EXPLAINERThe US-Israel war on Iran hit century-old medical research centre the Pasteur Institute and a bridge near Tehran. Published On 3 Apr 20263 Apr 2026The United States and Israel are widening their attacks on Iran, hitting infrastructure in and around the capital, as Washington ramps up pressure on Tehran and the conflict spreads across the region.Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has abruptly fired the US Army’s top general and two other senior officers, prompting speculation of a wartime leadership shake-up.Here is what we know:In Iran
Intensifying strikes: The US and Israel have expanded their attacks on Iran, hitting a century-old medical research centre in Tehran, steel plants and a bridge near the capital, in some of the latest strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
Bridge strike justification: US officials say the bridge bombed in Iran was used to transport materials for Iranian military drones, Al Jazeera’s Rosiland Jordan reported from Washington, DC. But Iran insists the bridge was civilian infrastructure, which — if true — would make the attack a violation of international law.
Casualties and damage: The human toll continues to rise, with at least 2,076 people killed and 26,500 wounded in Iran since the start of US-Israeli attacks. Iran’s Foreign Ministry says more than 600 schools and education centres have been hit since February 28.
Iran’s retaliation: Iran’s military says the war will continue until its enemies face “humiliation” and “surrender”, specifically cautioning the US against a ground invasion.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry: A spokesperson declared, “What is important for the Iranian nation is to defend itself against this aggression, and we are ready for any type of attack, including a ground attack.”
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Pakistan pushes US-Iran talks: Pakistan says it will continue trying to push Washington and Tehran towards ending the war, but admits there are “obstacles” to peace efforts. The comments came hours after Trump threatened to bomb Iran if it did not accept US terms. Read more on the efforts here.
Hormuz blockade talks: The United Kingdom is holding talks with about 40 countries on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil and LNG, after Iran’s blockade halted most shipping and pushed o …
