Israel attacks Tehran, Beirut as U.S. sends Marines to West Asia
The Hindu
Escalating conflict in West Asia: Israel attacks Tehran and Beirut as U.S. Marines deploy amid rising casualties and economic concerns.
The Israeli military struck Iran and Beirut on Saturday (March 21, 2026) as the U.S. was sending thousands more Marines to West Asia and President Donald Trump accused NATO allies of cowardice over their reluctance to help open the Strait of Hormuz.
Also read: West Asia war updates on March 21, 2026
More than 2,000 people have been killed since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, while Americans appear increasingly concerned at signs the war could expand further as it enters its fourth week.
Israel said it was attacking Hezbollah on Saturday (March 21, 2026) in the Lebanese capital as it steps up airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed militia in the deadliest spill over from the war on Iran since Hezbollah fired on Israel in support of Tehran on March 2.
Israel also launched new attacks on Iran on Saturday (March 21, 2026), including on the capital, Tehran, its military said.
Vital energy infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states has also been attacked, and oil prices have jumped 50% since the war began, threatening global economic shock.
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