are the key points to remember.

Emmanuel Macron Rules Out Intervention in the Strait of Hormuz

An operation to “liberate” the Strait of Hormuz by force would be deemed “unrealistic” by French President Emmanuel Macron, as it would “take an infinite amount of time” and pose “many risks.” According to him, the reopening of the strait “can only be achieved through concerted efforts with Iran.” He once again called for negotiation and a ceasefire with Tehran, emphasizing that “it is not a targeted military action, even over a few weeks, that resolves the issue of Iran’s nuclear program” in the long term. This is in response to President Donald Trump urging France and other countries to militarily unblock the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, effectively blocked by the Iranian response to the American-Israeli offensive. This blockade prevents the transit of Middle Eastern oil, upon which many countries rely, including Japan and South Korea.

Over 40 Countries Call on Iran for Immediate Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz

Representatives of around forty countries have called for the “immediate and unconditional reopening” of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening Iran with new sanctions, according to British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper, who chaired the virtual meeting. “Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. It must not succeed. To this end, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the strait and respect for fundamental principles of navigation and international law,” the minister said in a statement. The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has also called on the UN Security Council to authorize the use of force to liberate the Strait of Hormuz, the day before the Council is expected to vote on this issue.

Iran Attacks American and Israeli Interests

The Iranian State TV claims that Tehran has launched a series of attacks targeting American industrial and military sites in the Gulf, as well as Israeli installations. “American steel industries located in Abu Dhabi, American aluminum industries in Bahrain, and the Rafael armament factories of the Zionist regime (Israel) were among the targets,” according to the State TV. The Tasnim agency, citing the command of the Revolutionary Guards’ naval arm, reports that data centers of American giants Oracle in Dubai and Amazon in Bahrain were also targeted.

Institute Pasteur in Tehran Targeted by Strikes

Strikes have severely damaged the Institute Pasteur in Tehran, according to the Iranian Health Ministry. “We call on the WHO and the International Committee of the Red Cross to condemn this attack” and “assess the damages,” said a ministry spokesperson, accompanied by several photographs. “The aggression against the Pasteur Institute of Iran constitutes a direct attack on international health security,” he continued.

Fourth Houthi Attack on Israel

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced a fourth missile attack on Israel, having entered the Middle East war last week in support of their ally, Iran. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree stated in a video address that the group had launched “a salvo of ballistic missiles targeting vital enemy Israeli targets” in the Tel Aviv region. The Israeli army had earlier reported detecting a missile fired from Yemen.

Trump Applauds the Destruction of a Bridge in Iran and Calls for an Agreement

Following his solemn address to the nation, US President Donald Trump applauds the destruction of a bridge near Tehran by strikes. He calls on Iran to reach an agreement. “The largest bridge in Iran is collapsing and will never be used again,” wrote the US President in response to a video of the B1 bridge in Karaj, near Tehran, part of which collapses in a cloud of dust. “It’s time for Iran to reach an agreement before it’s too late and there’s nothing left of what could still become a great country,” he added. “Hitting civilian infrastructure, including unfinished bridges, will not push Iranians to surrender,” reacted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to Ghodratollah Seif, vice-governor of the Alborz province near Tehran, as reported by the Iranian news agency Fars and State TV, the attack on the bridge resulted in the death of eight civilians and 95 injuries.

UN Concerned About Lebanon

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher expresses concern about a long-term conflict in southern Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. In addition to the risk of seeing “a new territory occupied in southern Lebanon,” he voices his “serious concern about the national unity” of the country, drawn into the war by a March 2 attack on Israel by Hezbollah.

Beijing Denounces American-Israeli Attack on Iran

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stated that the American-Israeli attack on Iran represents “a clear violation of international law,” as reported by CCTV state television. Wang Yi also emphasized that the UN Security Council – of which China is a permanent member – “must prevent the escalation of the conflict,” following discussions with his Saudi, German, and EU counterparts. A draft resolution, introduced by Bahrain and defeated in the Security Council, aims to authorize the use of “all necessary means” to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively paralyzed by Iran.

Explosions Heard in Jerusalem

Several explosions were heard in Jerusalem following an alert from the military regarding approaching Iranian missiles. At least four detonations were heard as sirens sounded in the city and the army warned residents to seek shelter after “identifying missiles launched from Iran towards Israel’s territory.”