IranMAR 27 (DAY 29) — Israel Strikes Arak and Ardakan Nuclear Sites as Iran Wounds US Troops in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Ports Damaged
On March 27, 2026 (Day 29 of Operation Epic Fury), the conflict reached a new nuclear targeting threshold as Israeli airstrikes struck the Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Arak and the Ardakan yellowcake production plant in Yazd Province. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization confirmed both strikes, stating preliminary assessments showed no radiation release at either site. The Israeli military described the Ardakan strike as "a major blow to Iran's nuclear program." Iran struck back hard: a missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia wounded at least 10 US service members and damaged several US refueling aircraft. Kuwait reported that Shuwaikh Port and the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port — under construction as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative — sustained material damage, in what appeared to be the first strike on a Chinese-affiliated infrastructure project of the conflict. Saudi air defenses intercepted missiles and drones targeting Riyadh. G7 foreign ministers meeting in France issued a joint statement calling for cessation of attacks on civilians and restoration of Hormuz navigation. Trump extended the Hormuz power plant deadline to April 6. Iran blocked two Chinese container ships from transiting the strait. CENTCOM disclosed 303 US troops wounded and 13 killed since February 28.
IAF Pre-Dawn Strike on Beirut Kills Two
The Israeli Air Force executed an airstrike in Beirut during the pre-dawn hours. Smoke was observed rising over the Lebanese capital. Lebanon's Health Ministry officially reported two fatalities. IDF confirmed ongoing operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in the Lebanese capital.
Beirut, Lebanon
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Israel Strikes Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Arak
Following IDF evacuation warnings, coalition aircraft struck the Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Arak, Markazi Province. The complex had previously been targeted during the June 2025 conflict. A Markazi Province official confirmed it was hit in two stages with no human casualties. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization confirmed the strike. No radiation release was reported. Israel described the strikes as targeting infrastructure remaining from Iran's nuclear program.
Arak, Iran
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239, 68, 68
IAF Strikes Ardakan Yellowcake Production Plant; No Radiation Release Reported
Coalition aircraft struck the Ardakan yellowcake production plant in Yazd Province. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization confirmed the strike on the facility, which became operational in 2023, stating "initial assessments indicate that this incident has not resulted in any release of radioactive materials outside the facility." The Israeli military later stated raw materials are processed for enrichment at the Yazd plant and described the strike as "a major blow to Iran's nuclear program." Yellowcake is a uranium concentrate powder and an early step in the nuclear fuel cycle before enrichment.
Ardakan, Iran
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239, 68, 68
Iranian Attacks Damage Kuwait Ports Including Chinese Belt and Road Facility
Kuwait reported that Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait City and the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port to the north sustained material damage in Iranian attacks. The Mubarak Al Kabeer facility is under active construction as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, making it what appeared to be the first Chinese-affiliated infrastructure project struck in the conflict. Kuwait Ports Authority confirmed Shuwaikh Port "was subjected to an attack by hostile drones with no human casualties." China has continued to purchase Iranian crude throughout the war.
Kuwait City, Kuwait
0
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Iranian Strike on Prince Sultan Air Base Wounds at Least 10 US Troops; Damages Aircraft
An Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia wounded at least 10 US service members and damaged several US refueling aircraft, a US official told AP and CBS News. It was not immediately clear how many troops were wounded or how severely. CENTCOM separately disclosed that 303 US troops had been wounded and 13 killed since the start of the conflict on February 28. The IRGC Aerospace Force commander warned that retaliation for the nuclear facility strikes would exceed previous exchanges: "This time, the equation will no longer be an eye for an eye."
Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia
10
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239, 68, 68
G7 Foreign Ministers Issue Joint Statement on Hormuz; Trump Extends Deadline to April 6
G7 foreign ministers meeting in Vaux-de-Cernay, France — including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio — issued a joint statement calling for "immediate cessation of attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructures" and restoration of "safe and toll free freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz." Rubio warned Iran may attempt to establish a formal toll system in the strait. Separately, Trump posted on Truth Social extending the Hormuz deadline by 10 days to April 6, stating "talks are ongoing and going very well." Iran blocked two Chinese container ships from entering the Strait of Hormuz on this date despite earlier assurances of safe passage for neutral shipping.
Vaux-de-Cernay, France
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Saudi Air Defenses Intercept Missiles and Drones Targeting Riyadh
Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted missiles and drones targeting the Saudi capital Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry confirmed the interceptions. Kuwait and Bahrain also reported attacks. The Saudi government issued a public statement: "Our primary concern today is to defend ourselves from the daily attacks on our people and our civilian infrastructure. Iran has chosen dangerous brinkmanship over serious diplomatic solutions."
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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IDF Strikes Missile Production Sites in Heart of Tehran and Western Iran
Israel's military said its overnight attacks targeted sites "in the heart of Tehran" where ballistic missiles and weapons are produced. IDF also struck missile launchers and storage sites in western Iran. An AFP journalist in Tehran reported approximately 10 intense blasts and a plume of black smoke. Search and rescue teams operated at a residential building hit in the Ray district south of Tehran, with at least five people killed according to local officials. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted "missile production capabilities, infrastructure remaining from Iran's nuclear program, and terror regime targets."
Tehran, Iran
5
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239, 68, 68