Iran live updates: Houthi rebels join conflict with missile attack as war enters 29th day

The U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran enters its 29th day Saturday with more American troops wounded and Israel ramping up its attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. 

On Friday, an Iranian missile attack wounded at least 15 U.S. troops and damaged several planes at an air base in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz as gas prices continue to soar. 

A large plume of smoke rises over Tehran after explosions were reported in the city during the night on March 28, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. The United States and Israel continued their joint attack on Iran that began on February 28. Iran retaliated by fi

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Since the war began, more than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, more than 1,100 people have died in Lebanon, 18 people have died in Israel, and at least 13 American troops have been killed. Hundreds of U.S. troops have been injured. 

Here’s the latest from Saturday: 

Germany's leader sharply criticizes Trump over Iran conflict

10:24 a.m. ET: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has sharply criticized Trump for his course of action in the Iran conflict, the dpa news agency has reported.

"What Trump is doing right now is not de-escalation and an attempt to reach a peaceful solution, but a massive escalation with an uncertain outcome," Merz said late Friday. 

"These are escalations that are threatening," he added. "Not only for those directly affected, but for all of us."

Merz also expressed doubt that the current leadership in Iran can be overthrown by the war. "Is regime change really the goal?" he asked. "If that is the goal, I don’t think they will achieve it. That has usually gone wrong."

Houthis enter Iran war with missile attack on Israel

8:20 a.m. ET: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a missile attack on Israel on Saturday, raising concerns about the rebel group entering the fighting in the Middle East. Israel said it intercepted the missile, the first time it has faced fire from Yemen since the start of the war last month.

The Houthis have so far refrained from attacking shipping routes in the Red Sea, which would further disrupt the shipping industry and the global economy.

Any Houthi attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait would disrupt traffic through the Suez Canal, a crucial waterway for vessels bearing oil, gas and sundry goods to the Mediterranean Sea.

About 10% of global maritime trade – including 40% of container ship traffic – chugs through the canal each year.

Any disruption would mean vessels having to reroute around the southern tip of Africa, adding to insurance costs and delays in cargo deliveries. It would also potentially disrupt Saudi oil export to Asia through the Saudi Yanbu pot on the Red Sea.

Houthi rebels attacked over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels, between November 2023 and January 2025.

Missile attack injured American troops

U.S. troops injured by Iranian strike: Report

An Iranian missile on the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia injured 10 U.S. service members, according to several reports. Two soldiers were seriously wounded, according to The Wall Street Journal. Several refueling aircrafts were also damaged in the strike. LiveNOW’s Austin Westfall spoke about the breaking news with retired Marine intelligence officer Hal Kempfer.

An Iranian missile attack Friday left at least 15 American service members wounded at Prince Sultan Air Base, U.S. officials told The Associated Press. Five of the troops were seriously wounded, one of the officials said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters. 

RELATED: Trump tells Iran to ‘get serious’ on negotiations after Tehran dismisses ceasefire proposal

Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear facilities

Trump tells Iran to ‘get serious’ on negotiations

We are now watching as President Donald Trump announces a call for Iranian leaders to engage "before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK." Trump's post came a day after he claimed a deal with Iran is around the corner. The United States has reportedly pitched a 15-point ceasefire plan that was eventually rejected. LiveNOW’s Austin Westfall is speaking with Prof. Alon Burstein from the @Israel-Palestine-Report, who is helping us to understand the different statements released by Iran and the U.S. on where negotiations stand. 

Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities on Friday, just hours after threatening to "escalate and expand" its campaign against Tehran. The strikes, targeting a heavy-water plant and a plant producing a concentrated form of uranium called yellowcake, didn’t cause any casualties or risk of contamination, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization said. Iran quickly threatened to retaliate.