Israel‑Iran Conflict Escalates as UN Security Council Convenes On Friday, 27 March 2026 , Israel launched a wave of air strikes on targets described as being “in the heart of Tehran”. The attacks came hours before a closed‑door UNSC consultation on civilian‑infrastructure attacks on Iran. Simultaneously, the United States intensified diplomatic pressure with a 15‑point cease‑fire plan while moving thousands of troops closer to the Gulf. Key Developments (27 Mar 2026) Israel’s strikes hit undisclosed sites in Tehran; smoke was also seen over Beirut , though Israel did not confirm hits. Iran continued drone and missile attacks on Gulf Arab states, with incidents reported in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The US presented a 15‑point ceasefire proposal via Pakistan, while Iran counter‑offered a five‑point plan demanding reparations and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz . The US deployed an additional Marine Expeditionary Unit of ~2,500 troops and 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne to the region. Oil markets reacted sharply: Brent crude rose to **$107 per barrel**, up more than 45 % since the war’s start on 28 Feb 2026. Casualties continued to mount: over **1,900 deaths in Iran**, **1,100 in Lebanon**, **18 in Israel**, **13 US troops**, and additional losses in the occupied West Bank, Gulf states, and Iraq. </ul