War in Iran: Four Israeli Soldiers Killed in Lebanon; Power Cuts in Tehran

8:29 AM – Two Executions in Iran

Two men convicted of belonging to a banned opposition group and conspiring to overthrow the Islamic Republic were executed in Iran, the judiciary announced, following two other executions for similar reasons the day before.

“Babak Alipour and Pouya Ghobadi were hanged following judicial proceedings and after confirmation of their sentences by the Supreme Court,” according to the Mizan Online website, the Iranian judiciary’s organ.

The two men were found guilty of “participation in numerous terrorist acts,” belonging to the People’s Mujahideen of Iran (MEK), an exiled organization since the 1980s, and engaging in sabotage to overthrow the Islamic Republic.

8:18 AM – Military Sites Hit in Central Iran

An Iranian media outlet reported “initial information” on strikes hitting “military sites” in central Iran, stating that the extent of damage and potential casualties was unknown.

“Initial information indicates that military sites in Isfahan have been targeted,” said Akbar Salehi, a security official in the governor’s office of the province, quoted by the Fars news agency.

8:16 AM – Two Chinese Ships Cross Strait of Hormuz

Two container ships owned by the Chinese maritime transport giant Cosco successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to Marine Traffic data.

The CSCL Indian Ocean crossed the strait early in the morning, followed by the CSCL Arctic Ocean 27 minutes later, as reported by the vessel tracking website. They passed close to Larak Island, controlled by Iran, and are heading towards Port Klang, Malaysia.

6:30 AM – Indonesia Urges Respect for International Law

Indonesia urged belligerent parties in the Middle East to “respect international humanitarian law,” after three of its peacekeepers were killed in two separate attacks in Lebanon.

“The security of peacekeeping forces must be a top priority. All conflicting parties are urged to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of peacekeeping personnel,” said Rico Ricardo Sirait, spokesperson for the Indonesian defense ministry, in a statement.

6:25 AM – Four Israeli Soldiers Killed in Lebanon

The Israeli army announced the death of four soldiers in the “incident” in southern Lebanon, bringing the total number of military fatalities to 10 since the renewed clashes with Hezbollah on March 2nd.

Three soldiers from a reconnaissance brigade were identified as killed “in combat” on Monday, with a fourth soldier also reported dead. One soldier was severely injured, and a reservist slightly injured in the incident, according to the same source.

6:15 AM – Emergency Meeting at the UN after Peacekeeper Deaths

The UN Security Council is set to convene urgently today after the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, a hotspot between Israel and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement. France called for this meeting, scheduled to start at 10 am (GMT) as Israel ordered its army to expand the “security zone” in Lebanon with heavy strikes and a deep ground incursion.