Lebanon declares Iranian ambassador persona non grata amid Israeli attacks

On March 24, 2026, an Israeli strike on a residential building in Bchamoun, near Beirut, killed at least three people, including a young child, and wounded five others. The attack occurred as Israel intensified its attacks across Lebanon, prompting new evacuation threats in the south. According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli army claimed it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in the area, while the Lebanese Health Ministry reported targeted assassinations overnight in Beirut. The Israeli military stated it targeted members of Iran's Quds Force, a claim they have made previously. These attacks are part of a broader conflict that began after a Hezbollah cross-border attack on March 2, displacing over one million people.

Amidst reported talks of ending the war, Iran and Israel have exchanged strikes, with Iran targeting Israel and Gulf Arab states. On Tuesday, Iranian missiles struck a building in Tel Aviv, prompting a response from Israeli emergency services. Simultaneously, the Israeli military conducted overnight strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, claiming to target Hezbollah infrastructure. Earlier, a U.S.-Israeli strike hit a residential building in Tehran, Iran, on Monday. These events highlight the ongoing conflict and tensions in the region, despite claims of potential peace negotiations.

Israeli forces struck Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, on Monday, marking the first attack in days and claiming the capture of two Hezbollah members in southern Lebanon. Earlier, a strike hit Hazmieh, a Christian area near Beirut, targeting an alleged Iranian Revolutionary Guard member. The Israeli military stated it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut after urging residents to evacuate. These actions follow Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel, initiated on March 2, purportedly in response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader. Since then, Israel has launched strikes across Lebanon, resulting in at least 1,039 deaths and deploying ground troops into southern Lebanon.

Lebanon has declared the Iranian ambassador persona non grata and demanded his departure by Sunday, while also recalling its ambassador from Tehran for consultations. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry cited Iran's violation of diplomatic norms as the reason for the action. This decision occurs amidst ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including air strikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon following a Hezbollah attack on March 2. The conflict, triggered by the US-Israel killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, has resulted in over 1,072 deaths, thousands injured, and the displacement of over 1.5 million Lebanese people. Israel claims to be targeting members of Iran's IRGC, while Iran states those killed were civilians.

Following Iranian attacks on Qatari gas facilities amid the US-Israeli war on Iran, the EU is urging member states to begin storing gas for next winter earlier than planned. The attacks, which followed an Israeli strike on an Iranian gas field, have caused a surge in global gas prices and threaten EU storage projections. Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen has requested that member states aim for 80% storage capacity, a 10% reduction from the original target, to mitigate price pressures and avoid a rush to fill reserves later in the year. While Asia will be most affected by Qatar's reduced export capacity, Europe faces increased competition for LNG as the conflict disrupts Gulf energy supplies. Natural gas prices in the EU have already risen significantly since the start of the war.

In March 2026, Israel conducted airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure linked to Hezbollah. The strikes hit locations including the Al-Manar TV headquarters and a branch of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-run financial institution. These actions appear to be part of an Israeli effort to weaken or dismantle Hezbollah. The attacks occurred in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, and other areas of the city. Photographic evidence shows significant damage to the targeted buildings.

Following an Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars gasfield, Iran has warned it will show "zero restraint" if its energy infrastructure is targeted again. This statement comes after Iran retaliated with a strike on Qatar, which reportedly impacted almost 20% of Qatar's liquefied natural gas export capacity. According to an Iranian official, the retaliatory strike employed only a fraction of Iran's power, and restraint was shown only due to requests for de-escalation. The official stated that any future attacks on Iranian infrastructure will be met without restraint. The news also highlights a forecast predicting record-breaking temperatures in numerous cities by the end of the week.

Videos published by local Israeli platforms on March 20, 2026, show Iranian missile fragments impacting northern Israel. The videos document the aftermath of the impacts, revealing debris scattered across the affected areas. The source of the missile fragments is identified as Iranian, according to the news report. The article does not elaborate on the extent of the damage or any potential casualties resulting from the impacts. The reason for the missile launch or the intended target within northern Israel is not specified in this brief news report.

In March 2026, tensions escalated between Iran and Israel, leading to attacks on energy infrastructure. The conflict began after Israel targeted Iran's South Pars gasfield. In response, Iran struck an Israeli oil refinery in Haifa and other regional energy facilities, including Qatar's Ras Laffan gas facility, potentially reducing Qatar's LNG export capacity by 17%. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran used limited force and threatened intensified strikes with "zero restraint" if its energy sites are targeted again. The attacks have raised concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies, particularly in Europe and Asia.

In a written Nowruz message broadcast on Iranian television, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated that Iran's enemies are being "defeated" despite ongoing attacks from the US and Israel. Khamenei praised the Iranian people's resilience and declared the new year as one of "resistance economy under national unity and national security." He claimed that the unity among Iranians, despite their differences, has led to the enemy's defeat. Khamenei, who assumed leadership after his father's assassination in February, asserted that the US and Israel miscalculated by believing attacks would lead to the government's overthrow. He added that the enemy's plan to dominate and dismember Iran has failed, resulting in a "fracture" within their ranks.

Published on March 20, 2026, the article focuses on Israel's political elite, characterizing them as "messianic" and unbound by limitations. The article suggests this group is operating without restraint, though the specific actions or policies driving this assessment are not detailed in the provided context. The article appears on a news platform that covers a range of global topics, including the Middle East, and is positioned alongside content related to US-Israel relations, Iran, and regional conflicts. The "why" behind this characterization is not explicitly stated but implied to be related to the political elite's actions and approach to governance.

Israeli air raids have intensified across Lebanon, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries over the past two days. The attacks, part of a wider conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, have targeted areas including Burj Shemali, Chihine, Marwahin, Jezzine, Beirut, Baalbek, and Sidon. According to Lebanese authorities, at least 45 people have been killed in the recent strikes, bringing the total to 968 since March 2, including over 100 children. The UN reports that over one million people have been displaced in Lebanon, with children comprising a third of the displaced population. Hezbollah claims to have destroyed six Israeli tanks during an Israeli advance into southern Lebanon.

Tensions have escalated in the Middle East, with Iran intensifying attacks on Gulf energy facilities following an Israeli strike on an Iranian gas field. Kuwait reported a drone attack that sparked a fire at an oil refinery. The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, trapping a large percentage of crude and refined products within the Persian Gulf. Simultaneously, fighting has renewed between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israeli strikes hitting both southern Lebanon and Beirut, including city center neighborhoods. These events suggest a widening conflict with potential global economic consequences due to disruptions in oil supply.

In a news conference on March 20, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran can no longer enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles following 20 days of US-Israeli air strikes. He stated that the strikes are decimating Iran's missile and drone arsenal by destroying factories producing components for missiles and nuclear weapons. The US and Israel launched the air attacks on February 28 after mediated talks regarding Iran's nuclear program collapsed. Iran has retaliated by firing missiles at Israel and other Gulf countries and limiting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Netanyahu noted that it is too soon to determine if the conflict will lead to the overthrow of the Iranian government.

Following the assassinations of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and security chief Ali Larijani in March 2026, questions have arisen regarding Iran's leadership and power dynamics. The assassinations, which began with attacks by Israel and the US in late February, have created uncertainty about the chain of command. While Mojtaba Khamenei has been announced as the new Supreme Leader, his lack of experience and reported injuries raise concerns. Analysts suggest that lesser-known figures may rise to power, and Iran might delay naming a successor to Larijani for security reasons. Potential influential figures include Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Saeed Jalili. The situation remains fluid, with the exact power structure in Tehran unclear.

According to Israeli national security sources, Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is not effectively controlling the regime. Since his father's death in late February, Mojtaba has not made any public appearances, with some reports claiming he was injured in the strike that killed his father. Despite Iranian officials' claims of good health, sources suggest Mojtaba is an "empty entity" and the Iranian leadership is "broken" and "misfunctioning." A message attributed to Mojtaba was broadcast on Iranian state TV, vowing revenge for recent Israeli strikes that have killed several senior Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani. These strikes are part of what the IDF describes as a continuing and successful effort.

QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi reports that Iranian attacks have damaged Qatar's LNG infrastructure, eliminating 17% of its LNG export capacity. The attacks, occurring this week, damaged two LNG trains and a gas-to-liquids facility. Repairs are expected to take three to five years, resulting in a loss of 12.8 million tonnes of LNG production annually and an estimated $20 billion in lost revenue. The attacks followed Israeli military action and broader tensions, including Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz. QatarEnergy may need to declare force majeure on long-term contracts due to the damage. The strikes have been condemned by Arab Gulf neighbors as a violation of international law.

Israeli air attacks struck central Beirut and southern and eastern Lebanon, resulting in at least 20 deaths and 24 injuries on Wednesday. The attacks, part of a wider conflict, targeted a building in Beirut's Bashoura neighborhood, killing at least six people and injuring dozens. Israel claimed the targeted building was used by Hezbollah to store cash. The Israeli military also initiated ground operations in southern Lebanon, issuing evacuation orders for residents in towns near the Zahrani River and Tyre. Lebanon's National News Agency reported additional strikes on Tyre and Al-Burj Al-Shamali.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated, marked by increased attacks on both sides. Israel intensified its military actions in Lebanon, conducting deadly strikes in Beirut and other cities targeting Hezbollah militants. This escalation follows the killing of an Iranian leader. In response, Iran launched missile strikes into Israel, near Tel Aviv, resulting in two fatalities. The exchange of attacks highlights a significant increase in direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, raising concerns about regional stability. The attacks occurred recently, with Israel's actions focused on Lebanon and Iran's strikes reaching into Israeli territory.

Tensions in the Middle East are escalating following a reported Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gas field, an action allegedly coordinated with the US. Iran confirmed the death of its intelligence minister, Esmail Khatib, and threatened retaliation against Gulf energy facilities. The UAE and Qatar condemned the attack on the gas field. Simultaneously, fighting has intensified between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Despite earlier claims of closure, Iran continues to export millions of barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, with numerous tankers traversing the waterway since the start of the conflict.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed Israel killed Iran's intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib, which, if confirmed, would be the third high-profile assassination of Iranian leaders in two days. This follows the reported deaths of security chief Ali Larijani and Basij paramilitary head Gholamreza Soleimani in Israeli air strikes on Tuesday. Iran has not confirmed Khatib's death but will hold funerals for Larijani and Soleimani on Wednesday. Katz also announced that he and Prime Minister Netanyahu authorized the military to eliminate other senior Iranian officials without requiring further approval. The alleged assassinations come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with Iran launching a retaliatory missile attack on Israel.

On March 18, 2026, Iran confirmed the death of its national security chief, Ali Larijani, following an Israeli air strike. This comes less than three weeks after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Israel has vowed to "neutralize" the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Larijani, a close confidant of the late Ayatollah, played a key role in Iran's retaliatory actions during the ongoing war in the Middle East. The assassination occurred amidst rising tensions, with Iran threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the US criticizing allies for not assisting in escorting oil tankers.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry condemned an Iranian missile attack on the Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major gas facility, causing a fire and "extensive damage." The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, prompted a response from civil defense teams, though QatarEnergy reported no casualties. This incident follows Iran's threat to target Gulf region oil and gas facilities, including Ras Laffan, in retaliation for alleged Israeli attacks on Iranian gasfields. Qatar considers the attack a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to its national security. The incident also follows Qatar's suspension of LNG production on March 2 after attacks on the Ras Laffan facility and a power plant in Mesaieed Industrial City.

In March 2026, following the killings of Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted the stability of Iran's political system. Araghchi stated that the Islamic Republic is designed to endure disruptions, even the loss of high-ranking officials. He emphasized that the system's strength lies in its structure, preventing any single individual from destabilizing it. The statement was made in response to concerns about the potential impact of the targeted killings on Iran's internal affairs and regional influence. The foreign minister's comments aimed to reassure both domestic and international audiences about the resilience of the Iranian government.

Following the assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the killing would not destabilize Iran's political system. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi asserted that Iran's government has a strong political structure that does not rely on any single individual. He referenced the earlier assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noting that the system continued despite the loss. Araghchi emphasized that while individuals are influential, the political system is solid and can withstand the removal of key figures. Larijani's death marks the removal of the most senior figure in Tehran’s leadership since the start of US-Israeli strikes.

On March 17, 2026, Al Jazeera reported that Israel assassinated Ali Larijani, Iran's security chief. According to Al Jazeera's senior political analyst Marwan Bishara, the assassination was carried out by Israel with the intention of disrupting potential talks between the United States and Iran. Bishara stated that this action is part of a broader Israeli strategy to prolong the war and potentially instigate regime change in Iran. The assassination and its alleged motivations are presented as a continuation of what Bishara describes as a pattern of targeted killings by Israel. The report highlights the potential impact of the assassination on diplomatic relations and regional stability.

Israeli air strikes targeted three Beirut neighborhoods and southern Lebanon on Tuesday, as fighting intensifies between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese state media reports the attacks hit Kafaat, Haret Hreik, and Doha Aramoun in Beirut, with Israel confirming it targeted Hezbollah. The strikes in Aramoun hit a residential building, reportedly in an attempted targeted assassination. Since the renewed fighting began over two weeks ago, Israeli attacks have killed at least 886 people in Lebanon, including women and children, and wounded 2,141. Lebanon reports that over one million people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Ali Larijani, Iran's national security chief, and General Gholam Reza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, were "eliminated" in a Tehran strike. Katz stated he was informed of the event by the Chief of Staff. The alleged killings follow a previous strike that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in February. Iranian state media acknowledged Larijani's existence through a published note, but there was no official comment from Tehran regarding Katz's statement. Larijani, a former parliamentary speaker and advisor, was a key figure in Iranian politics and nuclear strategy. Soleimani headed the Basij, a major Iranian paramilitary organization.

Israel claims to have killed Ali Larijani, Iran's national security chief, in recent airstrikes. If confirmed, Larijani would be the highest-ranking Iranian official killed since the start of the war, potentially removing a key figure from Iran's political and security establishment. The alleged killing comes amidst rising oil and gas prices, triggered by Iran's successful attacks on production facilities. Brent crude reached $103.2 a barrel on Tuesday. Confirmation of Larijani's death could have significant implications for the region.

The article reports on the potential assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, allegedly by Israel. The author argues that Larijani's death would be a significant blow to Iran, possibly greater than the loss of Supreme Leader Khamenei, due to Larijani's influence and connections within Iran and with foreign powers like China and Russia. His removal eliminates a potential figure who could have facilitated a ceasefire or transition in leadership, similar to Delcy Rodríguez in Venezuela. The article suggests this loss also highlights the lack of viable alternative leaders within Iran recognized by the US, as Trump has refused to endorse Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah.

Ali Larijani, a close confidant of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a top security official in Iran. Following Khamenei's death, Larijani has become a prominent figure in the Iranian government. He is now the face of the government, stepping into a leadership role after the death of the previous leader. Larijani's close relationship with Khamenei positions him as a key player in Iran's political landscape. His emergence signifies a potential shift in power dynamics within the country.

Ali Larijani is a top security official in Iran and a close confidant of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following Khamenei's death, Larijani has become the prominent face of the Iranian government. He is a key figure in Iranian politics and national security. The article highlights Larijani's rise to prominence after a significant event, positioning him as a central figure in the country's leadership. His close relationship with the former leader underscores his influence and importance within the Iranian political system.

Ali Larijani, Iran's security chief and a key figure in shaping national strategy, was killed in an Israeli air strike. As secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani was central to decisions on war, diplomacy, and national security, especially regarding the US and Israel. His death, confirmed by state media, follows a series of killings of senior Iranian officials, suggesting a deliberate effort to weaken Iran's leadership during wartime. Larijani was managing the ongoing war, domestic unrest, and stalled nuclear negotiations at the time of his death. His removal leaves these crises unresolved and creates a leadership vacuum amid a fragile situation, with any successor facing immediate risk.

Ali Larijani, a powerful and central figure in Iranian politics for decades, has been assassinated. The Iranian government confirmed the death of Larijani, who held the position of security chief, on March 17, 2026. This marks the highest-ranking Iranian official assassination since Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Larijani's death is a significant event due to his long-standing influence and high-level position within the Iranian government. The assassination occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the region, although the article does not specify the location.