Israel renews strikes in southern Lebanon as regional attacks escalate
Mar 8th 2026
Israel struck targets in southern Lebanon after promising a new phase of operations, and the conflict widened as an attack on a Tehran oil facility and Iranian strikes on Gulf states produced civilian casualties and growing regional tension.
- Israel resumed airstrikes in southern Lebanon and said it targeted commanders tied to Iran's Quds Force.
- An Israeli strike hit an oil storage facility in Tehran, possibly the first attack on civilian industrial infrastructure in the war.
- Iran launched missiles and drones at Gulf countries and Iraq, causing civilian deaths and infrastructure damage across the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq.
- Lebanese health officials reported at least eight killed in southern Lebanon and local media said a Beirut hotel strike killed four.
- Reported death tolls stand at about 1,230 in Iran, more than 290 in Lebanon, 11 in Israel and six U.S. troops.
- A missile landed at the U.S. Embassy helicopter pad in Baghdad with no casualties reported, Kuwait said two border guards were killed, and Iranian leaders mixed apologies with hawkish statements.