War in Middle East expands dramatically with fresh waves of attacks

Tehran and its allies hit back against Israel, neighbouring Gulf states, and targets critical to the world’s production of oil and natural gas

Smoke plumes billow following Israeli bombardment on Beirut's southern suburbs on March 2, 2026. 

The war in the Middle East has expanded dramatically, with casualties and destruction reported across at least nine countries, including major strikes on the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Israeli and US warplanes launched a fresh wave of strikes across Iran, where the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) said more than 500 people had been killed since the conflict began.