Middle East war spirals as Israel pounds Tehran and Beirut Estelle.Bronkhorst Tue, 03/17/2026 - 05:55 BAGHDAD - The Middle East conflict intensified dramatically overnight as Israel launched major strikes on Tehran and Beirut, drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad and attacks spread across Iraq and the Gulf. Here are the latest developments. Israel launches strikes on Tehran and Beirut The Israel Defense Forces said it launched a “wide-scale wave of strikes” in the Iranian capital Tehran early Tuesday. At the same time, Israeli forces began striking targets linked to Hezbollah in Beirut, marking another escalation in a conflict that has already spread across several countries. Drone and rocket attack hits US embassy in Baghdad The United States Embassy in Baghdad was targeted in an overnight attack involving drones and rockets. A security official said three drones and four rockets were launched at the compound, with at least one drone crashing inside the embassy grounds in Baghdad. No casualties were immediately reported. Trump urges allies to secure Strait of Hormuz US President Donald Trump called on allies to help secure the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Iran shut the strategic waterway in response to joint
