March 18, 2026
Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut early Wednesday killed and wounded civilians and targeted areas near government buildings, while the US struck Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz in a separate operation, deepening the wider regional conflict.
Beirut strikes
Lebanese authorities said strikes hit the Basta and Zuqaq al-Blat neighbourhoods and the central Bachoura district, where an entire building was destroyed. The Health Ministry later updated the toll, reporting at least 12 dead and 41 injured. The attacks followed rocket fire by Hezbollah into northern Israel overnight and were carried out as Israel intensified operations against the Iran-backed militia.
Assassinations and senior casualties
Israeli media reported an attempted assassination of Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib. Separately, Iran confirmed the killing of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, in an Israeli strike; Israel also announced the death of Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the Basij. Iran warned of retaliation after Larijani’s death, and an Iranian government adviser warned that continued successful assassinations of senior officials could lead to defeat.
Iranian counterstrikes and Israeli casualties
Iranian forces launched missile attacks against Israel in retaliation for senior-target strikes. Authorities said a missile with cluster munitions struck a residential building in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, killing two people and causing damage across central Israel, including to railway infrastructure. Multiple impact sites required bomb disposal operations.
US strikes on Hormuz-area missile sites
US Central Command said forces used multiple 5,000-pound deep-penetrator munitions against hardened Iranian missile sites along the coastline near the Strait of Hormuz, targeting anti-ship cruise missiles that posed risks to international shipping. The strikes employed some of the most powerful munitions in the US arsenal. Shipping through the strait has largely halted amid the conflict, driving oil price increases and prompting calls for allied efforts to secure the waterway.
Gulf-wide attacks and alerts
Missile alerts sounded in Dubai and other Gulf states amid a wave of attacks. Officials reported successful air interceptions and no reported casualties in some incidents. Attacks were also reported in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar; Saudi forces said a ballistic missile targeting Prince Sultan Air Base was intercepted. Australian authorities reported a small fire near an Australian base in the UAE with no injuries.
Nuclear site report
Iran notified the International Atomic Energy Agency that a “projectile” struck the Bushehr nuclear power plant complex. The IAEA reported no injuries and no damage; Rosatom, which operates Bushehr with Russian staff, said the radiation situation was normal.
Domestic and regional developments
Iran’s judiciary said a man accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad was executed. Human rights groups and UN figures have previously criticized Iran’s high execution rate. Iraq announced the limited resumption of oil exports via the pipeline to Ceyhan, Turkey, restarting pumping at an initial capacity of about 250,000 barrels per day after disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz closures.
Diplomatic warnings
Iran’s foreign minister warned the conflict will have “global repercussions,” urging broader recognition of what Tehran describes as an unjust war. International officials and regional leaders continue to respond to rapidly evolving military and political developments as fighting enters its third week.
