On day 22 of the US-Israel attacks, Iran reports heavy casualties and launches counterstrikes, as conflicts spread across the Middle East.
The war initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran has reached its fourth week, with Iranian officials reporting more than 1,400 people killed, including at least 204 children. Air defenses in Tehran activated following explosions as Iranians celebrated Nowruz, the Persian New Year, amid ongoing hostilities.
In Iran and Retaliations
Iran has fired ballistic missiles at a US-UK military base on Diego Garcia and launched its 70th wave of attacks, targeting Israel and US bases in the Gulf. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of self-defense actions, citing risks to British lives after the UK allowed US strikes from its bases.
Millions of Iranians marked the rare alignment of Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz under threats of bombardment, with anti-Western protests at holy sites like the Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad.
Developments in the Gulf
In the United Arab Emirates, Iran warned of potential strikes on Ras al-Khaimah if aggression continues. Bahrain intercepted and destroyed 143 missiles and 242 drones since February 28, while Saudi Arabia shot down 47 drones over its eastern region. Kuwait reported attacks on its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery, which processes 730,000 barrels of oil per day, resulting in a fire.
Qatar condemned Israeli strikes on southern Syria as violations of sovereignty, and the US is considering actions against Iran’s Kharg Island, a key oil hub, while deploying additional 2,200 to 2,500 Marines to the region.
In Israel, authorities reported nine salvoes of Iranian missiles causing widespread damage, with Palestinian citizens demanding equal shelter access. In occupied Palestine, missile fragments damaged sites near the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem.
Lebanon reported at least 1,001 deaths, including 118 children, from renewed Israeli attacks, and evacuation orders were issued for Beirut suburbs. In Iraq, a US camp near Baghdad was hit by rockets, and Syria faced Israeli strikes on military infrastructure.
US President Donald Trump stated considerations to wind down operations but ruled out a ceasefire, emphasizing the need to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
