On the night of March 6, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a series of extensive airstrikes targeting what they described as the “terrorist regime’s infrastructure” in Tehran and Beirut. This operation was communicated via the IDF’s Telegram channel.
“During the night, the Israeli Air Force, guided by IDF intelligence, completed a large-scale wave of strikes in Beirut against the terrorist infrastructure of Hezbollah,” the statement read.
The IDF reported that their strikes focused on command centers associated with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, as well as multi-story buildings in Beirut that allegedly housed terrorist assets. Notably, the strikes included a command center for the executive council and a drone storage facility used for attacks on Israel.
In response to the Israeli strikes, Iran reportedly launched attacks on Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. According to Al Jazeera, a commercial complex in Manama, Bahrain, which houses the Israeli embassy, was among the targets.
The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated that they intercepted a cruise missile east of the central province of Al-Harj, later reporting the interception of three drones east of the capital, Riyadh.
Additionally, the Qatari Ministry of Defense announced that their air defense forces successfully intercepted a drone attack aimed at Al-Udeid Air Base in Doha, where U.S. military assets are stationed.
U.S. and Israeli Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel had already targeted Tehran, with U.S. President Donald Trump later declaring that American forces had initiated a “major military operation” against Iran to eliminate perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iranian authorities of financing and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Hamas in Palestine. The stated objectives of this military operation included dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities to prevent global destabilization.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel, as well as attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In light of the escalating military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for giving Iranians a chance to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and to guarantee safety for all nations affected by attacks originating from Iran.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC announced the commencement of the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and “American terrorist bases.” Trump urged the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong response.”
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the next phase of the military operation against Iran would be even more devastating.
On March 3, sources from Iran International reported that the Assembly of Experts in Iran had elected a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Israeli Air Force has conducted significant strikes in Tehran and Beirut, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. In retaliation, Iran has launched attacks on several Gulf states, escalating regional tensions amid a broader military operation involving the U.S.