Pope: Trump? He said he wants to end the war, go back to the table. US journalist in Baghdad reportedly freed

Italia respects the treaties and "currently provides support by guaranteeing access, bases and overflight rights to US forces". This was said by a Pentagon official responding to Ansa asking for comment on Rome's decision to deny the use of the Sigonella base to some US bombers. "Yes," the official then replied when asked whether Italia respects treaties with the US on the use of the base. "The Italian defence minister has published a post on X to this effect, and the presidency of the council has also issued a statement," he added.

Shelly Kittleson, the American journalist kidnapped this evening in Baghdad 'according to some information' was freed during the intervention of Iraqi security forces. This was reported by al Arabiya in English, pointing out that the reporter was injured when the car she was in overturned and transported to hospital.

'Thanks to Italia for its support'. Thus in a post on X the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, after his meeting with the deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Antonio Tajani. 'We talked about the consequences of Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz,' Zelesky writes, 'It is a global challenge for the fuel, gas, fertiliser market and we are offering our partners in the region our expertise to face these threats together. It is recognised both in Italia and in Europe and it is important." "It is no secret that Russia uses every platform to cover up its aggression and we talked about how to counter this propaganda. We agreed that our teams will align their positions on this,' Zelensky continued, 'We continue to develop cooperation between the institutions of our countries. I thank Italia for its support'.

Iran wants to 'end' the war against Israel and the United States, but demands 'guarantees' to prevent a repeat of 'aggression'. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian put it this way more than a month after the start of US and Israeli operations against Iran, to which Tehran does not fail to 'respond. "We have the necessary will to put an end" to the conflict, "provided that the essential conditions are met, in particular the necessary guarantees to prevent the recurrence of aggression," Pezeshkian said during a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, according to a note released by his office.

American journalistShelly Kittleson was kidnapped in central Baghdad. This was reported by the Iraqi broadcaster Shafaq News, citing a security source who said the kidnapping took place near the Palestine Hotel.

Security forces launched search operations in the area.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemns the Israeli parliament's approval of a new 'deeply discriminatory' death penalty law, warning that its application in the occupied Palestinian territories 'would constitute a war crime'. The new law, which would make the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank found guilty of deadly attacks deemed "acts of terrorism" by Israeli military tribunals, "is openly contradictory to Israel's obligations to international law," Turk's statement read. "Its application to residents of the occupied Palestinian territories would constitute a war crime," he concludes.

"Over the past two days, attacks have occurred near the WHO headquarters in the Iranian capital, Tehran, shattering windows". This was written by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a post on social X. "Fortunately all colleagues at the WHO headquarters in Iran were accounted for and no one was injured," he added, "attacks that compromise operations and damage the buildings of the WHO and other UN agencies, whose locations have been clearly identified, cannot be tolerated and must be avoided at all costs."

Israel has terminated all defence agreements with France in light of what it considers a 'hostile stance' adopted by Paris over the past two years. This was reported in the Israeli media.

"We, the Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italia, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union, express our full support to the Government and people of Lebanon, who are once again suffering the dramatic consequences of a war that is not theirs. We express our condolences to the families of the victims and our solidarity with the civilian population affected by this war, both in Lebanon and Israel. The responsibility for this situation falls on Hezbollah'. This is stated in a joint statement - released by the Farnesina - in which, among other things, Hezbollah is asked to "immediately stop the attacks in support of Iran against Israel". The note also stresses that 'there is no other way to safeguard Lebanon from foreign interference than by strengthening its state, its institutions and its sovereignty. To this end, we call for direct political negotiations between Lebanon and Israel that can help bring a lasting end to this conflict and create the conditions for peaceful coexistence in the region'. We then "reiterate our strong support for the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon and call for preventive coordination channels to manage the conflict to remain open. We strongly condemn all recent attacks against UNIFIL contingents, which have resulted in unacceptable casualties among the Blue Helmets in recent days. We urge all parties, under all circumstances, to ensure the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and facilities, in accordance with international law."

Elysée Palace sources, asked in Paris about Donald Trump's accusation that France does not allow US planes bound for Israel to fly over, say they are "astonished by this post". "France," the presidency sources point out, "has not changed what has been its position from the beginning."

A UN security source told Afp that the Indonesian blue helmet of the Unifil mission killed over the weekend died as a result of Israeli fire. Earlier, Unifil had stated that the peacekeeper was killed on Sunday evening when a bullet of unknown origin 'exploded at a Unifil position near Adchit al Qusayr', while two other Indonesian blue helmets were killed in southern Lebanon the following day. The source told Afp on condition of anonymity that evidence had been identified that the source of Sunday's fire was an Israeli tank.

The Israel Army (IDF) believes, following a preliminary review, that the two Indonesian Unifil blue helmets killed yesterday in Lebanon were hit by explosive devices planted by Hezbollah along roads. This was reported in the Times of Israel.

Today there are no conditions to activate the general safeguard clause of the Stability Pact, which would suspend the application of budgetary constraints, which was used in March 2022 in the face of the lockdowns imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This was explained to Adnkronos by a spokesman for the European Commission, after rumours came from the Italia government calling for the suspension of budgetary constraints to deal with the crisis triggered by the war unleashed by the US and Israel against Iran.

Iran's Supreme Guide Mojtaba Khamenei is in Iran, but refrains from making public statements "for understandable reasons", the Russian ambassador to the country told the RTVI news agency today.

Mojtaba succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the Israeli-American war against Iran more than a month ago.

The death toll in Lebanon since the start of the latest war between Israel and Hezbollah has reached 1,268, while 3,750 people have been injured. Among the victims are 125 children and 88 women.

The Beirut Ministry of Health said that 21 dead and 70 injured were recorded in the last 24 hours.

Opening on an upward trend for the Wall Street stock exchange. The Nasdaq rose 1.43%, the Dow Jones 1.12%, and the S&P 1.19%. The markets are looking at the possibility that the Middle East conflict could end soon after the words of US President Donald Trump, who spoke of leaving Iran having achieved its goals even if he did not put forward a solution for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the knot in the hands of the Europeans and the countries that need the oil, gas and products coming from the Middle East.

Gasoline prices in the US surged above $4 a gallon (equivalent to 3.8 litres) for the first time in almost four years, discounting the oil supply shock triggered by the war in the Middle East, driving up costs for American households and problems for the Trump administration.
Prices at the pump reached a national average of $4.018, at the highest since August 2022, when Russia's attack on Ukraine shook energy markets, according to American Automobile Association (Aaa) findings.
Prices have risen more than 30 per cent since the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

France did not allow Israel to use its airspace over the weekend to transport American weapons for use in the war against Iran, a Western diplomat and two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. Reuters writes this on its website.
According to the sources, the rejection, which took place over the weekend, was the first case in which France made such a decision since the start of the conflict in Iran. Neither the French presidency nor the foreign ministry were immediately available for comment, Reuters points out.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said he wants to destroy all houses in villages near the border in southern Lebanon. According to his office, Katz said the goal is to "eliminate once and for all" the threat posed by the Lebanese Hezbollah militia to residents of northern Israel, citing as a model the towns of Rafah and Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, both largely destroyed during the war.

An army spokesman said that Hezbollah carried out up to 5,000 attacks in one month, using rockets, mortar shells and drones. Lebanese security sources reported extensive damage in several border villages with entire residential neighbourhoods destroyed.

"In the event that the UAE continues to cooperate with the US in its air strikes against Iran and provide intelligence information to Israel, Iran will target the port of Fujairah, one of the seven Emirates, as well as its important pipeline, which transports oil out of the Strait of Hormuz."

An informed source told the Fars agency, affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards.

US President Donald Trump says the US will not abandon its attempt to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. "Sooner or later I will, but not yet. But countries must step in and deal with it. Iran has been decimated, but they will have to step in and do their job," Trump told CBS.

"There are countries around the world that should be ready to act on this crucial waterway". This was said by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, during a press conference at the Pentagon.
"This is not just about the US Navy. Last time I checked, there was also supposed to be a powerful Royal Navy ready to do things like this," he added, "the president is making the point that you can't talk about a true alliance if there are countries that are not willing to support you when you need it.

The Iranian government denounced on X an Israeli-American attack on 'one of the largest manufacturers of anti-cancer, anaesthetic and disease-specific drugs', which damaged production lines.

The company, Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company, is owned by Social Security Investment.

Fragments of "a missile with cluster munitions" fell a few metres from the Ukrainian embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv during an Iranian attack. This was reported by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha.

"The international agreements clearly regulate and distinguish between what requires specific authorisation from the government (for which it was decided to always involve Parliament) without which nothing can be granted and what is considered technically authorised because it is included in the agreements. A minister only has to enforce them. Terzium non datur'. Thus Defence Minister Guido Crosetto on X.

"To all those countries that can't get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the UK, which refused to intervene in the beheading of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: number 1, buy from the US, we have plenty, and number 2, be brave, go to the Strait and just take it." Donald Trump writes in Truth. "Iran has been, in essence, decimated. The hard part is done. Now go get your own oil!" "You will have to start learning to defend yourselves, the US will no longer be there to help you, just as you have not been there for us

"France did not allow planes bound for Israel, loaded with military supplies, to fly over its territory. France has been very uncooperative. The US will remember this!!!"" So said Donald Trump on Truth in a post following the one directed against countries like Gb that have not helped the US

The government has issued a note on the war in Iran, and in particular on the denial of the use of the Sigonella base, requested by the Americans. "With reference to press reports on the use of military bases," it says, "we reiterate that Italia is acting in full compliance with current international agreements and with the guidelines expressed by the government to Parliament. The Executive's line is clear, consistent and already fully shared with Parliament, without any changes. Every request is carefully examined, case by case, as has always been the case in the past. There are no critical issues or frictions with international partners. The relations with the United States, in particular, are solid and marked by full and loyal cooperation. The Government will therefore continue to operate within the framework of existing treaties, respecting the will of the Government and Parliament, while guaranteeing international reliability and full protection of the national interest.

The future of the Strait of Hormuz must be decided by all countries in the region together. This was stated by the Qatari ministry spokesman. The parliament in Tehran has approved a text providing for a toll for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but the document specifies that the decision must be approved by the other countries bordering the Strait.

At least five people died as a result of Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, according to health officials. This episode of violence continues to cast a shadow over the fragile US-brokered ceasefire agreement that has been in place for five months. Doctors said an Israeli air raid in Jabalia, north of the enclave, killed at least three people in the morning, while another air raid killed two more people in Khan Younis, in the south. There was no comment from the Israeli side on either incident.

UN Special Rapporteur on Iran Mai Sato denounced the executions perpetrated by Tehran. The statement on X came after the execution this morning of two more members of the exiled Iranian group People's Mujaheddin (Mujahedin-e-Khalq). Two others had been executed by hanging on Monday. "Given the ongoing internet blockade, it is not yet clear who else has been or is being executed," he wrote. "What is clear is that executions are used as a means to suppress political dissent in times of war," he stressed.

The Israeli army stated that it is prepared to continue its operations "for weeks". This was stated by the Israel Defence Forces spokesman.

Further reading/ Here's why escalation in Iran would have unpredictable consequences

The Iranian leadership appears ''fragmented'' as well as weakened by the targeted raids conducted by the ongoing Israeli-American operation since 28 February. The result is that Iranian leaders ''struggle to coordinate'', leaving even ''negotiators bewildered'', as they ''do not know what their government is willing to concede in any negotiations'', perhaps ''they do not even know which leader to turn to''. The New York Times writes this, citing officials familiar with US and Western intelligence assessments. According to these sources, the war has made it more difficult for the Iranian government to make decisions and coordinate large-scale retaliatory attacks. The surviving leaders have difficulty communicating and are unable to meet in person, fearing that their calls will be intercepted by US or Israeli intelligence and that they will become the target of an air strike. The result, writes the New York Times, is that the ability of the government in Tehran to plan new strategies or policies has weakened, although Iran's security and military agencies continue to function. US President Donald Trump has urged Tehran to come to an agreement, but The Nyt notes that the more the Iranian government's decision-making power deteriorates, the harder it will be to negotiate with US envoys or to make meaningful concessions.

China has announced that the Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministers will strengthen coordination between the two countries on the Middle East war, on the occasion of the scheduled visit of Pakistani diplomatic chief Ishaq Dar to Beijing today. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart will "strengthen strategic communication and coordination on the situation in Iran and other international and regional issues of common interest," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a daily press conference in Beijing.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that, following coordination with the parties concerned, three Chinese ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, and 'we express our gratitude for the assistance provided by the parties concerned'. The Global Times reports. The Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are important transit routes for goods transportation and international trade, Mao said, adding that China calls for an immediate ceasefire and an end to conflicts to restore peace and stability in the Gulf region.

Lebanon has informed the UN that it has banned Hezbollah's armed wing. This was reported by Al Hadath quoting a diplomatic official. The letter that the Beirut government sent to the UN also refers to a government decision on 2 March to ban all military activity by the group.

The Iranian parliament has approved plans to introduce a toll for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian news agency Fars reports. The text affirms the "sovereign role" of Iran and its armed forces in the Strait, cooperation with Oman, and a ban on any country imposing unilateral sanctions on Tehran. About one fifth of the world's oil and LNG supplies normally transit the Strait of Hormuz, and since the beginning of the war Iran has already imposed a toll on ships for safe transit. According to Nbc, some have even paid millions to transit.

Italia has denied the United States the use of the Sigonella base. The episode, which occurred a few days ago, is reported by Corriere and confirmed by informed sources. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto's denial started when it became known about the flight plan of some US air assets, which envisaged landing at Sigonella and then leaving for the Middle East. No one, however, had asked for any authorisation or consulted the Italian military leadership: the plan had in fact been communicated while the planes were already in the air and checks revealed that these were not normal or logistical flights and therefore not included in the treaty with our country.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Iraq for ''courageously supporting Iran in this unjust war''. In a post on 'X', the Iranian president emphasised that the Iraqi position ''is not dictated by geographical constraints, but by history, identity and shared religious values''. ''I warmly shake hands with the Iraqi people, officials and fighters in Mesopotamia. I honour your steadfastness and cherish our commitment,'' he added.

- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Irgc) has declared that it has 'full control' of the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any movement by its enemies will be targeted. Iran International reports. The Pasdaran naval forces hit a container ship, believed to have ties to Israel, named Express Halfong, in the Persian Gulf as part of a series of operations.

In a statement, the Irgc said that the ship was hit by ballistic missiles in Persian Gulf waters during attacks in the early hours of the morning. There was no independent confirmation of the attack or the ownership of the ship. The Irgc claimed to have conducted four operations, including drone strikes against a gathering of US forces off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to reports. It also claimed to have targeted US-linked air defence systems near Manama and radar systems at a US base in Kuwait.

"We have expressed our concerns to Israel about the closure of these holy places". White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said this regarding the Pizzaballa case. "We want the faithful to be able to access these holy places." Leavitt said the White House had taken note of Israeli "security" concerns. Leavitt opened the press briefing by referring to Holy Week and the president's Easter initiatives.

Rocket and missile warning sirens were activated in the Jerusalem area, the Jordan Valley, Shephelah, Lachish, the Dead Sea, and Judea and Samaria, following missile bombardment from Iran. This was reported by the Ynet website. The Israeli anti-aircraft intercepted the attack and fragments of missiles fell in open areas without causing damage or casualties as Magen David Adom points out.

"Following the unpleasant episode involving Card. Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Fr. Francesco Ielpo", "Card. Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Msgr. Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, met Yaron Sideman, Ambassador of Israel to the Holy See. During the conversation, regret was expressed for the incident, on which clarifications were offered, and the understanding reached between the Patriarchate and the local authorities regarding participation in the liturgies at the Holy Sepulchre was noted". Thus a Vatican communiqué.

An oil tanker was attacked in the port of Dubai and there are now fears of a possible oil spill. The ship was hit - as reported by the Guardian - in an Iranian attack. A fire also broke out, but no casualties were reported. The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation stated that it was the tanker Al Salmi that was targeted. The ship was fully loaded at the time of the incident. This was reported by the Kuna news agency.

A Kuwaiti tanker loaded with crude oil was 'directly attacked' by Iranian forces while it was at anchor in the port of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. This was reported this morning by the Kuwaiti state news agency citing the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.

Dubai authorities announced that they had intervened in response to an incident involving a drone and a Kuwaiti oil tanker that caught fire in Emirati waters. According to the government media office, there were no injuries among the 24 crew members, whose safety was ensured. Maritime fire-fighting teams worked to tame the flames, which were later declared extinguished.

The US struck a large munitions depot in the Iranian city of Isfahan using a large number of 2,000-pound penetrating munitions. The Wall Street Journal reports this, citing a US official. A captionless video, posted on Truth by President Donald Trump and depicting a series of explosions lighting up the night sky, captured the attack, the official pointed out. US forces have struck more than 11,000 targets during the month-long conflict against Iran, focusing mainly on sites aimed at degrading the country's offensive capabilities.

Donald Trump has told his advisers that he is ready to end the operation against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. This was reported by the Wall Street Journal citing sources who said that in the last few days the president and his aides had determined that the mission to unblock Hormuz would push the conflict beyond the 4-6 week timeframe that had been set

A new wave of missiles was launched by Iran against Israel. This was announced by the Israeli army, emphasising that air defence systems are operational. Explosions were reported in Jerusalem.

Four Israeli soldiers died in combat in southern Lebanon. This was announced by the Israeli army. Three other soldiers were wounded, one seriously. Among the victims was also an officer from the Nahal Brigade.

Violent explosions are reported in Tehran and the cities of Isfahan and Zanjan in the context of the ongoing attacks on Iran by the US and Israel. Local media report this. There were power cuts in Tehran. (