Israel strikes Beirut after Hezbollah missile fire amid widening Iran conflict
Mar 2nd 2026
After Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel, Israel bombed Beirut in a rapid escalation tied to US and Israeli strikes on Iran that followed the killing of Iran's supreme leader, raising fears of a broader regional war.
- Israel launched a barrage on Beirut after Hezbollah fired missiles across the border, with Israeli forces reporting interceptions and no immediate domestic casualties.
- Hezbollah said its attack was retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and for repeated Israeli actions.
- The United States and Israel carried out major strikes on Iran targeting missile sites, air force facilities and naval assets after Khamenei's killing, with Iranian officials saying more than 200 people have died.
- Iran responded with missiles and drones against Israel and Gulf states, causing civilian deaths, infrastructure damage and prompting regional governments to warn they retain the right to self-defense.
- European countries signaled diplomatic support and limited military cooperation with the US, while analysts warn the strikes could widen the conflict across the Middle East.