Syrian official condemns second drone attack on US base

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar posted on X on Saturday that Iran agreed to allow 20 additional Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with two ships crossing daily.

"This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation. It is a harbinger of peace and will help usher stability in the region. This positive announcement marks a meaningful step toward peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in that direction," he said. "Dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward."

The post mentions Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as well as three US officials, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

European allies said Russia is providing more intelligence support to Iran — including help targeting US forces — than the US has publicly acknowledged, sources told CBS News on Saturday.

"Multiple sources, including a senior US official with direct knowledge, told CBS News earlier in March that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran regarding US positions in the Middle East," the report said. "The European Union's top diplomat said Thursday that Russia is providing intelligence support to Iran to "kill Americans."

Pezeshkian has criticized the approach of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps regarding escalating tensions and continuing attacks on neighboring countries, warning about the economic consequences of the situation, according to the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

He has stressed that without a ceasefire, Iran’s economy could face total collapse within three weeks to one month, the sources said.

On March 7, Pezeshkian in a video message apologized for what he called “fire at will” attacks by the country’s armed forces on neighboring countries and instructed them to stop such attacks.

However, the attacks continued shortly after the release of his message.

Call for restoration of executive power

Informed sources told Iran International that Pezeshkian has called for executive and managerial powers to be returned to the administration, a demand that has been firmly rejected by Vahidi.

In response to the criticism, the IRGC commander blamed the current situation on the government’s failure to implement structural reforms before the conflict began, the sources said.

In recent days, Israeli media have also reported signs of divisions within Iran’s ruling system. The Times of Israel, citing a senior Israeli official, wrote: “There are signs of cracks in the Iranian regime. We are now creating conditions for its overthrow, but ultimately everything depends on the Iranian people.”

The Israeli outlet Ynet also reported similar internal divisions earlier this month.

Economic impacts

As the war enters its fifth week, its economic effects are increasingly visible. Reports from major cities indicate that many ATMs are out of cash, not functioning, or physically inaccessible, while online banking services for several major banks, including Bank Melli, are periodically disrupted.

Government employees have told Iran International that salaries and benefits for large segments of workers have not been paid regularly over the past three months.

In February, before the outbreak of the ongoing war, average inflation for basic necessities reached triple digits, estimated between 105% and 115%.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Saturday there was a “significant suspicion” the foiled attack on a Bank of America branch in Paris was linked to Iran.

The minister cited similarities to recent incidents across Europe involving young recruits allegedly paid to carry out attacks.

“It is reminiscent of other really similar types of actions that have taken place in other countries… there is a significant suspicion of a link with Iran,” Nunez said, describing what he called a coordinated pattern tied to the Middle East conflict.

The suspect in the Paris attack was arrested while trying to ignite an improvised device outside the Bank of America building.

Iranian residents discovered their visas had been revoked before returning to the UAE, preventing their re-entry, several affected individuals told Iran International, as relations between the two countries deteriorate following Iranian strikes on the Arab state.

Earlier reports had also pointed to the cancellation of tourist visas for Iranian nationals traveling to the UAE.

Several individuals described sudden cancellations while traveling. One Iranian resident said that after leaving for India with his family following the outbreak of war, he found his residency had been revoked, while his non-Iranian family members were still able to return.

Another said his residency tied to a 10-year “golden visa” had been canceled while he was abroad. A London-based Iranian with a UK work visa said he discovered his UAE residency had been revoked before traveling to Dubai.

As of the time of reporting, no official statement has been issued by UAE authorities. Iran International requested clarification from Emirati officials but has not received a response.

The developments come amid escalating regional tensions. Following the start of joint US-Israeli strikes against the Islamic Republic, Iran launched attacks on countries in the region, with the UAE reportedly facing the highest volume.

Iran has so far launched 393 ballistic and cruise missiles and 1,835 drones toward the UAE, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 171 injuries, including Iranian nationals, according to official statistics.

In response, UAE authorities have suspended the operations of Iran-linked institutions, including an Iranian hospital, Iranian schools, the Club of Iranians, the UAE branch of Islamic Azad University, and the Imam Hossein mosque.

Housing units tied to these institutions have been vacated, and staff whose visas were linked to them — including teachers and some medical personnel — have had their residencies canceled, according to information obtained by Iran International.

At least five Iranian schools in the UAE have been closed, with student records returned to families.

Individuals whose residencies were revoked are being repatriated to Iran via Afghanistan, first transferred to Herat and then crossing by land.

UAE authorities have also instructed Iran’s consulate in Dubai to reduce its staff and continue operating with minimal personnel.

Senior UAE officials have in recent weeks taken unusually direct positions against Iran. Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan described the Islamic Republic as “terrorist,” saying the UAE would never submit to “terrorist blackmail.”

President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan earlier called Iran an “enemy” and warned that the country was “not an easy target.”