Israel Strikes Lebanon After Hezbollah Missile Attacks, Expanding Iran War

JERUSALEM/TEL AVIV/DUBAI/BEIRUT – Israel launched new air strikes targeting Tehran and expanded attacks on Hezbollah militants in Lebanon on Monday. The strikes followed Hezbollah’s missile and drone attacks in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. U.S. President Donald Trump signaled that U.S.-Israeli operations could continue for weeks. Israel warned residents in southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate amid escalating tensions.

In Beirut, Israel carried out air strikes on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs and targeted senior militants near the capital. Explosions forced people to flee on foot and by car, clogging the roads. Israeli forces intercepted some projectiles from Lebanon, while others landed in open areas. The strikes followed a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in 2024 that had weakened Hezbollah significantly. Officials said Hezbollah was fully responsible for any escalation and vowed to respond to further attacks.

Meanwhile, Iranian forces hit U.S. and U.K. oil tankers in the Gulf and launched drones and missiles at military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Air raid sirens sounded across Israel, including Tel Aviv, as missiles streaked across the night sky. The ongoing attacks disrupted global air travel, closing major airports like Dubai. Oil prices surged as vessels waited in nearby waters. Iranian officials indicated a willingness to de-escalate, though Tehran remained prepared to continue fighting.

Read more : Iran Warns of Decisive Response to Any Attack

The U.S. confirmed its first casualties, including three service members killed in Kuwait. Trump paid tribute to the fallen and warned that more casualties were likely. He called on Iran’s military and police to surrender and urged the Iranian people to revolt against their government. Trump claimed the campaign had destroyed key Iranian military and naval targets and said air and naval strikes had hit over 1,000 sites since Saturday. Senior U.S. officials planned to brief Congress on the campaign’s progress.

Iran now faces a leadership vacuum after Khamenei’s death, with a temporary council assuming his duties. Experts say the deaths weaken Iran but will not end clerical rule or Revolutionary Guard influence. Social media analysis suggests Iranians are already considering his replacement. The conflict widened tensions across the Middle East, affecting civilians, energy markets, and international travel. Analysts warn that the situation remains volatile with potential for further escalation.