Iran War Live Updates: Israel Targets Hezbollah in Beirut as Strikes Hit City Center

Israel has intensified its strikes on Hezbollah in Beirut, Lebanon, resulting in thousands fleeing the capital. These represent the heaviest attacks on Beirut since the 2024 war. Simultaneously, Israel reported striking targets in Tehran, Iran. Israeli air defenses were also engaged in intercepting newly launched missiles originating from Iran. The escalation follows ongoing tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed militia, Hezbollah. The reasons for the strikes and missile launches are rooted in the existing conflict between the two entities and their allies.

Recent US and Israeli strikes in Iran target a broader range of sites than previous operations, aiming to weaken the Iranian military and government. The US Central Command reports hitting over 2,000 targets in less than a week, while Israel claims hundreds of strikes across the country, from Tehran to southeastern regions. Targets include Iranian leaders, military bases, weapons factories, state media, and security forces. The extent of the damage is unclear, but one monitoring group describes it as a significant blow, though the emergency leadership retains coercive abilities. Iranian government sources report at least 1,230 deaths, including many children killed in a school bombing. Independent verification of the death toll is difficult due to communication issues.

As of March 6, 2026, the death toll in Lebanon from Israeli attacks this week has risen to 123, with 683 wounded, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Israel has launched air strikes on towns in southern and eastern Lebanon, including Srifa, Aita al-Shaab, and Douris. Hezbollah has responded by urging Israelis to evacuate towns within 5km of the northern border, following Israeli threats to residents of Beirut's southern suburbs. The Israeli army claims to have conducted 26 rounds of attacks in Dahiyeh, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. These events are occurring amidst the wider United States-Israel war on Iran.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they dismantled an underground military bunker in Tehran, built by former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to the IDF, the compound served as a base for advancing military activities against Israel and the West. The bunker, located beneath Tehran, contained multiple entrances and meeting rooms. Khamenei and other regime leaders were situated directly above the fortified compound when almost 50 of them were killed during Operation Epic Fury. Khamenei, who had ruled Iran for over 30 years, was killed on the first day of the operation. The strike followed an Israeli-American deception plan, which included misleading messaging to suggest no immediate action was planned.

In March 2026, the head of US Central Command reported that US B-2 bombers conducted strikes against Iranian ballistic missile launchers. The strikes involved the deployment of dozens of 2,000-pound bombs targeting buried launchers. According to the US Central Command, these actions resulted in a 90% reduction in Iranian missile attacks. The commander also stated that an Iranian "drone carrier ship" was currently on fire after being struck. The location of the strikes and the targeted ship were not specified in the report. The reason for the US military action was not stated in the report.

Residents of Dahieh, a southern Beirut suburb, have left their homes due to evacuation orders and ongoing air strikes by Israel. The area is considered a Hezbollah stronghold. People are sleeping in tents and cars as they await further instructions. The exact timing of the evacuations is not specified. The situation has been ongoing for some time, with residents forced to flee their homes amidst the conflict. The reasons behind the evacuation orders remain unclear, but it is believed to be related to the ongoing air strikes by Israel.

Following a large displacement order from the Israeli army, over 500,000 people fled the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday due to intensified Israeli bombing. The order, impacting an area the size of lower Manhattan, followed a previous order displacing residents from the entire region south of the Litani River. The Lebanese government reported that shelters in Beirut were full, directing evacuees to seek refuge further north. The mass exodus was triggered by Israeli airstrikes in response to Hezbollah launching rockets at Israel, marking a return to war for Lebanon. Residents were forced to leave their homes with few belongings, as the Israeli military expanded the areas under evacuation orders.

The Israeli military has ordered civilians in a large area of southern Lebanon to evacuate north of the Litani River due to planned military action against Hezbollah. This order comes amidst escalating hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed group, with Israel initiating a wave of strikes in the south. Tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians have already been displaced since the recent surge in fighting. Displaced individuals are fleeing from southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Beirut, seeking refuge in shelters, roadsides, and parks, with concerns rising about the capacity to meet the growing demand for aid. The escalation follows Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks on Israel, which were a response to US and Israeli strikes.

On March 4, 2026, an Israeli air attack targeted a hotel in the Hazmiyeh suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. Al Jazeera reported from the site, noting that Hazmiyeh is not considered a Hezbollah stronghold. The attack is part of a series of Israeli operations in Beirut suburbs. These operations suggest an expansion beyond Hezbollah's traditional base of operations. The reason for the specific hotel being targeted was not stated in the report.

As Israel intensifies its strikes on Lebanon, thousands of Syrian refugees who had sought safety there are now fleeing back to Syria. These individuals, who previously considered Lebanon a refuge from the Syrian war, are now returning due to the escalating violence. According to one refugee, the decision to leave was driven by fear. The movement highlights the instability in the region and the limited options available to those displaced by conflict. The exact number of returning refugees and the specific areas they are fleeing from in Lebanon are not detailed in the provided information.

This Al Jazeera report, published March 4, 2026, examines the potential resilience of Iran's political system in the face of hypothetical US-Israeli strikes following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader. The report suggests that the US may misunderstand the structure of Tehran's government, which was designed to withstand leadership loss and external pressure. Correspondent Ali Hashem discusses the durability of the Islamic Republic and how far Iran is prepared to go in response to such actions. The analysis focuses on Iran's political structure and its capacity to endure despite potential military actions and leadership changes. The report explores the factors that contribute to Iran's perceived strength and preparedness.

Seventy-four retired U.S. generals and admirals have endorsed the joint U.S.-Israel military operation targeting Iran, according to an open letter published by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA). The letter, signed by prominent former military leaders, supports Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, which aim to weaken Iran's ability to threaten U.S. forces and allies in the Middle East. The retired commanders argue that Iran has spent decades threatening American interests and supporting militant groups, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Americans. They believe the current military campaign is a necessary response to Iran's continued efforts to expand its military capabilities and destabilize the region. The letter cites Iran's long history of anti-American rhetoric and actions as justification for the military action.

A leaked US embassy cable reveals that Israel expressed concerns about Hezbollah's growing military capabilities and the Lebanese state's inability to disarm the group before launching airstrikes in Lebanon. The cable, sent to Washington a day before joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, indicated Israel's distrust of both Beirut and Damascus in containing the threat on its northern border. It also highlighted Israeli concerns about Turkish military presence in Syria and alleged anti-Israel incitement by Turkish officials. The cable served as a briefing for the US Secretary of State before a cancelled trip to Israel and was written under the direction of the US ambassador, Mike Huckabee, whose controversial remarks about Israel seizing territory had sparked diplomatic backlash. The airstrikes against Hezbollah-dominated areas in southern Beirut began three days after the cable was sent.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in attacks by the US and Israel in March 2026, his son Mojtaba Khamenei has emerged as a leading contender to become the next Supreme Leader of Iran. Mojtaba, a hardline cleric with close ties to the IRGC, has been influential behind the scenes for decades, despite never holding public office or being publicly vetted. His potential succession signals the continued strength of hardline factions within the Iranian government. While he has maintained a low public profile, he has been accused of involvement in the violent suppression of protests. If appointed, it would create a dynastic succession reminiscent of the pre-revolution monarchy.

Iran postponed the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in a US-Israeli airstrike, due to anticipated large crowds. The three-day ceremony was originally scheduled to begin at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla mosque in Tehran at 10pm local time on Wednesday. State television announced the delay, citing the "expected unprecedented presence of mourners," and indicated a new time would be announced later. The funeral is expected to draw supporters of the Islamic Republic who oppose US and Israeli actions, which have escalated into a regional war. Khamenei's death has been met with condemnation from Russia and China, but also celebrations from opponents of the Iranian regime.

Hezbollah has fired rockets from Lebanon into Israel for a second day, prompting a strong Israeli response, including air strikes and troop deployments to southern Lebanon. The conflict has drawn Lebanon into the war between the US, Israel, and Iran. At least 30,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, according to the UN. Hezbollah's actions were largely symbolic, but Israel's retaliation came with force. The Lebanese government has announced a ban on Hezbollah's military activities and demanded the group hand over its weapons to the state. Hezbollah reportedly launched rockets and drones into Israel to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader, sparking widespread condemnation from many Lebanese who view the group as out of touch with public opinion.

A drone strike caused a limited fire near the US consulate in Dubai on Tuesday, which has been extinguished. Dubai authorities confirmed the incident and stated that emergency teams responded immediately, reporting no injuries. A US official and Dubai's government media office told the Wall Street Journal that the drone struck the consulate's parking lot. The incident follows a drone strike on the US embassy in Saudi Arabia on Monday and the closure of the US embassy in Kuwait on Tuesday. The US State Department is working to help Americans in the Middle East leave, identifying charter, military, and expanded commercial flight options.

In March 2026, the Lebanese government, led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, announced a ban on Hezbollah's military and security activities. This decision followed Hezbollah's attack on Israel's Ramat Airbase and military facilities in the Golan Heights, which the group claimed was retaliation for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader and Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Analysts suggest the ban, while difficult to enforce, could significantly impact Lebanon's future, potentially consolidating security under government control. While some Shia groups support the decision as a means of stabilizing the state, experts express concern about the army's reluctance to confront Hezbollah and the potential for internal conflict. The ban occurs against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions, including a US and Israeli offensive against Iran.

Following drone attacks on U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, the U.S. State Department has closed its embassies in those two countries. The State Department also issued an urgent advisory, recommending that American citizens immediately depart from 14 unspecified countries. These actions come as tensions escalate in the region, with Iran reportedly increasing retaliatory measures. Simultaneously, the Israeli military announced it has seized additional territory in Lebanon amidst ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. The closures and travel advisory highlight growing concerns about the safety of American personnel and citizens in the Middle East.

In March 2026, President Donald Trump indicated he is seeking a new leader for Iran who is an improvement over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump stated he wants a leader who can improve the country for its citizens. The statement comes amid discussions about exiled Iranian dissident Reza Pahlavi as a potential successor to the current regime. Pahlavi, an opposition figure, is being considered as a possible alternative leader for Iran. The U.S. President did not explicitly endorse Pahlavi but suggested the U.S. is looking for a leader who can positively transform Iran.

On March 2, 2026, Israel bombed the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. This action followed a rocket attack by Hezbollah on northern Israel. Hezbollah's attack was reportedly in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The Israeli strikes on Beirut were described as heavy. The events signal an escalation of conflict in the region following Khamenei's death.

Following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire, escalating regional tensions. Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at Haifa, Israel, claiming it was retaliation for Khamenei's death and recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Israel responded by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, with the Israeli defense minister vowing a "heavy price" and marking Hezbollah's leader as a target. The Lebanese government condemned Hezbollah's actions and banned their military activities. The exchange follows a wider conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US, which began after a joint US-Israeli attack on Iranian leadership.

Three US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were mistakenly shot down over Kuwait by Kuwaiti air defenses on Sunday at 11:03 pm ET, according to US Central Command (Centcom). The incident occurred during active combat following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, amid attacks from Iranian aircraft, missiles, and drones. All six crew members ejected safely and are in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged the incident and launched an investigation. Iran's state media claimed Iranian armed forces were responsible for hitting a US plane that crashed in Kuwait. The incident is part of a larger conflict that began after the US initiated airstrikes on Iran, leading to retaliatory missile attacks by Iran on multiple countries and military bases in the region.

A fourth US service member has been killed in a US military operation against Iran, according to the US Central Command. The announcement comes one day after three US service members were confirmed dead on Sunday, marking the first known US fatalities since the strikes began on Saturday. The fourth service member was seriously wounded during Iran's initial attacks and succumbed to their injuries. Three US service members were killed in action, while five others were seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury. The operation is ongoing, with major combat operations continuing and a response effort still underway. The identities of the fallen have been withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification.

A video verified by the BBC appears to show an F-15 fighter jet crashing to the ground near Kuwait City. The footage was filmed from the west of the city, on the edge of the Al Jahra area. US Central Command later confirmed that three US F-15 jets went down due to "an apparent friendly fire incident". All six crew members ejected safely and are in stable condition. The incident occurred in an unspecified location near Kuwait City, with no further details provided.

On March 2, 2026, a US military jet crashed in Kuwait. Video footage captured the moment the aircraft crashed and the crew ejected. Local residents who arrived at the crash site reported that the aircraft and crew were American. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence subsequently confirmed that the crashed jet belonged to the United States military. The article does not state the reason for the crash.

On March 1, 2026, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel, including the town of Beit Shemesh, resulting in at least nine deaths and 28 injuries. These attacks are part of Iran's retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an earlier Israel-US strike. Tel Aviv residents reported explosions, and Israeli emergency services confirmed casualties. Iran's parliamentary speaker stated the attacks were a response to Israel crossing a "red line." The US military reported minimal damage and no casualties from hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks, while Israel stated it intercepted many of the dozens of missiles launched toward its territory.

The death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in alleged US-Israeli air strikes has triggered outrage and calls for restraint across Muslim-majority South and Southeast Asia. Governments in the region are urging de-escalation amidst protests and declarations of mourning in response to Khamenei's death, which was confirmed by Iranian state media. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the strikes, emphasizing the potential for wider conflict and calling for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution. He specifically criticized Israel's actions as disruptive to negotiations and cautioned against dragging other nations into the conflict. Malaysia is also monitoring the safety of its citizens in Iran and the surrounding region.

Following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an attack by Israel and the United States, tensions have escalated in the region. Iran launched missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states, vowing retaliation for Khamenei's death. In response, the Israeli military stated it was striking targets in central Tehran after clearing a path to the capital. The strikes and counterattacks have raised concerns about regional instability and the future of the Islamic Republic. Khamenei's death was confirmed by Iranian state media, leading to mourning and gatherings of government supporters in Tehran.

The CIA tracked the movements of Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for months and shared this intelligence with Israeli officials. This intelligence sharing influenced the timing of recent strikes. These strikes, conducted by the US and Israel, resulted in the death of Khamenei and other senior Iranian leaders, prompting Iran to vow revenge. Iran retaliated with missile strikes against targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, including the first known American deaths, and has escalated tensions in the region, with Israel pledging continued strikes.

According to sources familiar with the operation, the United States provided intelligence to Israel that helped pinpoint a gathering of Iranian leaders. The intelligence sharing by the C.I.A. enabled Israel to conduct a strike that resulted in the deaths of Iran's supreme leader and other high-ranking Iranian officials. The collaboration between the two countries focused on identifying the location of the Iranian leaders. The strike occurred after the intelligence was shared, leading to the targeted killings.

Following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, questions arise about the stability of the Islamic Republic. While some analysts predicted a potential collapse, initial signs suggest a hardening of the current regime, with security institutions consolidating power. In the immediate aftermath, paramilitary units deployed nationwide to prevent unrest, and Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US-linked targets. Despite these actions, the attacks struggled to penetrate Israeli defenses or inflict substantial damage on American forces. Analysts warn that a contested interim period, potentially leading to increased military control, poses a greater risk than an orderly transition. The future of Iran's leadership and political structure remains uncertain.