Tensions across the Middle East intensified on Friday as military strikes, missile attacks and drone interceptions were reported across multiple countries amid the widening conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran-backed forces.
Israeli strikes hit Beirut
The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out a strike in Beirut, targeting a member of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
Israel continued air strikes in the Lebanese capital early Friday and warned it could expand military operations and potentially seize territory in Lebanon if Hezbollah does not halt its attacks against Israel.
Explosion debris hits Dubai building
Meanwhile, authorities in Dubai said debris from an intercepted aerial attack struck a building in the city centre.
According to the Dubai government media office, the debris fell after air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles. Explosions rattled buildings across the financial hub, while a large cloud of smoke was seen rising over parts of the city.
Tehran hit by fresh strikes
In Tehran, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that strikes carried out by the United States and Israel hit several areas of the capital, causing explosions that shook residential buildings.
The attacks are part of the ongoing military campaign launched after Iran came under coordinated strikes by United States and Israel on February 28.
French soldier killed in Iraqi Kurdistan
The conflict has also drawn in other foreign forces operating in the region. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that a French soldier was killed in an attack in Kurdistan Region, marking the first French military fatality since the conflict began.
The attack occurred in an area where international forces operate as part of the coalition against jihadist groups.
A pro-Iran armed faction in Iraq, Ashab Alkahf, warned that French interests in Iraq and the wider region would be targeted following the deployment of a French aircraft carrier.
Iran launches missile barrage toward Israel
The Israeli military said early Friday that Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles toward Israel.
Israeli air defence systems intercepted several of the missiles, though emergency services reported that at least two people were injured in northern Israel.
Saudi Arabia intercepts drones
Regional tensions also spilled into the Gulf as Saudi Arabia reported intercepting multiple drones entering its airspace.
The Saudi defence ministry said at least twelve drones were destroyed after crossing into Saudi territory, while authorities said an additional sixteen drones were shot down earlier.
U.S. tanker aircraft crashes in Iraq
In a separate incident, the U.S. military confirmed that a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq.
According to United States Central Command, the aircraft was involved in an incident with another tanker plane, which landed safely. Officials said the crash was not caused by hostile or friendly fire.
Iran vows retaliation
Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed retaliation against those responsible for the strikes that triggered the war.
According to Iranian state television, Khamenei whose father and several relatives were reportedly killed during the opening attacks promised revenge for Iranian casualties. Iranian officials have also said he was injured during the initial strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later called on Khamenei to reveal his condition publicly.
Trump says war progressing rapidly
Speaking at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump said the military campaign against Iran was advancing quickly.
“It’s doing very well. Our military is unsurpassed,” Trump told reporters.
Strikes target Iranian paramilitary units
Israel said it had targeted checkpoints in Tehran belonging to the Basij, a paramilitary force linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Israeli military later confirmed launching another broad wave of strikes on Tehran, marking the 13th day of the ongoing campaign.
Iraq condemns air strikes on militia bases
Air strikes also hit positions near the Iraq–Syria border and in Baghdad, killing at least 11 fighters linked to Iran-backed groups, according to security officials.
Iraqi authorities condemned the attacks, saying they targeted bases belonging to Popular Mobilization Forces, a paramilitary force that has since been integrated into the Iraqi army.
Oil markets face historic disruption
The escalating conflict is also shaking global energy markets.
The International Energy Agency warned that the war is creating the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, as regional tensions affect production and shipping routes.
According to the agency, global crude output has dropped by at least eight million barrels per day, raising concerns about potential long-term impacts on energy supplies and prices.
