April 03, 2026
RECAP: Four Iranian petrochemical plants targeted in strikes
Here are Saturday's key updates on the war:
■ The shooting down of a U.S. fighter jet sparked a manhunt in Iran when an American crew member ejected over Iran's skies.
■ The IDF struck four petrochemical facilities in Iran's Mahshahr area, likely killing citizens, local media said.
■ An Iranian cluster bomb struck several cities in central Israel on Friday night, and sirens sounded across northern Israel on Saturday.
■ The IDF reportedly began intense attacks in Tehran on Saturday. It also said it began striking Beirut, and confirmed strikes around Tehran on Friday.
■ Several Japanese, French and Omani vessels have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since Thursday, shipping data showed, reflecting Iran's policy to allow passage for vessels it deems friendly.
■ Explosions were heard across Damascus, Syria, due to the IDF intercepting Iranian missiles, according to Syrian state TV.
■ Iran's speaker of parliament on Friday implicitly threatened to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, through which roughly one-eighth of global trade typically passes.
■ British authorities charged three men on Friday in connection with an arson attack on Jewish community ambulances in north London last month.
■ Dutch police are investigating reports of an explosion overnight at the Christian Zionist center in the Dutch town of Nijkerk.
■ Iranian bunkers struck by airstrikes are made operational within hours of being damaged by airstrikes, The New York Times reported, citing U.S. intelligence.
