PARIS, March 27 (V7N) — US‑Israeli airstrikes have hit two of Iran’s largest steel plants, Khuzestan Steel in the southwest and Mobarakeh Steel in Isfahan, Iranian media reported. State broadcaster IRIB confirmed the attacks, which Tehran described as fresh aggression by the “American‑Zionist enemy.”

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon is worsening, with the UN refugee agency warning of a looming “catastrophe.” Since March 2, more than a million people — one in five residents — have fled their homes amid escalating violence, straining already fragile infrastructure and relief efforts.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of exploiting the Middle East war to divert global attention from “crimes” in Ukraine. Speaking at a G7 meeting in France, he said Moscow was cynically hoping the escalation would shift focus away from Europe.

Diplomatic maneuvering continues, with reports that the United States and Iran are preparing for direct talks in Pakistan. G7 allies pressed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for clarity on Washington’s Iran strategy, while UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper urged a swift resolution to restore regional stability.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced they had turned back three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the route closed to vessels linked to “enemy” ports. They also warned civilians to avoid areas near US forces, while military spokesmen threatened hotels housing American soldiers.

Meanwhile, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an air defence agreement during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Riyadh, aimed at countering Iranian drone attacks. Kuwait reported material damage but no casualties after a drone strike on its main Shuwaikh port, underscoring the widening regional fallout.

Iranian officials said US‑Israeli strikes have damaged at least 120 museums and cultural sites. Tehran’s foreign minister branded the February 28 strike on a school in Minab, which killed more than 175 students and teachers, a “calculated assault.” The UN Security Council will meet Friday at Moscow’s request to discuss the attacks on Iran.

END/WD/RH/