What we know on Day 32 of the US and Israel’s war with Iran: Gas prices skyrocket, Kuwaiti tanker hit

<i>Rami Shlush/Reuters via CNN Newsource</i><br/>A blaze after Israel's Fire and Rescue Service said that an industrial building and a fuel tanker at Israel's Oil Refineries were hit by debris from an intercepted Iranian missile

By CNN Newsource

Published March 30, 2026 8:37 PM

By Jessie Yeung, Issy Ronald, CNN

(CNN) — Gas prices in the United States soared past $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, as energy infrastructure is increasingly targeted and threatened by all major parties in the war.

Overnight, a Kuwaiti oil tanker was struck by what Kuwait said was an Iranian drone attack. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump told European allies to “go get your own oil” and criticized their limited involvement in the war, a day after threatening to “obliterate” Iran’s energy facilities if Washington and Tehran don’t reach a deal soon.

At the same time, Trump and his administration claim talks with Tehran are still ongoing but they have offered little detail on who they are communicating with, while Iran sends contradictory messages.

Here’s what to know on Day 32.

What are the main headlines?

Energy costs: Average gas prices in the US hit $4 per gallon on Tuesday, according to AAA, marking their highest level since 2022. Gas prices have skyrocketed since the US and Israel first struck Iran last month, and Iran retailiated by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, choking off a large portion of the world’s oil supply from energy markets. Oil prices were broadly flat Tuesday, reflecting the mixed messaging on the directon of the war. WTI Crude, the US benchmark, settled above $100 per barrel on Monday for the first time since July 2022.
Tanker struck: A fully loaded Kuwaiti tanker in Dubai waters was hit overnight by what Kuwaits said was an Iranian drone attack. Earlier, Trump had threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s electric plants and oil wells if it does not agree to a deal to end the war. That could constitute a war crime, experts warn. But when asked about this threat, the White House press secretary said the US military will always follow the law.
Washington’s comments: Even as Trump issued such threats, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that the US’ “primary effort” is reaching a deal with Iran. Like Trump, he claimed “regime change” has occurred in Iran, making it easier to reach a deal.
Iran’s response: In a stark contrast in tone, an Iranian official earlier lambasted the US’ list of demands as “largely excessive, unrealistic, and unreasonable.” He also denied that any “direct negotiations” with the US have taken place.
Desalination plant struck: A crucial desalination plant on Iran’s Qeshm Island, which helps provide drinking water for the island, is out of service following an airstrike, Iranian media said Tuesday. About 100 million people in the Persian Gulf region rely on desalination plants for drinking water so any targeting of them would present a major humanitarian risk.
Israel’s war in Lebanon: Israel reiterated plans to keep control of parts of southern Lebanon, stretching some 15 to 20 miles north of the Israeli border, after their current operation ends. Its defense minister Israel Katz also reiterated that residents in the area, who number more than 600,000, would be “completely prohibited south of the Litani (River) until the safety and security of northern Israeli residents is ensured, and all houses in villages near the border in Lebanon will be destroyed – according to the Rafah and Beit Hanoun model in Gaza.”

What’s happening on the ground?

Deadly strikes: Iran endured heavy bombardment overnight. One strike in Mahallat, just south of Tehran, killed 11 people, including three children, semi-official news agency Mehr News reported. Three people were also killed in a strike that damaged a mosque in the northern city of Zanjan. Meanwhile, one of Iran’s largest producers of anti-cancer drugs and anesthetics was hit on Tuesday, state media reported. Explosions were reported in Tehran and Esfahan too. Parents in Tehran described playing music and dancing to try to distract their children. “I don’t know how much longer we can live like this,” one resident told CNN.
Strait of Hormuz: Some ships, with ties to India, China and Pakistan, have been able to pass through the strait in recent days. Pakistan is looking into the possibility of helping other nations’ vessels safely transit the strait, sources familiar with the situation told CNN. Three Chinese vessels recently navigated through the critical waterway, the country’s foreign ministry said Tuesday, alluding to coordination with Iranian authorities. Iran has previously said non-hostile vessels may transit the strait provided they coordinate with local authorities. Iranian officials have also said they will charge fees for some tankers to pass through the strait.
Civilian toll: Thousands of people have been killed across the region since the war began just over a month ago. In Lebanon, one-fifth of the population has been displaced and 1,247 killed since Israel’s operations there began. More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent, while dozens more have been killed in Iraq, Israel and across the Persian Gulf region.
Israel targeted: Several cars caught fire in central Israel when they were struck by missile fragments after a fresh attack from Iran. The damage appeared to be from a cluster munition, an IDF spokesperson told CNN.
US troops: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth refused to rule out boots on the ground saying the US needs to be “unpredictable.” The USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship believed to be carrying around 1,800 US Marines, was in the Indian Ocean Sunday, CENTCOM has said. It did not indicate how far the ship is from Iran, as speculation mounts over a possible US ground operation there.

What’s the geopolitical fallout?

Trump berates allies: Trump once again criticized his allies, demanding that countries like the UK go to the Strait of Hormuz and “just TAKE IT.” He added they would have to learn to fight for themselves. “The hard part is done. Go get your own oil,” he said. Other Western countries have attempted to limit their involvement in this war. Italy blocked a US aircraft bound for the Middle East from using a military base in Sicily, a day after Spain said it would not allow its bases or airspaces to be used for any activity relating to the war.
State visit: King Charles’ first state visit to the US will go ahead next month, Buckingham Palace confirmed, despite calls for the trip to be delayed over the war with Iran.

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