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The Houthis conducted a ballistic missile attack and a drone and cruise missile attack targeting southern Israel on March 27 and 28, marking the group’s first involvement in the war. Israeli air defense systems intercepted both attacks, and neither attack caused any injuries. Israeli air defense systems intercepted a Houthi drone over Eilat in southern Israel. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed that the Houthis launched a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting “sensitive” Israeli military sites in southern Israel and a barrage of drones and cruise missiles targeting “vital and military sites” in southern Israel. The spokesperson stated that the Houthis will continue to conduct unspecified operations until the United States and Israel cease their operations against Iran and the Axis of Resistance. The Houthis repeatedly conducted drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and international shipping during the October 7 War. The Houthis launched multiple drone and missile attacks targeting Israel during the 12-Day War in June 2025. ISW-CTP has not recorded any Houthi attacks on international shipping since September 2025. The Houthis’ decision, as of now, to participate in the war by conducting drone and missile attacks against Israel instead of attacking international shipping suggests that the Houthis may be pursuing a relatively cautious approach designed to avoid an immediate escalation with the United States and Israel.
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s Telegram channel published an infographic about the regime’s long‑standing concept of a “resistance economy” on March 28. The publication of this type of infographic is disconnected from the present economic and social realities, particularly amid the ongoing military conflict. The infographic explained the “path to defeating the enemy in the economic war,” and emphasized the themes of national unity and sanctions evasion. Mojtaba recently declared ”resistance economy in the shadow of national unity and national security” as Iran’s Nowruz slogan. Mojtaba’s predecessor and father, Ali Khamenei, had for years called for the development of a “resistance economy” to resist Western economic pressure, particularly international sanctions. The publication of this infographic may reflect an effort to project normalcy and portray Mojtaba as a conventional Supreme Leader, particularly around Nowruz, when it is customary for the Supreme Leader to highlight his chosen Nowruz slogan. The publication of this infographic may also reflect an effort to portray Mojtaba as an active leader amid reports that he is seriously wounded.
Iran and Russia have held “very active” discussions in March about transferring a limited shipment of “upgraded” Russian drones to Iran, according to US and European officials speaking to the Associated Press. An unspecified US defense official stated that the scale, frequency, and transport method of the potential shipment remain unclear. The United Kingdom’s latest intelligence assessment indicates that Russia has already provided Iran with drone‑related training, intelligence, and electronic warfare support. This report follows a March 25Financial Times report, citing Western intelligence, that Russia is close to completing a phased delivery to Iran of unspecified drones alongside food and medicine. The Financial Times reported that officials said that Russia is likely only able to supply Iran with systems such as Geran‑2 drones and denied Iran’s request for S‑400 air defense systems. Israeli media separately reported on March 19 that Russia had begun providing Iran with modified Shahed drone components and satellite imagery to support Iranian strikes in the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told CNN on March 15 that Russia had been providing Iran with drones with ”Russian details.“ Russia began domestically producing Shahed drones in 2023 and has adapted them to increase their firepower and defensive capabilities. These adaptations include equipping Shaheds with Verba shoulder‑fired man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) to increase their capacity to target enemy aircraft. Iran recently purchased 500 Verbas and 2,500 9M336 infrared homing missiles from Russia in December 2025, according to the Financial Times in February 2026.
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