Intense Israeli strikes hit Iran, Lebanon as U.S. warns bombardment will 'surge dramatically'

Intense Israeli airstrikes target Iran and Lebanon as U.S. warns of escalating conflict and heightened military involvement.

Intense Israeli airstrikes pounded the capitals of Iran and Lebanon early Friday (March 6, 2026) as the U.S. apparently struck an Iranian drone carrier at sea in its unrelenting campaign against the Islamic Republic's fleet of warships.

Iran launched new retaliatory attacks in West Asia at the end of a full week of bombardment, which U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned was “about to surge dramatically.” Israel's military said Friday (March 6) morning it had begun “a broad-scale wave of strikes” on Tehran, Iran's capital. Witnesses described the Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases.

Also Read: Iran-Israel war Updates

The Israeli military said strikes have already destroyed most of Iran's air defences and missile launchers. The war has escalated to affect countries across West Asia and beyond. Early Friday (March 6), Iran fired missile and drone attacks into Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host U.S. forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

In Lebanon, where the war has rekindled fighting between Israel and Iran-allied Hezbollah militants, Israel launched a series of airstrikes late Thursday (March 5, 2026) into Friday (March 6) in the southern suburbs of Beirut and other areas. Motorists jammed roads trying to flee or seek shelter.

The U.S. and Israel have battered Iran with nationwide strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program.