US & ‘Israel’ at war with Iran | Day 19 coverage
The 2026 war between ‘Israel’, the United States, and Iran started on February 28 with the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-‘Israeli’ military campaign. Nearly 900 coordinated strikes were executed within the initial 12 hours, targeting Iranian missile systems, air defenses, military infrastructure, and senior leadership figures across multiple sites.
The operation resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous other high-ranking officials, with explicit objectives of preventing nuclear weapon development, dismantling ballistic missile capabilities, and advancing leadership change.
Iran initiated large-scale retaliatory missile and drone attacks against ‘Israeli’ settlements, US bases, and allied targets throughout the Middle East.
The escalation also encompassed disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces shut it down; heightening risks to global energy supplies.
Subsequent phases featured intensified ‘Israeli’ airstrikes on Iranian fuel depots and energy facilities in Tehran and surrounding provinces, complemented by US efforts to neutralize naval assets and remaining missile infrastructure.
The war produced over 2,000 reported deaths across Iran, ‘Israel’, and Lebanon.
Economic effects have included sharp increases in oil prices and interruptions to international shipping, prompting releases from strategic petroleum reserves to stabilize markets.
Red Crescent confirms second death from rocket in Beit Awa
The Red Crescent confirmed that a second person, a woman, has died following a rocket landing in Beit Awa, south of Hebron.
Qatar orders departure of two Iranian diplomats over gas facility attack
Qatar's foreign ministry on Wednesday ordered Iran's military and security attaches along with their staff to leave the country within 24 hours, following an attack on its massive natural gas facility.
"Both the military attache and the security attache in the embassy, in addition to those working in the two attache offices, persona non grata, and requests that they leave the state's territories within a maximum period of 24 hours," the ministry said, in a social media post.
Officials warned that if Iran continues what they described as hostile behavior, Qatar will take additional measures in response.
Red Crescent reports one death from rocket in Beit Awa
The Red Crescent confirmed that a rocket hitting the town of Beit Awa, south of Hebron, has resulted in one fatality.
Rocket shrapnel wounds multiple in Beit Awa, West Bank
Several Palestinians were wounded, some critically, when fragments from a rocket landed in the town of Beit Awa, south of Hebron.
Kuwait arrests Hezbollah-linked 'terror cell'
Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of a terrorist cell affiliated with the banned Lebanese group Hezbollah.
Qatar intercepts ballistic missiles targeting Ras Laffan industrial city
Qatar’s Defense Ministry reported that the industrial city of Ras Laffan came under attack from two ballistic missiles launched by Iran.
Officials confirmed that the country’s air defense systems successfully intercepted both projectiles, preventing any casualties or damage.
Four injured from shrapnel in residential area in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense reported that four ballistic missiles launched toward Riyadh were successfully intercepted by the kingdom’s air defenses.
Parts of one missile fell near a refinery south of the capital.
Saudi authorities also reported that four residents were injured and minor property damage occurred after debris from intercepted missiles fell on a residential area in Riyadh.
UAE under attack from Iran
United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defense reported that its air defense systems are currently responding to missile and drone attacks originating from Iran.
Unverified reports claim Aramco refinery in Riyadh was hit
Preliminary reports suggest that a Saudi Aramco refinery facility in Riyadh may have been struck. These reports remain unverified, and no official confirmation has been issued by Saudi authorities or credible news outlets. At this stage, it is unclear if any damage occurred or if the facility’s operations were affected.
Earlier this month, on March 2, the Ras Tanura oil complex, one of the largest refineries in the Middle East, was targeted by two drones. Saudi military forces intercepted the attacks, controlling a small fire caused by falling debris. Some operational units at the 550,000 barrels-per-day facility were temporarily halted as a precaution, but local petroleum supplies were not affected. The incident underscored the vulnerability of Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and its significance to global oil markets.
Saudi warning
Saudi officials have warned that the kingdom could launch a direct military response if Iran carried out a coordinated strike on critical infrastructure. A deliberate attack on Aramco would trigger a strong reaction, while isolated incidents, such as rogue drones, would likely be monitored before any immediate action. Sources indicated that Riyadh could also retaliate against Iranian oil facilities if a coordinated attack affected Saudi Arabia’s main revenue sources.
Readers are advised to treat these reports with caution and await official statements from the Saudi government or Aramco.
Washington says it did not strike Iranian gas fields, blames Tel Aviv
US official denied any involvement in attacks on Iranian gas fields, attributing the strikes solely to 'Israel'.
Earlier, Iranian state media reported that both the US and 'Israel' had targeted sections of its oil and natural gas infrastructure, including the South Pars field, the world’s largest gas reserve.
An 'Israeli' source told CNN that the Asaluyeh facility in southwestern Iran had been struck. Another 'Israeli' official said, however, that the attack on South Pars was coordinated with the United States.
Once again, Saudi Arabia under attack, warning issued in Riyadh
Authorities in Riyadh City have issued an alert through the National Early Warning Platform, warning residents of a potential threat. Citizens are urged to follow official instructions, avoid gathering in public areas, stay away from dangerous sites, and report any suspicious activity to emergency services. Updates are expected as the situation develops.
Earlier, Saudi authorities reported that debris from four intercepted missiles fell in Riyadh, causing no casualties. The authorities successfully neutralized the incoming threats, and officials urged residents to stay clear of affected areas and follow safety instructions.
Saudi Civil Defense says danger has passed in Riyadh, Al-Kharj
After a warning was issued, Saudi Civil Defense announced that the danger had passed in both Riyadh City and Al-Kharj governorate.
Authorities urged residents to continue following official instructions, avoid gathering or filming, stay away from hazardous areas, and report any danger by calling 911.
Khamenei comments on killing of Ali Larijani
- Khamenei described Larijani as a statesman with extensive and diverse experience in the political, military, security, and cultural fields.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a statement on Wednesday mourning the killing of Dr. Ali Larijani, his son, and several of his colleagues in what he described as an assassination carried out by an enemy. He said the attack reflects the significance of Larijani’s role and the level of hostility against him.
According to the statement, Khamenei described Larijani as an experienced statesman with a broad background in political, military, security, and cultural fields, adding that his loss represents a major blow to the Islamic Republic during a critical period.
The statement carried a strong warning, with Khamenei saying that the bloodshed would only strengthen Iran and vowing that “those responsible will pay a heavy price soon.” He added that such assassinations indicate the enemy’s inability to confront Iran through other means.
The remarks come amid unprecedented regional escalation, fueling expectations of an imminent Iranian response as tensions continue to rise.
Huge explosions heard in Riyadh as authorities intercept attacks
Five loud explosions were heard in Riyadh on Wednesday, marking the nineteenth day of the ongoing war in the Middle East.
A resident in the capital told Roya News English, “I have no idea what’s happening, but it’s the first time we’ve heard explosions like this since March 1.”
Saudi Arabia has come under repeated attacks targeting military bases, energy facilities, and the diplomatic quarter in the capital, with strikes originating from Iran since the start of the US-‘Israeli’ assault on the country.
Saudi Civil Defense announced the activation of warning sirens over potential danger in the Riyadh region, while the Ministry of Defense said air defense systems were intercepting a ballistic missile threat over the capital.
CIA chief warns Iran poses direct threat to US
CIA Director John Ratcliffe said Iran has long posed a threat to the United States and now represents a direct, immediate danger.
He emphasized that Tehran’s actions, including regional operations and potential attacks on US interests, require close monitoring and preparedness.
US claims strikes on over 7,800 Iranian targets
US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that their war on Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, has hit more than 7,800 Iranian targets as of March 18. The operation is said to focus on dismantling Iran’s military and security capabilities.
CENTCOM reports that over 8,000 combat flights have been carried out, targeting command and control centers, IRGC headquarters, ballistic missile sites, naval vessels, weapons production facilities, and integrated air defense systems.
The US also claims more than 120 Iranian ships and submarines have been damaged or destroyed.
Operation Epic Fury: March 18th Update pic.twitter.com/LPgEPadZYM
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 18, 2026
'Israeli' bride flees to shelter on Highway 4 as sirens sound
Footage shows a bride running to a shelter on Highway 4 as sirens sound. The incident occurred during an early warning alert in southern 'Israel'.
Sirens sound in Jordan
Sirens sound in Jordan amid regional tensions.
Strikes damage South Pars gas field, no casualties reported
An Iranian local official said sections of the South Pars gas field were damaged after projectiles struck the site, describing the attack as carried out by 'American and 'Israeli' forces'.
The governor of Asaluyeh confirmed that multiple parts of the major gas field were hit, adding that the situation is now under control. Firefighting teams are working to extinguish the blaze caused by the strikes.
VIDEO - IRGC launches wave 62 of Operation True Promise 4
Video released by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) showing what it says is the 62nd wave of "Operation True Promise 4”.
