Israel launches new strikes on Tehran and Lebanon as Iran hits back and fires on Gulf neighbors

Residents of Dubai and Doha awoke to explosions as air defenses worked to intercept Iranian fire

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:18am

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Residents of Dubai and Doha, Qatar, awoke to the sound of explosions as air defenses worked to intercept new waves of incoming Iranian fire. Israel launched new strikes on Iran's capital and on Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, as the war in the Middle East showed no signs of abating. Iran kept up pressure on the energy infrastructure of its Gulf Arab neighbors, hitting an oil facility in Fujairah, UAE. The virtual shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz is unnerving the world economy, driving up energy prices and threatening food shortages.

Why it matters

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with Iran also targeting Gulf Arab nations, is causing significant disruption to global energy supplies and the world economy. The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments, is raising fears of a wider energy crisis.

The details

Israel launched a 'wide-scale wave of strikes' across Iran's capital and stepped up strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Iran hit an oil facility in Fujairah, UAE and a tanker anchored off the coast. The UAE and Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was hit by shrapnel from drones, and a strike targeted a house in Baghdad's presidential compound.

  • On Tuesday morning, residents of Dubai and Doha awoke to the sound of explosions as air defenses worked to intercept Iranian fire.
  • Early Tuesday, Israel said it had begun a 'wide-scale wave of strikes' across Iran's capital and was stepping up strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
  • On Tuesday morning, Iran hit an oil facility in Fujairah, UAE and a tanker anchored off the coast.
  • On Tuesday morning, the UAE and Saudi Arabia reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles.
  • On Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was hit by shrapnel from drones and a strike targeted a house in Baghdad's presidential compound.

The players

Israel

A country in the Middle East that has launched new strikes on Iran and Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict.

Iran

A country in the Middle East that has been launching attacks on Israel, Gulf Arab nations, and their energy infrastructure.

Hezbollah

An Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon that Israel has been targeting with strikes.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

A Gulf Arab nation that has been targeted by Iranian attacks, including on an oil facility in Fujairah.

Saudi Arabia

A Gulf Arab nation that has reported intercepting Iranian drones and missiles.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with Iran also targeting Gulf Arab nations, is causing significant disruption to global energy supplies and the world economy. The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments, is raising fears of a wider energy crisis that could have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences.