This live blog follows updates for Day 34 of the US-Israeli war on Iran. For a recap of Day 33, go here

• Chinese airlines to raise fuel surcharges on domestic flights
• Iran fires missiles at Israel after Trump threatens weeks of strikes
• Lebanon's Hezbollah claims drone, rocket attacks on northern Israel
• Oil rallies, stocks tumble as Trump says US to hammer Iran further
• Australia PM says Iran war objectives met, 'not clear' what more to achieve  

Trump announces destruction of Iran's tallest bridge

Published April 2, 2026 | 21:35 GMT

US President Donald Trump said Thursday the tallest bridge in Iran had been destroyed, hours after threatening to bomb the country "back to the Stone Ages."

Ghodratollah Seif, the deputy governor of Alborz province, where the B1 bridge is located, said the strike had killed eight people and wounded 95 others, according to state TV and Fars news agency.

Trump posted footage on social media of smoke rising from the B1 bridge in Karaj, around 20 miles (35 kilometers) southwest of Tehran -- and warned that there would be further destruction unless Iran comes to the table to end the five-week war.

"The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again – Much more to follow! IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!" Trump said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X: "Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender.

"It only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray."

Iranian state television had earlier reported two US-Israeli strikes on the bridge.

Yemen's Houthis announce fourth missile attack on Israel

Published April 2, 2026 | 20:20 GMT

Yemen's Houthi announced a fourth missile attack targeting Israel on Thursday, after stepping into the Middle East war in support of their ally Iran last week.

Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said in a video statement that the group had fired a "barrage of ballistic missiles targeting vital Israeli enemy targets" in the Tel Aviv area.

The Israeli military said earlier it had detected a missile launched from Yemen.

Iraq 'exerting maximum effort to prevent escalation': ministry

Published April 2, 2026 | 19:40 GMT

Iraq is exerting "maximum effort" to prevent any escalation on its territory, the foreign ministry said on Thursday, after the US embassy in Baghdad warned of possible attacks in the city.

The foreign ministry said it was responding to the US statement regarding security concerns, and in its own statement said it was "exerting maximum effort to prevent any escalation, strengthen security measures, protect diplomatic missions, foreign interests and citizens, and maintain internal stability".

Earlier on Thursday, the US embassy had warned that "Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours".

Drone attack targets US logistics center in Baghdad: security sources

Published April 2, 2026 | 17:33 GMT

A drone attack targeted the US diplomatic and logistics center in Baghdad's international airport complex on Thursday, two Iraqi security sources told AFP.

"Two drones targeted the logistics support center, causing a fire but no injuries," one security source said, adding that one of the drones was shot down "behind the airport". A second source confirmed the incident.

The airport complex houses an Iraqi military base as well as the US facility.

UK-led talks demand 'immediate' reopening of Hormuz

Published April 2, 2026 | 16:55 GMT

The UK and its allies have agreed to explore using sanctions to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported.

British foreign minister Yvette Cooper on Thursday said some 40 countries who joined a virtual meeting on the Strait of Hormuz crisis had demanded "the immediate and unconditional reopening" of the vital shipping route.

"Iran is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the Strait of Hormuz. They must not prevail. To that effect, partners today called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait and respect for the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation and the law of the sea," Cooper said in a statement after the talks.

Israeli military says missile launched from Yemen

Published April 2, 2026 | 16:33 GMT

The Israeli military said on Thursday it had detected a missile launched from Yemen towards Israeli territory, the fourth time it has detected such an attack since the start of the Middle East war.

"The IDF has identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory, aerial defense systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military said in a statement.

Yemen's Houthi rebels on Wednesday claimed a missile attack on Israel that was reportedly intercepted, their third such claim since the war started.

European nations say Israel, Hezbollah fighting 'must cease'

Published April 2, 2026 | 16:02 GMT

Eighteen European countries on Thursday urged Israel and Hezbollah to stop fighting as their latest conflict reached one month and with fears over Israeli plans to control part of southern Lebanon post-war.

"Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah's attacks must cease," the foreign ministers of the countries including Italy, Spain, Belgium, Poland and Ireland said in a joint statement.

"We urge Israel to fully respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and call on all parties, both Hezbollah and Israel, to halt military action," the statement said.

Blasts heard over Jerusalem after Iran missile alert: AFP journalists

Published April 2, 2026 | 15:47 GMT

Several blasts sounded in Jerusalem, AFP journalists said, after the military issued an alert over incoming Iranian missiles.

At least four blasts were heard as sirens rang out in the city and the military warned residents to take cover after it "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel".

The military added that its "defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat".

China FM says US-Israel attack on Iran 'clearly violated international law'

Published April 2, 2026 | 15:06 GMT

China's foreign minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that US and Israeli attacks on Iran were a violation of international law, Chinese state media reported, as he held calls with his EU, German and Saudi counterparts.

Wang also stressed that the role of the UN Security Council -- of which China is a permanent member -- "should prevent the escalation of conflict", state broadcaster CCTV said, as the international body debates a draft resolution on the use of force in the Hormuz strait.

Putin, Saudi prince seek more efforts to end Mideast war

Published April 2, 2026 | 14:24 GMT

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called for intensifying political and diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East war during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"Both sides emphasised the need for a rapid cessation of hostilities and the intensification of political and diplomatic efforts to achieve a long-term settlement of the conflict," the Kremlin said in a read-out of the call.

Fire near Iran's Mashhad airport after projectile hit fuel tank: media

Published April 2, 2026 | 13:54 GMT

A fire broke out on Thursday near Iran's Mashhad airport in the northeast of the country after a projectile hit a fuel tank in the area, media reported.

Citing the governor's office of the northeastern Khorasan Razavi province, Mehr news agency said there were no casualties reported as firefighting operations were underway.

Italy calls for Hormuz 'humanitarian corridor' for fertiliser

Published April 2, 2026 | 13:10 GMT

Italy's foreign minister said Thursday he had called for a "humanitarian corridor" for fertiliser and other essentials through the Strait of Hormuz to avoid a food disaster in Africa.

Antonio Tajani, who participated by video in a meeting on Iran coordinated by Britain, said in a statement that "ensuring the transport of fertilisers and other humanitarian goods through the Strait of Hormuz is vital.

"Tajani, together with colleagues such as the Dutch Minister and the Deputy Minister of the United Arab Emirates, advocated for the need to work with the UN to establish a 'humanitarian corridor' as soon as possible, primarily for fertilisers and all other goods necessary to prevent a new food crisis, particularly in African nations," the statement said.

Iraq's oil revenues down more than 70% from February: official

Published April 2, 2026 | 12:55 GMT

Iraq's oil export revenues in March dropped more than 70 percent from February, an Iraqi official said Thursday, after the Middle East war disrupted the oil industry.

The director of Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO), Ali Nizar, said that in March the country "generated revenues of nearly 28 percent compared to the previous month of February".

A founding member of the OPEC oil cartel, Iraq is hugely dependent on its oil exports and pre-war exported the majority of its crude through the strategic Strait of Hormuz -- now all but shut by Iranian attacks and threats.

Austria says refused US requests for military overflights

Published April 2, 2026 | 12:23 GMT

Austria has rejected all US requests for military overflights of its territory since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, a defense ministry spokesman told AFP on Thursday.

"There have indeed been requests and they were refused from the outset," Colonel Michael Bauer said, adding that every time a similar request "involves a country at war, it is refused".

UK foreign minister stresses 'urgent need' to reopen Hormuz strait

Published April 2, 2026 | 11:44 GMT

British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper stressed Thursday the "urgent need" to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as she convened a meeting of more than 40 countries on the vital shipping route.

Cooper said Iran's "recklessness" in blockading the waterway was "hitting our global economic security" as she kicked off the virtual meeting. The strait has been virtually closed since the US-Israeli war against Iran started on February 28.

Loud explosions hit Iranian capital: AFP journalist

Published April 2, 2026 | 11:01 GMT

A series of loud explosions hit the Iranian capital on Thursday, shaking buildings and sending reverberations across the city, local media and an AFP journalist said.

It was not immediately clear what was targeted but the blasts were felt in central Tehran, while local media including the Shargh daily reported explosions in western and eastern parts of the city.

Macron says military operation to 'liberate' Strait of Hormuz 'unrealistic'

Published April 2, 2026 | 10:10 GMT

French President Emmanuel Macron says military operation to 'liberate' Strait of Hormuz 'unrealistic'. He also said Iran war does not provide "lasting solution to the nuclear issue", AFP reported. 

Macron said on Thursday that US President Donald Trump was undermining NATO by creating "daily doubt about his commitment" to the North Atlantic alliance.

"If you create daily doubt about your commitment, you hollow it out," Macron said during a state visit to Seoul, adding that there is "too much talk... going off in all directions".

Nepal nearly doubles jet fuel prices ahead of busy tourist season

Published April 2, 2026 | 10:01 GMT

Nepal has nearly doubled aviation fuel prices as global energy costs surge during the Middle East war, officials said Thursday, raising fears of a fresh blow to its tourism-dependent economy.

The landlocked Himalayan nation of 30 million relies almost entirely on India for its fossil fuel supplies, leaving it exposed to international price shocks.

"Aviation fuel prices have increased," Manoj Kumar Thakur, spokesman for the state-owned Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), told AFP.

Jet fuel price has risen by 97.6%, from 127 Nepali rupees ($0.86) per liter to 251 rupees ($1.69), NOC said in a statement.

Thakur said while fuel supplies remained stable, the corporation was incurring heavy losses on other petroleum products despite some price hikes last week.

The corporation had already lost five billion rupees ($33 million) in the past two weeks, he said.

Attack on Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant would be a 'war crime': envoy to IAEA tells AFP

Published April 2, 2026 | 09:31 GMT

A US or Israeli strike on Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant would constitute a "war crime" under international law, Tehran's envoy to the United Nations' atomic agency told AFP on Thursday.

Reza Najafi, Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Agency, also denied that Tehran had "restarted enrichment" of radioactive uranium following the US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic's nuclear facilities in June 2025.

Manila says Iran to allow Philippine oil shipments through Strait of Hormuz

Published April 2, 2026 | 09:31 GMT

The Philippines said Thursday that Iran has pledged to allow safe passage for shipments of oil to the import-dependent archipelago through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Ferdinand Marcos last week declared a state of national energy emergency, saying "nothing was off the table" as the country of 116 million tries to navigate a global fuel crisis driven by the Middle East war.

Fuel prices have hit historic highs in the Philippines since treaty ally the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, with Tehran effectively closing the vital Strait of Hormuz to traffic since.

On Thursday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said a "productive phone conversation" between Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro and her Iranian counterpart had opened the door to crucial oil shipments.

"The Iranian Foreign Minister assured the Secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers," the foreign affairs department said in a statement.

China says US, Israeli attacks on Iran the 'root cause' of Hormuz blockage

Published April 2, 2026 | 08:33 GMT

China said on Thursday that US and Israeli strikes on Iran were the "root cause" of the Strait of Hormuz blockage, after US President Donald Trump called on affected countries to seize the key waterway.

"The root cause of interruptions to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is the United States and Israel's illegal military operations against Iran," Beijing's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference, when asked about Trump's comments.

The US leader said on Wednesday that countries that receive oil through the Hormuz strait "must take care of that passage", urging them to "just take it, protect it, use it for yourselves".

Moreover, China called on Thursday for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, after US President Donald Trump threatened heavy strikes on the Islamic republic in the coming weeks.

"Military means cannot fundamentally solve the problem, and the escalation of conflicts is not in the interests of either side," Beijing's foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a news conference, urging "the parties concerned to immediately cease military operations".

South Korea president says economy on 'wartime footing' over Iran war

Published April 2, 2026 | 08:33 GMT

South Korea's economy is on a "wartime footing" over the Iran war, President Lee Jae Myung said Thursday, after the government proposed a $17.2 billion supplementary budget to tackle the crisis.

Oil prices have surged amid the US-Israeli war on Iran, raising growth and inflation risks for South Korea, which is heavily reliant on Middle Eastern crude for around 70% of its imports.

"Our government is treating the economy as being on a wartime footing and is making all-out efforts to overcome the crisis," Lee said in a budget speech to the National Assembly.

"The current crisis is not like a passing shower that will stop, but rather like a massive storm that could last indefinitely," he added, asking lawmakers to swiftly pass the budget.

The plan allocates 4.8 trillion won ($3.1 billion) in cash handouts of 100,000 to 600,000 won per person for the bottom 70 percent of income earners, with payments scaled by income.

It also includes 2.8 trillion won in support for young people and low-income earners, and 2.6 trillion won for companies affected by the crisis in the Middle East. "Extraordinary measures are needed in times of emergency," Lee said.

Himalayan kingdom Bhutan hikes fuel due to Mideast war

Published April 2, 2026 | 08:33 GMT

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is feeling the impact of the Mideast war, with the government saying "external conditions beyond our control" have forced a hike in fuel prices.

Carbon-negative Bhutan has aggressively promoted hydropower projects, earning substantial revenue by exporting electricity to energy-hungry neighbor India.

But the landlocked nation of about  800,000 people imports its fuel via India, and shortages of fuel have sparked long queues at filling stations in the capital Thimphu, AFP reporters saw Thursday.

"I don't know what to say. It's not like our government is responsible, they are trying their best despite the war in the Middle East and price hike in India," said Karma Kalden, 40, a resident of Thimphu. "We are helpless," she added.

The government issued the latest rise in fuel price late on Wednesday, when it also issued energy saving measures.

"There has been a substantial increase in global fuel prices in recent weeks," the prime minister's office said in a statement.

It added that the rise in fuel costs are "driven by external conditions beyond our control".

US embassy in Baghdad warns of attacks in city over next 24-48 hours

Published April 2, 2026 | 06:45 GMT

The US embassy in Baghdad warned Thursday that pro-Iran armed groups in Iraq may attack the city in the coming one or two days.

"Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks in central Baghdad in the next 24-48 hours," the embassy said in a statement on X, again urging Americans in the country to leave immediately.

Chinese airlines to raise fuel surcharges on domestic flights

Published April 2, 2026 | 05:37 GMT

Several Chinese airlines, including national carrier Air China, said they will raise their fuel surcharges on domestic flights from Sunday, as the war in the Middle East drives up oil prices globally.

Air China, China Southern and its subsidiary Xiamen Airlines said in statements that they will increase surcharges on flights of up to 800 kilometres (500 miles) by 60 yuan ($8.70), and 120 yuan for longer flights. Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines also announced fuel surcharge hikes.

International flights will be subject to the system's calculations, according to the statements shared Wednesday.

The move comes as the conflict in the Middle East has sent crude prices soaring, impacting the aviation industry.

The average jet fuel price increased globally to $197 per barrel last week, from $95.5 a month ago, according to data by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Many global airlines have implemented fuel surcharges in response to the increase in oil costs.

Iran fires missiles at Israel after Trump threatens weeks of strikes

Published April 2, 2026 | 05:33 GMT

Israel said it came under Iranian missile fire on Thursday after US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb the Islamic republic into the "Stone Ages" with heavy strikes in the next two to three weeks.

In a speech from the White House, Trump sought to reassure war-weary Americans that the military campaign that began on February 28 was coming to an end, vowing "extremely hard" strikes against Iran.

"Thanks to the progress we've made, I can say tonight that we are on track to complete all of America's military objectives shortly, very shortly," Trump said.

The war's "core strategic objectives are nearing completion", he said, warning however that "over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong".

His address came as Britain was set to host a meeting Thursday with about 35 countries on how to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz that Iran has effectively blocked without a deal to end the war.

Lebanon's Hezbollah claims drone, rocket attacks on northern Israel

Published April 2, 2026 | 05:33 GMT

Lebanese Hezbollah said its fighters launched drones and rockets at northern Israel on Thursday, with the Israeli military's Home Front Command saying air raid sirens were activated across the border.

In separate statements, the group claimed rocket fire targeting Israeli troops in border areas and a drone attack targeting a village.

Sirens were activated in those areas, according to the Israeli Home Front Command, with no reports of any casualties or damage.

Oil rallies, stocks tumble as Trump says US to hammer Iran further

Published April 2, 2026 | 02:59 GMT

Oil prices spiked and stocks sank on Thursday after Donald Trump reiterated that US forces would hammer Iran for another two to three weeks but offered no solution to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz that has crippled global markets.

Investors appeared unimpressed by the US president's much-anticipated address to the nation, in which he again called on countries that rely on the waterway for their energy supplies to reopen it themselves.

The comments came amid growing fears about the economic impact of the crisis, which has seen governments introduce support measures, with the World Bank saying it was "extremely concerned".

In a speech lasting less than 20 minutes, Trump added little to what he has said in the past, warning that "over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong".

Australia PM says Iran war objectives met, 'not clear' what more to achieve

Published April 2, 2026 | 02:45 GMT

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday the original aims of the war in Iran had been met and it was not clear what more remained to be achieved.

Albanese called for de-escalation, noting that US-Israeli attacks had degraded Iran's air force, navy and military industrial base.

"Now those objectives have been realized it is not clear what more needs to be achieved or what the end point looks like," he said during a speech in the capital Canberra.

"What is clear is that the longer the war goes on the more significant the impact on the global economy will be."

Israel says intercepting Iran missile attack, first after Trump speech

Published April 2, 2026 | 02:21 GMT

Israel's military said air defenses were responding to an Iranian missile attack on Thursday, shortly after US President Donald Trump delivered an address to the American public about the Middle East war.

The military said in a statement it had "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel" for the third time in just over three hours, adding that "defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat".

Air raid sirens sounded across northern Israel, according to the military's Home Front Command, and there were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage.

Trump says US to hit Iran 'extremely hard' for 2-3 weeks

Published April 2, 2026 | 02:05 GMT

US President Donald Trump vowed Wednesday to attack Iran relentlessly over the coming two to three weeks, saying American forces were nearing completion of the war.

"Over the next two to three weeks, we are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong," Trump said in an address to the nation, adding that US forces would meet all their battlefield goals "very, very shortly."

Trump urges other countries to show 'courage' and 'take care' of Strait of Hormuz

Published April 2, 2026 | 01:38 GMT

US President Donald Trump called on Wednesday for countries that receive oil through the Strait of Hormuz to show "courage" and seize the key waterway, while saying Washington will not allow its Middle East allies to be harmed.

"The countries of the world that... receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage," Trump said in his first prime-time address since the start of the war with Iran. "Just take it, protect it, use it for yourselves."

Trump says US objectives in Iran 'nearing completion'

Published April 2, 2026 | 01:18 GMT

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States is "nearing completion" of its objectives in the war against Iran and hailed American forces for scoring "overwhelming victories" in the conflict.

"Tonight, I'm pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion," Trump said in his first prime-time address since the start of the conflict in late February.

"In these past four weeks, our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield -- victories like few people have ever seen before," he said.

UAE says air defenses responding to missiles, drones

Published April 2, 2026 | 00:55 GMT

Emirati air defenses were responding to missile and drone "threats" on Thursday, the United Arab Emirates' defense ministry said.

"UAE air defenses... are actively engaging with missiles and UAV threats," the ministry said in a post on X, providing no details about where the projectiles had originated.

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