War Alert: Multiple Strikes Across Middle East in 24 Hours as Iran Claims Downing of US Jets

Middle East War: Debate Heats Up as Pakistan’s Mediation Rejected by Iran

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 11:43:49 +0530

A heated debate unfolded among experts and political figures over Iran rejecting mediation by Pakistan. PML-N leader Irshad Ahmed Khan dismissed claims of diplomatic embarrassment, arguing that Pakistan’s global standing remains strong and that perceptions are influenced by media narratives. He emphasized Pakistan’s ties with countries like the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. However, the anchor repeatedly questioned Iran’s explicit lack of trust in Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, calling it a major diplomatic setback. The discussion grew tense as both sides exchanged sharp remarks. Senior journalist Syed Naqvi provided a more balanced perspective, stating that the full picture of Pakistan’s mediation role is still unclear. He highlighted complex geopolitical factors, including China’s involvement in regional tensions and its strategic interests linked to the Belt and Road Initiative.

Bollywood News: Iran Rejects Pakistan Talks Over Fears of US-Israel Link

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 11:37:21 +0530

In a panel discussion on the ongoing conflict, experts shared insights into why Iran has rejected mediation efforts by Pakistan. Former diplomat Yogesh Gupta stated that Pakistan’s credibility as a neutral mediator is highly questionable, particularly due to the perceived alignment of its Army Chief Asim Munir with the United States and Israel. Gupta emphasized that Iran fears sensitive discussions could be indirectly shared with Washington, undermining its strategic position. He also criticized the US-backed negotiation proposals as “one-sided,” suggesting they assume Iran has already been defeated, which weakens the foundation for meaningful dialogue. On security concerns, Gupta noted that while fears of harm to Iranian representatives may be extreme, Pakistan’s weak credibility makes it an unsuitable venue. He added that Iran’s confidence has grown amid the conflict, as it continues to demonstrate military capability, including targeting advanced systems and maintaining a firm stance on the Strait of Hormuz.

Breaking News: Iran Rejects Pakistan’s Mediation, Cites Trust Deficit and Security Concerns

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 11:31:31 +0530

Amid the ongoing conflict, Iran has firmly rejected mediation efforts by Pakistan, citing serious trust and security concerns. Iranian officials reportedly view Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir with suspicion, believing he is closely aligned with the United States and may act in its interests. Tehran fears that any negotiations held in Pakistan could pose risks to its representatives, including potential threats to their safety. Iran has also expressed concerns over possible intelligence leaks, suggesting that sensitive information shared during talks could be passed to Washington. Additionally, Iran remains wary due to past tensions, including allegations that militant groups operating against Iran have found safe haven in Pakistani territory. Tehran has indicated that it is open to mediation, but only through a neutral and trusted country—not Pakistan. Economic instability in Pakistan is also seen as a factor, with Iran fearing that external pressures could influence Islamabad’s role. This development highlights growing diplomatic friction alongside the ongoing military conflict.

Iran Releases Video Showing Exact Moment When Missile Hit US A-10 Jet: WATCH

Sneha — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 11:31:03 +0530

Iran has claimed that its forces successfully shot down a US A-10 ground-attack aircraft, Al Jazeera reported. The country released a video purportedly showing the exact moment the American warplane was struck by a missile fired from Iran’s integrated air-defence system.

Sharing the footage on X, the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai stated, “Footage of the exact moment an American A-10 warplane is struck by an air-defence missile fired by the Iranian Army’s integrated air-defence system.”

Footage of the exact moment an American A-10 warplane is struck by an air defense missile fired by the Iranian Army’s integrated air defense system.#Iran #WAR #AirDefense #A10 https://t.co/q8fUc3Ugar pic.twitter.com/49k5yu57aB
— Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) April 4, 2026

According to media reports, the A-10 was hit and later crashed after reaching Kuwaiti airspace, where the pilot safely ejected. NBC News confirmed that the pilot survived, while the aircraft was lost in Kuwait.

Iran Claims Strikes On US F-15 And Helicopters

Earlier on Friday, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said that Iranian air defences had also destroyed a US F-15 jet.

Several military websites noted that the A-10C Thunderbolt II is designed for close air support, renowned for its manoeuvrability at low speeds and altitudes, precision targeting, and ability to operate in challenging conditions while remaining over combat zones for extended periods.

Iran also reportedly struck two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters involved in search and rescue operations. The attacks caused minor injuries to US personnel, but all service members are reported to be safe.

In total, Iran claims to have downed two US aircraft, the F-15 and the A-10, and struck two helicopters within a single day—less than 48 hours after President Donald Trump stated that Iran had been “completely decimated.”

One Pilot Rescued After US F-15 Downed

One of the two crew members of a downed US F-15E has been rescued by American military helicopters, US officials told CBS News. The search for the second crew member, a weapons systems officer, is ongoing.

During the operation, the helicopter carrying the recovered pilot came under small-arms fire, causing injuries to some personnel on board. The aircraft landed safely, and all injured service members are receiving medical treatment before being transferred for further care.

US politics: Trump Faces Mounting Pressure at Home Amid Escalating Iran War

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 11:27:02 +0530

Amid the ongoing war with Iran, US President Donald Trump is reportedly facing growing political pressure and internal criticism. According to reports by The Atlantic, tensions within Trump’s administration are rising, with speculation that key figures like Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel could be at risk of removal. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is also reportedly under scrutiny. Critics argue that Trump has been shifting blame onto advisors and officials as the war fails to deliver expected results. While Iran has shown internal unity, protests have emerged across the United States, with many citizens opposing the war and demanding leadership changes. Polls suggest a significant portion of Americans are dissatisfied, with some even calling for Trump’s removal. Despite strong rhetoric against Iran, including earlier threats, the US has struggled to achieve key objectives such as regime change or decisive military victory. The situation highlights growing domestic unrest alongside escalating international tensions.

Nuclear Alert: US Plans to Seize Iran’s Enriched Uranium Amid Intensifying War

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 11:20:29 +0530

Amid the ongoing conflict, a major revelation by The Washington Post suggests that the United States is preparing a plan to secure Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Reports indicate that the US military has proposed a strategy to Donald Trump involving heavy machinery for excavation and the construction of runways for cargo aircraft. Despite earlier claims that Iran’s nuclear facilities were destroyed, intelligence suggests Iran still possesses around 450 kg of uranium enriched up to 60%, which could be quickly upgraded to weapons-grade levels. The uranium is reportedly stored deep underground in sites like Natanz Nuclear Facility. The mission, possibly led by the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, would involve airborne deployment and securing these locations—an operation considered highly complex and risky. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that 70% of Iran’s military strength has been destroyed. However, continuous airstrikes by the US and Israel on cities like Abadan, causing blackouts, indicate the conflict is far from over, with no immediate ceasefire in sight.

War Alert: Iran-US War Enters Day 36 with Escalation and Global Impact

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 11:03:02 +0530

On day 36 of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, several major developments have emerged. Iran has claimed it shot down two US fighter jets, including an F-15 and possibly an A-10, though these claims remain disputed. Donald Trump stated that such incidents would not affect ongoing negotiations. Iran has also rejected a proposed 48-hour ceasefire, signaling continued escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that 70% of Iran’s military strength has been destroyed. Meanwhile, Iran has refused talks in Pakistan, and Qatar has stepped back from mediation efforts. Globally, food prices have risen, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization, while Trump has proposed a major increase in the US defense budget. On the battlefield, Iran launched fresh strikes on Israel and allegedly targeted a US Chinook helicopter in Kuwait. Rescue operations continue for a missing US pilot as tensions reach a critical point.

War Update: 10 Stories of Destruction as War Escalates and Ceasefire Rejected

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 10:57:11 +0530

On day 36 of the Middle East conflict, widespread destruction has been reported across multiple regions. Iran intensified attacks after key infrastructure damage, targeting US-linked facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. In Israel, missile strikes hit Haifa and Petah Tikva, damaging industrial zones and injuring over 145 people. Iran also launched attacks on defense-related facilities, while Israel retaliated with airstrikes in Iran’s Alborz Province, triggering massive explosions at ammunition depots. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed fresh strikes under “Operation True Promise 4,” targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa. Meanwhile, Israel intensified operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, claiming significant militant losses. A major development includes Iran’s claim of downing a US F-15 jet, with one pilot rescued and another still missing. The US proposed a 48-hour ceasefire via mediation, but Tehran rejected it. The situation remains volatile, raising fears of broader regional escalation.

'From Regime Change To Can Anyone Find Our Pilots': Iran Mocks US After Fighter Jet Downed

Sneha — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 10:57:09 +0530

Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, mocked the United States on Friday following Tehran’s claim that it had shot down two US fighter jets and a helicopter.

Posting on X, Ghalibaf described the joint US-Israeli operation as a “no-strategy war.” He wrote: “After defeating Iran 37 times in a row, this brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from ‘regime change’ to ‘Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please? Wow. What incredible progress. Absolute geniuses'.”

After defeating Iran 37 times in a row, this brilliant no-strategy war they started has now been downgraded from “regime change” to “Hey! Can anyone find our pilots? Please?🥺”

Wow. What incredible progress. Absolute geniuses.
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 3, 2026

Earlier on Friday, Iran asserted that it had downed two US military aircraft—the F-15 and A-10—and targeted two Black Hawk helicopters. The US confirmed the loss of an F-15E over Iranian territory.

The incident follows Pentagon claims that Iran’s air defences had been so weakened that American aircraft could operate over the country without interference, amid former President Donald Trump’s threats to reduce Iran “to the stone age where it belongs.”

Trump’s Longstanding Push For Regime Change

On 1 April, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, describing Iran’s “new regime president” as “much less radicalised and far more intelligent than his predecessors.” Yet, during a national address on Thursday, he stated that regime change was not the stated aim of the conflict, although leadership shifts had already occurred.

“Regime change was not our goal… but regime change has occurred because of all of their original leaders’ deaths,” he said, branding Iran’s Islamic regime “thuggish and murderous,” citing a recent crackdown on protests that killed thousands.

“Leaders like that cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon,” he added. “From the very first day I announced my campaign, I vowed never to allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. This fanatical regime has been chanting ‘Death to America’ for 47 years — and it should have been dealt with long before I arrived in office.”

Trump emphasised that he initially pursued diplomacy: “Yet the regime continued its relentless quest for nuclear weapons and rejected every attempt at an agreement.”

On Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also the president’s national security adviser, expressed caution in an interview with ABC News over whether Iran had truly changed.

“The people who lead them, this clerical regime, that is the problem,” he said. “And if there are new people in charge who have a more reasonable vision of the future, that would be good news for us, for them, for the world. But we must also be prepared for the possibility — maybe even the probability — that this is not the case.”

Later, speaking to Al Jazeera, Rubio stressed that neutralising Iran’s weapons capability remained crucial.

“I think the best way to stability, given those in charge in Iran, is to destroy Iran’s future ability to launch missiles and drones against infrastructure and civilian populations,” he said, adding that “our objectives from the very beginning had nothing to do with the leadership.”

Trump And The Strikes On Iran

Trump initiated military action on 28 February in coordination with Israel, targeting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, and other senior officials. He subsequently called for an Iranian uprising, which has yet to materialise, though he claims success in effecting regime change.

“We’ve had regime change already because one regime was decimated, destroyed. They’re all dead,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday. “The next regime is mostly dead. And the third regime… we’re dealing with different people than anyone has dealt with before. It’s a whole different group. I would consider that regime change.”

He continued: “Regime change is an imperative, but I think we have it automatically.” On Tuesday, he reiterated that he had “knocked out” two Iranian regimes consecutively.

War Alert: Multiple Strikes Across Middle East in 24 Hours as Iran Claims Downing of US Jets

ABP News Bureau — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 10:50:15 +0530

In the past 24 hours, the Middle East has witnessed intense military activity across several regions. Iran reportedly carried out missile and drone strikes on key Israeli locations, including the Negev, Haifa, and Tel Aviv, causing damage to industrial areas. Iran also allegedly targeted Manama in Bahrain. In retaliation, the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian cities such as Tehran and Abadan, where a major blackout was reported. Israel also continued strikes in Lebanon, including areas like the Bekaa Valley. Amid escalating tensions, Iran has claimed it shot down US F-15 and A-10 fighter jets, though the United States Central Command has denied these claims. Donald Trump stated that such incidents would not affect ongoing talks. Reports also indicate emergency landings of US aircraft in Iraq and Jordan, highlighting the growing intensity of the conflict.