US-Israel War Against Iran LIVE Updates: Iraq Turns to Kurdish Pipeline as Strait of Hormuz Disrupts Oil Supply

18 Mar, 26 : 04:06 PM

Iraq Resumes Oil Exports via Kurdish Pipeline Amid Supply Crisis

Iraq has reached an agreement to resume oil exports through a pipeline passing via the Kurdish region to Turkey’s Ceyhan Terminal, helping ease a major supply crisis caused by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Oil production had dropped sharply, severely impacting the economy. The deal allows Iraq to recover some lost revenue and stabilise output. It also reflects a temporary easing of tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, driven partly by global pressure to maintain oil supplies. Diplomatic efforts, including involvement from Tom Barrack, helped facilitate the agreement. Read More: Iraq Resumes Oil Exports via Kurdish Pipeline Amid West Asia War and Supply Crisis

18 Mar, 26 : 03:32 PM

Missile Lands in Central Israel After Interception in North, No Injuries Reported

Israeli media reports that one missile was successfully intercepted over northern Israel, while another struck the central part of the country. Authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported following the incidents. The developments come after a loud explosion was heard across central Israel, raising concerns before officials clarified the situation. Air defence systems remain on alert amid ongoing security tensions in the region.

18 Mar, 26 : 03:26 PM

Bahrain Intercepts 130 Iranian Missiles, 234 Drones Since Conflict Began

Bahrain has successfully intercepted and destroyed 130 Iranian missiles along with 234 drones since the outbreak of hostilities, according to the Bahrain Defence Force. Air defence systems continue to respond to repeated aerial threats, demonstrating sustained operational readiness amid ongoing regional tensions. In a statement shared on X, authorities said they are actively countering “successive waves” of attacks originating from Iran, highlighting the continued intensity of the conflict and the country’s efforts to safeguard its airspace.

تُعلن القيادة العامة لقوة دفاع البحرين أن منظومات الدفاع الجوي بقوة دفاع البحرين بفضلٍ من الله، ثم بيقظة رجالها مستمرة في مواجهة موجات تتابعية من الاعتداءات الإيرانية الإرهابية الآثمة، استهدفت مملكة البحرين.https://t.co/i80mNGLEyhpic.twitter.com/kbFnpoPclk

— قوة دفاع البحرين (@BDF_Bahrain) March 18, 2026

18 Mar, 26 : 03:20 PM

Israeli Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Kill 2, Including Paramedic; Baalbek Toll Rises

An Israeli airstrike on the southern Sidon killed two people and wounded one, according to the National News Agency. The Health Ministry confirmed that one of the victims was a paramedic. The strike reportedly targeted a car near Sidon’s waterfront. Meanwhile, the death toll from a previous Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the Ras al-Ain neighbourhood of Baalbek has risen. Four people were killed and seven injured in that attack, underscoring the continuing toll of airstrikes in southern and central Lebanon.

18 Mar, 26 : 02:50 PM

Israeli Strikes in Central Beirut Leave 12 Dead, 41 Injured

At least 12 people have died and 41 others were wounded following Israeli attacks on central Beirut. The strikes caused significant destruction in the heart of the city, intensifying the humanitarian crisis and adding to the mounting casualties from ongoing military operations in Lebanon.

18 Mar, 26 : 02:32 PM

Israel Admits Tank Fired on UN Position in Southern Lebanon, 3 Peacekeepers Wounded

The Israeli army has acknowledged that one of its tanks mistakenly fired on a UN position in southern Lebanon earlier this month, injuring three Ghanaian peacekeepers. The incident occurred on March 6 at the al-Qawzah base, according to a statement reported by Reuters, and Israel has formally apologised to both Ghana and the United Nations.

Israeli forces said the shelling was in response to antitank missile fire from Hezbollah, which had moderately wounded two Israeli soldiers. The army called the incident regrettable, stressing that findings from internal investigations have been shared across the IDF to prevent similar mistakes. Meanwhile, UNIFIL described the attack as “unacceptable,” noting that its own investigation is still ongoing.

18 Mar, 26 : 01:53 PM

Israeli Drone Strike in Southern Lebanon Kills One

According to the National News Agency, a person was killed in an Israeli drone attack on Burj Qalaouiyah, located in the southern Lebanon district of Bint Jbeil. The incident highlights ongoing cross-border tensions and continued air operations in the region.

18 Mar, 26 : 01:15 PM

Iran to Hold State Funerals for Larijani and Soleimani Today

Iran is set to hold funerals today for senior officials Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, both of whom were killed in recent Israeli airstrikes. Larijani, a key figure in Iran’s security establishment, and Soleimani, who headed the Basij paramilitary force, were among the most prominent casualties of the attacks, according to reports by Iranian news agencies. The killings have intensified tensions in the region, with Iranian officials warning of a strong response. Amir Hatami stated that Iran’s reaction to the assassination of its top security leadership would be “decisive and regrettable,” signalling a potential escalation following the strikes.

18 Mar, 26 : 12:38 PM

Dubai Foils Aerial Threats, No Casualties Reported

The Dubai Media Office stated that air defence systems successfully intercepted incoming threats, ensuring public safety with no injuries reported. Authorities confirmed that all interception operations were carried out effectively, neutralising potential risks without causing harm. In an official post on X, the Dubai Media Office urged residents to depend only on verified information, saying that all air interception efforts were successful and no casualties had occurred. Officials emphasised the importance of following trusted sources for accurate and timely updates.

Authorities in Dubai confirm the success of all air interception operations, with no injuries reported. Please rely on official sources for updates.

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 18, 2026

18 Mar, 26 : 11:53 AM

Israel Strike Injures 11 Civil Defense Staff in Nabatieh

Lebanese Civil Defense reported that 11 of its personnel were injured following an Israeli airstrike on the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. The attack is part of a continuing wave of strikes across the region, impacting both civilians and emergency responders working on the ground. According to Lebanese authorities, the ongoing conflict has claimed at least 912 lives since March 2. The escalation has also triggered a large-scale humanitarian crisis, with more than one million people displaced from their homes. Of those, over 130,000 are currently taking shelter in officially designated facilities, highlighting the growing strain on resources and infrastructure across the country.

18 Mar, 26 : 11:01 AM

Israeli Strikes Hit Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and Beirut, At Least 17 Dead and Several Injured

Israeli forces carried out fresh airstrikes on Sahmar in the eastern Bekaa Valley for the second time in a single morning, escalating military activity in the region. The strike followed closely after two separate raids targeted the nearby town of Yahmar, indicating a coordinated series of attacks across the valley within a short timeframe. The violence extended beyond the Bekaa Valley, with multiple overnight strikes reported in central Beirut and southern parts of Lebanon. Lebanese authorities confirmed that at least six people were killed in Beirut, while 11 others lost their lives in the south. The continued air raids highlight a sharp escalation in the conflict, with casualties mounting across different regions of the country.

18 Mar, 26 : 10:52 AM

Israeli Airstrike Destroys Beirut Building (Watch Video)

A residential building in central Beirut collapsed following an Israeli airstrike, shortly after the Israel Defense Forces issued an evacuation alert to residents in the area. The warning, delivered ahead of the strike, urged people to leave the neighbourhood immediately, citing an imminent attack targeting positions linked to Hezbollah. The strike resulted in the complete destruction of the building, sending debris and dust into the surrounding area. The attack is part of Israel’s ongoing operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with evacuation notices increasingly being issued before targeted strikes in densely populated areas.

A building collapses in Beirut following an Israeli strike after the Israeli military called on residents of the city's central neighbourhood to evacuate, warning of an imminent attack on the Lebanese capital targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah pic.twitter.com/vQpWZQs68m

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 18, 2026

18 Mar, 26 : 10:33 AM

Saudi Arabia Foils Drone Attacks in Eastern Region, Intercepts Ballistic Missile

Saudi Arabia successfully intercepted two waves of drone attacks in its eastern region within a short span of time, according to the Saudi Ministry of Defence. The defence authorities confirmed that three drones were neutralised in recent hours, preventing potential damage and ensuring the safety of key installations in the area. The latest interceptions occurred shortly after officials announced the destruction of a ballistic missile over Al Kharj Governorate. While debris from the intercepted missile fell near the Prince Sultan Air Base, authorities clarified that no damage or casualties were reported. The incidents highlight ongoing security threats in the region and the country’s heightened air defence readiness.

18 Mar, 26 : 10:19 AM

Israeli Airstrike Levels Beirut Building, Multiple Casualties Reported Across Capital

A powerful Israeli airstrike reduced an entire residential building to rubble in central Beirut early in the morning, sending massive clouds of dust and smoke into the air. The strike occurred around 5:30 am, completely flattening the structure. According to reports, residents had received a warning roughly 90 minutes earlier through a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces, urging people to evacuate at least 300 meters away. The same building had previously been targeted on March 12, when its basement was struck, indicating a deliberate follow-up attack aimed at total destruction.

The incident was part of a broader wave of strikes across Beirut, with several locations in the city hit on the same night. Reports suggest that these attacks resembled targeted assassination operations, where precision munitions are used to strike specific apartments within residential buildings. At least three apartments in downtown Beirut were reportedly targeted in such strikes. According to Lebanon’s health authorities, six people have been killed and 12 others injured so far. While the identities of those targeted remain unconfirmed, the attacks reflect an escalating pattern of Israeli operations witnessed across Lebanon in recent weeks.

18 Mar, 26 : 09:50 AM

Iran Launches ‘Retaliatory’ Missile Strikes on Israel, Two Killed in Central Region

Iran has claimed responsibility for a series of missile attacks targeting Israel, describing them as retaliation for the killings of Ali Larijani and Qassem Soleimani. Air raid sirens echoed across central Israel in the latest wave of strikes, though the full extent of damage remains unclear. Earlier attacks hit Tel Aviv and nearby areas, including Bnei Brak and Ramat Gan, where a couple in their 70s lost their lives. A resident described severe destruction, saying the missile struck directly, leaving victims no time to reach shelter.

Additional casualties were reported in the Sharon region and Bnei Brak, while infrastructure damage extended to a central railway station in Tel Aviv, prompting a temporary halt in nationwide train services. The situation has intensified as around 100 rockets are reportedly launched daily into northern Israel by Hezbollah, often coordinated with Iranian missile attacks. Although Israel’s air defence systems intercept most threats, some projectiles still break through. In certain cases, interceptor missiles themselves may cause unintended damage, with authorities investigating whether such an incident occurred in Ramat Gan during recent strikes.

18 Mar, 26 : 08:53 AM

US Strikes Iranian Missile Sites Near Strait of Hormuz as Iran Fires Retaliatory Missiles

The United States said it has carried out strikes on Iranian missile sites located near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, targeting facilities seen as a threat to regional security and shipping routes.

Meanwhile, Iran launched missile attacks across the region on Wednesday, vowing to avenge the killing of a senior security official. The latest exchange underscores the continued escalation of hostilities as both sides intensify military actions.

18 Mar, 26 : 08:30 AM

How Are US Officials Reacting to Larijani’s Death?

US officials have largely remained quiet following reports of the killing of Ali Larijani. Apart from brief remarks by Donald Trump, who vaguely referred to the death of a senior figure without naming him, there has been little reaction from the White House or other senior officials.

Trump has instead focused on criticising NATO allies for not supporting efforts to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Previously, Trump claimed that Iran was interested in negotiating a deal, though he expressed uncertainty about whom he would engage with, while Tehran has denied any such outreach.

The killing of key Iranian figures has also raised concerns about future diplomacy, with questions emerging over whether influential leaders capable of negotiating a potential resolution to the conflict will remain available.