United States–Israel vs Iran PHOTO / VIDEO / UPDATED

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On February 28, Israel and the United States carried out a series of strikes on Iranian territory. Major cities and military infrastructure facilities were targeted, including military bases and command centres. In response, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel, as well as against a number of other countries in the region — including targets and airspace in the UAE, Jordan, Iraq and Syria.

As of March 18, the situation in the region remains extremely tense. The sides continue to exchange statements, and new episodes of escalation are being reported. Information will be updated as new reports emerge.

22:40

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that the recent attack on the country’s gas infrastructure represents a turning point in the regional conflict, indicating a shift to a more dangerous phase.

In a post on X cited by Caliber.Az, Ghalibaf accused Iran’s adversaries of attempting to mask their battlefield setbacks by targeting critical infrastructure.

He warned that such actions would have serious consequences, stating that “for them, this amounts to suicide.”

Ghalibaf added that the principle of “an eye for an eye” is now in effect, underscoring that the conflict is escalating to a new level.

22:09

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence reported that the country’s air defense systems successfully intercepted four ballistic missiles targeting the capital, Riyadh.

According to foreign media cited by Caliber.Az, the missiles were neutralized before reaching their intended targets. The ministry confirmed that no casualties or material damage occurred as a result of either the interceptions or falling debris.

Officials in Riyadh later declared that the missile threat had been fully eliminated.

20:33

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in a message posted on a Telegram channel attributed to him that those responsible for the killing of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, would soon pay the price.

“With deep sorrow, I received the tragic news of the martyrdom of Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader’s representative on this council,” the statement reads.

"Every blood has a price that his 'killers' will soon have to pay," the message said, Iran International reports.

18:34

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed the the killing of several senior Iranian officials, including Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, senior political figure Ali Larijani and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, saying that it was a “cowardly assassination” that had plunged the country into mourning.

In a message posted on X, Pezeshkian extended his condolences to the Iranian people over "the martyrdom" of two cabinet members, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and several military and Basij commanders, as well as some of their family members and accompanying team.

ترور ناجوانمردانه همکاران عزیزم اسماعیل خطیب، علی لاریجانی و عزیز نصیرزاده در کنار بعضی از اعضای خانواده و تیم همراهشان داغدارمان کرد.
شهادت دو عضو کابینه و دبیر شعام و سرداران نظامی و بسیجی را به مردم بزرگ ایران تسلیت می‌گویم. مطمئنم راهشان محکم‌تر از قبل ادامه خواهد داشت.

— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) March 18, 2026

He said he was confident that their path would continue more steadfastly than before.

17:48

Oil prices surged on March 18 after strikes on key Iranian energy infrastructure intensified fears of wider disruption across the Gulf, sending shockwaves through global markets.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed as much as 5% in intraday trading before easing slightly to trade up 4.38% at $107.95 a barrel by 1:20 p.m. GMT. Its U.S. counterpart, West Texas Intermediate, rose 1.87% to $98.01 a barrel, Le Figaro reports.

The rally followed a strike carried out by Israel and the United States that hit parts of the massive South Pars/North Dome gas field — the world’s largest known natural gas reserve. The offshore field is jointly shared by Iran and Qatar and plays a pivotal role in global gas supplies.

In response, Tehran announced it intends to target energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

17:17

A spokesperson for the central command of Khatam al-Anbiya stated that “the enemy carried out an attack on part of Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure in the south of the country,” Tasnim reports.

“As we have warned before, if the fuel, energy, gas, or economic infrastructure of our country is attacked by U.S.-Israeli forces, we will simultaneously deliver a decisive strike on the enemy and actively target the source of aggression. We consider it legitimate to strike the fuel, energy, and gas infrastructure of the aggressor country, and we will respond harshly at the first opportunity. The enemies should expect determined action from the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic,” the spokesperson said.

Earlier reports indicated that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued an “urgent” warning to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, urging the evacuation of personnel from petrochemical facilities.

15:58

Israel struck oil facilities and petrochemical plants in southern Iran.

Footage of the attacks was published by Clash Report.

Earlier, the Mizan news agency reported that parts of the South Pars gas field and facilities in Asaluyeh were damaged as a result of the U.S.-Israeli attack.

تاسیاست نفتی پارس جنوبی هدف حمله دشمن قرار گرفت

بخشی از تاسیسات صنعت نفت پارس جنوبی و عسلویه ساعتی پیش هدف حمله دشمن صهیونی-آمریکایی قرار گرفته است.

— خبرگزاری میزان (@MizanNewsAgency) March 18, 2026

15:37

Today, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted the 62nd wave of Operation “True Promise-4,” Mizan reports, citing the IRGC.

کلیه پایگاه‌های آمریکا در منطقه و نقاط تجمع نظامیان صهیونیست در موج ۶۲ شخم زده شدند

سلسله عملیات‌های نیروهای مسلح در ساعات اخیر با هدف‌گیری پایگاه‌های آمریکا در منطقه و نقاط تجمع نظامیان و مراکز پشتیبانی صهیونیست‌ها با موشک‌های قدر چند کلاهکه، خیبرشکن، عماد و حاج قاسم تکمیل شد. pic.twitter.com/vdkB0wvPh6

— خبرگزاری میزان (@MizanNewsAgency) March 18, 2026

“The series of military operations in recent hours concluded with strikes on U.S. bases in the region, as well as on military gathering points and Zionist support centres, using multiple-launch rockets such as Qadr, Kheibar-Shekan, Emad, and Haj-Qasem,” the agency reported.

15:23

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that missiles were recently launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, Caliber.Az reports, citing the IDF on X.

צה"ל זיהה כי לפני זמן קצר שוגרו טילים מאיראן לעבר שטח מדינת ישראל.

מערכות ההגנה פועלות ליירט את האיום. בדקות האחרונות פיקוד העורף הפיץ הנחייה מקדימה ישירות לטלפונים הניידים באזורים הרלוונטיים.

הציבור מתבקש לגלות אחריות ולפעול על פי ההנחיות - הן מצילות חיים.

יש להיכנס למרחבים…

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) March 18, 2026

14:56

At least five oil storage tanks have been destroyed at the Shahid Dolati oil depot in the Iranian city of Karaj, according to satellite images from March 17 published by Soar.

🔥 Satellite imagery from Mar 17th shows at least five oil tanks were destroyed at the Karaj Shahid Dolati Oil Depot in Karaj, Iran.

Use the slider to compare here: https://t.co/04xZkbhSPA#Tehran #IranIsraelWar #MiddleEast pic.twitter.com/lbyNSlouec

— Soar (@SoarAtlas) March 18, 2026

14:30

Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib, was killed in overnight strikes on Tehran.

According to N12, this was announced on March 18 by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.

Katz also stated during a situation assessment: “Surprises are expected today across all theatres of operation.”

The targeted killing reportedly followed a directive issued the previous day by Israel’s political leadership to the security establishment, allowing the elimination of high-ranking Iranian or Hezbollah figures without additional approval if sufficient intelligence and an operational opportunity exist.

14:09

The Bahrain Defence Force says its air defence systems have intercepted and destroyed 130 Iranian missiles and 234 drones since the start of attacks from Tehran, Al Jazeera reports.

The country also stated that it was continuing to “confront success waves” of attacks from Iran.

14:03

In southern Lebanon, units of the IDF’s 91st Division carried out an airstrike on militants who were unloading weapons from a vehicle, the Israel Defense Forces has reported on their Telegram channel.

13:51

The IDF has said that its troops from the 300th Brigade, under the command of the 146th Division, are continuing targeted raids in southern Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah’s infrastructure.

"Over the past week, the troops dismantled more than 80 Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure sites and struck and eliminated two operatives who emerged from a site in the area. IDF troops will continue to operate to strengthen the forward defensive posture and prevent the buildup and reestablishment of the Hezbollah terrorist organization," the statement said. 

13:41

Overnight in Beirut the Israeli Defense Forces (ID) struck assets of the “Al-Quard al-Hasan” Association, the financial arm of the Hezbollah organisation. 

The organisation is used to fund its military buildup, support terrorist payroll, and advance terrorist activities, the IDF said in a statement.

In parallel, the Israeli Navy executed coordinated air and sea strikes against a senior Hezbollah operative in Beirut, alongside attacks on the Imam Hussein Division headquarters in southern Lebanon.

Prior to the strikes, steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of advance warnings, the use of precise munitions, and aerial surveillance, the statement said. 

"The IDF will continue to operate with determination against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which chose to join the war and operate under the sponsorship of the Iranian terror regime. The IDF will not allow harm to Israeli civilians," the IDF said. 

13:18

A vehicle belonging to the Red Crescent was struck during a military attack in the southern Iranian city of Lar, according to Iranian media.

The Fars News Agency reported that the vehicle and its staff were carrying out a humanitarian mission to assist injured people when they came under attack, allegedly involving Israeli and US forces.

There was no immediate information on casualties.

Global norms, including the Geneva Conventions and protections associated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, prohibit attacks on medical and rescue personnel. Observers say the reported strike may constitute a potential violation of those rules.

13:08

A US-Israeli attack has hit residential, civilian and densely populated areas of Dorud city, killing seven people and injuring 56, according to the province’s deputy governor for security, Al Jazeera reports. 

12:22

The Qatari Armed Forces repelled a new missile attack targeting the country, BNA reports, citing the Qatari Ministry of Defence.

It was noted that Qatar had also been attacked overnight, with nine ballistic missiles and several drones launched toward the country. However, the Qatari Armed Forces intercepted the attack and neutralised all threats without sustaining any damage.

12:06

Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib was the target of overnight strikes in Tehran, Iran International has learned.

No information was immediately available about his fate.

11:59

Iranian military operations have caused significant damage to the U.S. Navy base (NSA), a component of the Fifth Fleet, located in Bahrain.

Footage has been shared by Clash Report.

📸 Extensive damage at US Naval Support Activity (NSA), 5th Fleet Base in Bahrain following Iranian strikes. pic.twitter.com/wLRQSQ0mY7

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 18, 2026

11:42

Israel carried out strikes on the fuel depots of Al-Aman in Deir Qanoun En Nahr in southern Lebanon, Tasnim reports.

11:13

Photos and videos, verified by Al Jazeera, show a fire in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre following Israeli airstrikes.

Civil defence teams are seen inspecting streets littered with debris, and electricity appears to be out in the area.

رجال الدفاع المدني يستطلعون مكان الغارة على مفرق العباسية https://t.co/MuZZxVMI5h pic.twitter.com/UIbV8T9wOM

— مصدر مسؤول (@fouadkhreiss) March 18, 2026

11:11

Israeli forces struck the city of Al-Aqbiya in the Saida district of Lebanon, Al Jazeera reports. 

The attack on Al-Aqbiya occurred just minutes after a strike on the nearby city of Kennarit.

Earlier, the Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that six people were killed in Israeli attacks on Beirut, while 11 others were killed and nine injured in Israeli raids in southern and eastern parts of the country.

غاره عنيفة استهدفت العاقبيه pic.twitter.com/0rsQxagNVm

— Macario21 (@Macario218) March 18, 2026

11:07

Footage verified by Al Jazeera shows a glow in the sky following an attack on the Imam Ali base in the northeastern Iraqi city of Kirkuk.

بە ڤیدیۆ؛ کەتائیبی ئیمام عەلی لە رۆژئاوای کەرکووک بۆردوومان دەکرێت و ئەوانیش تەقە لە هێلیکۆپتەرەکە دەکەن pic.twitter.com/J5b466SRcP

— Rudaw (@Rudawkurdish) March 17, 2026

The base hosts troops from the pro-Iranian group Al-Hashd al-Shaabi.

Since the start of the conflict with Iran, U.S. forces and Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have engaged in ongoing clashes. On March 17, at least four people were killed in an attack on a building used by Al-Hashd al-Shaabi in Baghdad. On March 16, eight fighters were killed in an attack on an Al-Hashd al-Shaabi checkpoint in the western Iraqi province of Anbar.

11:02

In Saudi Arabia, two drones approaching the diplomatic district were destroyed by air defence systems, the country’s Ministry of Defence reports, citing a statement from Lieutenant General Turki al-Maliki.

المتحدث الرسمي لـ #وزارة_الدفاع: إسقاط مسيّرة معادية أثناء محاولة الاقتراب من حي السفارات. pic.twitter.com/brGd0y9eSI

— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) March 18, 2026

10:53

On March 18, the United Arab Emirates stated that its air defence systems had been activated in response to a missile threat, Caliber.Az reports, citing the country’s Ministry of Interior on X.

الآن تتعامل الدفاعات الجوية مع تهديـد صاروخي، يرجى البقاء في مكان آمن ومتابعة التحذيرات والمستجدات على المواقــع الرسميـة.

Air defense systems are currently dealing with a missile threat. Please remain in a safe place and follow warnings and updates on the official channels. pic.twitter.com/LLOaahD4Dm

— وزارة الداخلية (@moiuae) March 18, 2026

10:49

The IDF has completed a large-scale airstrike on Tehran, targeting the headquarters of Iran’s terrorist regime, according to the IDF press service.

“As part of the strikes across Tehran yesterday (Tuesday), the Israeli Air Force, under the direction of the IDF Intelligence Directorate, struck command centers, ballistic missile array sites, and additional infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime.

Among the headquarters targeted in Tehran:

* The headquarters of the IRGC Security Unit, responsible for repressing protests and riots in Iran 

* A maintenance center of the General Logistics and Support Department of Internal Security Forces

* A command center belonging to the ballistic missile array

At the same time, several air defense systems were struck in order to expand the Israeli Air Force’s aerial superiority over Iranian airspace.

The completed strikes are part of a phase aimed at further deepening the damage to the core systems and foundations of the Iranian terror regime,” the IDF statement said.

10:47

The Israel Defense Forces warned of recent missile launches from Iran toward Israel. Air defence systems are operating to intercept the threat, and the Home Front Command has sent preliminary alerts to mobile phones of residents in the affected areas, the IDF press service reports.

10:43

The Israeli Air Force carried out strikes on the town of Sohmor in the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, Yediot News reports.

10:35

Footage of the Israeli Air Force’s morning strikes on targets in Beirut is being shared by the Israeli media outlet Intelli News.

10:08

The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli was approaching Singapore, at the southwestern edge of the South China Sea, on Tuesday morning, according to AIS tracking data seen by CNN.

09:39

On the night of March 18, Iranian Khorramshahr ballistic missiles were launched toward Israeli territory. Missiles of this type are equipped with approximately 80 warheads.

Footage of the attacks was shared by Clash Report.

WATCH: Iranian Khorramshahr ballistic missiles with ~80 bomblets targeting Israel tonight. pic.twitter.com/HVVXkQ1FZf

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 17, 2026

09:34

According to Iraqi security services, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad came under attack for the second consecutive day on March 17, CNN reports.

09:04

In the morning, the Israeli Air Force struck a building in Beirut, completely destroying it, Yediot News reports.

09:03

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had carried out massive strikes on Israeli territory in response to the killing of Iran’s former Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Ali Larijani. The operation, named “True Promise 4,” marked the 61st wave of retaliatory actions since the start of the conflict, according to Press TV.

According to the IRGC, more than 100 targets in central Tel Aviv were hit, including military and security facilities. The corps claimed that the missiles penetrated Israel’s air defence system without obstruction. By its estimates, more than 230 enemy personnel were killed or wounded as a result of the strikes.

In addition to Tel Aviv, targets were struck in Jerusalem, the port of Haifa, Be’er Sheva, and the Negev desert.

At the same time, Iranian forces reportedly carried out strikes on U.S. military bases in Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, the statement added.

08:54

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash expressed the country’s readiness to participate in an operation to ensure stability and security in the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports.

He stressed that no official plan currently exists and that consultations are ongoing. The UAE believes that Iranian attacks on Gulf states could strengthen ties between Israel and Arab countries. Gargash also noted that such attacks would increase Washington’s importance in the region.

08:39

“Hours ago, U.S. forces successfully employed multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported on X.

Hours ago, U.S. forces successfully employed multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the… pic.twitter.com/hgCSFH0cqO

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 17, 2026

02:03

The funeral of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Ali Larijani, will take place in Tehran on March 18, the Fars news agency reports.

According to the report, Larijani will be buried alongside the head of the Basij paramilitary militia, Major General Gholamreza Soleimani, who was also killed on March 17, as well as crew members of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, which sank off the coast of Sri Lanka on March 4 following a strike by a U.S. Navy submarine.

01:29

The son of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Ali Larijani—Morteza—as well as the head of his security detail, were killed along with him in the same attack, Tasnim reports.

“Ali Larijani, his son, the well-known scholar Morteza Larijani, and the head of the secretary’s security detail, Sardar Nejad, were all killed together as a result of a strike by the United States and Israel,” the agency stated.

01:24

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to “severely retaliate” against those responsible for the assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, according to Iranian media.

“The death of Ali Larijani is an extremely sorrowful event, and we will severely retaliate against all those whose hands are stained with the blood of innocent but steadfast defenders of Iran,” Pezeshkian emphasised.

01:11

The Secretariat of Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirmed the killing of Ali Larijani, the council's secretary, Iran International reports.

At the same time, his son Morteza Larijani, Alireza Bayat, the council's deputy for security, and several of their bodyguards were killed following an Israeli strike.

March 18, 00:53

A strike struck the area near the metrology service building on the industrial site of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant.

Alexey Likhachev, head of Rosatom (Russia’s state nuclear corporation) confirmed the incident.

“Today at 18:11 Moscow time, a strike was carried out in the area adjacent to the metrology service building, located on the Bushehr nuclear power plant’s industrial site, in immediate proximity to the operating power unit,” Likhachev said. 

He added that there were no casualties resulting from the strike.

23:09

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed the death of Major General Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij forces, SNN reports,citing the IRGC press service.

Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had stated that Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani was struck during airstrikes on Iran.

22:58

Rockets and drones struck the US embassy and another diplomatic site in Iraq on March 17, following earlier attacks the same day, Reuters reports per security sources.

Sirens blared at the Baghdad embassy as an explosion from an explosive drone was reported near the compound, sources added.

22:22

Iran and its population are prepared for a months-long confrontation with the United States and Israel, according to a source within the country’s security forces.

The source claimed US President Donald Trump has failed on the military front and was struck by the scale of the Islamic Republic’s capabilities, Fars news agency reports.

“The state and the people are ready for a prolonged, months-long confrontation,” the source said, adding that Iranian armed forces would deliver “even heavier strikes” against the enemy later today.

20:57

Iran has deployed its advanced “Haj Qasem” ballistic missile for the first time, carrying out strikes on targets across multiple countries in the region. 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps used the missile in attacks on headquarters and bases in four countries, which it described as having served as launchpads for recent attacks against Iran, Tasnim reports.

According to the same source, the strikes targeted locations in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as well as the port city of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.

20:03

US President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that the United States has inflicted massive damage on Iran’s military.

“Fortunately, we have decimated Iran’s Military — Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti-Aircraft and Radar is gone and perhaps, most importantly, their Leaders, at virtually every level, are gone, never to threaten us, our Middle Eastern Allies, or the World, again!” he wrote.

Trump also criticised NATO allies for declining to support US operations against Iran. 

“The United States has been informed by most of our NATO ‘Allies’ that they don’t want to get involved with our Military Operation against the Terrorist Regime of Iran, in the Middle East, this, despite the fact that almost every Country strongly agreed with what we are doing, and that Iran cannot, in any way, shape, or form, be allowed to have a Nuclear Weapon,” he said.

Trump further emphasised that, due to the alleged military successes, the United States no longer requires assistance from NATO, Japan, Australia, or South Korea, asserting that the country, as “by far the most powerful anywhere in the world,” does not need help from any other nation.

Talking about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump noted that the United States does not need outside assistance.

“Well, we don’t need too much help, and we don’t need any help, actually,” he said at a White House briefing. 

Trump also commented on the reported killing of Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani. 

He confirmed the news, stating that “Their top person was actually killed yesterday. He was responsible for the killing of protesters.”

Additionally, he said that the US is capable of striking Iran’s energy infrastructure at a moment’s notice.

“We could take out their electric capacity in one hour. There’s nothing they can do right now because everything is knocked out. They have no radar, no anti-aircraft. They have nothing,” he said. “We can knock out their electricity in a matter of minutes if we wanted to. There’s nothing they can do about it.”

19:38

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched a new wave of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli cities and US military bases across the Middle East.

The strikes were carried out as part of the 59th phase of Operation “True Promise – 4” and hit locations in Beit Shemesh, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem, as well as US military facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and the Kurdistan region of Iraq, ISNA reports.

The latest phase of the operation was reportedly dedicated to fallen fighters of its Aerospace Forces. The statement indicated that the strikes specifically targeted areas including Al-Udeid in Qatar, As-Salam in Kuwait, Fujairah in the UAE, Sheikh Isa in Bahrain, and Erbil in Iraq.

According to the report, the attacks were conducted using high-precision missile systems, including Qadr, Emad, Fattah, and Haj-Qasem, alongside drones.

17:48

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on March 17 that Israel is seeking to weaken Iran’s leadership in the hope of enabling its people to remove the government.

“We are weakening this regime in the hope of giving the Iranian people an opportunity to remove it,” Netanyahu said, Iran International reports.

He stated that Israel had killed Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani as well as the commander of the Basij paramilitary force, describing them as figures who “create terror against the people in the streets of Tehran and other cities.”

Netanyahu also said Israel was coordinating with the United States and providing support to American allies in the Persian Gulf through both indirect strikes and direct actions.

17:36

The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Forces, General Majid Moosavi, has issued a warning of strikes against the U.S. and Israel.

“The role of strong, precise, and devastating strikes carried out by the sons and daughters of the Iranian people across the region against the American-Zionist enemy has begun. The backbone of imperialism will be broken in the streets and squares,” Moosavi wrote on X.

17:04

A strike targeted an ammunition depot in the Shiraz area in southern Iran.

Footage was shared by Israel’s Channel 12.

16:53

Since dawn today, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has conducted the 58th wave of Operation “True Promise-4,” held in memory of war victims,  Tasnim reports, citing a statement from the corps.

According to the statement, the targets included northern and central Israel, including Nahariya, Beit Shemesh, Tel Aviv, West Jerusalem, as well as U.S. military bases in Victoria, Ali-Salem, Al-Kharj, and the U.S. Fifth Fleet.

The operation employed precision ground-to-ground missiles such as the Khorramshahr (with a 2-ton warhead), Qadr with multiple warheads, Fateh, and Kheibar Shekan, as well as medium-range systems like Fateh and Qiyam, along with strike drones.

The press service stated that all assigned objectives were successfully accomplished.

16:46

Residents of the Chitgar district in Tehran celebrated on Tuesday, March 17, after news spread of the killing of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Footage was shared by Iran International.

Residents in Tehran’s Chitgar area were heard shouting in celebration after news of Ali Larijani’s reported killing spread on Tuesday, March 17, footage sent to Iran International shows. pic.twitter.com/RzEbeBoW1J

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) March 17, 2026

16:39

A senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), General Javad Bagheri, was killed in Israeli strikes, Tasnim reports.

It was noted that he was the brother of Mahmoud Bagheri, commander of the IRGC Air Force missile complex, who was neutralised during the 12-day war last summer.

16:13

Today, the United Arab Emirates’ air defence systems intercepted 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones launched from Iranian territory, Caliber.Az reports, citing the UAE Ministry of Defence on X.

UAE air defences engage 10 ballistic missiles, 45 UAVs

The UAE air defence systems on 17th March 2026 engaged 10 ballistic missiles and 45 UAVs launched from Iran.

Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise… pic.twitter.com/87tutcctGI

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 17, 2026

“Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 314 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,672 UAVs.

These attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of 2 members of the armed forces while performing their national duty, as well as 6 fatalities of Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi and Palestinian nationalities.

A total of 157 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe,” the ministry stated.

16:03

An explosion occurred in the industrial zone of Sharjah, the third-largest city in the UAE, following an Iranian attack.

Footage was shared by Iran International.

Earlier, CNN, citing the Iranian state news agency IRIB, reported that a ship exploded at the port of Sharjah. This happened a few hours after a tanker was attacked in another Emirati port.

15:29

The Israel Defense Forces have launched a large-scale wave of strikes on the infrastructure of the “Iranian terror regime” in Tehran, the IDF press service has reported.

15:27

The Israeli military says it has targeted Akram al-Ajouri, head of the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, in a strike in Iran, ABC reports.

"We conducted a strike against Akram al-Ajouri," a military official told reporters during a briefing, adding that the "senior commander in the Islamic Jihad of Gaza" had been living in Iran and had not been confirmed killed.

15:12

Bahrain’s air defence systems intercepted thirteen drones today, BNA reports, citing the General Command of the Bahrain Defence Forces.

According to the agency, since the start of hostilities, 129 missiles and 233 drones targeting the kingdom have been intercepted and destroyed.

15:07

An Iranian missile struck a railway station in the city of Holon in central Israel, the Israeli media outlet M.B. Insider has reported.

14:47

“U.S. forces continue to hunt and destroy Iranian targets that pose threats to Americans and Iran's neighbors,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported on X.

U.S. forces continue to hunt and destroy Iranian targets that pose threats to Americans and Iran's neighbors. pic.twitter.com/FuQLx9rCiK

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 17, 2026

14:42

A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. 

Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat, the Israel Defense Forces press service has reported.

14:37

Since early morning, the Iranian military has carried out a series of drone strikes on multiple “important and strategic targets” in Israel, Tasnim reports, citing Army Press Service statement No. 31.

According to the statement, the attacks were a response to recent events, including the deaths of military personnel and the incident involving the destroyer Dena. The targets included technology and cyber centres, as well as defence industry facilities, including the Rafael complex.

The army noted that the strikes were aimed at infrastructure linked to the development of military technologies and weapons systems. Rafael Advanced Defence Systems is responsible for developing weapons of mass destruction systems and producing Israel’s defensive systems, such as the Iron Dome, as well as equipping and arming drone units.

It was also emphasised that the drone operation is ongoing.

14:26

An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence headquarters on Fadayan-e Islam Street in southern Tehran was destroyed, a video sent to Iran International shows.

An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence headquarters on Fadayan-e Islam Street in southern Tehran was destroyed, a video sent to Iran International shows. pic.twitter.com/dvTWAhQ3GO

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) March 17, 2026

14:17

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has rejected proposals for ​reducing tensions or for a ceasefire with ‌the United States that were conveyed to Tehran by two intermediary countries, a senior Iranian official said on March 17, according to Reuters.

Khamenei's stance for revenge against the U.S. ​and Israel was “very tough and serious” in ⁠his first foreign policy session, the official ​said, without clarifying whether the leader attended the ​session in person.

13:31

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Iran’s “de facto leader,” Ali Larijani, was killed in an air force strike, Ynet News reports.

“I was just briefed by the Chief of Staff that National Security Council Secretary Larijani and the head of the Basij were eliminated tonight and have joined the head of the annihilation program Khamenei and all the villains of the axis of evil in the depths of hell,” Katz said, referring to Iran’s supreme leadership and military figures.

13:29

The Israeli military said it carried out airstrikes on March 16 targeting underground facilities in southern Lebanon used by the Hezbollah organisation.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the sites were used to store weapons, including cruise missiles and hundreds of rockets.

"The Israeli Air Force struck a large underground terrorist infrastructure in the area of Kfara in southern Lebanon, under the direction of the IDF Intelligence Directorate and the Northern Command. The site was used to store weapons caches, including cruise missiles and hundreds of rockets," the statement says. 

The strikes, directed by the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate and Northern Command, follow a series of operations over the past week against locations in Beirut and southern Lebanon. The military said these facilities were used by Hezbollah to plan and execute attacks against Israeli troops.

The IDF emphasised that the operations are part of its defensive efforts and that it aims to prevent threats to Israeli civilians. 

13:27

More than 300 attacks carried out by Iran and allied armed groups have struck Iraq's Kurdistan region since late February, causing at least 59 casualties, according to US-based monitoring organisation Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). 

Between March 7 and 15, the group recorded 111 attacks, with Erbil bearing the heaviest impact with 81 incidents, while Al-Sulaymaniyah faced 38. Despite a 43% drop in the number of attacks compared with the first week of the escalation, casualties remained high, with four deaths and 32 injuries reported during the latest week, according to Shafaq News.

Key energy infrastructure, government offices, and public facilities were targeted, and at least 21 homes, hotels, and other buildings suffered damage from direct strikes or falling drone debris. Strategic locations, including Harir Air Base and Erbil International Airport, were repeatedly hit by rockets and drones.

12:45

The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed the elimination of Basij chief Gholamreza Soleimani, the IDF press service reports.

“Yesterday (Monday), the Israeli Air Force, acting on IDF intelligence, targeted and eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, who operated as commander of the Basij unit for the past six years.

The Basij forces are part of the armed apparatus of the Iranian terror regime. During internal protests in Iran, particularly in recent periods as demonstrations intensified, Basij forces under Soleimani’s command led the main repression operations, employing severe violence, widespread arrests, and the use of force against civilian demonstrators.

The elimination of Soleimani adds to that of dozens of senior commanders from the armed forces of the Iranian regime who have been eliminated during the operation, and constitutes an additional significant blow to the regime’s security command-and-control structures. 

The IDF will continue to operate with determination against commanders of the Iranian terror regime,” the statement said.

12:37

Last night (Monday to Tuesday), Israel attempted to eliminate Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij unit, N12 has reported.

Soleimani leads the unit responsible for the brutal suppression of civilian protests in Iran.

The assassination attempt was carried out in response to an operational opportunity that Israel sought to exploit. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are still assessing the results of the strike.

12:33

Lebanon’s army said two of five soldiers were seriously wounded after an Israeli airstrike on the morning of March 17 on Kfar Sir village, AP reports.

12:24

This morning, Israeli aircraft struck a facility in Tehran linked to the IRGC’s intelligence operations, Yediot News reports.

12:22

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was reportedly one of the targets of Israeli Defence Forces strikes on the night of March 17.

This was reported by the Israeli TV channel N12, which notes that there is currently no information on the outcome of the attack.

12:01

Iran fired missiles at multiple targets in Jerusalem. They were intercepted just a few metres from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Iranian TV channel SNN reports.

Israeli media only mentioned one missile being intercepted, while the channel claims the others “reached their targets.” No information has been provided on casualties or damage.

11:56

The Saudi Ministry of Defence has reported the interception and destruction of two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the country’s eastern region, according to the ministry’s spokesperson, Lieutenant General Turki al-Maliki, on X.

المتحدث الرسمي لـ #وزارة_الدفاع: اعتراض وتدمير 3 مسيّرات في المنطقة الشرقية. pic.twitter.com/8Q0er2Jooj

— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) March 17, 2026

Earlier this morning, the ministry had stated that air defence systems had responded to 12 UAVs in the eastern region over the past few hours.

11:24

The UAE’s air defence is intercepting attacks by Iranian missiles and drones, Caliber.Az reports, citing the country’s Ministry of Defence.

تتعامل حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع اعتداءات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة قادمة من إيران وتؤكد وزارة الدفاع أن الأصوات المسموعة في مناطق متفرقة من الدولة هي نتيجة اعتراض كل من منظومات الدفاع الجوي للصواريخ البالستية، والمقاتلات للطائرات المسيرة والجوالة.

UAE air defences are… pic.twitter.com/ARFZrh9LjG

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 17, 2026

According to the ministry, the loud sounds being heard are “the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones.”

11:15

On March 16, dozens of Israeli Air Force fighters, acting on IDF intelligence, carried out a series of strikes on the infrastructure of the “Iranian terror regime” in Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz, the Israel Defense Forces press service reports.

במטס משולב בטהרן, שיראז וטיבריז: צה״ל תקף תשתיות של משטר הטרור האיראני בשלושה מרחבים במקביל

צה״ל ממשיך להעמיק את הפגיעה בכלל מערכיו ויכולותיו של משטר הטרור האיראני.

עשרות מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר בהכוונת אמ״ן, השלימו אתמול מטס תקיפה נרחב לעבר תשתיות של משטר הטרור האיראני בשלושה… pic.twitter.com/OEULYJR3QA

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) March 17, 2026

“During the strikes in Tehran, dozens of munitions were dropped on command centers belonging to the Iranian regime's security bodies, including the Ministry of Intelligence and the Basij. Additionally, sites used to store and launch UAV's, ballistic missiles, and air defense systems were struck.

During the strikes in Shiraz, the internal security forces’ command center and a ballistic missile site were struck.

In Tabriz, additional Iranian terror regime air defense systems were dismantled - further expanding aerial superiority in the region and protecting the State of Israel,” the statement said.

10:21

An Iranian drone strike hit and destroyed a U.S.-made AN/FPS-117 early-warning radar at Al-Qaysumah Airport in northeastern Saudi Arabia, according to Clash Report on X

This type of radar is a key part of air defence, capable of detecting aircraft, missiles, and drones hundreds of kilometres away

Iranian drone strike hit and destroyed a U.S.-made AN/FPS-117 early-warning radar at Al-Qaysumah Airport in northeastern Saudi Arabia.

This type of radar is a key part of air defense, capable of detecting aircraft, missiles, and drones hundreds of kilometers away. pic.twitter.com/AuHonOYKQ1

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 17, 2026

10:18

As part of the 57th wave of Operation “True Promise-4,” strikes were carried out against multiple military targets in the region, Iranian SNN reports, citing a statement from the press service of Iran’s Armed Forces Central Command, Khatam al-Anbiya.

According to the statement, targets in central Israel were hit during the 57th wave, including command and control infrastructure and missile defence systems, using precision systems such as the Kheibar-Shekan, Emad, and Qadr missiles.

It was also reported that Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where U.S. forces are deployed, was struck with medium-range solid-fuel guided missiles (Dol-Fakhar), liquid-fuel missiles (Qiyam), and smart attack drones.

Additionally, a few hours ago, IRGC naval forces reportedly destroyed part of U.S. aircraft hangars at Sheikh Isa Air Base in the UAE and Al-Dhafra Air Base in a combined missile-and-drone operation using cruise missiles.

10:15

In recent days, units of the IDF’s 36th Division have begun conducting limited, targeted ground operations aimed at strengthening the frontline defence, the Israel Defense Forces press service has reported.

כוחות אוגדה 36 הצטרפו להרחבת הפעילות הקרקעית הממוקדת בדרום לבנון

כוחות אוגדה 36 החלו בימים האחרונים בפעילות קרקעית ממוקדת ליעד נוסף בדרום לבנון להרחבת מרחב ההגנה הקדמי.

במקביל לאוגדה 91, ובהמשך למשימתם הקודמת, הכוחות ממשיכים את מאמץ ביסוס ההגנה הקדמית לצורך הסרת האיומים ויצירת… pic.twitter.com/efzVd3HkZp

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) March 17, 2026

“Alongside the activity of the 91st Division, and following their previous deployment, the troops are continuing efforts to establish the forward defensive posture in order to remove threats and create an additional layer of security for residents of northern Israel.

Prior to the troops’ entry into the area, the IDF conducted strikes using both artillery and the Israeli Air Force against numerous Hezbollah terror targets in order to mitigate threats in the operational environment.

The IDF will continue to operate with determination against the Hezbollah terrorist organization, which chose to join the hostilities and operate under the sponsorship of the Iranian terror regime. The IDF will not allow harm to Israeli civilians,” the statement said.

10:02

The Kuwait National Guard shot down a drone and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in secured zones, according to the official X account of the National Guard General Staff.

الحرس الوطني: قوة الواجب تسقط طائرة "مسيرة" و طائرة "درون" في مواقع المسؤولية التي تتولى تأمينها

أعلن المتحدث الرسمي باسم الحرس الوطني، العميد د. جدعان فاضل جدعان، عن إسقاط طائرة «مسيرة» و طائرة «درون» في مواقع المسؤولية التي تتولى قوة الواجب تأمينها
وأكد العميد د.جدعان… pic.twitter.com/tU52a6O0YF

— الحرس الوطني الكويتي (@kng_kw) March 17, 2026

Brigadier General Jadaan Fadhel Jadaan, an official spokesperson for the National Guard, confirmed the interception of a “drone and UAV” in areas protected by on-duty forces.

He added that National Guard personnel are always on full alert and fully mobilised to respond to any threats, prioritising the defence and security of the country above all else.

09:45

Since the start of the war with Iran, the U.S. military has recorded around 200 wounded service members across seven different countries, Le Figaro reports, citing sources.

“Ten individuals are classified as seriously wounded,” said Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. military command in the region. “The vast majority of the injuries are minor, and more than 180 service members have already returned to duty,” he added.

According to the spokesperson, the affected U.S. personnel were located in Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, and Jordan.

09:08

Iran-backed armed groups used a drone equipped with an optical guidance system to conduct reconnaissance in the area of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, OSINTtechnical reports.

An Iranian-backed militia successfully used a (likely fiber optic) FPV drone to carry out a reconnaissance mission through the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad yesterday.

Seen here, the drone flies unchallenged through the embassy complex for nearly two minutes. pic.twitter.com/S1Ky3eVUv0

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 17, 2026

The footage shows the device operating unimpeded in the airspace over the complex for nearly two minutes.

09:01

Air defence systems early Tuesday morning shot down a projectile over the Iraqi capital, approximately 600 metres from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

The corresponding video was published by CNN.

The footage shows trails from anti-aircraft munitions fired by U.S. air defence systems. An explosion is then visible in the sky, indicating the interception of the projectile.

Another video captures the moment a drone falls to the ground near the U.S. Embassy. The footage shows air defence rounds streaking across the sky, followed by what appears to be a drone crashing to the ground. A powerful explosion can then be heard in a video filmed roughly 1,000 metres from the embassy.

08:56

An oil tanker was attacked near the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reports. 

The alert came from an area roughly 23 nautical miles east of Fujairah, according to the agency.

Preliminary information indicates the tanker was at anchor when an unidentified projectile struck its hull. The vessel sustained minor structural damage, but the crew remained unharmed. Early reports suggest there were no leaks or environmental damage.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident.

08:54

“The IDF has begun a wide scale wave of strikes against Iranian terror regime infrastructure across Tehran,” the IDF press service has reported.

“Additionally, the IDF has begun an additional wave of strikes on Hezbollah terror infrastructure in Beirut,” the statement said.

08:36

Iraq’s Prime Minister, al-Sudani, has instructed security agencies to launch an investigation into a series of attacks on strategically important facilities in the country.

According to the Iraqi Prime Minister’s spokesperson, al-Numan, the country’s security forces were subjected to “treacherous attacks,” resulting in six fatalities and four injuries, including fighters from Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces. The strikes targeted key diplomatic and infrastructure sites, including the Majnun oil field, the Al-Rashid Hotel, and the U.S. Balad Air Base.

March 17, 08:30

“Teamwork makes it ALL work aboard an aircraft carrier launching flight operations!”

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) published footage on X showing combat aviation operations from an aircraft carrier, accompanied by this comment.

Teamwork makes it ALL work aboard an aircraft carrier launching flight operations! pic.twitter.com/oeUSJYF3Rv

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 17, 2026

20:19

Saudi Arabia’s air defence systems have successfully destroyed 11 Iranian drones over the past several hours, the kingdom’s Ministry of Defence confirmed.

The unmanned aerial vehicles were targeting facilities in Al‑Kharj Governorate, located in central Saudi Arabia, southeast of Riyadh, SPA reports.

Major General Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, stated that all 11 drones were neutralized in Al-Kharj Governorate, underscoring the kingdom’s readiness to protect its critical infrastructure from aerial threats.

19:25

Shrapnel from an interception fell on the rooftop of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem, according to the Patriarchate. That’s just metres from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the spot where Christian tradition holds that Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.

There were no immediate reports of injuries from the impact, according to AP.

Jerusalem’s Old City, where there are holy sites sacred to Muslims, Christians, and Jews, has come under uncommon fire this war. In past missile exchanges with Iran — including the 12-day-war — the city had been spared the damage seen in nearby cities like Tel Aviv or Beersheba.

But since the start of the most recent war, shrapnel has struck multiple sites close to the Old City, including homes in east Jerusalem, a main highway into Jerusalem and a concert venue in West Jerusalem.

18:59

In the first 72 hours of Operation Epic Fury, the US Navy reportedly launched around 400 Tomahawk missiles—roughly 10 per cent of the US’s ready-to-fire inventory, the National Interest reports

"The scale of this depletion is significant. In fact, it exceeds the total number of Tomahawks produced over the past five years, which raises concerns about the possibility of stockpile depletion," the paper writes. 

18:29

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it carried out a new wave of military strikes targeting sites in Israel, a US military base in Qatar, and positions of anti-Iranian armed groups in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC said the attacks were part of the 56th wave of Operation “True Promise – 4.”

In a statement cited by the broadcaster, the IRGC said it launched several high-precision missiles, including the Khorremshahr, Emad and Ghader, at strategic targets in Israel. The group claimed the missiles struck the logistics command of southern Israel and a missile depot linked to the Israeli defence company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in northern Israel.

The statement also said a strike targeted Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, located in Doha.

At the same time, IRGC drone units reportedly launched a series of attacks on positions of anti-Iranian armed groups in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

17:56

US oil company executives have warned President Donald Trump’s administration of a potential worsening of the energy crisis caused by the conflict with Iran, primarily due to threats to global oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, Clash Report reports, citing a Wall Street Journal article.

Prices have already risen to around $99 per barrel and could continue to increase if the market situation deteriorates.

Executives fear that a prolonged rise in prices could harm the global economy, even if oil companies benefit in the short term.

17:36

Several Israeli media outlets, including Channel 13, report that Iranian missiles or shrapnel have made an impact in the Bet Shemesh area near Jerusalem, according to Al Jazeera.

The extent of the damage remains unclear, and there were no immediate reports of casualties.

17:17

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has appointed Mohsen Rezaee as his military advisor,  IRGC TV reports.

Prior to this appointment, Rezaee served as Secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council.

17:13

The Lebanese group Hezbollah stated that it attacked the Israeli border city of Kiryat Shmona for the second time today, using rockets and drones, Al Jazeera reports, citing a statement from Hezbollah.

In its statement, the group claimed to have carried out a “precise strike” but did not provide any information on the results of the attack.

17:05

A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat, the Israel Defense Forces’ press service has reported.

17:02

The Qatari armed forces intercepted a missile attack, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Qatar Ministry of Defence.

تعلن وزارة الدفاع القطرية عن تصدي القوات المسلحة لهجمة صاروخية استهدفت دولة قطر.

The Ministry of Defense of State of Qatar announces that armed forces intercepted missile attack which targeted State of Qatar. pic.twitter.com/aXQRmp8YF1

— وزارة الدفاع - دولة قطر (@MOD_Qatar) March 16, 2026

The update came a few minutes after residents received alerts on their mobile devices about a heightened security level.

16:50

About a dozen US Air Force refuelling aircraft, KC-135Rs and KC-46As, have returned to Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport after participating in strike operations against Iran, Egypt’s Intel Observer reports.

Nearly a dozen U.S. Air Force KC-135R and KC-46A aerial refueling aircraft are now returning to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel after supporting a strike mission targeting Iran.

Notably, the flights are avoiding Iraq airspace following a recent incident in which a Boeing KC-135… pic.twitter.com/UB6p4PK98c

— Egypt's Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) March 16, 2026

The report notes that the flights are avoiding Iraqi airspace following a recent incident in western Iraq, where a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crashed, killing all six crew members.

16:47

Air defences at Erbil International Airport shot down a drone that attempted to approach the airport’s perimeter on March 15, a security source told Shafaq News.

Preliminary information indicates that no damage or casualties were recorded.

16:32

Today, the UAE’s air defence systems intercepted six ballistic missiles and 21 drones launched from Iranian territory, the UAE Ministry of Defence wrote on X.

الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية تتعامل مع 6 صواريخ باليستية و21 طائرة مسيّرة.

تعاملت الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية (16 مارس 2026) مع 6 صواريخ باليستية و21 طائرة مسيّرة قادمة من إيران.

ومنذ بدء الاعتداءات الإيرانية السافرة، تعاملت الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية مع 304 صاروخاً باليستياً، و15… pic.twitter.com/3sUkJnVjxe

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 16, 2026

“Since the start of Iran’s shameless attacks, UAE air defence systems have intercepted 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,627 drones.

As a result of these attacks, 2 military personnel and 5 civilians have been killed, and 145 people have sustained injuries of varying severity.

The UAE Ministry of Defence states that it remains at a heightened state of combat readiness, ready to respond to any threats, and will firmly counter anything aimed at destabilising the country’s security, safeguarding its sovereignty, and protecting its interests and national capabilities,” the statement said.

16:19

US Central Command (CENTCOM) commander General Brad Cooper stated that Friday’s strike on Iranian military targets on Kharg Island destroyed over 90 targets, including naval mine and missile bunkers, The New York Times reports.

According to him, over 16 days of combat operations, US strike aircraft have conducted more than 6,000 sorties, destroying over 100 Iranian military vessels.

Cooper said US forces are working to prevent Iran from threatening shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

He also reported that over the past two weeks, Iran has carried out more than 300 attacks across the region targeting civilian sites.

16:11

The Israeli Air Force, acting on precise IDF intelligence, destroyed a space complex of the “Iranian terror regime” that was being used to develop anti-satellite weapons and posed a threat to Israeli satellites and space assets of other countries, the Israel Defense Forces’ press service has reported.

15:48

Hezbollah released footage showing the moment an Israeli Merkava tank was destroyed in the Merkabah area.

The video was also shared by the Iranian TV channel SNN.

15:15

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that “the IDF has begun a ground manoeuvre in Lebanon in order to remove threats and protect the residents of the Galilee and the north,” according to Clash Report.

“Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for its aggression and its activity in the Iranian axis aimed at destroying Israel.

If Naim Qassem misses Nasrallah and Khamenei so much — he will be able to meet them soon in the depths of hell together with all those eliminated from the axis of evil,” Katz said.

15:03

“USS Abraham Lincoln continues flight operations day and night during Operation Epic Fury. Sailing close to Iran, Lincoln and its embarked carrier air wing are executing back-to-back waves of strikes,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated in a post on X.

USS Abraham Lincoln continues flight operations day and night during Operation Epic Fury. Sailing close to Iran, Lincoln and its embarked carrier air wing are executing back-to-back waves of strikes. pic.twitter.com/EPhhmCAyPB

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 16, 2026

15:00

US Air Force A-10 Warthog attack aircraft have been spotted in the skies over northern Iraq, providing support for strikes against positions of pro-Iranian groups as part of the US military campaign, the Israeli media outlet OSINT613 has reported.

USAF A‑10 Warthogs have been seen flying over northern Iraq, supporting strikes against Iran‑aligned militia positions as part of the U.S. campaign. pic.twitter.com/gAdPkOapQA

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 16, 2026

14:41

Early this morning, the naval forces of the IRGC carried out a large-scale operation that resulted in the destruction of a central ammunition depot at the Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, which is used by the US armed forces, Fars reports.

According to the report, powerful explosions occurred at the air base, after which the command ordered an evacuation. As a result, the US Air Force was forced to withdraw its combat aircraft from the base and relocate them to other facilities located in more distant parts of the region.

14:06

A Pakistani oil tanker is crossing the Strait of Hormuz with the “approval and on the orders of the IRGC,” Sabereen News reports.

14:01

A short while ago, the IDF detected rockets launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel. Air defence systems are operating to intercept the threat, the Israel Defense Forces’ press service has reported.

13:56

The Bahraini Ministry of Defence said that since February 28, the kingdom’s air defence systems have intercepted a total of 129 missiles and 215 drones launched by Iran.

“Bahrain’s air defence systems are on high alert in response to the aggression by Iran that began on 28 February 2026. The total number of hostile aerial threats intercepted and destroyed by air defence systems to date is 215 drones and 129 missiles," the ministry said in a post on social media platform X. 

تُعلن القيادة العامة لقوة دفاع البحرين أن منظومات الدفاع الجوي بقوة دفاع البحرين بفضلٍ من الله، ثم بيقظة رجالها مستمرة في مواجهة موجات تتابعية من الاعتداءات الإيرانية الإرهابية الآثمة، استهدفت مملكة البحرين.https://t.co/EHfdbmg58i pic.twitter.com/6jFvWTM9DU

— قوة دفاع البحرين (@BDF_Bahrain) March 16, 2026

13:42

The IDF has just begun a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the "Iranian terror regime" in Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz, the IDF said in a statement. 

13:40

Iran's Khabar Fouri has published the moment Iranian missiles were launched as part of Operation "True Promise 4." 

According to Sabereen News, strikes were carried out on US military facilities at Al-Dhafra and Sheikh Isa airbases, as well as at the Al-Juffair naval base.

Strikes were also carried out on air-refuelling bases in Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport.

13:33

Photos and footage of the new wave of attacks on Tehran were released by the Israeli media outlet Intelli News.

13:03

Satellite images published by the Soar Atlas portal show the aftermath of a drone attack on the major oil port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates on March 14.

🚨Soar Atlas has obtained new high-resolution satellite imagery of drone strikes at Port of Fujairah, UAE, from Mar 14th.

Explore & compare here: https://t.co/RDqmLL7wvb

At least two tanks are seen engulfed in flames, producing a massive black smoke plume. pic.twitter.com/1dw9oFeiig

— Soar (@SoarAtlas) March 16, 2026

The images show that at least two fuel tanks were engulfed in flames, with a column of thick black smoke rising above the port area.

Even several days after the incident, smoke continues to spread over the port’s waters and nearby areas.

Even days after these strikes, the thick black smoke is seen stretching out across the ocean. Is there anything you noticed that we missed?#Iran #IranIsraelWar #MiddleEast pic.twitter.com/i80Gs3YKMU

— Soar (@SoarAtlas) March 16, 2026

Earlier today, the port of Fujairah was struck again.

13:01

The Israeli military says it has destroyed an estimated 70% of Iran’s missile launchers during the first two weeks of the war.

Military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani told reporters on March 16 that while Iran continues to fire missiles at Israel, the number of launches has been greatly reduced, AP reports.

He says Israel has carried out some 7,600 strikes in Iran, knocking out 85% of Iran’s air defences and targeting a number of Iranian nuclear sites.

Shoshani says the war will go on “for as long as needed” and says Israel still has thousands of targets it is prepared to strike.

12:31

Fars has released the first footage of rockets fired from Iran striking central Israel.

The exact locations of the impacts are not yet confirmed, but social media reports suggest the city of Rishon LeZion.

12:13

A short while ago, the IDF detected rockets launched from Iran towards Israeli territory. Air defence systems are operating to intercept the threat, the Israel Defense Forces’ press service reports

12:12

The plane of Iran’s Supreme Leader was destroyed in Tehran as a result of an Israeli Air Force strike,  the Israel Defense Forces’ press service reports.

“Overnight (Monday), the IDF conducted a precise strike and dismantled an aircraft used by the Supreme Leader of the Iranian terror regime at the Mehrabad Airport in Tehran.

The aircraft was used by Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Iranian terror regime, additional senior officials and Iranian military personnel to advance military procurement and to manage coordination with axis countries through both domestic and international flights.

The dismantling of the aircraft disrupts the Iranian regime leadership’s coordination capabilities with axis countries, it’s military force build-up efforts and it’s ability to rehabilitate its capabilities. As a result, another strategic asset of the regime has been degraded.

 The IDF will continue to operate to degrade any means used by the military forces of the Iranian terror regime across Iran,” the statement said.

12:06

Authorities in the Emirate of Fujairah confirmed that a fire broke out in Fujairah’s oil industrial zone as a result of a drone attack, the Emirati newspaper Khaleej Times reports.

No casualties have been reported. Civil defence units in the emirate immediately responded to the incident and continue to take measures to contain the fire.

Authorities also urged the public not to spread rumours and to obtain information only from official sources.

11:46

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that it is in Europe’s “interest” to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and member states will discuss what actions they can take, CNN reports.

“It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that’s why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard,” Kallas said. “From the European side, we have been in touch with the US colleagues on different levels on this but of course, the situation is very volatile.”

11:32

American fighter jets struck military targets on a mountain near the free trade zone of the Iranian city of Chabahar, Voice of America writes in Persian on X.

⚡️در هفدهمین روز حمله مشترک ارتش ایالات متحده و اسرائیل در ایران، جنگنده‌های ایالات متحده به تأسیسات نظامی در منطقه کوه لکی، واقع در پشت منطقه آزاد چابهار حمله کردند و صدای انفجارهای شدید در این منطقه شنیده شده است. pic.twitter.com/NBp5QZmMr5

— VOA Farsi صدای آمریکا (@VOAfarsi) March 16, 2026

“On the seventeenth day of the joint U.S. and Israeli military assault on Iran, U.S. fighter jets attacked military facilities in the Laki Mountains area, located behind the Chabahar Free Trade Zone, and the sound of intense explosions has been heard in this region,” the report stated.

The Chabahar free trade zone is located in Iran’s southeastern Sistan and Baluchestan province, near the border with Pakistan.

11:31

The IDF reported the elimination of three Hezbollah militants posing as paramedics.

According to the Israeli media outlet Intelli News, the militants were killed in the village of Sir in southern Lebanon.

11:21

Authorities in Abu Dhabi, UAE, are investigating an incident in which a missile struck a civilian vehicle in the Al-Bahia area, QNA reports, citing a statement from local authorities.

It was noted that one Palestinian was killed in the incident.

10:58

An Iraqi security source has told Al Jazeera that the country’s air defences are “confronting” another drone near the US embassy in Baghdad.

This comes hours after another drone attack was reported in the area.

10:53

Strikes on residential areas in Iran’s Markazi province killed five people and wounded seven others early on March 16, the deputy governor of Markazi province told semi-official Mehr news agency, Iran International reports.

A missile strike around 4:30 am hit an area in a village near the city of Arak, killing four people, with the toll possibly rising, he was quoted as saying.

Another building in the city of Mahallat was struck, killing one person and injuring seven.

In the nearby city of Khomein, the Imam Reza school was hit, causing damage to nearby homes but no casualties.

10:34

US Navy warships USS Bataan (LHD-5) and USS Carter Hall (LSD-50) have taken positions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Caliber.Az reports that this information was published by the White House press office in Arabic on X.

🇺🇸 القوات الأميركية تتمركز ميدانياً، في الوقت الذي تعطّل إيران شريان العالم في مضيق هرمز.

🇺🇸 اتخذت السفينتان الحربيتان "يو إس إس باتان" (LHD-5) و"يو إس إس كارتر هول" (LSD-50) مواقعهما، وهما تحملان على متنهما "وحدة المشاة البحرية الاستكشافية السادسة والعشرين" النخبوية، التي تضم… pic.twitter.com/ucKsrcP4JN

— White House in Arabic البيت الأبيض بالعربية (@WHinarabic) March 15, 2026

According to the report, the ships carry the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising around 2,500 marines ready for combat missions and operational tasks if required.

The deployment comes amid reports of Iran blocking the strait, a key route for global oil and energy trade. The United States has stated its readiness to defend freedom of navigation and its interests in the region.

10:13

The commander of the Basij militia was killed in a drone strike in northeastern Tehran, Iran International reports, citing local media.

The Basij is a volunteer paramilitary organisation tasked with enforcing Islamic morality in society and supporting the regime.

10:03

In recent days, units of the IDF’s 91st Division have begun conducting limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon to strengthen the forward defence line, the Israel Defense Forces’ press service has reported.

10:02

The Israeli Channel 12 has released footage of yesterday’s attack on a cyber-police unit in the Iranian city of Hamadan.

09:59

A fire broke out at a farm in the Adhari area of Bahrain. Civil defence units were dispatched to the scene, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Bahrain Ministry of Defence.

Civil Defence is dealing with a fire in a farm in Adhari area. Relevant procedures are being taken

— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) March 16, 2026

According to the ministry, civil defence services are working to extinguish the fire. It was noted that all necessary response measures are being taken. The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed.

09:52

After Iran’s strike on Israel, missile debris fell in the Bnei Brak area, located east of Tel Aviv. One residential building was damaged by the falling fragments.

According to Anadolu, the building sustained damage from the scattered debris. Reports have also emerged of injuries and property damage in nearby areas.

İran’ın İsrail’e misilleme saldırısının ardından, Tel Aviv’in doğusundaki Beni Brak’ta bir bölgeye füze şarapnelleri düştü

➡️ Şarapnellerin isabet ettiği bir binada hasar meydana geldi

➡️ Olayda yaralananların olduğu ve çevrede maddi zarar oluştuğu belirtildi… pic.twitter.com/0dSxVSvTcO

— Anadolu Ajansı (@anadoluajansi) March 16, 2026

09:48

UAE air defence systems intercepted 61 drones overnight in the Eastern Region, Caliber.Az reports, citing the UAE Ministry of Defence on X.

المتحدث الرسمي لـ #وزارة_الدفاع: اعتراض وتدمير 12 مسيّرة في المنطقة الشرقية. pic.twitter.com/hXs1YMRATD

— وزارة الدفاع (@modgovksa) March 16, 2026

09:46

The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defence announced on March 16 that it had intercepted and destroyed 12 drones, QNA reports, citing Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki.

Al-Malki, the Ministry of Defence spokesperson, stated that the 12 drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Eastern Province.

09:37

Thick black plumes of smoke could be seen rising over Iran’s capital, Tehran, in the early hours of Monday morning, video shared online showed, as Iranian state media reported large booms in the capital.

One large pyre could be seen in central Tehran, with another coming from the west of the city, CNN reports.

The timing of the explosion corresponded to a statement from the Israeli military early Monday, which said it had begun a wave of strikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran.

Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard said Israeli fighter jets had targeted Mehrabad Airport, the country’s busiest air transport hub.

09:30

The UAE’s Defence Ministry says its air defence systems are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.

It said in a statement that sounds heard in parts of the country were the result of air defence systems intercepting the incoming projectiles, Al Jazeera reports.

The ministry did not immediately provide further details about damage or casualties.

The country’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority also made a similar announcement on X.

09:12

Air raid sirens have been activated in the area of the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Tasnim reports, citing an Al Mayadeen correspondent.

It is also noted that the sound of the C-RAM air defence system in operation can be heard.

09:08

Civil defence units are battling a fire near Dubai International Airport. A fuel tank was damaged following the crash of a drone, the press service of the emirate’s government has said.

A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks. Dubai Civil Defence teams are currently working to bring the fire under control. No injuries have been reported so far.

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026

“A drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport (DXB) affected one of the fuel tanks. Dubai Civil Defence teams are currently working to bring the fire under control. No injuries have been reported so far,” the statement said.

According to preliminary information, there were no casualties. All flights at Dubai International Airport have currently been suspended.

09:01

The Israeli police have released video footage showing a cluster munition falling onto a street in Tel Aviv.

According to the police, three people sustained minor injuries.

08:52

Several explosions occurred near Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport.

According to Al Hadath TV, a plane caught fire at Mehrabad Airport as a result of the attack.

إعلام إيراني: احتراق طائرة في مطار مهرآباد بعد موجة غارات عنيفة

للمزيد تابعونا على يوتيوب👈 https://t.co/sJydcDeCIQ
تفاصيل أكثر على الحدث نت👈 https://t.co/PHIEGCfrYg pic.twitter.com/T1q7JRYfEZ

— ا لـحـدث (@AlHadath) March 16, 2026

08:28

“B-1B Lancers – capable of carrying a payload of 75,000 pounds – have operated over the Middle East in support of Operation Epic Fury. Nicknamed the BONE, B-1Bs hold world records for speed, payload and range,” the US Central Command (CENTCOM) wrote on X.

CENTCOM also published photos of the strategic bombers in combat operations.

B-1B Lancers – capable of carrying a payload of 75,000 pounds – have operated over the Middle East in support of Operation Epic Fury. Nicknamed the BONE, B-1Bs hold world records for speed, payload and range. pic.twitter.com/pwYq7n1BMO

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2026