US-Israel-Iran War Day 35: Military Strikes and Ceasefire Updates

The United States and Israel have expanded their military operations against Iran as the conflict enters its 35th day, targeting a wider array of civilian and industrial infrastructure including medical research centers and transport links.

On April 3, 2026, US and Israeli strikes hit the Pasteur Institute, a century-old medical research center in Tehran, as well as steel plants and a bridge near the Iranian capital. US officials stated the targeted bridge was used for transporting materials for Iranian military drones, though Iranian authorities maintained the site was civilian infrastructure.

Further strikes included a drone attack on a Red Crescent aid warehouse located in Iran’s Bushehr province. The widening of the conflict has seen attacks move beyond strictly military targets to hit industrial and civilian sites across the region.

US Fighter Jet Downed and Rescue Operations

Iranian state media reported that a US fighter jet was shot down over central Iran on April 3, 2026. Two unnamed US officials confirmed these reports to the Reuters news agency.

The US military launched a search and rescue operation in the area following the crash. According to US media reports, one crew member was recovered during the operation, while the fate of the second crew member remained unknown at the time of reporting.

US Leadership and Budgetary Shifts

Amid the escalating conflict, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth abruptly dismissed the top general of the US Army and two other senior officers. The move has led to speculation regarding a wartime leadership shake-up within the US military command.

President Donald Trump has sought a defense budget of $1.5 trillion to support ongoing operations. President Trump stated that the core strategic objectives of the war are nearing completion.

The US administration has also taken restrictive measures regarding information, with the US government prohibiting Planet Labs from releasing satellite images of the war in Iran.

Regional Escalation and Economic Impact

The conflict has expanded into a regional crisis, with Israeli operations escalating against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Reports indicate that Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,400 people in Lebanon and that Israel has struck 200 targets across both Iran, and Lebanon.

On April 4, 2026, the Dubai Media Office reported that debris from an aerial interception struck the facade of a building in Dubai Marina. Authorities confirmed the situation was brought under control with no reports of fire or injuries.

Global trade and energy supplies face significant disruption. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global trade, has been effectively choked for over a month. On April 4, 2026, a Malta-flagged container ship owned by the French shipping giant CMA CGM crossed the strait for the first time since the war began.

Iranian Response and Diplomatic Status

The Iranian military’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned the US against further escalation, stating that the region would turn into a hell if aggression expanded.

Do not forget that if aggression expands, the entire region will turn into a hell for you. The illusion of defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran has turned into a swamp in which you will sink.

Spokesperson of Iranian Army

Tehran has denied that any negotiations for a deal are taking place, despite warnings from President Trump of severe strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure if no agreement is reached. Semi-state media reported that Iran rejected a US proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire.