Iran raised the alarm on Saturday, over what it described as an unprecedented and dangerous threat to civilian populations across the region. In a formal letter addressed to the United Nations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that strikes targeting areas in the vicinity of Iran's nuclear facilities carry a grave and unprecedented risk for Iranian civilians and the broader region, and constitute a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and the safeguards system of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Araghchi warned of the environmental consequences of such strikes, stating that the attacks risk causing radiation leaks and the contamination of Gulf waters, the air, ecosystems, and natural resources.

As Israeli warplanes pounded more than 200 military targets across Iran and Lebanon on Saturday, Pakistan and Iran moved in the opposite direction — reaffirming their commitment to dialogue and diplomatic coordination in the face of a regional crisis that shows no sign of abating.

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, at a moment when the region is passing through an extremely sensitive period due to the war against Iran and the new threats emanating from the United States.

The two ministers exchanged views on the rapidly evolving developments across the region.

During the call, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's position, stating that his country supports all efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions. He stressed that all disputes must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue — a clear signal of Islamabad's rejection of military options and further escalation.

Israel's war against Iran's economy entered a new and more punishing phase on Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a video message that Israeli forces had unleashed a devastating blow against Iran's petrochemical and steel industries, while a senior Israeli official simultaneously confirmed to Reuters that the country has completed all preparations for strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure and is now awaiting only the formal green light from the United States.

Netanyahu announced that following Israel's earlier success in destroying 70% of Iran's steel production capacity — material that he said had been used as raw material for weapons manufacturing — Israeli forces have now struck Iran's petrochemical plants in their latest operation.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, warning of imminent escalation unless Tehran complies with demands related to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Iran had “48 hours” to “make a deal or open up the Hormuz Strait,” adding that “all Hell will reign down” if the deadline is not met.

The warning comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to surge amid an ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Cluster munition submunitions from an Iranian ballistic missile caused heavy damage to residential buildings in Bnei Brak and Ramat Gan, according to the Times of Israel citing rescue services. Bomblets also struck Tel Aviv and Petah Tikva, damaging roads and vehicles.

There were no immediate reports of injuries. The claims have not been independently verified.

📹 Iranian cluster munitions have caused significant damage to residential buildings in the central Israeli cities of Bnei Brak and Ramat Gan, according to emergency services cited by Times of Israel.
Submunitions also impacted roads and vehicles in Tel Aviv and Petah Tikva… pic.twitter.com/4xXKwZSRK5

— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) April 4, 2026

A U.S. official told Kurdistan24 that a missing pilot from a downed F-15 has not been captured by Iran, with search operations ongoing. One pilot was rescued after ejecting, while the second remains missing. AP reported additional incidents, including two downed U.S. aircraft and continued strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

Regional tensions persist, with attacks affecting energy facilities, border crossings, and civilian areas. Bahrain reported multiple drone attacks, while Israel and the UAE recorded injuries and infrastructure damage. The conflict, now in its sixth week, continues to impact military operations and regional stability.

Reuters reported that two drones struck Iraq’s Rumaila oil field in Basra, injuring three people. No group has claimed responsibility, and damage assessments are ongoing. The attack comes amid a wider regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, now in its sixth week, according to AP. Recent developments include downed U.S. aircraft, strikes on Iranian infrastructure, and increased drone activity across the Gulf. Energy facilities and transport routes remain key targets, contributing to disruptions in global markets. Authorities in Iraq have not confirmed operational impacts at Rumaila but are continuing investigations into the incident.

Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force, said U.S. forces will “flee the region,” Fars News Agency reported. U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted Iranian infrastructure, including trade crossings, petrochemical plants, and the Bushehr nuclear facility.

Two U.S. aircraft went down, one crew member rescued and one missing. Iran’s oil exports from Kharg Island reportedly increased. Injuries and infrastructure damage were reported in Israel and the UAE.

Italy and Saudi Arabia discussed defensive measures amid the ongoing conflict. Pentagon data showed 365 U.S. service members wounded and 13 killed. Iranian authorities executed two members of the exile group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, bringing the total executions to six since the war began.

A pro-Israel center in Nijkerk, Netherlands, was hit by an overnight explosion Friday, causing minor damage and no injuries. Police said a person in black placed the device. Christians for Israel called the attack part of a “worrying pattern” of incidents in the Netherlands and Belgium targeting Jewish and pro-Israeli sites since late February. Similar attacks included synagogue bombings in Liège and Rotterdam, arson in London and Antwerp, and a Jewish school in Amsterdam. Authorities are investigating, with no arrests made. Security officials are increasing protection for vulnerable sites amid ongoing concerns over antisemitic violence linked to regional Middle East tensions.

Iran warned Israel that any attack on its diplomatic centers would make Israeli embassies in the region legitimate targets, stressing a rapid response. Tehran continues diplomatic engagement with Arab countries over regional security. The Revolutionary Guard denied involvement in attacks on the U.S. embassy in Riyadh, attributing them to Israel. Türkiye confirmed the passage of a second ship through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing negotiations for additional vessels. Russian officials criticized U.S. and Israeli actions, citing increased regional instability and energy disruptions. Iranian officials reiterated that strikes would target aggressors while maintaining dialogue with neighboring states.