Israel, US escalate strikes on Iran as Tehran retaliates region wide

Agencies, Tehran/Dubai/Washington

Published: 14 Mar 2026, 12:00 AM Updated: 14 Mar 2026, 05:27 AM

Israel, US escalate strikes on Iran as Tehran retaliates region wide

Residents and officers from Israel’s Home Front Command inspect a house destroyed by an Iranian missile strike in Zarzir, northern Israel, on Friday. - AP PHOTO

A A

The Israeli military launched a fresh wave of airstrikes across Tehran on Friday, marking the 14th consecutive day of attacks on Iran. The strikes targeted key infrastructure of what Israel described as the “Iranian terror regime,” as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.

“The IDF has just begun a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime across Tehran,” the military said.

AFP journalists reported a series of powerful explosions around 10am (06:30 GMT), shaking homes several kilometres apart in the north and centre of the capital.

Explosion hits Quds Day demonstration

A large blast struck Ferdowsi Square at midday, where thousands of people had gathered for the annual Quds Day rally in solidarity with Palestinians. Iranian state television reported that one person was killed, with at least one woman fatally injured by shrapnel. The cause of the explosion remains unclear.

Israel had issued a warning on a Farsi-language social media account for civilians to clear the area shortly before the blast. However, widespread internet shutdowns in Iran likely prevented many from seeing the message. Footage from the scene showed demonstrators chanting “God is greatest” as smoke rose over the square.

Senior Iranian officials, including judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, were present at the rally. Both vowed that Iran would not withdraw despite the strikes, with Ejei stating that Iran “under this rain of missiles will never retreat.”

Casualties and Injuries

Iran’s Health Ministry reported at least 1,444 deaths and 18,551 injuries from US and Israeli strikes since 28 February. Overnight missile and drone attacks by Iran targeted Israel and neighbouring Gulf states, causing damage to infrastructure and civilian areas.

In northern Israel near Nazareth, an Iranian missile damaged several homes, leaving 58 people injured, mostly with minor injuries. One person sustained moderate shrapnel wounds.

Iranian retaliation and regional attacks

Iran has continued missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz. In Oman, two expatriate workers were killed when drones crashed in the al-Awahi industrial area of Sohar province, causing injuries to others. Saudi authorities reported intercepting nearly 50 drones sent in multiple waves targeting their territory. In Dubai, debris from an intercepted drone sparked fires in an industrial area and damaged a building at the Dubai International Financial Centre, a hub for banks, capital traders, and exclusive restaurants. Meanwhile, in Turkey, NATO forces intercepted a ballistic missile near Incirlik Air Base, used by US forces, marking the third such interception since the war began.

Iran has also threatened further attacks on banks and financial institutions following recent strikes on Tehran-based banks.

US military plane crash in Iraq

All six US service members flying on board a military refueling plane that crashed in Iraq on Thursday died, the US military’s Central Command announced early on Friday, noting the circumstances of the incident, which involved another US military plane, are under investigation.

The incident involved two aircraft, with one landing safely. This marks the fourth publicly acknowledged US aircraft lost during operations against Iran. Last week, three American fighter jets were accidentally downed by friendly Kuwaiti fire.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the chaos of war, stating, “The sacrifice of those killed will only recommit us to the resolve of this mission.”

Leadership statements

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to continue attacks and maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz in his first public statement since succeeding his father, who was killed on the opening day of the conflict. The statement was read by a state television anchor, as Khamenei has not been publicly seen since taking office.

US President Donald Trump expressed his belief that Khamenei is likely alive but “damaged” following the initial strikes, though he provided no evidence to support this assessment. Trump also celebrated the attacks on Iranian leadership on social media and in interviews, calling Iran’s leaders “deranged scumbags” and claiming it was his “great honour” to target them. He indicated that US forces would continue hitting Iran “very hard over the next week” and suggested escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, while expressing hope that the situation would remain under control.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military campaign and hinted at the potential toppling of the Iranian regime, stating that Israel was “creating the optimal conditions” for internal change.

Global implications

The conflict has sent oil prices surging. Brent crude remains above $100 per barrel and has spiked to around $120, roughly 40% higher than pre-war levels. Attacks on tankers in Iraq’s Basra port and repeated strikes across the Gulf have raised fears of a wider energy crisis.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the death of a French soldier in Irbil, Iraq, following a drone strike on troops deployed as part of the multinational mission against the Islamic State.

Two tankers were set ablaze in the Iraqi port of Basra earlier this week after being hit by suspected Iranian explosive-laden boats. Drones and missiles have also struck infrastructure in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman.

For all latest news, follow the Daily Sun's Google News channel.

USA