Israel and US Strike Iran, Lebanon Under Siege as Tensions Rise

Israeli and US forces launched airstrikes on Iran and Lebanon on March 3, 2026. The attacks hit downtown Tehran, including Iran's state television headquarters, and intensified operations in Beirut.  Iranian state media, citing the Red Crescent, reported 787 deaths from the US-Israeli strikes across Iran.

Satellite imagery confirmed destruction of a radar system at Zahedan airbase near the Pakistan border and damage at the Choqa Balk-e drone facility in Kermanshah province. The IAEA noted recent damage to entrance buildings at Iran's Natanz underground Fuel Enrichment Plant, with no radiological consequences expected.

In Lebanon, Israel carried out heavy air attacks and started a ground incursion into southern areas. The Lebanese army evacuated forward positions, including at least seven outposts along the border, according to the National News Agency and Reuters witnesses. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered troops to seize more territory to stop firing on Israeli border settlements.

• Israel and US continue strikes on Iran as Middle East conflict expands
• Israel intensifies operations in Lebanon amid Hezbollah retaliation
• Regional instability disrupts energy, aviation and global markets

Two drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh, causing minor damage and a limited fire, per Saudi authorities. The IRGC declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and launched strikes on energy infrastructure across the Gulf. Oil prices rose as the blockade disrupted nearly 20% of global oil shipping. Qatar reported two Iranian ballistic missiles intercepted offshore, with jets and helicopters on patrol. Drone debris caused a fire at UAE’s Fujairah port after interception, but the fire was controlled with no casualties. Indian firms cut gas supplies to industries by 10-30% after Qatar halted LNG production due to attacks.

Sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and central Israel from incoming threats. Pakistan Airports Authority closed parts of commercial airspace until the end of March, with segments in Karachi and Lahore unavailable daily from 9am-3pm local time, leading to over 150 flight cancellations to the Middle East.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson said the US had to attack Iran after Israel acted. Democratic Senator Mark Warner, after a classified briefing, stated no imminent threat from Iran to the US existed and asked President Donald Trump to explain military goals. Trump said the war could last four weeks, though some reports noted four to five weeks with capability for longer duration.

China condemned the strikes as violations of international law, urged return to nuclear talks, and affirmed Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif called Zionism a threat to humanity, warned the war endangered Pakistan’s security, and praised its nuclear arsenal as a deterrent. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said France would defend partners if requested, cited defence agreements and military bases, and prepared to repatriate up to 400,000 French nationals using commercial and military flights.

Security analyst Ali Rizk said Israel’s Lebanon advance was not necessarily a full invasion, given high costs in the 2024 war. He suggested Israel might wait for Hezbollah disarmament before deeper involvement, with the Lebanese army potentially taking that role. Lebanon banned Hezbollah’s military and intelligence activities, though Hezbollah warned the ban could create internal issues and refused disarmament cooperation north of the Litani River under the November 2024 ceasefire.

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The conflict continues with no de-escalation in sight. US officials state the strikes target Iran’s nuclear ambitions and support Israel, while critics point to risks of prolonged involvement. Global powers monitor developments as the Middle East faces increased instability.