Israel strikes southern Beirut suburb without warnin
In the latest escalation along the Lebanese-Israeli border, the Israeli army struck a building in a southern suburb of Beirut late Thursday night without prior warning.
Earlier, Israeli forces had threatened a building in the Haret Hreik neighborhood, but multiple local media outlets report that the structure hit was different.
Details on casualties or damage remain unclear as of this writing.
Hezbollah claims Israeli forces pushed back in Khiam after clashes
Shortly before 1 a.m., Hezbollah said in a statement that “its fighters forced the Israeli forces stationed in the town of Khiam to withdraw their remaining vehicles and soldiers to Hamames hill, following heroic clashes.”
The statement highlights ongoing skirmishes along the Lebanese-Israeli border as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
Iran denies sending messages to the US amid Axios report
An Iranian official has denied that Tehran sent any messages to the United States, responding to a report by Axios, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency early Thursday.
“No message has been sent from Iran to the U.S., nor will any response be given to U.S. messages. Iran’s armed forces have prepared themselves for a long war,” the unnamed official told Tasnim.
The statement comes after Axios reported on Wednesday that Iran had allegedly sent messages to the United States over the past few days, but that Washington had not responded, citing an American official and a second source.
The denial underscores the rising tension and continued uncertainty over communication channels between the two countries amid ongoing regional conflict.
Hezbollah claims drone strike on Israeli military industry near Acre
Hezbollah said it targeted the military industrial complex of Rafael at 11:10 p.m. using “a swarm of suicide drones.” The site is located just south of the Israeli city of Acre, about 30 minutes north of Haifa and roughly an hour and a half by car from Tel Aviv.
Israeli army calls for evacuation of building in Haret Hreik, Beirut southern suburb
Shortly after midnight, the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning to residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs, specifically in the Haret Hreik neighborhood, urging them to leave a building marked in red on a map, as well as nearby structures.
“You are located near facilities belonging to Hezbollah. For your safety and that of your families, you must immediately evacuate these buildings and move at least 300 meters away, as indicated on the map,” the statement said.
Hezbollah reports clashes with Israeli soldiers in Dhaira
Hezbollah said it engaged in “direct clashes” at 11:20 p.m. with an Israeli force that was attempting to advance toward the town of Dhaira (Sour district).
“After monitoring the movements of an Israeli enemy force that tried to advance toward Dhaira at 11:20 p.m. on Wednesday, fighters of the Islamic Resistance engaged in direct confrontation with it, inflicting confirmed losses. The clashes are ongoing at the time of issuing this statement,” Hezbollah said.
Iranian Kurdish dissident groups weigh cross-border move as US engages Iraqi Kurds
Kurdish Iranian opposition groups based in northern Iraq are reportedly preparing for a possible cross-border military operation into Iran, with the United States asking Iraqi Kurdish authorities to lend their support, Kurdish officials told the Associated Press.
According to Iraqi Kurdish officials, Kurdish party leaders have also discussed the escalating crisis with former U.S. President Donald Trump. One official said Trump urged them to open the border and provide military backing to the groups.
The Iranian Kurdish factions are widely regarded as the most organized component of Iran’s fragmented opposition and are believed to command thousands of trained fighters. Their potential involvement could pose a serious challenge to authorities in Tehran — while also risking deeper Iraqi entanglement in the conflict.
Responding to reports that the Trump administration was considering arming Iranian Kurdish groups, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed the claims. “None of our objectives are premised on the support or the arming of any particular force,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “We’re aware of what other entities may be doing, but our objectives aren’t centered on that.”
Iran’s foreign minister speaks with Kurdish PUK leader after Trump call
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call on Wednesday with Bafel Talabani, head of Iraq’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump also spoke with the Kurdish leader.
In a statement released Tuesday, the PUK said Trump’s outreach “offered an opportunity to better understand U.S. objectives and to discuss joint support for building a strong partnership between the United States and Iraq.”
According to reports by Axios and CNN, Trump’s conversation with Talabani is part of a wider US effort to rally Kurdish groups in a potential push to challenge the Iranian government from the country’s western flank.
Explosion heard in vicinity of Baalbeck
An explosion was heard in the vicinity of Baalbeck, according to our correspondent in the region.
⚡ 3 killed, six injured in 2 Israeli strikes on road to Beirut airport
Two Israeli airstrikes carried out in the evening on the road to the Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport (RFHA) killed three people and injured six, according to the Health Ministry.
Israeli army says it carried out series of strikes, 'destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure'
The Israeli army claims to have conducted strikes on "dozens of Hezbollah targets, including platforms, infrastructure and terrorist buildings."
With this "series of strikes," it says it has "destroyed Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure across Lebanon."
The army specifies that "rocket launch sites and numerous Hezbollah missiles stored south of the Litani River were targeted, as well as a drone manufacturing facility."
Israeli army strikes the vicinity of Choueifat
The Israeli army is conducting a strike in the vicinity of Choueifat, reports Al Jadeed.
Southern Lebanon: Artillery fire towards Khiam
The Israeli army is firing artillery and smoke bombs towards Khiam, reports our correspondent.
?Qassem: Weapons are not negotiable and our battle is not linked to any other
Attempting to "Lebanonize" his decision to join the regional war, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem asserted on Wednesday that Hezbollah has been fighting in Lebanon since Monday against the "continuous Israeli aggression" since the end of 2024.
🔗Read our summary of his speech tonight here.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for 2 attacks
Hezbollah claimed responsibility in two statements for firing "salutes of rockets" at 8:30 p.m. and then at 10:30 p.m. against the Israeli army in Khallet Wadi al-Asafir, in the city of Khiam (Marjayoun district).
Washington deems attacks on Turkey's sovereignty 'unacceptable' after Iranian missile launch
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that attacks on the sovereignty of NATO member Turkey were "unacceptable" after NATO shot down an Iranian missile that, according to a Turkish official, had veered off course.
"Attacks on Turkey's sovereign territory are unacceptable," Rubio said during a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, according to a State Department statement that "pledges the full support of the United States" to its ally.
Iranian bombings: Israel eases its state of emergency restrictions
Trump says US is in 'position of strength' against Iran
The United States is in a "position of strength" in the war against Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Wednesday.
"We are in a position of strength now, and their leaders are disappearing fast. All those who want to be leaders, they end up dead," the U.S. president told a gathering of tech CEOs at the White House.
"We are doing very well on the war front, and that's an understatement. Someone asked me, 'On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this?' I said about 15," he said.
Speaking on the fifth day of the war, Trump reiterated his justifications for the attack launched against Iran, claiming that Tehran was on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons.
"When crazy people have nuclear weapons, bad things happen," he added.
The White House spokesperson had stated at an earlier press briefing that "the rogue Iranian terrorist regime" was being "completely annihilated" and that Iran would "pay for its crimes."
Hezbollah launched 7 rockets toward Israel, reports our correspondent
Hezbollah has just launched seven rockets towards Israel, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Hezbollah member targeted according to Israel
A car was targeted by Israeli aircraft on the Ziyad Rahbani Highway, formerly named after the late Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, leading to Beirut's airport, in the southern suburbs of the capital.
Another strike hit the Bir Hassan junction, a few hundred meters away.
The Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, stated on his X account that the Israeli army had "recently targeted a Hezbollah member in the Beirut area."
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon
An Israeli airstrike targeted the former Hezbollah medical center in the al-Biyad neighborhood of Nabatieh, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
In addition, two airstrikes hit the outskirts of Debbine (Marjayoun district), and another struck the town of Shukin (Nabatieh ).
Israel is considering launching attacks against civilians, says an Israeli security source
According to an Israeli security source, Israel is considering carrying out attacks against civilian targets in order to pressure Lebanon and incite it to control Hezbollah from within, reports the Israeli national public broadcaster, Kan.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for several attacks Tuesday night, including one against Iron Dome radar
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack Tuesday evening against the Israeli air defense system known as the Iron Dome, at the Kryat Eliezer site (the main air defense base in the city of Haifa).
“In response to the criminal Israeli aggression that has affected dozens of Lebanese cities and towns, including the southern suburbs of Beirut, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Iron Dome radar installations at Kiryat Eliezer last night, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as well as the Palmachim airbase south of Tel Aviv, located 140 km from the Lebanese border, using a squadron of kamikaze drones,” the party’s statement emphasized.
In a subsequent statement, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for another attack on Tuesday on the Tel HaShomer airbase (headquarters of the regional command southeast of Tel Aviv), located 120 km from the Lebanese border, as well as a military target south of the occupied city of Haifa, using a salvo of precision rockets.
Iran: Spain categorically denies considering cooperation with US
The Spanish government categorically denies any intention of cooperating militarily with the United States in its war against Iran, and continues to refuse to allow American aircraft to use bases on its territory, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Wednesday.
"Our position remains absolutely unchanged, and I categorically deny any change," Albares told Cadena Ser radio, moments after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Spain had agreed to "cooperate with the American military."
White House denies Trump agreed to arm Kurdish militias against Iran
The White House spokesperson denied on Wednesday reports in several American media outlets that the United States was planning to arm Kurdish militias against Iran to incite an uprising.
"The reports suggesting that the president has given his approval for such a plan are completely false and should not be written," Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing at the White House.
The spokesperson did, however, confirm that the U.S. president had "spoken with Kurdish leaders" about the U.S. base in northern Iraq.
The American news network CNN reported on Tuesday that the CIA — the main U.S. intelligence agency — was working with Kurdish forces with the aim of inciting a popular uprising against the Iranian regime.
And according to NBC News, Trump administration officials are in discussions with Kurdish leaders in northern Iraq and northwestern Iran to potentially arm groups opposed to Tehran.
Loud explosion heard in Tehran
A loud explosion was heard in Tehran, AFP journalists report.
Trump contacted Macron to 'inform him of the state of military operations' in Iran
Trump contacted Macron to "inform him of the state of military operations" in Iran, AFP reports, citing Macron's entourage.
Israel says number of Iranian missiles fired toward its territory is decreasing 'every day'
The number of Iranian missiles fired toward Israel is decreasing “every day,” an Israeli military spokesperson told reporters Wednesday evening.
“We have neutralized approximately 300 ballistic missile launchers. We believe that our operations against these missile launchers and stockpiles largely explain why we are seeing a decrease, every day,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani.
Qassem: Don't stab the Resistance in the back in the middle of a war
"To those who oppose the Resistance, I say: Today, you have the opportunity to turn a new page. Don't stab the Resistance in the back in the middle of a war, and this will help end the aggression. If you want Lebanon to survive, stand united," added the Hezbollah leader. "God willing, we will be victorious. We are not afraid. And, God willing, this will be beneficial for all of Lebanon and for the nation."
The Hezbollah leader has finished his speech.
Qassem: It's incumbent upon government to stand as defender of right of Resistance.
“It is incumbent upon the government to work towards the restoration of Lebanon’s sovereignty, to stand as the protector of its people and the defender of the right of the Resistance until the aggression ceases and the enemy withdraws from our land and our homeland, and to faithfully assume its responsibility towards all its citizens,” Qassem affirms.
“This is an aggression against all of Lebanon. We insist on the importance of national unity, especially in such circumstances,” he adds.
Israeli aircraft carries out 2 raids in Marjayoun
While the secretary-general of Hezbollah was giving a speech, Israeli aircraft carried out two raids on the outskirts of Debbine (Marjayoun district), reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Qassem accuses Lebanese government of 'turning against the Resistance'
"Instead of opposing the aggression, the government has turned against the Resistance and adopted Israeli demands: Yet, these are the people of your country, and you are a Lebanese government!" Qassem accuses.
"The issue of the Resistance is not up for debate with anyone: Hezbollah and the Islamic Resistance are responding to an American-Israeli aggression. This is a matter of existential defense," he adds. "Our choice is to confront them: We will not surrender."
Macron said spoke with Lebanese leaders, reiterating Hezbollah must cease attacks against Israel
French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke with Lebanese leaders, reiterating that Hezbollah must cease its attacks against Israel, AFP reports.
Macron, who also said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asked him to refrain from a ground offensive in Lebanon.
New salvo of rocks lauched from south Lebanon toward Israel
At the start of Qassem’s speech, a new salvo of rockets was launched from southern Lebanon toward Israel, reports our correspondent in the region.
Qassem: 'Do you think a salvo of rockets could provoke such a war?'
"They say the missiles launched Sunday night into Monday morning provoked a war? Not at all! Not at all! It's a response to 15 months of violations in Lebanon!" the Hezbollah leader asserted. "It's a retaliation for ongoing aggression. Do you think a salvo of rockets could provoke such a war?"
Qassem: 'Our duty is to do everything to end the Israeli-American aggression in Lebanon'
“Is the problem the monopoly on weapons, or rather Israel’s violations of Lebanese sovereignty?” asks the Hezbollah leader. “Our duty is to do everything possible to end the Israeli-American aggression in Lebanon,” he asserts.
“To those who ask why this precise timing [of renewed strikes against Israel], I reply: Must we wait indefinitely? Isn’t this long period sufficient? More than 500 deaths have been recorded, that is, one death per day since the cease-fire,” Qassem stated.
'Our patience has its limits,' says Qassem, denouncing Israel’s 'stubbornness'
“For a year and three months, the enemy has continued its aggression. After the November 2024 cease-fire agreement, we respected this agreement alongside the Lebanese state, while Israel has not respected any of its points,” declares Qassem. “We had agreed to pursue the diplomatic route. But patience has its limits.”
“Our patience has its limits, and the enemy’s stubbornness has become unbearable,” he insists.
First speech by Qassem since Hezbollah's involvement against Israel
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem addressed the nation at 9 p.m. (Beirut time). His speech was highly anticipated: it was his first public statement since the party entered the war that began on Saturday between the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hezbollah's main supporter.
On Saturday, Qassem was scheduled to speak at 3 p.m., but later canceled his speech. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed that same day.
On Sunday night, Hezbollah fired six rockets toward Israel to "avenge" his death, effectively entering the conflict. This decision caught the Lebanese government off guard and surprised even some of its own supporters.
Since then, the party has justified the resumption of its attacks against Israel by citing the continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley since the cease-fire came into effect at the end of November 2024, to which it had not responded until now.
Israel claims it is acting because Hezbollah has not disarmed throughout Lebanon, as stipulated in the truce agreement.
“The time for patience is over. We have no other choice but to return to resistance,” declared Mahmoud Qomati, vice-president of Hezbollah’s political bureau, on Tuesday.
Iran: White House says Spain 'agreed to cooperate' with US armed forces, reports AFP
Iraq: 2 pro-Iranian fighters killed in airstrike in South
Two fighters from the pro-Iranian Kata'ib Hezbollah group were killed in an airstrike near their base in southern Iraq, two sources within the organization told AFP.
The strike targeted the fighters' vehicle near one of the group's main strongholds, the Jurf al-Nasr base, which has been targeted several times since the start of the Middle East war on Saturday, according to the two sources.
One of the sources attributed the strike to the United States and Israel.
Approximately 100,000 people fled Tehran during first 2 days of war: UN
The U.N. indicated that 100,000 people had fled Tehran during the first two days of the war in Iran, AFP reports.
"In Iran, an estimated 100,000 people left Tehran in the two days following the Israeli-American attacks," the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated in a situation report, adding that it hoped to publish an updated figure soon.
Hezbollah strikes occupied Hamames Hill, Khiam outskirts; targets Israeli army vehicles in Israel
Hezbollah bombed the Israeli-occupied Hamames Hill in southern Lebanon, south of Khiam (Marjayoun district), and targeted a group of Israeli army vehicles in Israel, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
The party also bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the Wadi al-Asafir valley, on the outskirts of Khiam.
South Lebanon: UNIFIL expresses 'deep concern' following Israeli evacuation order
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed its “deep concern” this evening regarding the order issued at noon by the Israeli army for the evacuation of all settlements south of the Litani River.
“In its area of operations, peacekeepers observed several Israeli military movements and activities today, particularly near Khiam, Beit Lif, Yaroun, Houla, Kfar Kila, Khirbeh and Kfar Shuba. These developments come as Israeli airstrikes and other aerial activities continue. These actions constitute not only a violation of Resolution 1701, but also a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” UNIFIL stated in a press release.
She also stated that she had “observed further volleys of rockets and missiles fired from Lebanese territory toward Israel, in violation of Security Council Resolution 1701.”
The statement concluded by specifying that peacekeepers “remain deployed on the ground in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line.”
More drones shot down near Baghdad airport
More drones were shot down Wednesday evening near Baghdad's international airport, hours after a similar attack, two Iraqi security sources told AFP, without reporting any damage.
The airport is home to a military base that hosts a U.S. diplomatic mission and previously housed troops from the U.S.-led coalition.
Explosions were also heard on Wednesday evening in Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan (north). According to AFP journalists on the ground, they were mainly heard near the airport, where coalition troops are stationed.
Hezbollah claims 15th attack of the day
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an evening attack against a second Israeli force that had come to support the unit it claims to have lured earlier into an ambush in the southern part of the city of Khiam.
"After observing the movements of an Israeli enemy army force that advanced from the occupied Hammames hill in southern Lebanon to support the force that fell into the ambush in the southern part of the city of Khiam, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted it with a salvo of rockets, while clashes in the southern part of the city continued at the time of this statement," the statement issued by the group emphasized.
Israeli strikes in Sour, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil
In southern Lebanon, Israeli aircraft bombed the villages of Deir Ames (Sour district), as well as Shukin (Nabatieh), Sultanieh, Khirbet Silm and Jmaijmeh (Bint Jbeil).
Two other raids targeted the towns of Haddatha and Tiri (Bint Jbeil), reports our correspondent.
British embassy in Bahrain remains operational
The British government has stated that it has taken the precaution of temporarily withdrawing some of its staff and their dependents from Bahrain, Reuters reports.
"The embassy in Bahrain remains operational," the U.K. government added.
Shedding blood of Israelis, Trump is required of Shiite Muslims: Iranian cleric
A senior Iranian religious figure, Javadi Amoli, claims that shedding the blood of Israelis and U.S. President Donald Trump is what is required of pious Shiite Muslims today, Reuters reports, citing Iranian state media.
Attack in Sour: Preliminary report indicates 9 injured
The airstrike on the city of Sour in the early evening, targeting generators belonging to Hamto Electricity, injured nine people, according to a preliminary report from the state-run National News Agency.
The strike caused a major fire after fuel oil tanks ignited, the agency reported.
Israel kills 2 in Baalbeck
The Israeli strike on the town of Budai, east of Baalbek, killed two people, reports our correspondent in the Bekaa Valley.
Iran: 17,500 Americans left Middle East, says Washington
More than 17,500 Americans have returned to the United States since the country and Israel launched the war against Iran last weekend, the State Department said Wednesday.
Some 8,500 Americans returned on Tuesday alone, said Deputy Secretary of State Dylan Johnson.
He added that the State Department had assisted nearly 6,500 people, with most Americans leaving on their own and on commercial flights.
The United States is organizing charter flights, and, contrary to usual practice, American citizens will be able to board at no cost.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem will speak tonight at 9 p.m.
Hezbollah caims it 'directly hit target' in attack against Israeli army in Kiryat Shmona
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket attack at 5 p.m. against the Israeli army in Kiryat Shmona, stating that it had "directly hit its target."
The group stated in a statement that this attack was in response to the criminal Israeli aggression against dozens of Lebanese cities and towns, including the southern suburbs of Beirut.
It added that prior to the attack, it had monitored the regrouping of Israeli enemy forces. "Helicopters then intervened to evacuate the wounded," it stated.
234 Israeli airstrikes recorded in Lebanon since March 2
According to a count by L'Orient-Le Jour, the Israeli army carried out at least 234 airstrikes between March 2 and 4 at 6 p.m.
Iran: Explosion rocks city in Kurdistan Province
An explosion rocked a city in Iran's western Kurdistan province on Wednesday, according to video footage verified by AFP, on the fifth day of the Middle East war triggered by an Israeli-American offensive.
Huge columns of smoke rose above the northwestern city of Baneh in the morning, according to the verified images.
Videos of the explosion shared on social media indicate that it struck a base belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran's ideological army.
Hezbollah says waging 'direct confrontation' with Israeli army in Khiam
Hezbollah stated in a press release that "after detecting movements of an Israeli army force attempting to advance" toward the southern part of the city of Khiam at 6:30 p.m., its fighters detonated an explosive device and engaged in direct confrontation with the force, inflicting injuries on its members.
"Fighting is ongoing at the time of this press release," the group added.
Death toll from Israeli escalation has risen to 72, and 437 have been injured
The Health Ministry announced in a new report that the Israeli aggression, which began at dawn on Monday, March 2, 2026, and continued until the evening of Wednesday, March 4, resulted in 72 deaths and 437 injuries.
Iran targets US, British ships, according to Iranian commander
Iran is targeting U.S. and British ships and vessels, regardless of their flag, that are carrying cargo for Israel in the Gulf, a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy told Iranian state media on condition of anonymity, as reported by Reuters.
Iran has targeted more than 10 ships and oil tankers in the ongoing conflict, the IRGC navy commander told Iranian state media.
New airstrikes target Baalbeck district and southern Lebanon, injuries reported in Sour
Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on the outskirts of the village of Boudai, west of Baalbeck, according to our correspondent in the region.
A heavy Israeli airstrike targeted the generators of Hamto Electricity in Sour, injuring several people, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA). The injured were taken to hospitals in the region.
An Israeli airstrike also targeted the village of Mayfadoun (Nabatieh district), according to the NNA.
Lebanon: Number of displaced people rises to over 80,000
Social Development Minister Haneen Sayyed is now speaking. She indicates that the number of displaced people registered in shelters has reached 83,847, the equivalent of 18,033 families. This figure was 58,000 the previous evening.
'I will spare no effort to end this devastating war,' says Nawaf Salam
Nawaf Salam: 'No discrimination against displaced persons'
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Social Development Haneen Sayyed held a press conference at the Grand Serail.
“Our responsibility, as a state and as a society, is to stand with our citizens forced to flee their homes and to provide them with everything they need with dignity, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity,” said Salam.
“Displaced persons are victims: all forms of discrimination must be avoided. We must all welcome them with humanity.” “We have begun to strengthen the facilities in the reception centers,” he added.
Israel announces strikes on major military-security complex in Tehran
The Israeli army announced it had conducted large-scale airstrikes against a major military complex belonging to the Iranian regime in Tehran, which reportedly houses the headquarters and troops of all branches of the Iranian security establishment.
"Under the precise direction of military intelligence, the Air Force's fighter jets recently carried out a wave of large-scale airstrikes against a major military complex belonging to the Iranian terrorist regime east of Tehran," stated Avichay Adraee, the Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, on X.
"The complex houses the headquarters of all branches of the Iranian security establishment and is used to monitor the activities of the regime's troops," he added.
The Israeli army specified that the targeted headquarters were those of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the intelligence services, the Basij militia, the Internal Security Forces, the cyber operations unit, and the Internal Security Forces' unit responsible for supporting and suppressing protests.
According to the statement, "the headquarters were attacked while housing officials responsible for managing the war effort and carrying out terrorist operations against the State of Israel and countries in the region, as well as for the repression of Iranian citizens."
Southern Lebanon: Powerful Israeli strike on Sour without warning
A powerful Israeli airstrike targeted the city of Sour without warning, according to the state-run National News Agency.
A series of intense airstrikes was also reported in the city of Nabatieh by local media. Furthermore, an Israeli force advanced toward the village of Dahra (Sour district).
Aoun speaks to Macron, meets with Issa, calls on France, US to end Israeli attacks in Lebanon
President Joseph Aoun received a call this afternoon from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lebanese presidency announced.
They discussed the ongoing security situation, and “President Aoun stressed the need for French intervention to end Israeli attacks against Lebanon,” the statement said.
The presidency added that Aoun also met with the United States Ambassador to Lebanon, Michael Issa, and “requested U.S. intervention to end Israeli attacks against Lebanon.”
Qatar urges Iran to 'immediately stop' strikes
Lebanese Army repositioning its border posts, arresting 27 people for weapons possession
The Lebanese Army announced that its troops are "repositioning some posts, given the limited resources available and are implementing exceptional measures to maintain security and prevent any armed demonstrations in various areas."
It specified that "in this context, checkpoints have intercepted 26 Lebanese and one Palestinian over the past two days in several areas for the illegal possession of weapons and ammunition."
In its statement, the army denounces "the continued Israeli attacks against various areas" and "the advance of Israeli forces into Lebanese territory, in flagrant violation of international resolutions and Lebanese sovereignty." It also reported missile and drone launches from Lebanon, without mentioning Hezbollah.
Finally, the army indicates that its units have "reinforced their presence on the eastern border in coordination with the competent Syrian authorities."
Rajji calls his Emirati counterpart in show of 'solidarity,' receives message of support from EU
Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Rajji spoke by telephone with his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he expressed “Lebanon’s strong condemnation of the attacks on the sovereignty and security of the Emirates.”
He affirmed that “Lebanon stands with its Emirati brothers, just as the Emirates have always stood with it,” emphasizing that Beirut would put “its modest means at the service of the friendly Emirati people.”
For his part, the Emirati deputy prime minister expressed “his interest in the situation in Lebanon,” inquired about the latest developments and assured that his country was ready to provide “all possible support to contribute to the restoration of stability in Lebanon.”
Furthermore, Rajji received a message from the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean and the Gulf, Dubravka Šuica, who expressed her "full solidarity with Lebanon," wishing it success in "overcoming the current challenges, as it has in the past overcome equally difficult trials."
She also stressed, "the need, in these difficult circumstances, to strengthen the partnership between the European Union and Lebanon."
UNIFIL reports seeing Israeli soldiers enter Lebanon before withdrawing south of Blue Line
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported observing Israeli soldiers enter Lebanese territory near Markaba, Adaisseh, Kfar Kila and Ramieh this morning, before withdrawing south of the Blue Line.
“UNIFIL remains in constant contact with the Lebanese and Israeli sides, as well as with the Mechanism, to call for de-escalation,” the statement added.
“Despite extremely difficult conditions, the peacekeepers continue to carry out their mandates under resolution 1701 and will continue to report to the Security Council,” the peacekeeping force continued.
"Through our continued presence, as well as through the patrols, operational activities and contacts with local communities conducted by our Blue Helmets, we proudly demonstrate our enduring commitment to peace and security in the region," the text concludes.
Update on latest developments in southern Lebanon, northern Israel
Israeli airstrikes targeted the towns of Deir Siryan (Marjayoun district), Ainata (Bint Jbeil) and an area between Bedias and Burj Rahal (Sour), according to local media reports.
Meanwhile, warning sirens sounded in northern Israel, along the Lebanese and Syrian borders, due to a suspected air intrusion, according to Haaretz.
Katz: Operation against Iran was initially planned for mid-2026
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the operation against Iran was initially planned for mid-2026, "but due to all the developments and circumstances, it became necessary to move the operation forward to February," Haaretz reports.
"After the successful operation during the 12-day war in June 2025, I already said at the time, and it was clear: We are not fighting the last war, we must prepare for the next one," Katz added.
Ankara summons Iranian ambassador after ballistic missile fired toward its airspace
Turkey summoned Iran's ambassador to Ankara to express its displeasure and concerns after a ballistic missile was fired from Iran towards its airspace, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters.
Two houses, several cars damaged in northern Israel due to missile barrage from Lebanon
Two houses and several cars were damaged in the northern Israeli town of Metula due to a missile barrage from Lebanon, according to Haaretz.
British destroyer HMS Dragon will depart for Eastern Mediterranean 'next week'
The British missile-launching ship HMS Dragon will only set sail "next week" for the Eastern Mediterranean, where it is to help protect UK allies and British bases in Cyprus, a Western official told AFP.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday the deployment of HMS Dragon, a T45-class destroyer of the Royal Navy, and two Wildcat helicopters in response to drone attacks targeting several countries in the region, and after the British military base at Akrotiri in Cyprus was struck by a drone overnight Sunday to Monday.
Explosions were heard in Jerusalem
New explosions were heard on Wednesday in Jerusalem, AFP journalists reported, after the Israeli army issued a warning about incoming Iranian missiles.
This series of detonations occurred about two hours after the first salvo of missiles was detected, triggering warning sirens throughout the city.
Simultaneous Hezbollah kamikaze drone attacks on Tel Aviv. Haifa
Around 2 p.m., Hezbollah carried out a series of simultaneous attacks with kamikaze drones on the Tel Hashomer base (located 120 km from the border), the Haifa naval base and the Ramat David base with a squadron of suicide drones.
New Israeli strikes target south Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes have targeted the area located between the villages of Ainata and Aitaroun, as well as the villages of Rshaf (Bint Jbeil district), Harouf (Nabatieh), Qantara (Marjayoun) and Kfar Tibnit (Sour), according to local media outlets.
Simultaneous attacks by Hezbollah kamikaze drones on areas in Tel Aviv and Haifa
At around 2 p.m., Hezbollah carried out a series of simultaneous attacks with kamikaze drones on the Tel Hashomer base (located 120 km from the border), the Haifa naval base, and the Ramat David base with a squadron of kamikaze drones.
Two Israeli soldiers wounded in Hezbollah anti-tank missile strike
Two Israeli soldiers were wounded after an anti-tank missile was fired in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli army, quoted by Reuters.
Earlier in the day, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for two new attacks on Israeli soldiers who were in Lebanese territory near Houla, while the Israeli army accelerated its advance into southern Lebanon today.
Israeli strikes kill 7 children in the country in last 24 hours
Israeli strikes have so far killed seven children and wounded 38 others since it escalated amid an escalation of Israeli strikes on the country, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, cited in a report published by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Nearly 60,000 people, including 18,000 children, have been displaced during the same period, adding to the tens of thousands already forced to leave their homes, the report said.
More than 12,000 families have found refuge in more than 300 reception centers across the country, many of which have already reached maximum capacity.
"No child should ever be killed or bear the physical and emotional scars of violence for the rest of their lives," said Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF representative in Lebanon. "The violence must stop. Children must always be protected," he added.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for two new attacks, including one overnight more than 70 kilometres from the border
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for two new attacks carried out in the last 24 hours against Israel, in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
Hezbollah said it targeted the radars at Kiryat Eliezer, Haifa's main air defense base, with a squadron of kamikaze drones at 5 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday.
At 4.30am last night, it claimed responsibility for an attack on the Ein Shemer base, linked to anti-missile air defense, which is located more than 70 kilometers in a straight line from the border with Lebanon.
This attack was also carried out with drones.
US kills Iranian leader of Trump assassination plot, says Pentagon
The U.S. military said on Wednesday that it killed an Iranian official who headed a unit behind an alleged assassination plot against President Donald Trump but that the target was not the initial focus of the war.
"The leader of the unit who attempted to assassinate President Trump has been hunted down and killed. Iran tried to kill President Trump and President Trump got the last laugh," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a news briefing.
"While that was not the focus of the effort by any stretch of the imagination — in fact, never raised by the President or anybody else — I ensured, and others ensured, that those who were responsible for that were eventually part of the target list," Hegseth told reporters.
Hegseth did not name the individual but said the operation took place on Tuesday.
In 2024, the U.S. Justice Department charged an Iranian man in connection with an alleged plot ordered by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards to assassinate Trump, then U.S. president-elect. Tehran has denied accusations that it had targeted Trump and other U.S. officials
Latest developments in Israel's aggression on Lebanon, according to local media
Israeli airstrikes have targeted Kafra, Yater (Bint Jbeil), Arnoun and Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh), according to local media outlets.
Moreover, Al Manar reported that a rocket barrage has been fired from Lebanon toward Israel.
Israeli artillery shelling is also targeting the hills surrounding the town of Kafra (Bint Jbeil).
Iran says it targeted opposition groups in Iraqi Kurdistan
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that they targeted armed Kurdish opposition in Iraqi Kurdistan that are adversaries to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
"Bases and headquarters of the Komala and anti-revolutionary groups were successfully hit by three missiles" fired at 11:00 a.m. (07:30 GMT), the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement.
Several Kurdish opposition groups in exile in Iraq announced in late February the formation of a political coalition aimed at overthrowing the Islamic Republic and, ultimately, achieving self-determination.
Turkey was not the target of the missile launched from Iran, according to a Turkish official
Turkey "was not the target of the missile" launched from Iran, which was heading towards Turkish airspace and was destroyed by NATO defense systems based in the eastern Mediterranean, a Turkish official told AFP.
"We believe it was aimed at a military base" in Cyprus, "but it deviated from its course," he added, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Iranian intelligence officials have indirectly contacted Washington to discuss a cease-fire
According to the New York Times, members of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence indirectly contacted the CIA shortly after the war began to propose talks on the terms for ending the war.
The report cites both regional sources and figures from a Western country who were informed of this contact, stating that the message was relayed to Washington through the intelligence services of an unidentified third country.
Israeli army claims to have struck air defense systems at Tehran airport
The Israeli army has announced that the Israeli air force carried out strikes against infrastructure at Tehran's Mehrabad airport, reports Haaretz.
If Israel attacks Iranian diplomats in Lebanon, Iran will retaliate on Israeli embassies, says Tehran
A senior Iranian official told the Tasnim news agency that if Israel attacks Iranian diplomatic missions or harms Iranian diplomats in Lebanon, the response will be to "target Zionist missions and their nationals in other countries."
The Israeli army has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Iranian representatives still present in Lebanon to leave the country.
Warning sirens sound again in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, AFP journalists report
Warning sirens sounded again in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Wednesday, AFP journalists report.
"A short while ago, the Israeli army identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel," it said in a statement, adding that defense systems were in action "to intercept the threat."
It also said in another short statement that it had intercepted "several drones launched from Lebanon towards Israeli territory" following the sirens that sounded in central Israel.
US army strikes an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing one and leaving 101 missing
Three U.S. officials told Reuters that the U.S. military carried out a strike against an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka.
According to these sources, U.S. forces targeted and hit an Iranian naval vessel as part of ongoing military operations against Iran. This strike represents a significant escalation of hostilities in the conflict between the United States and Iran.
According to information available from the Sri Lankan authorities, an Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena, sank after an attack by a submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing one, injuring 78, and leaving 101 missing.
A rescue operation is underway to find the missing sailors and treat the survivors.
Sri Lankan authorities have not officially confirmed who was behind the attack and have referred to the "cause as yet undetermined" while conducting the rescue operation.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for two attacks on the Israeli army in Houla
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for two new attacks, this time targeting Israeli soldiers on Lebanese territory. These are the first claims of this kind, as the Israeli army accelerated its ground invasion into southern Lebanon today.
Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli army transport vehicle at 11:20 a.m. in the Lebanese town of Houla (Marjayoun).
Hezbollah also fired on an Israeli army Merkava tank in the same village at noon, "in response to the criminal Israeli aggression that targeted dozens of Lebanese towns and villages, including the southern suburbs of Beirut."
A ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz hit by 'unknown projectile,' according to UKMTO
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of an incident two nautical miles north of Oman, heading east, in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
A container ship reported being hit by an unknown projectile just above the waterline, causing a fire in the engine room.
No environmental impact has been reported at this time. Authorities are investigating. Ships are advised to navigate with caution and report any suspicious activity to the UKMTO.
Municipality of Abbasieh calls residents to evacuate the village
The municipality of Abbasieh (Sour) stated that a call was received at the Civil Defense Center in the village, informing the mayor and local elders to evacuate the town within two-hours.
As a result, the municipality asked residents to begin evacuating the village calmly and in an organized manner, and to head to safe locations to ensure their safety and that of their families.
Strike on Khiam, Marjayoun
Photo sent by our correspondent in southern Lebanon, Muntasser Abdallah
Latest developments in Israel's aggression on Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the south
- Hezbollah has fired a barrage of rockets from Lebanon into Israel, triggering air raid sirens in many parts of the country, including Tel Aviv.
- Israel targeted the border village of Houla (Marjyoun) with a series of air strikes.
- A short while ago, a Lebanese Army patrol, accompanied by members of the Lebanese Civil Defense, evacuated four Lebanese citizens from Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun), including three elderly women, all in good health.
- Israel targeted the outskirts of the village of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya) with white phosphoric artillery.
Strikes against Iran: Over a thousand people killed, according to state media
Iran's official news agency Irna has reported 1,045 deaths, including civilians and military personnel, since the start of the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran on Saturday.
The previous official death toll, released on Tuesday by the Iranian Red Crescent, stood at 787.
"During the military aggression carried out by criminal America and the usurping Israeli regime against our Islamic homeland, 1,045 of our dear military personnel and civilians" were killed, Irna wrote, citing a statement from the Martyrs and Veterans Foundation.
Turkey: Missile fired from Iran heading towards Turkish airspace destroyed
A missile fired from Iran heading towards Turkish airspace was destroyed by NATO defense systems based in the eastern Mediterranean, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense.
"A ballistic missile fired from Iran heading towards Turkish airspace after flying over Iraqi and Syrian airspace was intercepted and neutralized in time by NATO air and missile defense elements deployed in the eastern Mediterranean. ... The incident caused no casualties or injuries," the Turkish ministry said in a statement published on X.
Israel announces it identified missiles fired from Iran towards Israel
Israel has announced that it has identified missiles launched from Iran towards Israel, launched in retaliation to the Israeli-U.S. offensive against Iran.
"A short time ago, the Israeli armed forces identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel. Defense systems are being activated to intercept this threat," the army said.
A message was sent to mobile phones calling on the population to prepare to take shelter before the alert was lifted a few minutes later.
Iranian media reports strikes on residential buildings in southeastern Tehran
Iran's official news agency reports strikes on residential buildings in southeastern Tehran
Building in Bechara al-Khoury receives Israeli evacuation threat by phone
A family in a building on Bechara al-Khoury Street in Beirut, housing people displaced by the current Israeli aggression, received an evacuation threat by phone, ordering them to distance themselves by 500 meters as the building would be targeted with an imminent strike.
The calls caused some residents to run into the street in panic, while others, mainly older women, refused to leave and remained in the building, sat together and made a pot of coffee.
Latest updates from southern Lebanon
- The Lebanese Army, accompanied by the Red Cross, is working to rescue Nouf al-Sayyar, who remains trapped as the Israeli army encircles her home in Tall al-Nahas (Marjayoun).
- Israeli warplanes have targeted Arnoun (Nabatieh). Violent air strikes, described as a veritable barrage of fire, are targeting the village of Markaba (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent in the south.
- Israeli artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Yohmor (Nabatieh).
- An Israeli drone conducted a machine-gun sweep operation in Khiam (Marjayoun).
Hazmieh municipality denies finding weapons in an apartment
The municipality of Hazmieh has denied reports in local media, published in L'Orient-Le Jour, that weapons were found in an apartment during a municipal inspection of homes in the area.
The US Senate prepares to vote on measure to block Trump's war on Iran
The U.S. Senate was set to vote on Wednesday on a bipartisan resolution to end the military campaign launched by the United States against Iran, unless Congress explicitly authorizes it, Reuters reports.
The measure, led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, aims to reaffirm Congress's constitutional power to declare war.
While the Senate vote will allow representatives to formally take a stand, the measure is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled Congress and would likely be vetoed by President Donald Trump if it did.
Heavy traffic in Saida caused by Lebanese Army measures at Nahr al-Awwali checkpoint
Screenshot of video sent by our south Lebanon correspondent, Muntasser Abdallah.
There has been heavy traffic at the northern entrance of Saida — for those heading from Beirut to the South — due to the Lebanese Army procedure at its checkpoint at Nahr al-Awwali.
Yesterday, there were conflicting reports that the Lebanese Army arrested Hezbollah members on one of its checkpoints.
In a similar context, Justice Minister Adel Nassar and Attorney General at the Court of Cassation Judge Jamal Hajjar warned Lebanese citizens against carrying illegal weapons.
In accordance with the laws in force, any person found in possession of a weapon not authorized by the official Lebanese authorities, regardless of its nature, will be immediately arrested and brought before the military court, and their weapon will be permanently confiscated.
Iran postpones state funeral for Khamenei originally scheduled for today
Iran has decided to postpone the state funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, originally scheduled for this evening in Tehran, as the country faces massive Israeli-U.S. strikes.
"The farewell ceremony for the martyred imam has been postponed ... in anticipation of an unprecedented turnout," state television said, adding that the new date would be "announced later."
On Wednesday morning, a tribute had been announced for the same evening in Tehran in front of the remains of Ali Khamenei, who died at the age of 86 in a strike and is to be buried in the holy city of Mashhad in northeast Iran, where he was born.
Lebanese Health Ministry reports 'significant damage' to Bahman Hospital in Haret Hreik
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that an Israeli strike on the Haret Hreik neighborhood in the southern suburbs of Beirut caused "significant damage" to Bahman Hospital, next to the targeted building.
"Glass shards caused several injuries among hospital staff, in addition to widespread panic that led to several patients undergoing treatment fainting," the ministry said in a statement. It reiterated that medical facilities are normally protected under the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and urged the international community to force Israel to comply with international law.
Latest updates from southern Lebanon
Israel has targeted the villages of Aita al-Shaab and Maroun al-Rass (Bint Jbeil). Moreover, an Israeli drone strike has targeted Harouf (Nabatieh).
Sn Israeli airstrike that targeted the village of al-Majadel (Sour), injured two people, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Israeli artillery shelling has targeted the town of Khiam (Marjayoun), the villages of Ramia and Qouzah (Bint Jbeil) and the outskirts of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya).
Rubble is now being cleared in Saida from the site that was targeted yesterday.
Coordination is underway to demolish the remaining part of the building, as it poses a danger, in preparation for fully reopening the road.
Two girls among eight people killed in Israeli strike on Baalbeck
Maram Abd al-Sattar, killed in an Israeli strike on Baalbeck
The identities of the victims of the Israeli strike that killed at least eight people and wounded 14 others last night in Baalbeck, in the Bekaa Valley, continue to emerge.
According to our correspondent in the region, two girls, named Miral and Maram Abd al-Sater, were killed along with their older brother, Rabih Abd al-Sater.
Lebanese University professor Maryam Raad had already been identified among the victims.
Israeli army kills person in Khiam, circumstances remain unclear
Israel has killed a person in Khiam (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon, though it remains unclear if he was killed by Israeli gunfire or an Israeli strike.
South Lebanon: Woman trapped as Israeli army surrounds her home in border village
A woman is currently trapped in her home, which has been surrounded by Israeli soldiers, in the village of Qlaya (Marjyoun), in the Tal al-Nahas area, where Israeli troops are occupying, according to information from our correspondent.
She had returned home to inspect her house and retrieve some personal belongings when Israeli forces opened fire on the outskirts of the house and threw grenades from their outpost at the Tal al-Nahas intersection.
Her family has appealed to the Lebanese Army and the Red Cross for help in getting her out of the area.
Aftermath of Israeli airstrike on Haret Hreik
Debris covers a street in Haret Hreik after an Israeli air strike targeted the area in the southern suburbs of Beirut on March 4, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
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Hezbollah claims responsibility for two new attacks on Israeli logistics centers
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several strikes carried out since this morning against Israel, notably against the headquarters of an aerospace company near Ben Gurion Airport and military infrastructure in northern Israel.
In its first statement, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a strike carried out at 2 a.m. against the headquarters of Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI), an Israeli company producing defense systems, whose premises are located not far from Ben Gurion Airport.
The attack was carried out using kamikaze drones. In addition, the pro-Iranian militia claimed to have targeted the Giv'at base, located east of the city of Safad, with a "precision missile" at 3:30 a.m.
The third attack, also at 3:30 a.m., targeted the Northern Command headquarters at the Dado base, also near Safad, with a "precision missile."
These two attacks were carried out "in response to the criminal Israeli aggression that affected dozens of Lebanese towns and villages, including the southern suburbs of Beirut," according to the statement.
Rajji to his Cypriot counterpart: Lebanon is taking measures to prevent further attacks
In a phone call with his Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos, Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Rajji condemned the "attacks" against the island after a British base was repeatedly targeted by gunfire.
According to sources in Cyprus, the attacks were carried out by Hezbollah. During the call, Rajji affirmed "Lebanon's solidarity with Cyprus in the face of these hostile acts," emphasizing his country's commitment to taking all necessary measures and steps to prevent further attacks.
Israel threatens entire area south of Litani River with evacuation
Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, issued an evacuation threat to residents residing south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
This area includes the city of Sour, which is home to tens of thousands of people.
Series of threatening calls in Lebanon: ISF investigates but downplays significance
A source within the Internal Security Forces (ISF) told L'Orient Today that many people across Lebanon are receiving calls asking them to evacuate the buildings they are in, as we reported earlier.
"We already saw this happen on a large scale during the 2024 war. We are currently investigating what is going on, but based on our experience during the last conflict, these are most often either false calls as part of [the Israeli army's] psychological warfare, or someone playing a prank," the source said.
Israeli army occupies Mais al-Jabal government hospital
An Israeli battalion occupied the Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun) government hospital this morning, according to information from our correspondent.
The Israeli army has also begun work in the area known as "Azrael," south of the border town of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya), coming from the Bastara farm on Lebanese territory, our correspondent reports.
Israeli forces had occupied area earlier on Wednesday. Earthworks have begun in the area, alongside the advance of Israeli Merkava tanks in the sector.
The Israeli army announced this morning that it had invaded Lebanese territory in the western sector with its 146th division.
Overnight Israeli strikes on Lebanon from March 3 to 4
Evacuation calls received by people in Lebanon, their source is unconfirmed yet
Fakhani supermarket in Tallet al-Khayyat (Beirut), Qabr Shmoun (Aley), and Ras al-Nabaa received threatening calls from Israel.
A source at the Internal Security Forces told L’Orient Today that many people across Lebanon are receiving threats by phone.
“We saw this heavily even in the 2024 war, we are currently verifying what is going on, but with our experience in the last war, more often than not they are either fake calls as part of [the Israeli army’s] psychological warfare, or someone pulling a prank."
A threat call has targeted the building where Al Jamaa Al Islamiyyah MP Imad Al-Hout resides in Barbour, Beirut. It is currently being evacuated, local media reports.
Evacuation of the Masna border crossing [between Lebanon and Syria] is also ongoing following a call allegedly by the Israeli army calling on people to evacuate, our correspondent in the Bekaa reported.
Israel announces it shot down Iranian fighter jet over Tehran
Israel announced that it shot down an Iranian fighter jet over Tehran on the fifth day of the U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran, according to AFP.
"An Adir (F-35) aircraft from the Israeli Air Force recently shot down an Iranian fighter jet (YAK-130) over Tehran," the Israeli army said in a statement.
Aley, Jdeide, Barbour, Masnaa: Threatening calls from Israeli numbers force evacuations in several regions of Lebanon
Since this morning, numerous reports have been circulating concerning calls allegedly made from Israeli numbers threatening residents in buildings across several regions of Lebanon. A building in Qabr Shmoun, in the district of Aley, which houses displaced persons, was threatened, according to a neighbor contacted by L'Orient Today.
The headquarters of the municipality of Jdeide was also evacuated, according to local media, as was the building where the vice-president of Al Jamaa Al Islamiya is believed to live in Barbour, south of Beirut.
The Masnaa border post on the Syrian border was also evacuated after threats, the source of which is currently under investigation, according to our correspondent in the region.
Telephone threats received by phone to residents of Ras al-Nabaa, Beirut
Youssef al-Amin’s family lives in Ras al-Nabaa, near the military court and the French embassy. His mother missed a call yesterday from an Israeli number. Today, they heard screaming from their neighbors in the building and discovered that their neighbors had received evacuation threats via phone.
They immediately left the building with only their “work stuff” such as their laptops. When they went downstairs, residents of nearby buildings saw them gathered and immediately started evacuating their buildings.
“My father went back upstairs to collect our valuable items from the house,” he concluded.
Cypriot authorities close Larnaca airport airspace after observing a 'suspicious object' coming from Lebanon
A Cypriot government source told Reuters that the airspace above Larnaca airport in southern Cyprus was closed after a 'suspicious flying object' sent from Lebanon was detected.
Latest developments in southern Lebanon
The Israeli army has carried out at least five new air strikes in southern Lebanon in the last hour, while its ground troops continue to advance their invasion of the border area, according to the latest information from our correspondent in the region.
- Israel targeted with airstrikes the villages of Jarmaq (Jezzine), Qoussair (Marjayoun), Tayr Falsayh (Sour), Beit Lif (Bint Jbeil), and Wadi Berghoz (Hasbaya).
- Israel also targeted with artillery fire the villages of Arnoun (Nabatieh) and Khiam (Marjayoun), while debris from an interceptor missile fell on Houla (Marjayoun).
- At the same time, Israeli ground forces are invading Lebanese territory, advancing towards the area known as "Azrael," south of the border town of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya), coming from the Bastara farm on Lebanese territory, according to our correspondent.
Woman injured from strike on Baabda still unconscious
The woman injured in the Israeli strike on Baabda last night, Fatima Hamade, 34, remains in serious condition. She has not yet regained consciousness after suffering a serious head injury.
According to her cousin, Hassan Hamade, interviewed by our journalist Lyana Alameddine at the Sacré Coeur hospital in Hazmieh, not far from the hotel, Fatima was asleep in her room at the time of the strike.
A hotel receptionist, she worked Monday to Friday and slept in a room on the first floor. At weekends, she would return to her home village of Qomatieh, where her parents live.
Her father, Zaher Ali Hamade, says that army intelligence officers came to question him. According to him, the employees initially had difficulty finding her under the rubble.
Baabda Justice Palace evacuated following threats to nearby building
The Baabda Justice Palace was evacuated this morning after a nearby building was threatened with an attack, according to information confirmed to L'Orient Today by a source close to the municipality, who requested anonymity, and the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Following these threats, which are neither "serious nor confirmed" according to the source, Judge Mirna Bayda decided to evacuate the courthouse immediately. The threatened building is inhabited by an elderly woman living alone, according to the NNA. Security forces and the military have established a security perimeter around the area to ensure the safety of citizens.
"The evacuation of the Baabda courthouse is a precautionary measure taken in response to certain concerns, the veracity of which is currently being verified," Justice Minister Adel Nassar wrote on his X account.
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Hezbollah fires missiles on Israeli outpost on occupied Lebanese territory
Hezbollah launched a barrage of missiles against an Israeli post located on the occupied Hamames hill, near Khiam, in southern Lebanon, according to information from our correspondent in the region.
The targeted site is one of six posts Israel still occupies on Lebanese territory since the cease-fire of Nov. 27, 2024, which ended the previous open war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Four Israeli strikes on southern suburbs of Beirut, fighter jets fly low over the city
At least four Israeli strikes have targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut in the last half hour, while fighter jets continue to fly over the Lebanese capital.
Israel announces it is reinforcing its deployment on the border with Lebanon
The Israeli army has announced that it is reinforcing its deployment on the border with Lebanon, in the western sector, and will be deploying its 146th division there.
Israel announced on Wednesday that it was carrying out "large-scale" strikes on Tehran, while an AFP journalist reported seeing an explosion in the north-east of the Iranian capital.
"The Israeli air force has begun large-scale strikes targeting Iranian terrorist regime targets in Tehran," according to a statement.
Two explosions heard in Beirut after evacuation threat on a building in Haret Hreik.
Hezbollah press office bans all media coverage in southern suburbs of Beirut
In a statement sent to journalists, Hezbollah's press office has banned all media coverage in the southern suburbs of Beirut due to "ongoing violent and indiscriminate Israeli air strikes and in view of the serious security risks."
All forms of coverage are suspended "until further notice," including live broadcasts, reports, on-site presence, and interviews, the party said.
Israel targets building in Laylaki, southern suburbs of Beirut
Israel targeted the Laylaki neighborhood in the southern suburbs of Beirut shortly after issuing an evacuation threat for a building in the area.
Toll of Israeli strike on Baalbeck: Body of woman recovered from under the rubble, 5 others
According to our correspondent in the Bekaa Valley, the body of a woman has been recovered from beneath the rubble of a four-floor residential building targeted overnight by an Israeli air strike on Baalbeck.
Rescue workers had already reported five people killed in the strike, relayed by the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Night-time attack on Comfort Hotel in Baabda: 1 person seriously injured
Israel carried out a strike on the Comfort Hotel in the Baabda-Hazmieh area at around 4 a.m., seriously injuring a woman who had been working at the hotel for ten years and was originally from the district of Aley.
Between 10 and 15 guests were staying at the hotel, all of whom were people displaced due to the current war, according to the owner, Georges Chibli. The building suffered extensive damage and the strike caused panic among local residents.
Chibli told our reporter on the scene that he did not know "who was being targeted." "These are the same guests as during the last war, mainly from the southern suburbs and the south, and there were no strikes then," he added.
He added that the hotel "took precautions, asked for names and ages, and did not admit young people."
In front of the Comfort Hotel, the army is still deployed, along with the police, intelligence services, and state security forces.
Although some media outlets reported that Hezbollah had been deployed and had established a security perimeter around the targeted building, the hotel owner and a witness denied these reports.
Chibli also denied reports in the press overnight that an Iranian official had been targeted, just hours after Israel issued an ultimatum giving Iranian diplomats and officials 24 hours to leave Lebanon.
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Q&A: Hezbollah intervention, Israeli plans for Lebanon, regional developments, and escalation.
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Kuwait announces death of 11-year-old girl by falling debris
Kuwait announced on Wednesday the death of an 11-year-old girl killed by falling debris in a residential area of the emirate's capital, as Iran continued its retaliatory strikes in the Gulf countries.
Rescue teams attempted to resuscitate her during her transport to the hospital, but "she succumbed to her injuries," the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health said in a statement, without specifying the victim's nationality.
A state funeral for Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 36 years before being the U.S. and Israel killed him in a strike on Saturday will begin on Wednesday evening and last for three days, according to the official Irna news agency.
"From 10 p.m. on Wednesday [6.30 p.m. GMT], the faithful will be able to pay their last respects to the remains of the martyred leader of the nation by visiting the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque" in Tehran, Irna said, citing a statement from the Islamic Development Coordination Council.
Ali Khamenei, who died at the age of 86, is to be buried in the holy city of Mashhad, northeastern Iran, where he was born.
Israeli evacuation threat against residents of building in Laylaki, southern Beirut
Israel has issued new warnings against a building located in the Laylaki neighborhood, in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The targeted building is located near the Al-Ghad Institute, according to a map published by the Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army.
New explosion heard in Beirut
A new explosion was heard in Beirut, thirty minutes after strike threats were made against a building in Hadath. Fighter jets were heard flying over the capital.
Loud explosion heard around Beirut
Israel carried out two new strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut. The explosions were heard throughout the capital and thick grey smoke rose above the area.
According to a message posted on X by its Arabic-speaking spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, the building is in Haret Hreik, near a school, and is located between Hachem gas station and the Romany pharmacy.
Israel threatens to strike another building in southern Beirut
The Israeli army has ordered the evacuation of a new building in southern Beirut that it plans to strike, according to a message posted on X by its Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee.
The building is located in Haret Hreik, next to a neighborhood school, between the Hachem gas station and Romany pharmacy, according to the map attached to the message.
US 'authorizes' non-essential personnel to leave Cyprus
The United States announced Wednesday that it has “authorized” its non-essential personnel to leave Cyprus, where a British military base was struck by an Iranian attack overnight Sunday into Monday.
The State Department “has authorized the departure of non-essential U.S. government employees,” as well as their families, “from Cyprus due to security risks,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.
Iran: Revolutionary Guards claim 'full control' of the Strait of Hormuz
The Revolutionary Guards have claimed “full control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil trade at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, according to a statement.
“Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is under the full control of the Islamic Republic Navy,” said Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a senior official in the Guards’ naval forces, cited by the Fars news agency.
Hezbollah claims overnight strike on Israeli troops in Metula
Hezbollah claimed 13 attacks on Israel on Tuesday, announced that its first strike on Wednesday was launched at 1:20 a.m. using rockets against “a gathering of Israeli army forces in Metula.”
During the night, Hezbollah also said it targeted Haifa and the area around Kfar Yuval, near the border.
Southern Lebanon: 1 killed in strike on Shaqra, Israel tells residents of 16 villages to evacuate
Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, the Israeli army continued launching strikes across southern Lebanon, targeting Harouf, Kfar Tibnit, Arnoun, Yohmor (Nabatiyeh), Tiri, Beit Lif, Ramieh, Shaqra, Jmaijmeh (Bint Jbeil), and Khiam (Marjayoun). The strike on Shaqra killed one person and injured two.
The Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson issued an urgent warning to residents of 16 villages in southern Lebanon — including Markaba, Houla, Majdal Selm, Shaqra, and Beni Hayan – telling them to evacuate “immediately” and move at least 1,000 meters to open areas. In its statement, the army said that “Hezbollah’s activities” leave it no choice but to act “with force” against the Shiite group.
Regional war: US strikes nearly 2,000 targets in Iran since Saturday, first French evacuations
On the fifth day of the Middle East war, triggered Saturday morning by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, the escalation shows no signs of abating.
Here are the latest developments:
- The United States has hit nearly 2,000 targets since the start of the conflict, Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for the Middle East, said. He added that the strikes in the first 24 hours were “twice” as large as those carried out at the start of the 2003 Iraq invasion.
- Donald Trump stated yesterday that the U.S. had “almost completely destroyed” Iran, citing, in particular, the country’s navy, air force, and aerial detection systems.
- The Israeli army announced Wednesday morning a new “broad wave of strikes” on Iran, following three significant missile barrages launched by the Islamic Republic against Israeli territory in recent hours. The army said the strikes targeted “launch sites, air defense systems, and other infrastructure” in Iran.
- Air raid sirens sounded across multiple areas in Israel overnight Tuesday into Wednesday as the military worked to intercept Iranian attacks. No major impacts have been reported so far, although munitions fell, according to police, in the Tel Aviv area, where a woman was slightly injured by shrapnel.
- The first flight to evacuate French nationals stranded in the Middle East since the start of the war arrived early this morning at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport from Oman, AFP reported. About 100 seats had been reserved by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for the most “vulnerable” individuals, according to the minister responsible for Francophonie, international partnerships, and French citizens abroad.
Four people killed in Israeli strike on residential building in Baalbeck
Our correspondent in the Bekaa reported that at 3:10 a.m., an Israeli strike hit northern Baalbeck, completely destroying a four-story residential building.
According to the National News Agency (NNA), at least four people were killed, and rescue teams are currently searching through the rubble.
Six people killed in overnight strikes on villages in Aley and Chouf districts
Israel appears to have expanded the scope of its airstrikes overnight. Before targeting Baabda, fighter jets struck Aramoun in the Aley district and Saadiyat in the Chouf shortly before 1 a.m.
These two attacks left six people dead and eight injured, according to the Ministry of Health.
Local media report that the target in Aramoun was reportedly an official in al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, whose headquarters had been hit a few hours earlier in Saida, in southern Lebanon. The strike hit a building near the gendarmerie barracks and the local electricity company in the Bayader Khaldeh neighborhood.
At least one person was killed in the strike: a displaced resident from Arab Salim in the south.
Strike on hotel in the Baabda area, southeast of Beirut
Around 4 a.m., Israel carried out a strike in the Baabda area, southeast of Beirut, less than two kilometers away from the presidential palace. The attack, which came without prior warning, targeted the Comfort Hotel in the residential neighborhood of Brasilia. No immediate casualties were reported following this unprecedented strike on the area.
Hello and welcome to our live blog.
Welcome to our live coverage of this third day of Israeli aggression on Lebanon, as Israel continues to strike since the night from Sunday into Monday.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for around fifteen rocket and drone attacks targeting Israel.
We will also be following the fifth day of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, as Tehran retaliates with attacks against Israel and U.S. military bases in the Gulf countries.
For details on the past 24 hours, visit our live coverage from Monday and overnight.
Israel strikes southern Beirut suburb without warnin
In the latest escalation along the Lebanese-Israeli border, the Israeli army struck a building in a southern suburb of Beirut late Thursday night without prior warning.
Earlier, Israeli forces had threatened a building in the Haret Hreik neighborhood, but multiple local media outlets report that the structure hit was different.
Details on casualties or damage remain unclear as of this writing.
Hezbollah claims Israeli forces pushed back in Khiam after clashes
Shortly before 1 a.m., Hezbollah said in a statement that “its fighters forced the Israeli forces stationed in the town of Khiam to withdraw their remaining vehicles and soldiers to Hamames hill, following heroic clashes.”
The statement highlights ongoing skirmishes along the Lebanese-Israeli border as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
Iran denies sending messages to the US amid Axios report
An Iranian official has denied that Tehran sent any messages to the United States, responding to a report by Axios, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency early Thursday.
“No message has been sent from Iran to the U.S., nor will any response be given to U.S. messages. Iran’s armed forces have prepared themselves for a long war,” the unnamed official told Tasnim.
The statement comes after Axios reported on Wednesday that Iran had allegedly sent messages to the United States over the past few days, but that Washington had not responded, citing an American official and a second source.
The denial underscores the rising tension and continued uncertainty over communication channels between the two countries amid ongoing regional conflict.
Hezbollah claims drone strike on Israeli military industry near Acre
Hezbollah said it targeted the military industrial complex of Rafael at 11:10 p.m. using “a swarm of suicide drones.” The site is located just south of the Israeli city of Acre, about 30 minutes north of Haifa and roughly an hour and a half by car from Tel Aviv.
Israeli army calls for evacuation of building in Haret Hreik, Beirut southern suburb
Shortly after midnight, the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning to residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs, specifically in the Haret Hreik neighborhood, urging them to leave a building marked in red on a map, as well as nearby structures.
“You are located near facilities belonging to Hezbollah. For your safety and that of your families, you must immediately evacuate these buildings and move at least 300 meters away, as indicated on the map,” the statement said.
Hezbollah reports clashes with Israeli soldiers in Dhaira
Hezbollah said it engaged in “direct clashes” at 11:20 p.m. with an Israeli force that was attempting to advance toward the town of Dhaira (Sour district).
“After monitoring the movements of an Israeli enemy force that tried to advance toward Dhaira at 11:20 p.m. on Wednesday, fighters of the Islamic Resistance engaged in direct confrontation with it, inflicting confirmed losses. The clashes are ongoing at the time of issuing this statement,” Hezbollah said.
Iranian Kurdish dissident groups weigh cross-border move as US engages Iraqi Kurds
Kurdish Iranian opposition groups based in northern Iraq are reportedly preparing for a possible cross-border military operation into Iran, with the United States asking Iraqi Kurdish authorities to lend their support, Kurdish officials told the Associated Press.
According to Iraqi Kurdish officials, Kurdish party leaders have also discussed the escalating crisis with former U.S. President Donald Trump. One official said Trump urged them to open the border and provide military backing to the groups.
The Iranian Kurdish factions are widely regarded as the most organized component of Iran’s fragmented opposition and are believed to command thousands of trained fighters. Their potential involvement could pose a serious challenge to authorities in Tehran — while also risking deeper Iraqi entanglement in the conflict.
Responding to reports that the Trump administration was considering arming Iranian Kurdish groups, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed the claims. “None of our objectives are premised on the support or the arming of any particular force,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “We’re aware of what other entities may be doing, but our objectives aren’t centered on that.”
Iran’s foreign minister speaks with Kurdish PUK leader after Trump call
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call on Wednesday with Bafel Talabani, head of Iraq’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump also spoke with the Kurdish leader.
In a statement released Tuesday, the PUK said Trump’s outreach “offered an opportunity to better understand U.S. objectives and to discuss joint support for building a strong partnership between the United States and Iraq.”
According to reports by Axios and CNN, Trump’s conversation with Talabani is part of a wider US effort to rally Kurdish groups in a potential push to challenge the Iranian government from the country’s western flank.
Explosion heard in vicinity of Baalbeck
An explosion was heard in the vicinity of Baalbeck, according to our correspondent in the region.
⚡ 3 killed, six injured in 2 Israeli strikes on road to Beirut airport
Two Israeli airstrikes carried out in the evening on the road to the Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport (RFHA) killed three people and injured six, according to the Health Ministry.
Israeli army says it carried out series of strikes, 'destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure'
The Israeli army claims to have conducted strikes on "dozens of Hezbollah targets, including platforms, infrastructure and terrorist buildings."
With this "series of strikes," it says it has "destroyed Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure across Lebanon."
The army specifies that "rocket launch sites and numerous Hezbollah missiles stored south of the Litani River were targeted, as well as a drone manufacturing facility."
Israeli army strikes the vicinity of Choueifat
The Israeli army is conducting a strike in the vicinity of Choueifat, reports Al Jadeed.
Southern Lebanon: Artillery fire towards Khiam
The Israeli army is firing artillery and smoke bombs towards Khiam, reports our correspondent.
?Qassem: Weapons are not negotiable and our battle is not linked to any other
Attempting to "Lebanonize" his decision to join the regional war, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem asserted on Wednesday that Hezbollah has been fighting in Lebanon since Monday against the "continuous Israeli aggression" since the end of 2024.
🔗Read our summary of his speech tonight here.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for 2 attacks
Hezbollah claimed responsibility in two statements for firing "salutes of rockets" at 8:30 p.m. and then at 10:30 p.m. against the Israeli army in Khallet Wadi al-Asafir, in the city of Khiam (Marjayoun district).
Washington deems attacks on Turkey's sovereignty 'unacceptable' after Iranian missile launch
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that attacks on the sovereignty of NATO member Turkey were "unacceptable" after NATO shot down an Iranian missile that, according to a Turkish official, had veered off course.
"Attacks on Turkey's sovereign territory are unacceptable," Rubio said during a phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, according to a State Department statement that "pledges the full support of the United States" to its ally.
Iranian bombings: Israel eases its state of emergency restrictions
Trump says US is in 'position of strength' against Iran
The United States is in a "position of strength" in the war against Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Wednesday.
"We are in a position of strength now, and their leaders are disappearing fast. All those who want to be leaders, they end up dead," the U.S. president told a gathering of tech CEOs at the White House.
"We are doing very well on the war front, and that's an understatement. Someone asked me, 'On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this?' I said about 15," he said.
Speaking on the fifth day of the war, Trump reiterated his justifications for the attack launched against Iran, claiming that Tehran was on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons.
"When crazy people have nuclear weapons, bad things happen," he added.
The White House spokesperson had stated at an earlier press briefing that "the rogue Iranian terrorist regime" was being "completely annihilated" and that Iran would "pay for its crimes."
Hezbollah launched 7 rockets toward Israel, reports our correspondent
Hezbollah has just launched seven rockets towards Israel, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Hezbollah member targeted according to Israel
A car was targeted by Israeli aircraft on the Ziyad Rahbani Highway, formerly named after the late Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, leading to Beirut's airport, in the southern suburbs of the capital.
Another strike hit the Bir Hassan junction, a few hundred meters away.
The Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, stated on his X account that the Israeli army had "recently targeted a Hezbollah member in the Beirut area."
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon
An Israeli airstrike targeted the former Hezbollah medical center in the al-Biyad neighborhood of Nabatieh, reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
In addition, two airstrikes hit the outskirts of Debbine (Marjayoun district), and another struck the town of Shukin (Nabatieh ).
Israel is considering launching attacks against civilians, says an Israeli security source
According to an Israeli security source, Israel is considering carrying out attacks against civilian targets in order to pressure Lebanon and incite it to control Hezbollah from within, reports the Israeli national public broadcaster, Kan.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for several attacks Tuesday night, including one against Iron Dome radar
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack Tuesday evening against the Israeli air defense system known as the Iron Dome, at the Kryat Eliezer site (the main air defense base in the city of Haifa).
“In response to the criminal Israeli aggression that has affected dozens of Lebanese cities and towns, including the southern suburbs of Beirut, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the Iron Dome radar installations at Kiryat Eliezer last night, Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as well as the Palmachim airbase south of Tel Aviv, located 140 km from the Lebanese border, using a squadron of kamikaze drones,” the party’s statement emphasized.
In a subsequent statement, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for another attack on Tuesday on the Tel HaShomer airbase (headquarters of the regional command southeast of Tel Aviv), located 120 km from the Lebanese border, as well as a military target south of the occupied city of Haifa, using a salvo of precision rockets.
Iran: Spain categorically denies considering cooperation with US
The Spanish government categorically denies any intention of cooperating militarily with the United States in its war against Iran, and continues to refuse to allow American aircraft to use bases on its territory, Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Wednesday.
"Our position remains absolutely unchanged, and I categorically deny any change," Albares told Cadena Ser radio, moments after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Spain had agreed to "cooperate with the American military."
White House denies Trump agreed to arm Kurdish militias against Iran
The White House spokesperson denied on Wednesday reports in several American media outlets that the United States was planning to arm Kurdish militias against Iran to incite an uprising.
"The reports suggesting that the president has given his approval for such a plan are completely false and should not be written," Karoline Leavitt said during a press briefing at the White House.
The spokesperson did, however, confirm that the U.S. president had "spoken with Kurdish leaders" about the U.S. base in northern Iraq.
The American news network CNN reported on Tuesday that the CIA — the main U.S. intelligence agency — was working with Kurdish forces with the aim of inciting a popular uprising against the Iranian regime.
And according to NBC News, Trump administration officials are in discussions with Kurdish leaders in northern Iraq and northwestern Iran to potentially arm groups opposed to Tehran.
Loud explosion heard in Tehran
A loud explosion was heard in Tehran, AFP journalists report.
Trump contacted Macron to 'inform him of the state of military operations' in Iran
Trump contacted Macron to "inform him of the state of military operations" in Iran, AFP reports, citing Macron's entourage.
Israel says number of Iranian missiles fired toward its territory is decreasing 'every day'
The number of Iranian missiles fired toward Israel is decreasing “every day,” an Israeli military spokesperson told reporters Wednesday evening.
“We have neutralized approximately 300 ballistic missile launchers. We believe that our operations against these missile launchers and stockpiles largely explain why we are seeing a decrease, every day,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani.
Qassem: Don't stab the Resistance in the back in the middle of a war
"To those who oppose the Resistance, I say: Today, you have the opportunity to turn a new page. Don't stab the Resistance in the back in the middle of a war, and this will help end the aggression. If you want Lebanon to survive, stand united," added the Hezbollah leader. "God willing, we will be victorious. We are not afraid. And, God willing, this will be beneficial for all of Lebanon and for the nation."
The Hezbollah leader has finished his speech.
Qassem: It's incumbent upon government to stand as defender of right of Resistance.
“It is incumbent upon the government to work towards the restoration of Lebanon’s sovereignty, to stand as the protector of its people and the defender of the right of the Resistance until the aggression ceases and the enemy withdraws from our land and our homeland, and to faithfully assume its responsibility towards all its citizens,” Qassem affirms.
“This is an aggression against all of Lebanon. We insist on the importance of national unity, especially in such circumstances,” he adds.
Israeli aircraft carries out 2 raids in Marjayoun
While the secretary-general of Hezbollah was giving a speech, Israeli aircraft carried out two raids on the outskirts of Debbine (Marjayoun district), reports our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Qassem accuses Lebanese government of 'turning against the Resistance'
"Instead of opposing the aggression, the government has turned against the Resistance and adopted Israeli demands: Yet, these are the people of your country, and you are a Lebanese government!" Qassem accuses.
"The issue of the Resistance is not up for debate with anyone: Hezbollah and the Islamic Resistance are responding to an American-Israeli aggression. This is a matter of existential defense," he adds. "Our choice is to confront them: We will not surrender."
Macron said spoke with Lebanese leaders, reiterating Hezbollah must cease attacks against Israel
French President Emmanuel Macron said he spoke with Lebanese leaders, reiterating that Hezbollah must cease its attacks against Israel, AFP reports.
Macron, who also said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asked him to refrain from a ground offensive in Lebanon.
New salvo of rocks lauched from south Lebanon toward Israel
At the start of Qassem’s speech, a new salvo of rockets was launched from southern Lebanon toward Israel, reports our correspondent in the region.
Qassem: 'Do you think a salvo of rockets could provoke such a war?'
"They say the missiles launched Sunday night into Monday morning provoked a war? Not at all! Not at all! It's a response to 15 months of violations in Lebanon!" the Hezbollah leader asserted. "It's a retaliation for ongoing aggression. Do you think a salvo of rockets could provoke such a war?"
Qassem: 'Our duty is to do everything to end the Israeli-American aggression in Lebanon'
“Is the problem the monopoly on weapons, or rather Israel’s violations of Lebanese sovereignty?” asks the Hezbollah leader. “Our duty is to do everything possible to end the Israeli-American aggression in Lebanon,” he asserts.
“To those who ask why this precise timing [of renewed strikes against Israel], I reply: Must we wait indefinitely? Isn’t this long period sufficient? More than 500 deaths have been recorded, that is, one death per day since the cease-fire,” Qassem stated.
'Our patience has its limits,' says Qassem, denouncing Israel’s 'stubbornness'
“For a year and three months, the enemy has continued its aggression. After the November 2024 cease-fire agreement, we respected this agreement alongside the Lebanese state, while Israel has not respected any of its points,” declares Qassem. “We had agreed to pursue the diplomatic route. But patience has its limits.”
“Our patience has its limits, and the enemy’s stubbornness has become unbearable,” he insists.
First speech by Qassem since Hezbollah's involvement against Israel
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem addressed the nation at 9 p.m. (Beirut time). His speech was highly anticipated: it was his first public statement since the party entered the war that began on Saturday between the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hezbollah's main supporter.
On Saturday, Qassem was scheduled to speak at 3 p.m., but later canceled his speech. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed that same day.
On Sunday night, Hezbollah fired six rockets toward Israel to "avenge" his death, effectively entering the conflict. This decision caught the Lebanese government off guard and surprised even some of its own supporters.
Since then, the party has justified the resumption of its attacks against Israel by citing the continued Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley since the cease-fire came into effect at the end of November 2024, to which it had not responded until now.
Israel claims it is acting because Hezbollah has not disarmed throughout Lebanon, as stipulated in the truce agreement.
“The time for patience is over. We have no other choice but to return to resistance,” declared Mahmoud Qomati, vice-president of Hezbollah’s political bureau, on Tuesday.
Iran: White House says Spain 'agreed to cooperate' with US armed forces, reports AFP
Iraq: 2 pro-Iranian fighters killed in airstrike in South
Two fighters from the pro-Iranian Kata'ib Hezbollah group were killed in an airstrike near their base in southern Iraq, two sources within the organization told AFP.
The strike targeted the fighters' vehicle near one of the group's main strongholds, the Jurf al-Nasr base, which has been targeted several times since the start of the Middle East war on Saturday, according to the two sources.
One of the sources attributed the strike to the United States and Israel.
Approximately 100,000 people fled Tehran during first 2 days of war: UN
The U.N. indicated that 100,000 people had fled Tehran during the first two days of the war in Iran, AFP reports.
"In Iran, an estimated 100,000 people left Tehran in the two days following the Israeli-American attacks," the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated in a situation report, adding that it hoped to publish an updated figure soon.
Hezbollah strikes occupied Hamames Hill, Khiam outskirts; targets Israeli army vehicles in Israel
Hezbollah bombed the Israeli-occupied Hamames Hill in southern Lebanon, south of Khiam (Marjayoun district), and targeted a group of Israeli army vehicles in Israel, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
The party also bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the Wadi al-Asafir valley, on the outskirts of Khiam.
South Lebanon: UNIFIL expresses 'deep concern' following Israeli evacuation order
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed its “deep concern” this evening regarding the order issued at noon by the Israeli army for the evacuation of all settlements south of the Litani River.
“In its area of operations, peacekeepers observed several Israeli military movements and activities today, particularly near Khiam, Beit Lif, Yaroun, Houla, Kfar Kila, Khirbeh and Kfar Shuba. These developments come as Israeli airstrikes and other aerial activities continue. These actions constitute not only a violation of Resolution 1701, but also a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” UNIFIL stated in a press release.
She also stated that she had “observed further volleys of rockets and missiles fired from Lebanese territory toward Israel, in violation of Security Council Resolution 1701.”
The statement concluded by specifying that peacekeepers “remain deployed on the ground in southern Lebanon and along the Blue Line.”
More drones shot down near Baghdad airport
More drones were shot down Wednesday evening near Baghdad's international airport, hours after a similar attack, two Iraqi security sources told AFP, without reporting any damage.
The airport is home to a military base that hosts a U.S. diplomatic mission and previously housed troops from the U.S.-led coalition.
Explosions were also heard on Wednesday evening in Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan (north). According to AFP journalists on the ground, they were mainly heard near the airport, where coalition troops are stationed.
Hezbollah claims 15th attack of the day
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an evening attack against a second Israeli force that had come to support the unit it claims to have lured earlier into an ambush in the southern part of the city of Khiam.
"After observing the movements of an Israeli enemy army force that advanced from the occupied Hammames hill in southern Lebanon to support the force that fell into the ambush in the southern part of the city of Khiam, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted it with a salvo of rockets, while clashes in the southern part of the city continued at the time of this statement," the statement issued by the group emphasized.
Israeli strikes in Sour, Nabatieh, Bint Jbeil
In southern Lebanon, Israeli aircraft bombed the villages of Deir Ames (Sour district), as well as Shukin (Nabatieh), Sultanieh, Khirbet Silm and Jmaijmeh (Bint Jbeil).
Two other raids targeted the towns of Haddatha and Tiri (Bint Jbeil), reports our correspondent.
British embassy in Bahrain remains operational
The British government has stated that it has taken the precaution of temporarily withdrawing some of its staff and their dependents from Bahrain, Reuters reports.
"The embassy in Bahrain remains operational," the U.K. government added.
Shedding blood of Israelis, Trump is required of Shiite Muslims: Iranian cleric
A senior Iranian religious figure, Javadi Amoli, claims that shedding the blood of Israelis and U.S. President Donald Trump is what is required of pious Shiite Muslims today, Reuters reports, citing Iranian state media.
Attack in Sour: Preliminary report indicates 9 injured
The airstrike on the city of Sour in the early evening, targeting generators belonging to Hamto Electricity, injured nine people, according to a preliminary report from the state-run National News Agency.
The strike caused a major fire after fuel oil tanks ignited, the agency reported.
Israel kills 2 in Baalbeck
The Israeli strike on the town of Budai, east of Baalbek, killed two people, reports our correspondent in the Bekaa Valley.
Iran: 17,500 Americans left Middle East, says Washington
More than 17,500 Americans have returned to the United States since the country and Israel launched the war against Iran last weekend, the State Department said Wednesday.
Some 8,500 Americans returned on Tuesday alone, said Deputy Secretary of State Dylan Johnson.
He added that the State Department had assisted nearly 6,500 people, with most Americans leaving on their own and on commercial flights.
The United States is organizing charter flights, and, contrary to usual practice, American citizens will be able to board at no cost.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem will speak tonight at 9 p.m.
Hezbollah caims it 'directly hit target' in attack against Israeli army in Kiryat Shmona
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a rocket attack at 5 p.m. against the Israeli army in Kiryat Shmona, stating that it had "directly hit its target."
The group stated in a statement that this attack was in response to the criminal Israeli aggression against dozens of Lebanese cities and towns, including the southern suburbs of Beirut.
It added that prior to the attack, it had monitored the regrouping of Israeli enemy forces. "Helicopters then intervened to evacuate the wounded," it stated.
234 Israeli airstrikes recorded in Lebanon since March 2
According to a count by L'Orient-Le Jour, the Israeli army carried out at least 234 airstrikes between March 2 and 4 at 6 p.m.
Iran: Explosion rocks city in Kurdistan Province
An explosion rocked a city in Iran's western Kurdistan province on Wednesday, according to video footage verified by AFP, on the fifth day of the Middle East war triggered by an Israeli-American offensive.
Huge columns of smoke rose above the northwestern city of Baneh in the morning, according to the verified images.
Videos of the explosion shared on social media indicate that it struck a base belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran's ideological army.
Hezbollah says waging 'direct confrontation' with Israeli army in Khiam
Hezbollah stated in a press release that "after detecting movements of an Israeli army force attempting to advance" toward the southern part of the city of Khiam at 6:30 p.m., its fighters detonated an explosive device and engaged in direct confrontation with the force, inflicting injuries on its members.
"Fighting is ongoing at the time of this press release," the group added.
Death toll from Israeli escalation has risen to 72, and 437 have been injured
The Health Ministry announced in a new report that the Israeli aggression, which began at dawn on Monday, March 2, 2026, and continued until the evening of Wednesday, March 4, resulted in 72 deaths and 437 injuries.
Iran targets US, British ships, according to Iranian commander
Iran is targeting U.S. and British ships and vessels, regardless of their flag, that are carrying cargo for Israel in the Gulf, a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy told Iranian state media on condition of anonymity, as reported by Reuters.
Iran has targeted more than 10 ships and oil tankers in the ongoing conflict, the IRGC navy commander told Iranian state media.
New airstrikes target Baalbeck district and southern Lebanon, injuries reported in Sour
Israeli warplanes carried out an airstrike on the outskirts of the village of Boudai, west of Baalbeck, according to our correspondent in the region.
A heavy Israeli airstrike targeted the generators of Hamto Electricity in Sour, injuring several people, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA). The injured were taken to hospitals in the region.
An Israeli airstrike also targeted the village of Mayfadoun (Nabatieh district), according to the NNA.
Lebanon: Number of displaced people rises to over 80,000
Social Development Minister Haneen Sayyed is now speaking. She indicates that the number of displaced people registered in shelters has reached 83,847, the equivalent of 18,033 families. This figure was 58,000 the previous evening.
'I will spare no effort to end this devastating war,' says Nawaf Salam
Nawaf Salam: 'No discrimination against displaced persons'
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Social Development Haneen Sayyed held a press conference at the Grand Serail.
“Our responsibility, as a state and as a society, is to stand with our citizens forced to flee their homes and to provide them with everything they need with dignity, in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity,” said Salam.
“Displaced persons are victims: all forms of discrimination must be avoided. We must all welcome them with humanity.” “We have begun to strengthen the facilities in the reception centers,” he added.
Israel announces strikes on major military-security complex in Tehran
The Israeli army announced it had conducted large-scale airstrikes against a major military complex belonging to the Iranian regime in Tehran, which reportedly houses the headquarters and troops of all branches of the Iranian security establishment.
"Under the precise direction of military intelligence, the Air Force's fighter jets recently carried out a wave of large-scale airstrikes against a major military complex belonging to the Iranian terrorist regime east of Tehran," stated Avichay Adraee, the Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, on X.
"The complex houses the headquarters of all branches of the Iranian security establishment and is used to monitor the activities of the regime's troops," he added.
The Israeli army specified that the targeted headquarters were those of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the intelligence services, the Basij militia, the Internal Security Forces, the cyber operations unit, and the Internal Security Forces' unit responsible for supporting and suppressing protests.
According to the statement, "the headquarters were attacked while housing officials responsible for managing the war effort and carrying out terrorist operations against the State of Israel and countries in the region, as well as for the repression of Iranian citizens."
Southern Lebanon: Powerful Israeli strike on Sour without warning
A powerful Israeli airstrike targeted the city of Sour without warning, according to the state-run National News Agency.
A series of intense airstrikes was also reported in the city of Nabatieh by local media. Furthermore, an Israeli force advanced toward the village of Dahra (Sour district).
Aoun speaks to Macron, meets with Issa, calls on France, US to end Israeli attacks in Lebanon
President Joseph Aoun received a call this afternoon from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Lebanese presidency announced.
They discussed the ongoing security situation, and “President Aoun stressed the need for French intervention to end Israeli attacks against Lebanon,” the statement said.
The presidency added that Aoun also met with the United States Ambassador to Lebanon, Michael Issa, and “requested U.S. intervention to end Israeli attacks against Lebanon.”
Qatar urges Iran to 'immediately stop' strikes
Lebanese Army repositioning its border posts, arresting 27 people for weapons possession
The Lebanese Army announced that its troops are "repositioning some posts, given the limited resources available and are implementing exceptional measures to maintain security and prevent any armed demonstrations in various areas."
It specified that "in this context, checkpoints have intercepted 26 Lebanese and one Palestinian over the past two days in several areas for the illegal possession of weapons and ammunition."
In its statement, the army denounces "the continued Israeli attacks against various areas" and "the advance of Israeli forces into Lebanese territory, in flagrant violation of international resolutions and Lebanese sovereignty." It also reported missile and drone launches from Lebanon, without mentioning Hezbollah.
Finally, the army indicates that its units have "reinforced their presence on the eastern border in coordination with the competent Syrian authorities."
Rajji calls his Emirati counterpart in show of 'solidarity,' receives message of support from EU
Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Rajji spoke by telephone with his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to whom he expressed “Lebanon’s strong condemnation of the attacks on the sovereignty and security of the Emirates.”
He affirmed that “Lebanon stands with its Emirati brothers, just as the Emirates have always stood with it,” emphasizing that Beirut would put “its modest means at the service of the friendly Emirati people.”
For his part, the Emirati deputy prime minister expressed “his interest in the situation in Lebanon,” inquired about the latest developments and assured that his country was ready to provide “all possible support to contribute to the restoration of stability in Lebanon.”
Furthermore, Rajji received a message from the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean and the Gulf, Dubravka Šuica, who expressed her "full solidarity with Lebanon," wishing it success in "overcoming the current challenges, as it has in the past overcome equally difficult trials."
She also stressed, "the need, in these difficult circumstances, to strengthen the partnership between the European Union and Lebanon."
UNIFIL reports seeing Israeli soldiers enter Lebanon before withdrawing south of Blue Line
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported observing Israeli soldiers enter Lebanese territory near Markaba, Adaisseh, Kfar Kila and Ramieh this morning, before withdrawing south of the Blue Line.
“UNIFIL remains in constant contact with the Lebanese and Israeli sides, as well as with the Mechanism, to call for de-escalation,” the statement added.
“Despite extremely difficult conditions, the peacekeepers continue to carry out their mandates under resolution 1701 and will continue to report to the Security Council,” the peacekeeping force continued.
"Through our continued presence, as well as through the patrols, operational activities and contacts with local communities conducted by our Blue Helmets, we proudly demonstrate our enduring commitment to peace and security in the region," the text concludes.
Update on latest developments in southern Lebanon, northern Israel
Israeli airstrikes targeted the towns of Deir Siryan (Marjayoun district), Ainata (Bint Jbeil) and an area between Bedias and Burj Rahal (Sour), according to local media reports.
Meanwhile, warning sirens sounded in northern Israel, along the Lebanese and Syrian borders, due to a suspected air intrusion, according to Haaretz.
Katz: Operation against Iran was initially planned for mid-2026
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the operation against Iran was initially planned for mid-2026, "but due to all the developments and circumstances, it became necessary to move the operation forward to February," Haaretz reports.
"After the successful operation during the 12-day war in June 2025, I already said at the time, and it was clear: We are not fighting the last war, we must prepare for the next one," Katz added.
Ankara summons Iranian ambassador after ballistic missile fired toward its airspace
Turkey summoned Iran's ambassador to Ankara to express its displeasure and concerns after a ballistic missile was fired from Iran towards its airspace, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters.
Two houses, several cars damaged in northern Israel due to missile barrage from Lebanon
Two houses and several cars were damaged in the northern Israeli town of Metula due to a missile barrage from Lebanon, according to Haaretz.
British destroyer HMS Dragon will depart for Eastern Mediterranean 'next week'
The British missile-launching ship HMS Dragon will only set sail "next week" for the Eastern Mediterranean, where it is to help protect UK allies and British bases in Cyprus, a Western official told AFP.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced yesterday the deployment of HMS Dragon, a T45-class destroyer of the Royal Navy, and two Wildcat helicopters in response to drone attacks targeting several countries in the region, and after the British military base at Akrotiri in Cyprus was struck by a drone overnight Sunday to Monday.
Explosions were heard in Jerusalem
New explosions were heard on Wednesday in Jerusalem, AFP journalists reported, after the Israeli army issued a warning about incoming Iranian missiles.
This series of detonations occurred about two hours after the first salvo of missiles was detected, triggering warning sirens throughout the city.
Simultaneous Hezbollah kamikaze drone attacks on Tel Aviv. Haifa
Around 2 p.m., Hezbollah carried out a series of simultaneous attacks with kamikaze drones on the Tel Hashomer base (located 120 km from the border), the Haifa naval base and the Ramat David base with a squadron of suicide drones.
New Israeli strikes target south Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes have targeted the area located between the villages of Ainata and Aitaroun, as well as the villages of Rshaf (Bint Jbeil district), Harouf (Nabatieh), Qantara (Marjayoun) and Kfar Tibnit (Sour), according to local media outlets.
Simultaneous attacks by Hezbollah kamikaze drones on areas in Tel Aviv and Haifa
At around 2 p.m., Hezbollah carried out a series of simultaneous attacks with kamikaze drones on the Tel Hashomer base (located 120 km from the border), the Haifa naval base, and the Ramat David base with a squadron of kamikaze drones.
Two Israeli soldiers wounded in Hezbollah anti-tank missile strike
Two Israeli soldiers were wounded after an anti-tank missile was fired in southern Lebanon, according to the Israeli army, quoted by Reuters.
Earlier in the day, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for two new attacks on Israeli soldiers who were in Lebanese territory near Houla, while the Israeli army accelerated its advance into southern Lebanon today.
Israeli strikes kill 7 children in the country in last 24 hours
Israeli strikes have so far killed seven children and wounded 38 others since it escalated amid an escalation of Israeli strikes on the country, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, cited in a report published by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Nearly 60,000 people, including 18,000 children, have been displaced during the same period, adding to the tens of thousands already forced to leave their homes, the report said.
More than 12,000 families have found refuge in more than 300 reception centers across the country, many of which have already reached maximum capacity.
"No child should ever be killed or bear the physical and emotional scars of violence for the rest of their lives," said Marcoluigi Corsi, UNICEF representative in Lebanon. "The violence must stop. Children must always be protected," he added.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for two new attacks, including one overnight more than 70 kilometres from the border
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for two new attacks carried out in the last 24 hours against Israel, in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon.
Hezbollah said it targeted the radars at Kiryat Eliezer, Haifa's main air defense base, with a squadron of kamikaze drones at 5 p.m. yesterday, Tuesday.
At 4.30am last night, it claimed responsibility for an attack on the Ein Shemer base, linked to anti-missile air defense, which is located more than 70 kilometers in a straight line from the border with Lebanon.
This attack was also carried out with drones.
US kills Iranian leader of Trump assassination plot, says Pentagon
The U.S. military said on Wednesday that it killed an Iranian official who headed a unit behind an alleged assassination plot against President Donald Trump but that the target was not the initial focus of the war.
"The leader of the unit who attempted to assassinate President Trump has been hunted down and killed. Iran tried to kill President Trump and President Trump got the last laugh," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a news briefing.
"While that was not the focus of the effort by any stretch of the imagination — in fact, never raised by the President or anybody else — I ensured, and others ensured, that those who were responsible for that were eventually part of the target list," Hegseth told reporters.
Hegseth did not name the individual but said the operation took place on Tuesday.
In 2024, the U.S. Justice Department charged an Iranian man in connection with an alleged plot ordered by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards to assassinate Trump, then U.S. president-elect. Tehran has denied accusations that it had targeted Trump and other U.S. officials
Latest developments in Israel's aggression on Lebanon, according to local media
Israeli airstrikes have targeted Kafra, Yater (Bint Jbeil), Arnoun and Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh), according to local media outlets.
Moreover, Al Manar reported that a rocket barrage has been fired from Lebanon toward Israel.
Israeli artillery shelling is also targeting the hills surrounding the town of Kafra (Bint Jbeil).
Iran says it targeted opposition groups in Iraqi Kurdistan
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that they targeted armed Kurdish opposition in Iraqi Kurdistan that are adversaries to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
"Bases and headquarters of the Komala and anti-revolutionary groups were successfully hit by three missiles" fired at 11:00 a.m. (07:30 GMT), the Revolutionary Guards said in a statement.
Several Kurdish opposition groups in exile in Iraq announced in late February the formation of a political coalition aimed at overthrowing the Islamic Republic and, ultimately, achieving self-determination.
Turkey was not the target of the missile launched from Iran, according to a Turkish official
Turkey "was not the target of the missile" launched from Iran, which was heading towards Turkish airspace and was destroyed by NATO defense systems based in the eastern Mediterranean, a Turkish official told AFP.
"We believe it was aimed at a military base" in Cyprus, "but it deviated from its course," he added, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Iranian intelligence officials have indirectly contacted Washington to discuss a cease-fire
According to the New York Times, members of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence indirectly contacted the CIA shortly after the war began to propose talks on the terms for ending the war.
The report cites both regional sources and figures from a Western country who were informed of this contact, stating that the message was relayed to Washington through the intelligence services of an unidentified third country.
Israeli army claims to have struck air defense systems at Tehran airport
The Israeli army has announced that the Israeli air force carried out strikes against infrastructure at Tehran's Mehrabad airport, reports Haaretz.
If Israel attacks Iranian diplomats in Lebanon, Iran will retaliate on Israeli embassies, says Tehran
A senior Iranian official told the Tasnim news agency that if Israel attacks Iranian diplomatic missions or harms Iranian diplomats in Lebanon, the response will be to "target Zionist missions and their nationals in other countries."
The Israeli army has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Iranian representatives still present in Lebanon to leave the country.
Warning sirens sound again in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, AFP journalists report
Warning sirens sounded again in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Wednesday, AFP journalists report.
"A short while ago, the Israeli army identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel," it said in a statement, adding that defense systems were in action "to intercept the threat."
It also said in another short statement that it had intercepted "several drones launched from Lebanon towards Israeli territory" following the sirens that sounded in central Israel.
US army strikes an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing one and leaving 101 missing
Three U.S. officials told Reuters that the U.S. military carried out a strike against an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka.
According to these sources, U.S. forces targeted and hit an Iranian naval vessel as part of ongoing military operations against Iran. This strike represents a significant escalation of hostilities in the conflict between the United States and Iran.
According to information available from the Sri Lankan authorities, an Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena, sank after an attack by a submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing one, injuring 78, and leaving 101 missing.
A rescue operation is underway to find the missing sailors and treat the survivors.
Sri Lankan authorities have not officially confirmed who was behind the attack and have referred to the "cause as yet undetermined" while conducting the rescue operation.
Hezbollah claims responsibility for two attacks on the Israeli army in Houla
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for two new attacks, this time targeting Israeli soldiers on Lebanese territory. These are the first claims of this kind, as the Israeli army accelerated its ground invasion into southern Lebanon today.
Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli army transport vehicle at 11:20 a.m. in the Lebanese town of Houla (Marjayoun).
Hezbollah also fired on an Israeli army Merkava tank in the same village at noon, "in response to the criminal Israeli aggression that targeted dozens of Lebanese towns and villages, including the southern suburbs of Beirut."
A ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz hit by 'unknown projectile,' according to UKMTO
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of an incident two nautical miles north of Oman, heading east, in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
A container ship reported being hit by an unknown projectile just above the waterline, causing a fire in the engine room.
No environmental impact has been reported at this time. Authorities are investigating. Ships are advised to navigate with caution and report any suspicious activity to the UKMTO.
Municipality of Abbasieh calls residents to evacuate the village
The municipality of Abbasieh (Sour) stated that a call was received at the Civil Defense Center in the village, informing the mayor and local elders to evacuate the town within two-hours.
As a result, the municipality asked residents to begin evacuating the village calmly and in an organized manner, and to head to safe locations to ensure their safety and that of their families.
Strike on Khiam, Marjayoun
Photo sent by our correspondent in southern Lebanon, Muntasser Abdallah
Latest developments in Israel's aggression on Lebanon, according to our correspondent in the south
- Hezbollah has fired a barrage of rockets from Lebanon into Israel, triggering air raid sirens in many parts of the country, including Tel Aviv.
- Israel targeted the border village of Houla (Marjyoun) with a series of air strikes.
- A short while ago, a Lebanese Army patrol, accompanied by members of the Lebanese Civil Defense, evacuated four Lebanese citizens from Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun), including three elderly women, all in good health.
- Israel targeted the outskirts of the village of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya) with white phosphoric artillery.
Strikes against Iran: Over a thousand people killed, according to state media
Iran's official news agency Irna has reported 1,045 deaths, including civilians and military personnel, since the start of the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran on Saturday.
The previous official death toll, released on Tuesday by the Iranian Red Crescent, stood at 787.
"During the military aggression carried out by criminal America and the usurping Israeli regime against our Islamic homeland, 1,045 of our dear military personnel and civilians" were killed, Irna wrote, citing a statement from the Martyrs and Veterans Foundation.
Turkey: Missile fired from Iran heading towards Turkish airspace destroyed
A missile fired from Iran heading towards Turkish airspace was destroyed by NATO defense systems based in the eastern Mediterranean, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense.
"A ballistic missile fired from Iran heading towards Turkish airspace after flying over Iraqi and Syrian airspace was intercepted and neutralized in time by NATO air and missile defense elements deployed in the eastern Mediterranean. ... The incident caused no casualties or injuries," the Turkish ministry said in a statement published on X.
Israel announces it identified missiles fired from Iran towards Israel
Israel has announced that it has identified missiles launched from Iran towards Israel, launched in retaliation to the Israeli-U.S. offensive against Iran.
"A short time ago, the Israeli armed forces identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel. Defense systems are being activated to intercept this threat," the army said.
A message was sent to mobile phones calling on the population to prepare to take shelter before the alert was lifted a few minutes later.
Iranian media reports strikes on residential buildings in southeastern Tehran
Iran's official news agency reports strikes on residential buildings in southeastern Tehran
Building in Bechara al-Khoury receives Israeli evacuation threat by phone
A family in a building on Bechara al-Khoury Street in Beirut, housing people displaced by the current Israeli aggression, received an evacuation threat by phone, ordering them to distance themselves by 500 meters as the building would be targeted with an imminent strike.
The calls caused some residents to run into the street in panic, while others, mainly older women, refused to leave and remained in the building, sat together and made a pot of coffee.
Latest updates from southern Lebanon
- The Lebanese Army, accompanied by the Red Cross, is working to rescue Nouf al-Sayyar, who remains trapped as the Israeli army encircles her home in Tall al-Nahas (Marjayoun).
- Israeli warplanes have targeted Arnoun (Nabatieh). Violent air strikes, described as a veritable barrage of fire, are targeting the village of Markaba (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent in the south.
- Israeli artillery fire targeted the outskirts of Yohmor (Nabatieh).
- An Israeli drone conducted a machine-gun sweep operation in Khiam (Marjayoun).
Hazmieh municipality denies finding weapons in an apartment
The municipality of Hazmieh has denied reports in local media, published in L'Orient-Le Jour, that weapons were found in an apartment during a municipal inspection of homes in the area.
The US Senate prepares to vote on measure to block Trump's war on Iran
The U.S. Senate was set to vote on Wednesday on a bipartisan resolution to end the military campaign launched by the United States against Iran, unless Congress explicitly authorizes it, Reuters reports.
The measure, led by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine, aims to reaffirm Congress's constitutional power to declare war.
While the Senate vote will allow representatives to formally take a stand, the measure is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled Congress and would likely be vetoed by President Donald Trump if it did.
Heavy traffic in Saida caused by Lebanese Army measures at Nahr al-Awwali checkpoint
Screenshot of video sent by our south Lebanon correspondent, Muntasser Abdallah.
There has been heavy traffic at the northern entrance of Saida — for those heading from Beirut to the South — due to the Lebanese Army procedure at its checkpoint at Nahr al-Awwali.
Yesterday, there were conflicting reports that the Lebanese Army arrested Hezbollah members on one of its checkpoints.
In a similar context, Justice Minister Adel Nassar and Attorney General at the Court of Cassation Judge Jamal Hajjar warned Lebanese citizens against carrying illegal weapons.
In accordance with the laws in force, any person found in possession of a weapon not authorized by the official Lebanese authorities, regardless of its nature, will be immediately arrested and brought before the military court, and their weapon will be permanently confiscated.
Iran postpones state funeral for Khamenei originally scheduled for today
Iran has decided to postpone the state funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, originally scheduled for this evening in Tehran, as the country faces massive Israeli-U.S. strikes.
"The farewell ceremony for the martyred imam has been postponed ... in anticipation of an unprecedented turnout," state television said, adding that the new date would be "announced later."
On Wednesday morning, a tribute had been announced for the same evening in Tehran in front of the remains of Ali Khamenei, who died at the age of 86 in a strike and is to be buried in the holy city of Mashhad in northeast Iran, where he was born.
Lebanese Health Ministry reports 'significant damage' to Bahman Hospital in Haret Hreik
The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that an Israeli strike on the Haret Hreik neighborhood in the southern suburbs of Beirut caused "significant damage" to Bahman Hospital, next to the targeted building.
"Glass shards caused several injuries among hospital staff, in addition to widespread panic that led to several patients undergoing treatment fainting," the ministry said in a statement. It reiterated that medical facilities are normally protected under the provisions of the Geneva Conventions and urged the international community to force Israel to comply with international law.
Latest updates from southern Lebanon
Israel has targeted the villages of Aita al-Shaab and Maroun al-Rass (Bint Jbeil). Moreover, an Israeli drone strike has targeted Harouf (Nabatieh).
Sn Israeli airstrike that targeted the village of al-Majadel (Sour), injured two people, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Israeli artillery shelling has targeted the town of Khiam (Marjayoun), the villages of Ramia and Qouzah (Bint Jbeil) and the outskirts of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya).
Rubble is now being cleared in Saida from the site that was targeted yesterday.
Coordination is underway to demolish the remaining part of the building, as it poses a danger, in preparation for fully reopening the road.
Two girls among eight people killed in Israeli strike on Baalbeck
Maram Abd al-Sattar, killed in an Israeli strike on Baalbeck
The identities of the victims of the Israeli strike that killed at least eight people and wounded 14 others last night in Baalbeck, in the Bekaa Valley, continue to emerge.
According to our correspondent in the region, two girls, named Miral and Maram Abd al-Sater, were killed along with their older brother, Rabih Abd al-Sater.
Lebanese University professor Maryam Raad had already been identified among the victims.
Israeli army kills person in Khiam, circumstances remain unclear
Israel has killed a person in Khiam (Marjayoun), according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon, though it remains unclear if he was killed by Israeli gunfire or an Israeli strike.
South Lebanon: Woman trapped as Israeli army surrounds her home in border village
A woman is currently trapped in her home, which has been surrounded by Israeli soldiers, in the village of Qlaya (Marjyoun), in the Tal al-Nahas area, where Israeli troops are occupying, according to information from our correspondent.
She had returned home to inspect her house and retrieve some personal belongings when Israeli forces opened fire on the outskirts of the house and threw grenades from their outpost at the Tal al-Nahas intersection.
Her family has appealed to the Lebanese Army and the Red Cross for help in getting her out of the area.
Aftermath of Israeli airstrike on Haret Hreik
Debris covers a street in Haret Hreik after an Israeli air strike targeted the area in the southern suburbs of Beirut on March 4, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
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Hezbollah claims responsibility for two new attacks on Israeli logistics centers
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several strikes carried out since this morning against Israel, notably against the headquarters of an aerospace company near Ben Gurion Airport and military infrastructure in northern Israel.
In its first statement, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a strike carried out at 2 a.m. against the headquarters of Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI), an Israeli company producing defense systems, whose premises are located not far from Ben Gurion Airport.
The attack was carried out using kamikaze drones. In addition, the pro-Iranian militia claimed to have targeted the Giv'at base, located east of the city of Safad, with a "precision missile" at 3:30 a.m.
The third attack, also at 3:30 a.m., targeted the Northern Command headquarters at the Dado base, also near Safad, with a "precision missile."
These two attacks were carried out "in response to the criminal Israeli aggression that affected dozens of Lebanese towns and villages, including the southern suburbs of Beirut," according to the statement.
Rajji to his Cypriot counterpart: Lebanon is taking measures to prevent further attacks
In a phone call with his Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos, Lebanese Foreign Minister Joe Rajji condemned the "attacks" against the island after a British base was repeatedly targeted by gunfire.
According to sources in Cyprus, the attacks were carried out by Hezbollah. During the call, Rajji affirmed "Lebanon's solidarity with Cyprus in the face of these hostile acts," emphasizing his country's commitment to taking all necessary measures and steps to prevent further attacks.
Israel threatens entire area south of Litani River with evacuation
Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, issued an evacuation threat to residents residing south of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
This area includes the city of Sour, which is home to tens of thousands of people.
Series of threatening calls in Lebanon: ISF investigates but downplays significance
A source within the Internal Security Forces (ISF) told L'Orient Today that many people across Lebanon are receiving calls asking them to evacuate the buildings they are in, as we reported earlier.
"We already saw this happen on a large scale during the 2024 war. We are currently investigating what is going on, but based on our experience during the last conflict, these are most often either false calls as part of [the Israeli army's] psychological warfare, or someone playing a prank," the source said.
Israeli army occupies Mais al-Jabal government hospital
An Israeli battalion occupied the Mais al-Jabal (Marjayoun) government hospital this morning, according to information from our correspondent.
The Israeli army has also begun work in the area known as "Azrael," south of the border town of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya), coming from the Bastara farm on Lebanese territory, our correspondent reports.
Israeli forces had occupied area earlier on Wednesday. Earthworks have begun in the area, alongside the advance of Israeli Merkava tanks in the sector.
The Israeli army announced this morning that it had invaded Lebanese territory in the western sector with its 146th division.
Overnight Israeli strikes on Lebanon from March 3 to 4
Evacuation calls received by people in Lebanon, their source is unconfirmed yet
Fakhani supermarket in Tallet al-Khayyat (Beirut), Qabr Shmoun (Aley), and Ras al-Nabaa received threatening calls from Israel.
A source at the Internal Security Forces told L’Orient Today that many people across Lebanon are receiving threats by phone.
“We saw this heavily even in the 2024 war, we are currently verifying what is going on, but with our experience in the last war, more often than not they are either fake calls as part of [the Israeli army’s] psychological warfare, or someone pulling a prank."
A threat call has targeted the building where Al Jamaa Al Islamiyyah MP Imad Al-Hout resides in Barbour, Beirut. It is currently being evacuated, local media reports.
Evacuation of the Masna border crossing [between Lebanon and Syria] is also ongoing following a call allegedly by the Israeli army calling on people to evacuate, our correspondent in the Bekaa reported.
Israel announces it shot down Iranian fighter jet over Tehran
Israel announced that it shot down an Iranian fighter jet over Tehran on the fifth day of the U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran, according to AFP.
"An Adir (F-35) aircraft from the Israeli Air Force recently shot down an Iranian fighter jet (YAK-130) over Tehran," the Israeli army said in a statement.
Aley, Jdeide, Barbour, Masnaa: Threatening calls from Israeli numbers force evacuations in several regions of Lebanon
Since this morning, numerous reports have been circulating concerning calls allegedly made from Israeli numbers threatening residents in buildings across several regions of Lebanon. A building in Qabr Shmoun, in the district of Aley, which houses displaced persons, was threatened, according to a neighbor contacted by L'Orient Today.
The headquarters of the municipality of Jdeide was also evacuated, according to local media, as was the building where the vice-president of Al Jamaa Al Islamiya is believed to live in Barbour, south of Beirut.
The Masnaa border post on the Syrian border was also evacuated after threats, the source of which is currently under investigation, according to our correspondent in the region.
Telephone threats received by phone to residents of Ras al-Nabaa, Beirut
Youssef al-Amin’s family lives in Ras al-Nabaa, near the military court and the French embassy. His mother missed a call yesterday from an Israeli number. Today, they heard screaming from their neighbors in the building and discovered that their neighbors had received evacuation threats via phone.
They immediately left the building with only their “work stuff” such as their laptops. When they went downstairs, residents of nearby buildings saw them gathered and immediately started evacuating their buildings.
“My father went back upstairs to collect our valuable items from the house,” he concluded.
Cypriot authorities close Larnaca airport airspace after observing a 'suspicious object' coming from Lebanon
A Cypriot government source told Reuters that the airspace above Larnaca airport in southern Cyprus was closed after a 'suspicious flying object' sent from Lebanon was detected.
Latest developments in southern Lebanon
The Israeli army has carried out at least five new air strikes in southern Lebanon in the last hour, while its ground troops continue to advance their invasion of the border area, according to the latest information from our correspondent in the region.
- Israel targeted with airstrikes the villages of Jarmaq (Jezzine), Qoussair (Marjayoun), Tayr Falsayh (Sour), Beit Lif (Bint Jbeil), and Wadi Berghoz (Hasbaya).
- Israel also targeted with artillery fire the villages of Arnoun (Nabatieh) and Khiam (Marjayoun), while debris from an interceptor missile fell on Houla (Marjayoun).
- At the same time, Israeli ground forces are invading Lebanese territory, advancing towards the area known as "Azrael," south of the border town of Kfar Shuba (Hasbaya), coming from the Bastara farm on Lebanese territory, according to our correspondent.
Woman injured from strike on Baabda still unconscious
The woman injured in the Israeli strike on Baabda last night, Fatima Hamade, 34, remains in serious condition. She has not yet regained consciousness after suffering a serious head injury.
According to her cousin, Hassan Hamade, interviewed by our journalist Lyana Alameddine at the Sacré Coeur hospital in Hazmieh, not far from the hotel, Fatima was asleep in her room at the time of the strike.
A hotel receptionist, she worked Monday to Friday and slept in a room on the first floor. At weekends, she would return to her home village of Qomatieh, where her parents live.
Her father, Zaher Ali Hamade, says that army intelligence officers came to question him. According to him, the employees initially had difficulty finding her under the rubble.
Baabda Justice Palace evacuated following threats to nearby building
The Baabda Justice Palace was evacuated this morning after a nearby building was threatened with an attack, according to information confirmed to L'Orient Today by a source close to the municipality, who requested anonymity, and the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Following these threats, which are neither "serious nor confirmed" according to the source, Judge Mirna Bayda decided to evacuate the courthouse immediately. The threatened building is inhabited by an elderly woman living alone, according to the NNA. Security forces and the military have established a security perimeter around the area to ensure the safety of citizens.
"The evacuation of the Baabda courthouse is a precautionary measure taken in response to certain concerns, the veracity of which is currently being verified," Justice Minister Adel Nassar wrote on his X account.
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Hezbollah fires missiles on Israeli outpost on occupied Lebanese territory
Hezbollah launched a barrage of missiles against an Israeli post located on the occupied Hamames hill, near Khiam, in southern Lebanon, according to information from our correspondent in the region.
The targeted site is one of six posts Israel still occupies on Lebanese territory since the cease-fire of Nov. 27, 2024, which ended the previous open war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Four Israeli strikes on southern suburbs of Beirut, fighter jets fly low over the city
At least four Israeli strikes have targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut in the last half hour, while fighter jets continue to fly over the Lebanese capital.
Israel announces it is reinforcing its deployment on the border with Lebanon
The Israeli army has announced that it is reinforcing its deployment on the border with Lebanon, in the western sector, and will be deploying its 146th division there.
Israel announced on Wednesday that it was carrying out "large-scale" strikes on Tehran, while an AFP journalist reported seeing an explosion in the north-east of the Iranian capital.
"The Israeli air force has begun large-scale strikes targeting Iranian terrorist regime targets in Tehran," according to a statement.
Two explosions heard in Beirut after evacuation threat on a building in Haret Hreik.
Hezbollah press office bans all media coverage in southern suburbs of Beirut
In a statement sent to journalists, Hezbollah's press office has banned all media coverage in the southern suburbs of Beirut due to "ongoing violent and indiscriminate Israeli air strikes and in view of the serious security risks."
All forms of coverage are suspended "until further notice," including live broadcasts, reports, on-site presence, and interviews, the party said.
Israel targets building in Laylaki, southern suburbs of Beirut
Israel targeted the Laylaki neighborhood in the southern suburbs of Beirut shortly after issuing an evacuation threat for a building in the area.
Toll of Israeli strike on Baalbeck: Body of woman recovered from under the rubble, 5 others
According to our correspondent in the Bekaa Valley, the body of a woman has been recovered from beneath the rubble of a four-floor residential building targeted overnight by an Israeli air strike on Baalbeck.
Rescue workers had already reported five people killed in the strike, relayed by the state-run National News Agency (NNA).
Night-time attack on Comfort Hotel in Baabda: 1 person seriously injured
Israel carried out a strike on the Comfort Hotel in the Baabda-Hazmieh area at around 4 a.m., seriously injuring a woman who had been working at the hotel for ten years and was originally from the district of Aley.
Between 10 and 15 guests were staying at the hotel, all of whom were people displaced due to the current war, according to the owner, Georges Chibli. The building suffered extensive damage and the strike caused panic among local residents.
Chibli told our reporter on the scene that he did not know "who was being targeted." "These are the same guests as during the last war, mainly from the southern suburbs and the south, and there were no strikes then," he added.
He added that the hotel "took precautions, asked for names and ages, and did not admit young people."
In front of the Comfort Hotel, the army is still deployed, along with the police, intelligence services, and state security forces.
Although some media outlets reported that Hezbollah had been deployed and had established a security perimeter around the targeted building, the hotel owner and a witness denied these reports.
Chibli also denied reports in the press overnight that an Iranian official had been targeted, just hours after Israel issued an ultimatum giving Iranian diplomats and officials 24 hours to leave Lebanon.
Ask our co-editor-in-chief Anthony Samrani your questions
Q&A: Hezbollah intervention, Israeli plans for Lebanon, regional developments, and escalation.
A multitude of questions arise in the current context. Ask yours to our co-editor-in-chief Anthony Samrani in the comments section of this article (if you are a subscriber) or by email at livechatolj@lorientlejour.com.
He will be answering live today at 10:30 a.m. Lebanon time.
Kuwait announces death of 11-year-old girl by falling debris
Kuwait announced on Wednesday the death of an 11-year-old girl killed by falling debris in a residential area of the emirate's capital, as Iran continued its retaliatory strikes in the Gulf countries.
Rescue teams attempted to resuscitate her during her transport to the hospital, but "she succumbed to her injuries," the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health said in a statement, without specifying the victim's nationality.
A state funeral for Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 36 years before being the U.S. and Israel killed him in a strike on Saturday will begin on Wednesday evening and last for three days, according to the official Irna news agency.
"From 10 p.m. on Wednesday [6.30 p.m. GMT], the faithful will be able to pay their last respects to the remains of the martyred leader of the nation by visiting the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque" in Tehran, Irna said, citing a statement from the Islamic Development Coordination Council.
Ali Khamenei, who died at the age of 86, is to be buried in the holy city of Mashhad, northeastern Iran, where he was born.
Israeli evacuation threat against residents of building in Laylaki, southern Beirut
Israel has issued new warnings against a building located in the Laylaki neighborhood, in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The targeted building is located near the Al-Ghad Institute, according to a map published by the Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli army.
New explosion heard in Beirut
A new explosion was heard in Beirut, thirty minutes after strike threats were made against a building in Hadath. Fighter jets were heard flying over the capital.
Loud explosion heard around Beirut
Israel carried out two new strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut. The explosions were heard throughout the capital and thick grey smoke rose above the area.
According to a message posted on X by its Arabic-speaking spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, the building is in Haret Hreik, near a school, and is located between Hachem gas station and the Romany pharmacy.
Israel threatens to strike another building in southern Beirut
The Israeli army has ordered the evacuation of a new building in southern Beirut that it plans to strike, according to a message posted on X by its Arabic-language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee.
The building is located in Haret Hreik, next to a neighborhood school, between the Hachem gas station and Romany pharmacy, according to the map attached to the message.
US 'authorizes' non-essential personnel to leave Cyprus
The United States announced Wednesday that it has “authorized” its non-essential personnel to leave Cyprus, where a British military base was struck by an Iranian attack overnight Sunday into Monday.
The State Department “has authorized the departure of non-essential U.S. government employees,” as well as their families, “from Cyprus due to security risks,” the U.S. Embassy said in a statement.
Iran: Revolutionary Guards claim 'full control' of the Strait of Hormuz
The Revolutionary Guards have claimed “full control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil trade at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, according to a statement.
“Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is under the full control of the Islamic Republic Navy,” said Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a senior official in the Guards’ naval forces, cited by the Fars news agency.
Hezbollah claims overnight strike on Israeli troops in Metula
Hezbollah claimed 13 attacks on Israel on Tuesday, announced that its first strike on Wednesday was launched at 1:20 a.m. using rockets against “a gathering of Israeli army forces in Metula.”
During the night, Hezbollah also said it targeted Haifa and the area around Kfar Yuval, near the border.
Southern Lebanon: 1 killed in strike on Shaqra, Israel tells residents of 16 villages to evacuate
Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, the Israeli army continued launching strikes across southern Lebanon, targeting Harouf, Kfar Tibnit, Arnoun, Yohmor (Nabatiyeh), Tiri, Beit Lif, Ramieh, Shaqra, Jmaijmeh (Bint Jbeil), and Khiam (Marjayoun). The strike on Shaqra killed one person and injured two.
The Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson issued an urgent warning to residents of 16 villages in southern Lebanon — including Markaba, Houla, Majdal Selm, Shaqra, and Beni Hayan – telling them to evacuate “immediately” and move at least 1,000 meters to open areas. In its statement, the army said that “Hezbollah’s activities” leave it no choice but to act “with force” against the Shiite group.
Regional war: US strikes nearly 2,000 targets in Iran since Saturday, first French evacuations
On the fifth day of the Middle East war, triggered Saturday morning by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, the escalation shows no signs of abating.
Here are the latest developments:
- The United States has hit nearly 2,000 targets since the start of the conflict, Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for the Middle East, said. He added that the strikes in the first 24 hours were “twice” as large as those carried out at the start of the 2003 Iraq invasion.
- Donald Trump stated yesterday that the U.S. had “almost completely destroyed” Iran, citing, in particular, the country’s navy, air force, and aerial detection systems.
- The Israeli army announced Wednesday morning a new “broad wave of strikes” on Iran, following three significant missile barrages launched by the Islamic Republic against Israeli territory in recent hours. The army said the strikes targeted “launch sites, air defense systems, and other infrastructure” in Iran.
- Air raid sirens sounded across multiple areas in Israel overnight Tuesday into Wednesday as the military worked to intercept Iranian attacks. No major impacts have been reported so far, although munitions fell, according to police, in the Tel Aviv area, where a woman was slightly injured by shrapnel.
- The first flight to evacuate French nationals stranded in the Middle East since the start of the war arrived early this morning at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport from Oman, AFP reported. About 100 seats had been reserved by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for the most “vulnerable” individuals, according to the minister responsible for Francophonie, international partnerships, and French citizens abroad.
Four people killed in Israeli strike on residential building in Baalbeck
Our correspondent in the Bekaa reported that at 3:10 a.m., an Israeli strike hit northern Baalbeck, completely destroying a four-story residential building.
According to the National News Agency (NNA), at least four people were killed, and rescue teams are currently searching through the rubble.
Six people killed in overnight strikes on villages in Aley and Chouf districts
Israel appears to have expanded the scope of its airstrikes overnight. Before targeting Baabda, fighter jets struck Aramoun in the Aley district and Saadiyat in the Chouf shortly before 1 a.m.
These two attacks left six people dead and eight injured, according to the Ministry of Health.
Local media report that the target in Aramoun was reportedly an official in al-Jamaa al-Islamiya, whose headquarters had been hit a few hours earlier in Saida, in southern Lebanon. The strike hit a building near the gendarmerie barracks and the local electricity company in the Bayader Khaldeh neighborhood.
At least one person was killed in the strike: a displaced resident from Arab Salim in the south.
Strike on hotel in the Baabda area, southeast of Beirut
Around 4 a.m., Israel carried out a strike in the Baabda area, southeast of Beirut, less than two kilometers away from the presidential palace. The attack, which came without prior warning, targeted the Comfort Hotel in the residential neighborhood of Brasilia. No immediate casualties were reported following this unprecedented strike on the area.
Hello and welcome to our live blog.
Welcome to our live coverage of this third day of Israeli aggression on Lebanon, as Israel continues to strike since the night from Sunday into Monday.
Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for around fifteen rocket and drone attacks targeting Israel.
We will also be following the fifth day of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, as Tehran retaliates with attacks against Israel and U.S. military bases in the Gulf countries.
For details on the past 24 hours, visit our live coverage from Monday and overnight.
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