Iran War Day 30 Updates: Houthi missile strikes, US ground ops plans, and Iran’s warning on universities

The Iran–Israel–US conflict entered its 30th day on Sunday with fresh strikes and rising casualties, signalling a more volatile phase. With Iran-backed Houthi rebels opening a new front and Washington reportedly weighing deeper ground operations, tensions continue to escalate. Here are the key developments from day 30:

US reportedly planning ground attack
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the United States of covertly preparing a ground offensive while publicly pursuing diplomacy, calling it a dual strategy of “negotiation and escalation.” A report by The Washington Post said the Pentagon is planning weeks-long ground operations in Iran, potentially including raids on Kharg Island and coastal areas near the Strait of Hormuz.


Strikes hit Tehran, Iranian port
US-Israeli strikes targeted the Iranian port city of Bandar Khamir near the Strait of Hormuz, killing five people and injuring four, according to state media. Loud explosions were also reported across northern Tehran, with smoke seen rising from impacted areas.

Houthis open new front
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels joined the conflict on Saturday, claiming two missile attacks on Israel. The group had earlier warned it would intervene if Iran continued to face attacks.

Iran threatens US-linked institutions
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards threatened to target US universities in the Middle East, alleging that recent US-Israeli strikes destroyed two Iranian universities. They demanded a US condemnation by Monday noon (0830 GMT).

Iran attacks Gulf aluminium plants
The Revolutionary Guards said they carried out missile and drone strikes on aluminium plants in Bahrain and the UAE, describing them as facilities linked to the US military and aerospace sectors.

Anti-war protests in Israel
Hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv and other cities on Saturday in unauthorised protests against the war. While turnout is increasing, it remains significantly lower than last year’s large-scale demonstrations over the Gaza conflict.

Pakistan pushes diplomatic outreach
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday claimed that both Iran and the United States have 'expressed confidence' in Pakistan’s role as a potential facilitator for talks aimed at ending the war. Dar added that China has backed Pakistan’s initiative to host discussions between Tehran and Washington. “We discussed possible ways to bring an early and permanent end to the war in the region,” Dar said. Pakistan will host Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt ?for talks from Sunday on ?the Iran war as Islamabad positions itself as a ?potential venue for U.S.-Iran negotiations on the month-old conflict.

Other developments

• Bahrain announces curfew for maritime traffic
• Israel strikes key ballistic missile unit in Iran
• American University of Beirut moves to online learning after Iran threats
• Kuwait reports missile and drone attacks
• Israel confirms fifth military death in Lebanon
• Egypt orders shops and malls to shut by 9 pm
• IRGC blocks three vessels over alleged links to US-Israeli allies
• Thailand reaches agreement with Iran for safe Hormuz passage
• Iran clears 20 more Pakistan-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz
• Netanyahu instructs to further expand existing security buffer zone in southern Lebanon
• Lebanon says Israeli strikes killed more than 1,200 since March 2
• Iran inflation rate rises to 50.6 percent