Summary prepared after a news review. In West Asia, the United States and Israel have launched over 200 attacks on Iran, while Iran has also retaliated. Iran has announced a reward of 10 billion Iranian tomans for anyone who captures and surrenders the pilot of the downed U.S. fighter jet alive. Clashes continue between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with both sides launching missile attacks. (March 21, Kathmandu)
Tensions in West Asia have escalated significantly. While the U.S. and Israel continue their intense attacks on Iran, Iran is actively retaliating. On Saturday, the U.S. is actively searching for its downed fighter jet pilot, while Iran continues missile strikes against America. Based on direct reports received Saturday morning, the recent situation in Iran is as follows: The U.S. has deployed a C-130 Hercules aircraft to search for the pilot of the American fighter jet downed in Iran. A video circulated on social media shows the plane flying at a very low altitude over Iran while releasing hot flares.
This flare release technique helps the aircraft evade missile attacks by diverting missiles to the flares’ heat signatures instead of the engine’s hot parts. Meanwhile, an Israeli official has claimed that one of the two pilots of the downed U.S. fighter jet has been rescued alive in Iran. The search for the other pilot is ongoing. However, this claim has yet to be officially confirmed. Iran initially claimed to have shot down an American F-35 fighter jet, but some reports suggest the plane might have been an F-15E. Additionally, in the Gulf region near Hormuz, an A-10 Warthog aircraft crashed, and U.S. officials say one of the two pilots was rescued.
Iran Announces Reward for Capturing U.S. Pilot Alive. Iran’s state media IRIB presenter has called upon the public, announcing a reward of 10 billion Iranian tomans for anyone who captures and surrenders the U.S. fighter jet pilot alive. After declaring the downing of the U.S. aircraft, celebrations have been reported on the streets of Iran. Iranian officials have warned that their military capabilities are vast and that attacks will continue. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, sarcastically stated, “Those who boasted about defeating Iran 37 times are now unable to find their own pilot.”
Over 200 Attacks in 24 Hours. In the last 24 hours, the U.S. and Israel have launched more than 200 attacks on Iran. The human rights organization based in the U.S., Human Rights Activists in Iran, reported that from Thursday to Friday, 206 attacks occurred across 13 provinces in Iran, resulting in the death of one civilian. However, the New York Times, citing American intelligence reports, said Iran was able to restore its underground missile bunkers damaged by U.S. and Israeli strikes within a few hours. Iran is also believed to have preserved a large number of missiles and mobile launchers safely.
Iran’s Retaliation. On Friday night, Iran fired missiles targeting Israeli and American checkpoints. Iranian ballistic missiles struck Kiryat Atta and Petah Tikva in northern Israel, causing damage to vehicles and buildings. The armed group Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed it launched 19 drone and missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Iraq and neighboring areas in the past day, although the U.S. has not confirmed this. During these events, an Iranian drone crashed in Bahrain’s Sitra region, injuring four people and damaging homes.
Similarly, drone debris fell while intercepting an air attack in Dubai’s Marina area, but no human injuries were reported there. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the downing of the fighter jet will not affect potential talks with Iran, adding, “This is war. We are in a state of war.” Republican Congressman John Curtis said that Congress will not provide further military funding until formally declaring war. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni indicated Europe would not fully support the U.S. in a war against Iran, emphasizing national interests as the top priority. Trump criticized European allies for not supporting a war with Iran. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is scheduled to meet with Trump on April 8. A proposed U.N. Security Council vote on Bahrain’s proposal to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz has been postponed until next week.
Clashes in Lebanon. In Lebanon, violent clashes continue between Israel and Hezbollah. The Israeli Air Force destroyed rocket launchers fired by Hezbollah in northern Israel and conducted attacks on various locations in Beirut. Hezbollah claimed it launched rockets and guided missiles targeting Israeli troops at three different locations in southern Lebanon. (With agency contributions)
