Iran targets Israel and Gulf Arab states even as Trump says US is in talks to end the war

On March 16, 2026, Israel launched strikes on Tehran and Beirut, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in the Lebanese capital. In response, Iran fired missiles that sent shrapnel falling on Jerusalem. The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has also seen Iran target Gulf neighbors, with a drone strike hitting a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport, causing flight disruptions. The airport has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian drones and shut down for several days since the start of the war. The U.S. has also been involved, with a U.S.-Israeli strike hitting a police station in Tehran on Friday, March 15, 2026.

On March 17, 2026, the US and Israel are continuing attacks on Iranian cities, marking the 18th day of the conflict. The fighting has spread regionally, with Iran retaliating against US assets in neighboring countries and Israel bombing Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Attacks on Iranian cities, including Tehran and Arak, have resulted in civilian casualties, including children. Amnesty International has reported that a US attack on a primary school in Minab, Iran, killed at least 170 people. The conflict has caused a global energy crisis by disrupting shipping and displacing millions of civilians. As of today, at least 1,444 people have been killed and 18,551 injured in Iran due to the attacks.

A ballistic missile strike, launched by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, hit Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv overnight Tuesday, killing two people. The attack, captured in video footage showing a fiery aftermath, was claimed as retaliation for the deaths of senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani. Iran stated it launched Khorramshahr-4 and Qadr missiles designed to evade defense systems. The strike is part of an escalating conflict that began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Israel has retaliated, and Iran has broadened its attacks to include targets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. The escalating conflict raises concerns about a regional war and potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

Oil prices surged after an Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gasfield, the world's largest, located off the coast of Bushehr province. Brent crude rose 5% to $108.66 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 2.5% to $98.65. The attack prompted Iran to threaten retaliatory strikes on energy infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and Qatar reported a fire at its Ras Laffan gas facility after an Iranian missile attack. Disruptions to Middle Eastern oil and gas exports, including halted shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, have led to estimated output cuts of 7-10 million barrels per day. Experts fear prolonged elevated prices could trigger global inflation.

The South China Morning Post reports that escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran is threatening global energy infrastructure and causing oil price volatility. Recent events include strikes on Iran's South Pars natural gas field and retaliation against Qatar's LNG facility, alongside threats to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy waterway, is reportedly closed. As a result, international oil prices have surged, with Brent futures reaching between $113 and $115. US officials warn of potential economic hardship for consumers due to rising oil prices. The article examines these developments and their potential impact on the global economy.

Asian stock markets experienced a sharp decline on Thursday following attacks on energy facilities in Qatar, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. The attacks exacerbated concerns about global energy supplies, particularly for countries like Japan and South Korea, which heavily rely on imported fossil fuels. The Nikkei 225 and KOSPI indexes both fell nearly 3 percent. The price of Brent crude oil rose over 4 percent, reaching over $112 a barrel. Qatar is the world's third-largest exporter of LNG. The market downturn followed declines in US stocks due to growing inflation fears. Analysts are calling the attacks a major escalation in the regional conflict.

Since March 2nd, Israeli bombings in south Lebanon have allegedly targeted medical facilities and personnel, according to Lebanese healthcare workers and officials. They report at least 128 strikes on medical sites and ambulances, resulting in 40 deaths and 107 injuries among healthcare workers. The attacks, occurring amidst the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, include alleged double-tap strikes. Medical workers and facilities are protected under international law, and deliberately targeting them could constitute a war crime. The Israeli military has accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for military purposes, a claim the Lebanese Ministry of Health denies. The majority of attacks have been against the Islamic Health Association (IHA), a health service affiliated with Hezbollah.

Since March 2, over 1,000 people in Lebanon, including 40 healthcare workers, have been killed in intensified Israeli attacks, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The attacks, which have also wounded over 2,500, followed rocket launches by Hezbollah into northern Israel after the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Israeli bombardment, targeting Hezbollah, has displaced over one million people and included residential buildings and infrastructure. Hezbollah has responded with rocket fire into Israel and ground engagements. The UN human rights chief's office has stated that some Israeli attacks may constitute war crimes, emphasizing the need to distinguish between military and civilian targets.

The UN human rights office stated on March 17, 2026, that Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including strikes on residential buildings and healthcare facilities, may constitute war crimes. This statement follows intensified Israeli air strikes and ground operations in Lebanon as part of the wider Middle East conflict. According to the UN, hundreds of buildings have been destroyed, and displaced civilians and healthcare workers have been killed in the attacks. The UN spokesperson emphasized that international law requires distinction between military and civilian targets and protects healthcare workers and vulnerable populations. Since March 2, Israeli attacks have reportedly killed at least 912 people, including 111 children, and wounded 2,221. The intensified strikes began after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Following renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah after the US-Israel war on Iran, over 500,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced as of March 8, 2026. The Lebanese Social Affairs Minister reported that over 100,000 of those displaced are in government shelters. The conflict has escalated with Israel striking Beirut for the first time, resulting in 394 deaths in Lebanon within a week. An Israeli drone strike in Beirut's Raouche neighborhood killed at least four and wounded ten, with Israel claiming the target was commanders of Iran's Quds Force. This marks a significant escalation since the 2024 ceasefire, which had been frequently violated by Israel.

Recent Israeli strikes have targeted Hezbollah in Beirut, raising concerns that the conflict is escalating beyond the group's usual areas of operation. The attacks hit parts of the city center, previously considered relatively safe. Simultaneously, reports indicate new strikes occurring in Iran, Iraq, and Israel. These widespread attacks suggest a potential expansion of the conflict to multiple countries in the region. The reasons behind the broadened scope of attacks remain unclear, but the events have heightened regional tensions. The timing of these events was not specified in the article.

In March 2026, renewed conflict in Lebanon has triggered rare public backlash against Hezbollah. Israeli airstrikes in areas like Dahiyeh, a suburb of Beirut, have displaced numerous people. Displaced individuals and families are fleeing the affected areas, seeking refuge in Beirut, including Martyrs’ Square and schools converted into shelters. The conflict and resulting displacement are causing hardship, leading to increased public criticism of Hezbollah. The exact reasons for the conflict's resurgence are not detailed, but the consequences include significant internal displacement and a shift in public sentiment towards Hezbollah.

As of March 11, 2026, war has displaced over 800,000 people in Lebanon in just ten days, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. This figure represents approximately one in seven residents of the country. The displaced are fleeing Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Many are seeking refuge in temporary shelters such as technical institutes, sports stadiums, and churches in Beirut. Aid groups are warning of a potential humanitarian crisis due to the scale of displacement, which follows another conflict that displaced over a million people just a year prior.

On March 12, 2026, an Israeli strike on Beirut's beachfront resulted in at least eight deaths and dozens of injuries, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attack targeted an area where displaced families were sheltering in cars and tents. The location was being used as temporary housing due to ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions between the two groups. The reason for the specific targeting of the beachfront area remains unclear.

Aid groups are warning of a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as war has displaced over 800,000 people in just 10 days, approximately one in seven Lebanese citizens. This displacement follows a recent escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, with Israeli strikes becoming more intense and unpredictable. Many of the displaced are without shelter, as government-run shelters are overwhelmed, and the government struggles to provide adequate assistance to the affected population. The strikes, targeting areas beyond specific locations, have resulted in over 700 deaths, including 103 children, according to Lebanon's health ministry. The current situation is reportedly more difficult than the previous conflict, leaving many like Fatima Nazha struggling to find adequate shelter and basic necessities.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated in Beirut on Saturday that diplomatic solutions are still possible to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah. He urged the international community to support Lebanon and emphasized that there is no military solution. Guterres highlighted the availability of diplomatic channels, including his special coordinator for Lebanon and key member states, to bring parties to the table. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah attacked Israel following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Guterres condemned attacks against UNIFIL peacekeepers, stating they are unacceptable and may constitute war crimes, referencing the recent wounding of three peacekeepers. He affirmed efforts to de-escalate the situation and cease hostilities.

Lebanon's President Aoun has proposed direct negotiations with Israel to end the escalating conflict with Hezbollah. The proposal, presented during a virtual meeting with EU officials, includes a truce, Hezbollah's disarmament, and international support for the Lebanese Armed Forces to regain control of tense areas. Aoun criticized Hezbollah for acting against Lebanon's interests and dragging the country into a wider regional war, accusing the group of prioritizing its own agenda over the well-being of the Lebanese people. He highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict, with hundreds killed and over 700,000 displaced. While Lebanon is ready to negotiate, it insists on a cessation of Israeli fire. Israeli officials have not yet commented on the proposal.