Middle East conflict widens as Iran launches strikes after Israeli killings

A fireball rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a building in Beirut’s Bashoura neighbourhood on March 18. Pic/AFP

A rapidly widening conflict gripped the Middle East as Iran launched strikes toward Israel and Gulf nations just hours after Israel killed two of Tehran's top security figures. Explosions were reported across UAE and Qatar, interceptions in Saudi Arabia, and fresh Israeli airstrikes hit central Beirut, signalling a shift from contained flashpoints to a multi-country escalation touching civilian zones, oil routes, and military bases.

Ground updates

>> Journalist killed: Mohammed Sherri dies in Beirut strike
>> Bahrain targeted: Missile + drone near US 5th Fleet base
>> Sirens in Israel: North on alert

Key numbers

3+ top Iranian figures killed
2 Countries hit: UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

Beirut

10 dead
27 injured (latest strikes)

War toll

1300+ Iran
14 Israel

US

13 dead
200 wounded

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