Reported from the source

Quick summary: A US military tanker aircraft crashed in western Iraq, with an Iran-backed militia claiming responsibility, though the US military denies hostile fire. Simultaneously, multiple explosions were reported in Iran’s capital, Tehran, causing houses to shake. These incidents unfold amidst ongoing regional conflicts, including a rocket attack that injured dozens in Israel, an Israeli strike killing one in Beirut, and the death of a French soldier in an attack in Iraq. The US also temporarily allowed the sale of Russian oil.

The US military reported that a tanker aircraft crashed in western Iraq. While an Iran-backed militia group, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed to have shot down the US military tanker plane “in defense of sovereignty and airspace,” the US Central Command (Centcom) stated the incident was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. Centcom confirmed two aircraft were involved, with one landing safely and the other, a KC-135, going down in western Iraq. At least five people were on board, and rescue operations are ongoing, with no immediate clarity on casualties. Separately, Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in Iran’s capital, Tehran. Residents in affected areas reported their houses shaking, with the strongest explosions heard in the southern parts of the city. No injuries have been reported so far. In other regional developments: * **Israel:** A rocket attack on Sarsir, a city approximately 100 kilometers north of Jerusalem near the Lebanese border, injured at least 58 people. Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service reported one person in critical condition and 57 with minor injuries from glass shards. The Lebanese Hezbollah militia claimed responsibility for firing several rockets at northern Israel. * **Lebanon:** An Israeli attack in the coastal district of Jnah, southwest Beirut, killed one person when a car was hit. Another Israeli strike reportedly hit an apartment in the Nabaa district, with no initial casualty reports. The Israeli army stated it had targeted a Hezbollah member in Beirut. * **Iraq:** A French soldier, Staff Sergeant Arnaud Frion, was killed in an attack in the autonomous Kurdistan Region of Erbil, northern Iraq. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the “unacceptable” attack, which also injured several other French soldiers, stating that “the war in Iran cannot justify such attacks.” French forces are in Iraq to combat terrorism. * **Saudi Arabia:** The Saudi army reported intercepting dozens of drones that entered its airspace, with an initial 12 and then an additional 16 drones shot down over its territory. Amidst the escalating energy crisis, the US government has temporarily allowed the sale of Russian oil. The US Treasury Department issued a license permitting the sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded onto vessels before March 12, 0:01 AM, until April 11. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this authorization aims to “increase the global reach of existing supply.” Moscow indicated this affects 100 million barrels, viewing it as a further easing of restrictions despite resistance from some “Brussels bureaucrats.” US President Donald Trump reiterated his threats against Iran on Truth Social, stating the US would “completely destroy the terrorist regime of Iran – militarily, economically, and otherwise.” He claimed Iran’s navy and air force were gone, its missiles and drones would be destroyed, and its leaders “erased,” asserting the US possesses “unprecedented firepower, unlimited ammunition, and plenty of time.” However, experts and Democrats question his claim of unlimited ammunition. Despite Trump’s assertions that the war could end soon, Iran continues to launch missile and drone attacks on Gulf states and Israel and maintains a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: www.tagesschau.de