Al Jazeera News Updates Iran says defence shall persist, Israel expands evacuation orders in Lebanon
Mar 27, 2026
Rapid updates cover looming threats to Iranian infrastructure and strikes in Tehran and Qom. Iran’s pledge to continue defence at the U.N. is highlighted. Reports look at Gulf surveillance cooperation and new Saudi-Ukraine defence ties. Daily Iranian strikes’ effects on Israeli life and rising oil prices linked to Strait of Hormuz disruptions are discussed.
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US Sends Mixed Signals On Diplomacy And Force
- The US is sending mixed signals by pursuing diplomacy while reinforcing forces in the Middle East.
- President Donald Trump extended his deadline to April 6 for striking Iran's power plants after earlier threats tied to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Vows Ongoing Defense After Civilian Strikes
- Israeli and US strikes hit residential areas in Tehran and Qom, causing deaths and rubble searches.
- Iran's foreign minister Abbas Arakshi told the UN Human Rights Council that Iran's defense "shall persist as long as needed."
Allies Mobilise Support And Expertise In Gulf
- Regional partners are actively involved: the UAE credits an Australian surveillance plane, and Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed a defence deal.
- Ukraine deployed 200+ anti-drone experts to the Middle East and offered drone-defence expertise.