Cabinet paper on Malaiyaha Community soon

Cabinet paper on Malaiyaha Community soon

The Morning 03 Apr 2026 | BY Dhanushka Dharmapriya

• Focus on relief and infrastructure facilities 
• TPA briefs Prez on qualified teachers recruitment

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has informed that a Cabinet paper is to be submitted in the near future on relief measures and infrastructure facilities for the Malaiyaha people, the Civil Society Collective for Malaiyaha Reconstruction claimed.

A special meeting between the Prime Minister and representatives of island-wide civil society organisations (CSOs) working with people affected by Cyclone Ditwah was held on 28 March at Temple Trees. During the meeting, several matters, including ongoing reconstruction efforts and alternative measures for those affected by Ditwah, were discussed in detail. The Collective presented the key issues affecting the Malaiyaha people, which included housing and land rights, transitional shelters and basic facilities in camps, livelihoods, infrastructure, as well as alleged irregularities and discrimination in the provision of relief. 

The Collective also highlighted the lack of implementation of the Tamil language in administrative processes, reiterated their rejection of multi-storey housing schemes, and stressed that affected Malaiyaha families must be provided with housing and land valued at no less than Rs. five million. Representatives of the CSOs further emphasised that multi-storey housing is unsuitable for the Malaiyaha region due to its unique geographical and social context.

These demands were presented to the Prime Minister, the Commissioner General of Essential Services, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, and the Secretaries of the relevant Ministries. Chandrakeerthi further stated that, in line with provisions extended to other affected populations, those impacted by Ditwah in plantation areas would also be provided with housing and land valued at no less than Rs. five million.

A group of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) members, including its Leader and Opposition Parliamentarian Mano Ganesan, met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (2) at the Presidential Secretariat. Extensive discussions were held on the issues faced by the Malaiyaha community, particularly in relation to education, housing, and land, as well as on the urgent measures required to address these longstanding concerns. The President paid special attention to these matters during the meeting. 

Attention was also drawn to the recruitment of qualified Tamil-medium teachers to address the prevailing teacher shortage in estate sector schools, and this issue too was discussed at length. Opposition Parliamentarians P. Digambaram and V. Radhakrishnan, along with several other party members, were also present at the meeting.

At the request of the TPA, the President has nominated a coordinating officer at the Presidential Secretariat level to address issues affecting the Malaiyaha community. Commissioner General of Essential Services Prabath Chandrakeerthi has been appointed to this position by the President. The President has also approved a Rs. five million relief allocation for Malaiyaha community members who lost their homes during Cyclone Ditwah.

Water crisis in Nuwara Eliya

 Water crisis in Nuwara Eliya due to unchecked contamination activities

14 November 2025 Daily Mirror

Despite much concerns regarding the drinking water available the Peradeniya Water Supply and Drainage Board has guaranteed that Nuwara Eliya’s drinking water doesn’t contain heavy metals or E. coli. The picture shows the picturesque Lake Gregory

There were plans during the previous regime to construct a tank on a 15-acre plot of land below the Lover’s Leap waterfall to supply drinking water to Nuwara Eliya. However, the project was halted for political reasons

“The Peradeniya Water Supply and Drainage Board has guaranteed that Nuwara Eliya’s drinking water does not contain heavy metals or E. coli. The Water Supply Board conducts monthly water tests and daily chlorination. If the mayor has stated that the drinking water contains E. coli and heavy metals, you should ask him about it”

Kithsiri Herath, Public Health Inspector of Nuwara Eliya 

Municipal Council

• Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council is primarily responsible for ensuring safety regarding food, drinking water, and accommodation 
• Despite the presence of water sources in the city, they aren’t sufficient to meet the basic needs of the population
• Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council confirms that to date no organization has issued a certificate guaranteeing the quality of drinking water
• Drinking water needs of some areas of the Nuwara Eliya Municipality are met through water from Lover’s Leap falls which is generally safe 

By Prageeth Sampath Karunathilaka and Sudharika Gurusinghe 

Nuwara Eliya holds a special place as a tourist destination. Two of the main attractions are the extremely cold climate and the picturesque Gregory Lake. Both local and foreign visitors flock to this town during the festive season to absorb the atmosphere. Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council is primarily responsible for ensuring the town’s safety and ensuring that the food, drinking water, and accommodation of tourists meet the required standards.

Around 8,000 families reside within the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council area, with tourism being their main source of income. Much of the tourist activity occurs during December, January, and the Sinhala New Year, while during other seasons the town sees a surge of visitors only during long weekends. Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council demonstrates unwavering commitment to the comfort and services provided to those visiting the city.

However, there is an issue behind this commitment. The authorities here are not giving sufficient attention to problems that have crop up related to water in Nuwara Eliya. Despite the city’s cold climate and the presence of water sources, they are not sufficient to meet the basic water needs of the population.

Situated at a high altitude (approximately 1,868 metres), Nuwara Eliya has an average annual temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. During the winter months (January to March), nights can become extremely cold, and on some mornings, flowers with frost on them are visible. On such days, the minimum temperature can drop below 4 degrees Celsius. During this time, when the sun is directly overhead, temperatures rise, and it can feel extremely warm, with readings sometimes exceeding 26 degrees Celsius. The first inter-monsoon period occurs in March and April, followed by the southwest monsoon from May to September. During these months, rain often falls day and night, accompanied by strong south-westerly winds, and wet weather can persist for extended periods.

The city usually experiences around 5–6 days of sunlight per month. The second inter-monsoon occurs during October and November, while the northeast monsoon is active from December to February. Rainfall during these periods is typically higher than in other seasons. Under such climatic conditions, a two-week period without rain can cause a drinking water shortage in the city. This is because the area falling within the parametres of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council cannot meet the daily demand of 5,000 cubic metres of water.

To address this problem, a project to construct nine tube wells was initiated with assistance from JICA. The existing water sources were insufficient not only for drinking purposes, but also for agriculture. As a result, a tube well project began around 2018. 

According to Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council reports prepared for 2018, as a result of constructing these tube wells, the water in toilets of nearby houses had dried up. This happened because the wells used the same water source. These 2018 test reports confirmed that Nuwara Eliya’s drinking water contained E. coli (mixed with fecal matter). An official from Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council also informed with this newspaper that there is no guarantee that these tube wells were constructed according to proper standards or quality certifications. A senior official from the company involved in the construction of the tube wells, confirmed that the tube well water is more brackish (slightly salty, as in river estuaries).  Furthermore, the official stated that the tube well water contains faecal matter and heavy metals.

The senior officer of Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council also confirmed that, to date, no organization has issued a recognised quality certificate for drinking water in the area. Currently, the drinking water provided to the residents of Nuwara Eliya is tested by the Peradeniya Water Supply and Drainage Board once a month, and water is supplied accordingly. In addition to tube well water, the drinking water needs of some areas of the Nuwara Eliya Municipality are met by water obtained from Lover’s Leap falls. This water is generally safe. However, the senior officer confirmed that the water supplied from the tube wells contains faecal matter and heavy metals.

Hotel operators look for alternatives 

Because the water in the area is contaminated with fecal matter and heavy metals, many hotel operators have sought an alternative, which is digging wells on their premises for the purposes of obtaining water. The most serious concern is that these wells are often located very close to toilet pits. Investigations done by this newspaper revealed that in many instances, there is less than a 50-foot distance between the toilet pits and the wells. It was also reported that the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council does not conduct inspections of these sites. The senior officer confirmed that the water supplied to both tourists and residents—whether through tube wells or hotel wells—contains heavy metals and faecal matter.

The presence of heavy metals in Nuwara Eliya’s water sources is largely due to the use of pesticides in agriculture. Such details for mentioned in the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council reports prepared for 2018. As a result of using pesticides for cultivation without proper assessment and in an uncontrolled manner, heavy metals have entered the water sources. The chemicals have mixed with the water. As a result, residents of Nuwara Eliya are currently facing an acute water crisis. Despite knowing that this water contains heavy metals and faecal matter, no authorities have taken steps to address the situation. The senior officer said that they are aware of the crisis, yet they have let people continue to consume water contaminated with faecal matter.

Some form of a solution to Nuwara Eliya’s drinking water problem was proposed in 2003 through the Lover’s Leap drinking water scheme, initiated by former Mayor Mahinda Dodampe Gamage. In 1994, the CISIR had confirmed that the water from this waterfall is of high quality, and it has also received certification from the World Health Organization. Had this project been implemented, both tourists and residents could have accessed clean, high-quality water free from heavy metals and fecal matter. Former Mayor Gamage had planned to construct a tank on a 15-acre plot of land below the Lover’s Leap waterfall to supply drinking water to Nuwara Eliya. In 2012, an inspection of this water source was conducted, and in 2016, the Irrigation Department carried out a preliminary feasibility study. However, the project was halted for political reasons, leaving residents to continue using water contaminated with heavy metals and faecal matter. 

Another project to supply water from Ambewela was also launched, but discontinued midway. Recently, it was decided at the Nuwara Eliya District Coordinating Committee meeting to hand over control of the Municipal Council’s water sources to the Water Supply and Drainage Board to find a solution to the water problem. 

 Currently, the unit price for water supplied to the people of Nuwara Eliya ranges between three and five rupees. After the water supply is handed over to the Water Supply and Drainage Board, the unit price will range between 60 and 65 rupees. This represents an increase of around 1,500 to 1,600 percent on water bills. For people who previously struggled to pay bills of three to five rupees per unit, this will be an additional burden. 

Commenting on the situation, Susantha Palihavadana, a UNP member of Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, noted that a water testing laboratory established under the United Nations Fund operates within the Municipal Council premises. This laboratory conducts daily water testing, and E. coli and heavy metal levels are controlled by adding chlorine and other necessary chemicals. He assured that only clean water from Lover’s Leap Falls is supplied for consumption, and water, contaminated with faecal matter, is never provided for usage. 

“In 2018, tests confirmed that the drinking water contained E. coli, but that issue has since been resolved. The tube well project, implemented with support from JICA, has also been highly successful, and no reports have indicated any problems with the wells. While water in Nuwara Eliya does contain heavy metals, it can be purified through chlorination. We have not received any information about wells and toilets located close to each other in hotels, and currently, there are no reported issues with the drinking water supplied in Nuwara Eliya,” he added.

When inquired, Kithsiri Herath, Public Health Inspector of Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, stated that the Municipal Council Water Supply Officer, Ajith, was nearby and could be consulted for any questions. He said the following: “The Peradeniya Water Supply and Drainage Board has guaranteed that Nuwara Eliya’s drinking water does not contain heavy metals or E. coli. The Water Supply Board conducts monthly water tests and daily chlorination. If the mayor has stated that the drinking water contains E. coli and heavy metals, you should ask him about it. Anyone can make claims, but there is no problem with Nuwara Eliya’s water. Nuwara Eliya General Hospital receives water from us. The hospital also has to pay us a substantial outstanding bill. How can you claim that E. coli is present in tube well water”. He ended the call when asked to explain how chlorine eliminates E. coli and heavy metals. 

When this scribe raised the question again with the Public Health Inspector, he said he was unable to provide an answer and advised this newspaper to contact the Mayor. 

When asked whether water containing heavy metals and fecal matter would continue to be allowed for public consumption, and whether there is an alternative solution, Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council Mayor Upali Wanigasekara stated: “We cannot guarantee that the drinking water in Nuwara Eliya is completely clean. A project to address this issue is currently underway, but it has not been effective so far. We have established a water testing laboratory with Korean aid, where anyone can come and obtain a certificate for the water they use. I have been in office for four months. It is said that Nuwara Eliya’s drinking water contains heavy metals. Even I use spring water. Until now, the water in Nuwara Eliya was treated in the traditional way, using only chlorine for purification. Water consumption has increased with population growth, but the municipality did not have a laboratory to test water for a long time. The District Development Committee decided to supply drinking water to Nuwara Eliya from Ambewela, which is a large-scale project. However, a proper plan hasn’t been implemented yet. The existing water pipes date back to the British colonial period, and the entire water system needs to be completely restructured,” he added.

When asked whether the consumption of contaminated water has affected the residents of Nuwara Eliya, the Director of Nuwara Eliya General Hospital Mahendra Seneviratne stated: “There is a problem with drinking water in Nuwara Eliya. We have built a water purification system for the hospital to provide patients with clean water. Patients visit the hospital for treatment of dysentery, vomiting, and diarrhoea. People from areas such as Welimada and Bandarawela also come here for treatment. Therefore, we cannot say that these illnesses are solely caused by the water problem; a proper study would be needed to determine that.”

Several attempts were made to obtain a response from the Peradeniya Water Supply and Drainage Board, but no reply was received. Thus, the right of reply on this matter remains open to the Board.

Our research indicated that E. coli and heavy metals are not completely eliminated by chlorination alone. This raises serious concerns about how authorities can claim that chlorination removes all heavy metals and faecal matter from the water consumed by Nuwara Eliya residents. This issue poses a potential violation of the basic rights of approximately 8,000 families, and it requires immediate attention from the relevant authorities.

Sri Lanka braces for EL Nino impact by May

Sri Lanka braces for EL Nino impact by May

27 Mar 2026 Daily Mirror

• It could prevent the Southwest Monsoon if it becomes active by May
• The island is not likely to experience very heavy rains until October this year
• There however may be few thundershowers around mid-April
• The El Nino Phenomenon could also prolong the dry spell
• Severe dry spells expected
• The heat index, which computes the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’

---

By Yohan Perera

---

Sri Lanka is expected to face the EL Nino phenomenon by May this year where a dry spell could occur resulting in severe heat, a climatologist warned yesterday.  Climatologist Malith Fernando told the Daily Mirror that Sri Lanka could face the phenomenon by early May this year. “El Nino is actually an index which is to do with heat. Sri Lanka will experience the phenomenon by May if the index exceeds .5 “ he said.   

“It could prevent the Southwest Monsoon if it becomes active by May” he added.   
However he said Sri Lanka could experience showers in mid April. 

El Niño is a natural climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, weakening trade winds and shifting global weather. Occurring every 3 to 5 years, this warm phase of the ENSO cycle often triggers hotter, drier conditions in Australia and Southeast Asia, while causing heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the Americas. 

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a dry spell as formation of clouds are less, according to Director General Department of Meteorology Athula Karunanayake who said the island is not likely to experience very heavy rains until October this year. 

 Mr. Karunanayake recently forecasted that El Nino Phenomenon could also prolong the dry spell.  

However, there may be few thundershowers around mid-April as it is the usual case every year. These rains are not expected to be heavy according to the Department of Meteorology.  
Meanwhile, the Department said the heat index, which computes the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, North-western, Northern and North Central provinces and in the Moneragala District.

Iran Update Special Report, March 26, 2026 - ISW

Iran Update Special                        Report, March 26, 2026                 

March 26, 2026

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Key Takeaways

1. The combined force conducted strikes around Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Province, on March 25 and 26, marking the northeastern-most strikes conducted so far in the war. The combined force has slowly swept across Iran west to east and is now getting to some of the furthest targets of the campaign.
2. The IDF has continued targeting senior Iranian commanders to disrupt Iranian command and control and operations broadly. The IDF announced on March 26 that it killed Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province.
3. An IRGC cultural official told state media that the IRGC has lowered the minimum recruitment age to 12. This decision follows reports that the IRGC is facing difficulties with recruiting new personnel and managing broader operational disruptions.
4. Hezbollah continues to claim a high rate of attacks against Israeli targets in northern Israel and southern Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed to conduct 73 attacks targeting Israeli forces in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, as well as northern Israeli towns, between 2:00 PM ET on March 25 and 2:00 PM ET on March 26.

Toplines

The combined force conducted strikes around Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi Province, on March 25 and 26, marking the northeastern-most strikes conducted so far in the war. The combined force has slowly swept across Iran west to east and is now getting to some of the furthest targets of the campaign. An Iranian OSINT account and anti-regime media footage of strikes near Mashhad International Airport on March 25.[1] The 14th Artesh Air Force Tactical Airbase and 5th Artesh Ground Forces Aviation Base are co-located at the Mashhad International Airport.[2] The IDF previously struck an Iranian refueling aircraft at Mashhad International Airport during the 12-Day War.[3] Anti-regime media also posted footage of smoke plumes rising in Mashhad, suggesting that the combined force may have struck additional targets in the area.[4] Mashhad is the second most-populated city in Iran.[5]

The combined force likely struck additional targets in Khorasan Razavi Province on March 25 and 26.[6] Two OSINT accounts published footage of likely combined force strikes around Neyshabour Industrial Town, Khorasan Razavi Province.[7] An Iranian OSINT account published footage on March 25 purportedly showing Iranian air defenses engaging unknown targets, presumably combined force aircraft, over Taybad, Khorasan Razavi Province.[8]

US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said on March 25 that the combined force has struck over 10,000 sites across Iran since the war began.[9] The combined force has concentrated strikes around Tehran as well as western and central Iran.[10]

The IDF has continued targeting senior Iranian commanders to disrupt Iranian command and control and operations broadly. The IDF announced on March 26 that it killed Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province.[11] Tangsiri had served as IRGC Navy commander since August 2018.[12] Tangsiri previously served as IRGC Navy deputy commander from 2010 to 2018 and the Bandar Abbas-based IRGC 1st Saheb ol Zaman Naval District commander.[13] The Saheb ol Zaman Naval District has the central mission of controlling the Strait of Hormuz.[14] Its area of operations includes the IRGC Navy headquarters and command center as well as the 2nd Imam Sajjad Special Forces Brigade, the 16th Assef Coastal Missile Group, the 112th Zolfaghar Surface Combat Brigade, and underground fortifications on Abu Musa.[15] The IDF also killed IRGC Navy Intelligence Deputy Behnam Rezaei in Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province.[16] Rezaei reportedly was responsible for regional intelligence collection and coordination.[17] Tangsiri oversaw IRGC Navy operations, including attacks on international shipping and threats to US forces in the region.[18] The United States sanctioned Tangsiri in June 2019 for acting on behalf of the IRGC and his role in threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz and overseeing IRGC Navy activities responsible for the sabotage of vessels in international waters.[19]

The IRGC has reportedly continued to consolidate power within the Iranian regime and play an increasingly central role in key leadership decisions. Anti-regime media reported on March 26 that the IRGC pressured Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to appoint Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) secretary, citing unspecified sources.[20] Zolghadr is a hardline figure with deep ties to Iranian military and judicial establishments.[21] The sources said that IRGC Commander Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi was among the IRGC officers who pressured  Pezeshkian.[22] The sources also said that there are no clear signs that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei influenced the decision to appoint Zolghadr, raising continued questions about how involved Mojtaba is in key decisions.[23] The sources added that Pezeshkian and other senior officials opposed Zolghadr’s appointment.[24] The reported IRGC role in Zolghadr’s appointment comes after a small group of IRGC officer intervened aggressively in the supreme leader succession process to ensure that Mojtaba replaced his father.[25] Statements from US and Israeli security officials indicate that this group of IRGC officers have gained significant influence since Mojtaba became supreme leader.[26]

An IRGC cultural official told state media that the IRGC has lowered the minimum recruitment age to 12.[27] This decision follows reports that the IRGC is facing difficulties with recruiting new personnel and managing broader operational disruptions. The official said that the IRGC is recruiting individuals to support patrols, checkpoints, and logistics.[28] Unspecified informed sources told anti-regime media on March 12 that IRGC efforts to mobilize reserve forces failed because many individuals did not report to military centers.[29] CTP-ISW assessed on March 19 that Israeli strikes on Iranian internal security forces, including decapitation strikes, have likely caused shock and confusion within the internal security apparatus and disrupted operations to some extent.[30]

Reuters reported on March 26 that Iranian hardliners have intensified calls to develop a nuclear weapon, citing unspecified sources in Iran.[31] Some hardliners have urged Iranian leadership to revise the nuclear doctrine, meaning pursue a nuclear weapon, to restore deterrence since October 2024. Iranian parliamentarians signed separate letters in October 2024—after the April and October Iranian missile attacks on Israel—and in September 2025—after the June 2025 Israel-Iran war—urging a revision of Iranian defensive doctrine.[32] They called on the SNSC to authorize and support nuclear weapons production.

IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency published an op-ed on March 26 that urged Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).[33] The Tasnim op-ed emphasized that Iran is committed to a peaceful nuclear program, however.[34] Iranian officials have threatened to withdraw from the NPT previously to deter Western action against Iran.[35]

Iranian state media reported that Iran officially sent its response rejecting the 15-point US proposal and is awaiting the US response.[36] The United States presented the proposal to Iran via Pakistan on March 24.[37] The proposal reportedly includes provisions requiring Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, end uranium enrichment, hand over its enriched uranium stockpile, grant full International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to Iranian nuclear facilities, limit its missile capabilities, cease support for the Axis of Resistance, and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.[38] The informed source added that Iran’s response reiterated its demands for a ceasefire which include the complete cessation of US and Israeli attacks, the establishment of a mechanism to prevent renewed conflict, compensation for wartime damages, an end to attacks on the Axis of Resistance, and international recognition of Iran’s “sovereignty” over the Strait of Hormuz.[39] A senior Iranian official speaking to Reuters confirmed that unspecified senior Iranian officials and a representative of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reviewed the US proposal.[40] The senior Iranian official added that the proposal asks Iran to forgo its ability to defend itself in turn for a promise to lift sanctions.[41] The official reiterated that the United States and Iran have not arranged negotiations and that negotiations do not seem realistic at this stage of the conflict.[42]

NOTE: A version of the following text will also appear in the Institute for the Study of War’s March 26 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment:

Russia continues to expand its military cooperation with Iran to facilitate Iranian strikes on US and Israeli forces in the Middle East. The Financial Times (FT) reported on March 25, citing Western intelligence reports, that Russia is close to completing a phased shipment of unspecified drones, medicine, and food to Iran.[43] Two officials briefed on the intelligence told FT that Russia and Iran began discussing drone delivering soon after the US-Israeli campaign began and that subsequent deliveries processing started in early March. The officials stated that they expect Russia to complete the deliveries by the end of March. A Western security official told FT that the specific drone type that Russia agreed to send to Iran is unclear, but that Russia is likely only in a position to deliver models such as the Geran-2. Current and former Western officials told FT that Russia denied Iran’s request for S-400 air defense systems.  Russia has reportedly already been providing Iran with modified Shahed drone components and satellite imagery to assist recent Iranian strikes on US forces in the Middle East and US allies in the region.[44] ISW continues to assess that Russia sees aiding Iran’s strike campaign as an effort to weaken the United States, as Russia has self-defined the United States as one of its primary geopolitical adversaries.[45]

US and Israeli Air Campaign

The combined force has continued to strike Iranian missile forces and launchers as well as missile storage and production facilities. The IDF conducted multiple waves of airstrikes on March 26, using over 60 fighter jets and over 150 munitions against weapons production infrastructure across Tehran Province and central Iran.[46] The IDF struck key facilities at the Parchin military complex, including sites used to produce air defense systems, cast and fill explosive warheads, produce ballistic missile engines, and manufacture critical components for solid-fuel ballistic missiles.[47] CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said on March 25 that the combined force has destroyed over two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval production facilities.[48]

The combined force has intensified its strikes targeting the Iranian defense industrial base amid a report that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to destroy as much of Iran’s arms industry as possible.[49] The New York Times reported on March 25 that Netanyahu ordered the IDF to maximize its destruction of Iran’s arms industry over the next 48 hours, citing two senior Israeli officials.[50] The IDF reported that it struck an IRGC Quds Force weapons production site and a ”major” defense industry site in Esfahan Province as well as other weapons production facilities used to supply Iran and its partners, including Hezbollah and the Houthis.[51] CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper reported on March 25 that the combined force struck the Esfahan Province Mobarakeh munitions plant.[52] Cooper said that the combined force strikes on Iranian “large-scale manufacturing capacities” has removed Iran’s ability to build naval vessels, ballistic missiles, and one-way attack drones and share these weapon systems with regional and global ”bad actors.”[53]

The combined force has continued to degrade Iranian air and air defense capabilities in order to maintain air dominance in Iran. The combined force likely struck the 7th Artesh Air Force Tactical Airbase in Shiraz, Fars Province.[54] An Iranian OSINT account published footage and reported smoke rising from multiple explosions near Shiraz International Airport, Fars Province, on March 25.[55] The 7th Artesh Air Force Tactical Airbase is located at the Shiraz International Airport.[56] The combined force has struck the airbase at least five times since the start of the conflict.[57]

The combined force continued to strike Iranian repressive institutions as part of the broader combined effort to degrade the regime’s coercive capacity. The combined force reportedly hit the IRGC Ground Forces Ansar ol Hossein Provincial Unit in Hamedan City, Hamedan Province.[58] The IRGC Ground Forces plays a significant role in countering internal threats, including by violently suppressing protest activity.[59] The provincial units oversee IRGC ground elements that are largely dispersed across population centers.[60] The combined force previously struck Law Enforcement Command (LEC) sites in Hamedan City.[61] The LEC is Iran’s national police force and the regime’s first line of defense during civil unrest.[62] The IDF struck an IRGC headquarters around Bonab, East Azerbaijan Province.[63] The combined force previously struck an LEC building in Bonab.[64]

Satellite imagery from March 15 shows that the combined force has inflicted significant damage to Iranian naval and air infrastructure at the IRGC 4th Sarallah Naval District in Bushehr Province as part of efforts to degrade the Iranian ability to threaten international shipping.[65] The 4th Sarallah Naval District is responsible for controlling the central Persian Gulf, including the South Pars gas field, and is commanded by Commander Mansour Ravankar, who has held the position since 2016.[66] An American OSINT analyst published satellite imagery along with a battle damage assessment of what the combined force targeted on March 26.[67] The strikes likely occurred on or immediately before March 15, given that rising smoke is visible at the naval base.[68] Imagery shows that the combined force struck a hangar adjacent to the naval base’s airstrip on the northwest side of the base but did not strike nearby support buildings.[69] The analyst observed that the combined force struck support buildings and storage facilities, which likely degraded the base’s logistics network.[70] The imagery shows strikes destroyed six support buildings adjacent to the base’s pier.[71] Imagery also shows that the combined force targeted the base’s pier, multiple docked vessels, and six nearby support or storage buildings.[72] The analyst assessed that combined force strikes damaged or destroyed most of the base’s administrative and support buildings.[73] The cumulative damage to logistics, support, administrative, and operations assets has likely severely disrupted operations at the 4th Sarallah Naval District.

Iran is reportedly reinforcing defenses at Kharg Island.[74] Unspecified sources familiar with US intelligence reports told CNN on March 26 that Iran has reinforced Kharg Island with man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) in recent weeks.[75] Iran primarily operates domestically produced Misagh MANPAD, a variant of the Chinese QW-2 Vanguard missile system.[76] Iran recently signed an arms deal with Russia in December 2025 to acquire 500 Russian Verba MANPADS, but it is unclear if Russia delivered any before the start of the war.[77] The source added that Iran has also laid anti-personnel and anti-armor mines around the island, including on the shoreline.[78]

Iranian Response

Iran has launched eight waves of missiles targeting Israel since ISW-CTP’s last data cutoff.[79] An Israeli military correspondent reported on March 26 than an Iranian cluster munition impacted in Tel Aviv, injuring two people.[80]   

Iran continued to fire at Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates on March 26. Iran launched 37 drones at Saudi Arabia between 2:00 PM on March 25 and 2:00 PM on March 26.[81] Iran launched 19 drones and one missile at Bahrain.[82] Iran launched one drone and six ballistic missiles at Kuwait.[83] The Kuwaiti Army reported that the six missiles landed in open areas.[84] The Emirati Defense Ministry stated that it intercepted 11 Iranian drones and 15 missiles.[85]

Israeli Campaign Against Hezbollah and Hezbollah Response 

Hezbollah continues to claim a high rate of attacks against Israeli targets in northern Israel and southern Lebanon. Hezbollah claimed to conduct 73 attacks targeting Israeli forces in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, as well as northern Israeli towns, between 2:00 PM ET on March 25 and 2:00 PM ET on March 26.[86] Hezbollah has fired an average of about 150 rockets per day since joining the war on March 1, according to the IDF.[87] The IDF said that about two-thirds of the daily rocket fire has been directed at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and along the border.[88] Hezbollah has directed one-third of its fire targeting northern and central Israel.[89] Hezbollah has claimed to conduct 35 attacks targeting Israeli military and civilian targets in northern and central Israel since CTP-ISW’s last data cut off.[90] Hezbollah rocket fire killed an Israeli man in Nahariya on March 26.[91]

The IDF killed a senior Hezbollah anti-tank unit commander in southern Lebanon on March 25, likely as part of the IDF effort to reduce the threat that Hezbollah anti-tank guided missiles pose to northern Israel.[92] The commander has reportedly directed anti-tank guided missile attacks targeting Israeli towns for the past two years.[93] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on March 25 that the IDF is expanding operations in southern Lebanon in order to remove the ”anti-tank missile threat” to Israeli communities.[94]

Hezbollah has continued to defend against Israeli advances in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces reportedly attempted on March 25 and 26 to advance from Taybeh toward two Lebanese towns: southwest toward Qantara and northwest toward Deir Seryan.[95] Qantara is located about seven kilometers west from the Lebanon-Israel border. Hezbollah claimed that its fighters engaged Israeli forces and armor advancing from Taybeh towards Qantara with rockets, anti-tank guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms.[96] Hezbollah also said that fighters engaged Israeli forces in Deir Seryan with anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.[97]

Hezbollah also claimed to engage Israeli forces in Marwahin and Debl, in southeastern Lebanon, and in Qouzeh, in southwestern Lebanon.[98] Hezbollah attacks inflicted at least three IDF casualties on March 25 and 26.[99]

The IDF is preparing to deploy the 98th Paratrooper Division (Res.) to southern Lebanon, according to an Israeli military correspondent.[100] The 98th Division will be the sixth division that the IDF has deployed in southern Lebanon as part of efforts to create a ”new security zone.”[101] Brigades of the 98th Division last operated in southern Lebanon in Fall 2024.[102]

Iran reportedly seeks to include Hezbollah in any ceasefire agreement with the United States and Israel. Six unspecified regional sources “familiar with Iran’s position” told Reuters on March 25 that Iran has told mediators that any ceasefire agreement with the United States and Israel must also end Israeli operations in Lebanon.[103] One regional source said that Iran had given Hezbollah ”guarantees” that it would include Hezbollah in any agreement to end the war.[104] Israeli officials have expressed that they expect Israeli operations in southern Lebanon to extend beyond the conclusion of the war in Iran .[105]

The IDF continued to strike Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon and in Beirut on March 26.[106] Lebanese state media reported that IDF strikes killed at least five people.[107]

Security Council Adopts Resolution 2817 (2026)

 

10119th Meeting (PM)

SC/16315

11 March 2026

Security Council Adopts Resolution 2817 (2026) Condemning Iran’s ‘Egregious Attacks’ against Neighbours as Middle East Violence Rapidly Escalates

The Security Council today adopted a resolution condemning Iran’s “egregious attacks” against its regional neighbours amid rapidly spiraling violence in the Middle East, while rejecting a second draft tabled by the Russian Federation.

The 15-member Council adopted resolution 2817 (2026) (to be issued as S/RES/2817(2026)) by a vote of 13 in favour to none against, with 2 abstentions (China, Russian Federation).  It comes as the war, which began with Israeli and United States airstrikes against Iran on 28 February, nears its two-week mark and has spread to nearly a dozen nations across the already fragile Middle East region.

By the terms of the resolution, the Council condemned “in the strongest terms” Iran’s attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan and reiterated its strong support for those countries’ sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. 

It specifically condemned Iran’s attacks against residential areas and civilian objects — demanding their immediate cessation — while also demanding that Tehran halt its threats, provocations and actions aimed at interfering with maritime trade, as well as support to proxy groups across the region.

“The message is clear”, said Bahrain’s representative, welcoming the Council’s adoption and the text’s sweeping global support.  “The international community is resolute in rejecting these Iranian unjust, hostile acts that are targeting sovereign countries and that threaten the stability of their peoples.”  

High Number of Co-Sponsors of Text Reflects World’s ‘Collective Conscience’ 

Noting that nearly 140 Member States co-sponsored the resolution, he said that high number reflects the world’s “collective conscience”.  The Gulf region is a pillar of global security, trade and economic stability, he added, emphasizing that protecting the Middle East is therefore in the entire world’s interest.

“At this crucial moment, it is imperative to listen to the voices of the region,” said Denmark’s representative, condemning Iran’s attacks and demanding that they cease immediately.  She pointed to the large number of delegations, across the Council and the wider UN membership, supporting the text.  “Every day passing, we are witnessing a further destabilization of the already volatile and tense situation,” she said, echoing calls for maximum restraint, protection of civilians and respect for international law.

“This war, which poses grave risks to regional security, must end now,” said France’s representative.  “Only respect for international law and diplomacy can ensure the lasting security and stability of the region.”  Stressing that Tehran has vastly expanded the war in recent days, he declared:  “Iran bears a heavy responsibility for the current escalation.”  He added that France has long been concerned by Iran’s nuclear threats and its support for regional proxies.

“Iran shoots in all directions”, stressed the representative of the United States, Council President for March, explaining his vote in his national capacity.  Nations that previously had serious disagreements with each other have now joined together and spoken with one voice. Bahrain itself, a victim of these attacks, drafted and led the negotiations on the text, which was supported by a record number of co-sponsors. 

The representative of Liberia, also speaking for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia, said those countries voted in favour to reflect “our principled commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, de-escalation and respect for international law as the only viable path to peace and stability in the Middle East”.  He also stressed that the Council must not endorse interpretations of Article 51 that expand beyond the “core principles” contained in the UN Charter or that “risk eroding longstanding constraints on the use of force”.

The representatives of the United Kingdom, Greece, Panama, Latvia and Colombia also noted that they voted in favour of the resolution. 

Biased Text Doesn’t Give Full Picture; United States, Israel Must Cease Unauthorized Military Strikes Immediately

China’s representative, who abstained, pointed out that the United States and Israel launched military strikes without Council authorization and must cease their actions immediately.  While stressing that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Gulf Arab States must be fully respected, he cautioned that the resolution just adopted “does not fully reflect the root cause and overall picture of the conflict in a balanced manner”.

The representative of Pakistan, who voted in favour of the text, said he would also support a second draft to be tabled by the Russian Federation.

“To our deep regret, the resolution that just passed is expressed […] in a biased and one-sided tone,” said Moscow’s representative, prior to introducing his country’s separate text.  Reading Bahrain’s resolution without context would lead one to believe that Tehran, with no provocation and out of pure malice, decided to strike targets across the region for no reason. 

He said the need to protect civilians is also presented in the resolution in an extremely one-sided way — as if Israel and the United States had not killed men, women and children in Iran and cynically murdered the country’s supreme leader.  “The Council’s adoption [of this text] could be interpreted by bad-faith actors, and first and foremost by those who started this war, to continue their acts of aggression against Iran,” he warned.

To those ends, he introduced a separate draft resolution, which he described as an “impartial document aimed at urgently de-escalating the situation”.  The text is simple, direct and unequivocal, and intentionally does not name any parties to the conflict, he said.

Second Draft Presented by Russian Federation Rejected, Draws Mixed Reactions

Voting a second time, the Council rejected Moscow’s draft resolution by a vote of 4 in favour (China, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Somalia) to 2 against (Latvia, United States), with 9 abstentions (Bahrain, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, France, Greece, Liberia, Panama, United Kingdom). 

“We’re deeply disappointed,” said the Russian Federation’s delegate, taking the floor again.  Noting that many Council members’ positions are dictated purely by short-term political interests, bloc solidarity and “the fear that they might fall out of favour with their elder friends”, he added:  “This is not even double standards […] we are living through the looking glass.” 

China’s representative also expressed regret that Moscow’s draft resolution was not adopted, declaring:  “This is a war that should not have happened, and a war that benefits no one.”

While welcoming the Russian Federation’s desire to contribute to responding to events in the region, Bahrain’s representative said that his delegation abstained from the vote “because that draft resolution adopts a general tone, which in no way reflects the dangerous military escalation currently besetting the region”.

“This draft resolution says nothing about the overwhelming responsibility borne by Iran in the current escalation, including its indiscriminate and unjustified attacks against its regional neighbors who posed no threat,” said France’s delegate, who also abstained.  Despite its good intentions, the Russian text was not a viable basis for bringing the Council together and providing the response the circumstances demand, he said. 

The representative of the United States said that “the Russian Federation knew it did not have the votes to adopt its resolution today, yet it insisted on proceeding to a vote”. 

Latvia’s delegate, who voted against the Russian Federation’s proposed text, said it was tabled by a permanent member of the Council which has for years been using force against civilians and civilian infrastructure in a sovereign country.  “Iran is now attacking [its neighbours] with the same weapons”, she stressed, describing Moscow’s text as a deeply “cynical” one.

“It is impossible to overlook the hypocrisy of Russia presenting itself here as a guardian of international peace and security,” agreed the representative of the United Kingdom. 

Israel Welcomes Clear Condemnation of Iran’s Attacks, Iran Declares Manifest Injustice against His Country 

Also addressing the Council today were the representatives of Israel and Iran. 

The former, welcoming the Gulf States’ initiative to condemn Iran’s attacks, said the Council’s message is clear:  “Targeting civilians is wrong, targeting cities is wrong, and Iran must stop.”  Stressing that Iran used diplomacy as cover while it fortified its nuclear programme, he rejected Iran’s assertions that its nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.  “That is simply not true,” he said.

“Today’s adoption is a serious setback to the Council’s credibility and leaves a lasting stain on its record,” said Tehran’s delegate. The very State responsible for the brutal war of aggression against his country — the United States — sits in the Chamber as Council President, abusing his position while obstructing every effort to bring an end to the barbaric war.  “Let me make it clear — this resolution is a manifest injustice against my country, the main victim of a clear act of aggression.”