Overview
- Israel said Friday it hit missile production sites in Tehran and warned attacks would "escalate and expand," while Iran kept firing missiles and drones at Gulf states.
- Trump extended his ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to April 6 and claimed talks were going well, but Tehran denied negotiations as the Revolutionary Guards said the waterway was closed and reported turning back ships.
- Kuwait reported Friday that drone and missile strikes damaged its Shuwaikh and Mubarak Al Kabeer ports, and Saudi Arabia said it intercepted multiple drones and missiles near Riyadh.
- The United States moved more forces toward the region, with Marines at sea and at least 1,000 paratroopers deploying, as reports said officials are weighing a larger troop surge of about 10,000 if talks fail.
- Oil prices climbed toward $107–$108 per barrel after the mixed signals on diplomacy and new strikes, while aid groups reported widespread damage to homes, hospitals and cultural sites across Iran.