Dark haze over Tehran as US-Israeli forces bomb oil storage facilities

Iranians gathered in Tehran and other cities for Friday prayers, the first since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran seven days prior. The worshippers, many holding portraits of the recently assassinated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, chanted anti-US and anti-Israeli slogans. The gatherings took place during Ramadan, despite heavy bombardment on the capital. Iranian media shared footage of crowds heading to the Grand Mosque of Imam Khomeini in Tehran, mourning Khamenei and expressing support for the government. Similar scenes were reported in other cities across Iran, including Ilam, Borujerd and Zahedan.

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.

Amid escalating tensions, Gulf states intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, expressing frustration with the US for perceived insufficient support and warning. Israel launched strikes on Tehran, targeting what it called "regime infrastructure," while Iranian state TV reported explosions in the city. Hezbollah warned Israeli residents near the Lebanese border to evacuate. The US has reportedly allowed India to resume buying Russian oil due to energy concerns. Ukraine has pledged to assist the US and its allies in countering Iranian drones.

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.

Amid renewed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has been striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon following rocket and drone attacks by the terror group in early March, the first since a November 2024 ceasefire. Analysts, including former U.S. official David Schenker, are urging the U.S. to pressure Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, citing Lebanon's commitment to do so and warning of its potential failure as a state. The IDF has conducted over 200 strikes targeting Hezbollah's infrastructure and operatives. The Lebanese government has called on Hezbollah to disarm and ordered security agencies to prevent attacks, reflecting frustration over Hezbollah dragging Lebanon into conflict with Israel. However, analysts suggest this may be a reiteration of past mandates rather than a fundamental policy shift.

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.

On March 4, 2026, Israeli forces bombed the Comfort Hotel in greater Beirut and a residential complex in eastern Lebanon. The attack on the hotel, located on the border of Hazmieh and Baabda, occurred without warning. The Israeli military stated it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut, while Al Jazeera reported the attack may have been an attempted assassination. Lebanese army officials reported at least four people were wounded in the attacks. The Israeli military also issued new forced displacement orders for residents of the Haret Hreik neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburbs. Over 40 people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli attacks since the conflict began.

The Middle East crisis continues, with escalating violence reported in Lebanon. Israeli strikes on towns south of Beirut have killed six and wounded eight, according to Lebanon's health ministry. These strikes occurred outside of Hezbollah's traditional strongholds. Earlier, Lebanese state media reported an Israeli airstrike targeting a hotel in a Beirut suburb. In response, the UK Foreign Office is offering chartered flights from Oman for British nationals, prioritizing the most vulnerable. The US military claims to have conducted a high number of strikes in the initial phase of its war on Iran. The conflict has displaced over 30,000 people in Lebanon, with Israeli strikes reportedly killing more than 50.

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.

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.

In March 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron cautioned Israel against a potential invasion of Lebanon. This warning came after the Israeli military announced its troops had begun operations in southern Lebanon. The Israeli action was reportedly in response to attacks from Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group. Macron's statement highlights international concern regarding escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon and the potential for a wider conflict in the region. The warning suggests France is attempting to de-escalate the situation and prevent further military action.

Footage from across Iran has shown the scale of strikes in several cities as the conflict reaches its fourth day. The US and Israel launched attacks on Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Videos shared on social media, verified by the BBC and news agencies, depict multiple explosions and destruction across the country. The US has also released video footage showing military targets being hit. Iran has responded with a wave of attacks across the region. The attack is believed to be retaliation for the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei, but details on the motivations behind the strike are not yet clear.

The Israeli army has launched air raids on Beirut's southern suburbs for the second consecutive day, targeting Hezbollah command centres and weapons storage facilities. The strikes have caused mass civilian displacement, with thousands of people forced to flee their homes in the Haret Hreik area. The Israeli military claims its troops are operating in southern Lebanon, while issuing forced displacement notices for 59 areas in Lebanon, including several Shia-populated neighbourhoods. Hezbollah has claimed an attack on an airbase in northern Israel, sparking another front in the regional war. The conflict began after United States-Israel attacks on Iran and has resulted in thousands of deaths and mass displacement during previous conflicts. Civilians are being caught in the crossfire, with many schools closed due to displaced students.

The Middle East conflict intensified as Israel and the US launched strikes against Iran, targeting command facilities, state offices, and missile sites. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and US interests across the Gulf region. The escalating violence has resulted in hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage, primarily in Iran, raising concerns about a global economic crisis due to soaring energy prices. US President Trump stated he rejected Iran's attempt to negotiate and claimed significant damage to Iranian infrastructure. Iran denied seeking negotiations and called on the UN Security Council to intervene, while threatening further retaliation against the US and Israel. The conflict expanded with attacks on key Iranian sites, including a building used by the committee that chooses the Supreme Leader's successor.

In March 2026, amidst ongoing military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, President Trump discussed potential leadership changes in Iran following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination. When asked about a "worst-case scenario," Trump expressed concern that Khamenei's successor could be equally unfavorable to US interests. He suggested the US doesn't want to go through the conflict only to have someone equally bad take over in five years. The US and Israel launched their offensive on February 28, citing the elimination of imminent threats from the Iranian regime as justification, despite international condemnation. Trump has called for Iranian opposition members to take over the government, while other officials downplay regime change as the primary motive.

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 the confirmed killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli attack, a conflict has escalated with attacks reported across the region. The US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran on Saturday during ongoing nuclear talks, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran on US assets in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Iraq, as well as targets in Israel. On Monday, explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi and Doha, with Qatar deploying fighter planes to intercept threats. An oil tanker off the coast of Oman was also attacked, resulting in a fire and at least one fatality. Iranian news reported over 20 deaths in Tehran, while the US claimed 48 Iranian leaders were killed.

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.

A Shahed-type drone struck the UK's RAF Akrotiri air base in Cyprus on Monday, March 2, 2026, causing minor material damage to military installations. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the incident. The drone strike occurred near Limassol. The event follows British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement that the UK would assist the U.S. in the war against Iran. Despite the strike, Britain has stated it is not at war.

In March 2026, the British Royal Air Force base of Akrotiri in Cyprus was targeted in a suspected drone attack, marking the first such incident since 1986. The attack occurred after the UK Prime Minister agreed to allow the United States to use British bases to attack Iran. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the incident, stating that a Shahed-type drone caused minor damage to the military facilities. Authorities advised residents near the base to shelter in place following the incident. Akrotiri, a UK base since Cyprus' independence in 1960, has been used for military operations in the Middle East. The incident represents an escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Following a drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, non-essential personnel are being temporarily relocated as a precautionary measure. The incident, which occurred overnight, caused limited material damage and no casualties. Cypriot authorities identified the drone as a Shahed model. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident and stated that force protection in the region is at its highest level. The base remains operational, and other facilities on the island will continue to function normally. The incident happened hours after the UK agreed to allow the US to use British military bases to attack Iranian missile sites.

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 US and Israel have launched a military campaign against Iran, initiating a new regional conflict. The offensive began Saturday with missile strikes and airstrikes, escalating on Sunday with renewed attacks across Iran. Targets included areas near Tehran's police headquarters, state television, and a defense ministry building. The US President stated the goal is regime change, following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader in an Israeli airstrike. Iran's UN ambassador reported civilian casualties and accused the US and Israel of deliberately targeting civilian areas. The conflict raises concerns about a wider war and regional instability.

In March 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military attack on Iran, targeting locations in Tehran, including the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the attack, Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death. U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Iranian people to overthrow their government. In response, Iran launched missile strikes against Israel, specifically in Beit Shemesh. Protests erupted in Pakistan condemning Khamenei's death, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The attacks mark an escalation of tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following his death after almost 37 years in power, a leadership council was formed on Sunday to govern the country. The council consists of Iran’s president, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the Guardian Council. Khamenei's death raises questions about Iran's future and the complex succession process. The article suggests Khamenei was killed in an airstrike campaign by the United States and Israel.

Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli attack in March 2026, Iran faces the critical task of selecting a new Supreme Leader. The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body, will convene to choose Khamenei's successor, a process they have undertaken only once before. The selection occurs amidst heightened tensions, with Iran retaliating against Gulf countries and the US threatening further strikes. The attacks, which also killed several senior Iranian leaders, occurred despite recent diplomatic efforts regarding Iran's nuclear program. The new Supreme Leader will assume power at a time when the US has pledged to dismantle Iran's ruling structure.

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.

Dubai residents and tourists were shaken when Iranian missiles and drones approached the Gulf states over the weekend, triggering air defenses in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. Many initially mistook the interceptors for fireworks, as Dubai attempted to maintain its image of stability amidst regional conflict. While some residents received official alerts, others were caught off guard. Fires and smoke were reported at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports due to drone debris, resulting in one death and several injuries. Smoke was also seen at the Jebel Ali port area in Dubai, one of the busiest ports in the Middle East. The incident challenged Dubai's long-held perception as a safe haven insulated from regional political turmoil.