Israel Launches New Attacks on Tehran and Lebanon, Iran Retaliates

Residents of Dubai and Doha awoke to the sound of explosions as air defenses worked to intercept missiles.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 6:04am

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Israel launched new attacks against targets in Tehran and Lebanon, prompting a retaliatory response from Iran that included missile strikes against neighboring Gulf states. The attacks come amid heightened tensions in the region.

Why it matters

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran poses significant risks to regional stability and could draw in other countries in the Gulf. The attacks highlight the fragile security environment and the potential for miscalculation leading to wider confrontation.

The details

According to reports, Israel struck targets in Tehran and Lebanon, likely in response to alleged Iranian-backed attacks on Israeli interests. Iran then fired missiles towards the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, with air defense systems working to intercept the projectiles. The exchange marks the latest flare-up in the long-running tensions between the regional rivals.

  • The attacks occurred early on Tuesday morning, local time.
  • Israel's strikes on Tehran and Lebanon took place overnight.

The players

Israel

A country in the Middle East that has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with Iran.

Iran

A regional power in the Middle East that has been at odds with Israel for decades.

United Arab Emirates

A Gulf state that was targeted by Iranian missile strikes in retaliation for Israel's attacks.

Qatar

A Gulf state that was also targeted by Iranian missile strikes in retaliation for Israel's attacks.

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What they’re saying

“The situation is extremely tense and the risk of further escalation is high. All sides need to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a wider conflict.”

— Javed Malik, Middle East Analyst

What’s next

The United Nations Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and call for de-escalation between the parties involved.

The takeaway

The latest exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran underscores the fragility of the regional security environment and the potential for miscalculation to spiral into a broader conflict. Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and prevent further escalation will be crucial in the days and weeks ahead.