Iran carried out attacks on military and security installations in five Israeli cities—Arad, Dimona, Eilat, Beersheba, and Kiryat Gat—on the night of March 22, 2026, Bangladesh time, according to Al Jazeera. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that more than 200 people were killed in the strikes. Israel has not confirmed any fatalities, but its ambulance service reported 88 people injured in Arad and 39 in Dimona, while international media cited around 150 injured.

The IRGC also claimed responsibility for attacks on Ali Al-Salem base in Kuwait and Al-Minhad and Al-Dhafra bases in the United Arab Emirates. Following the strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the severity of the assault for the first time, describing the night as a “terrible evening.”

The incident marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, with multiple countries reportedly affected by the Iranian strikes, though independent verification of casualties remains unclear.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site of destruction in Arad city following an Iranian missile strike. During his remarks at the location, he called on world leaders to join a United States–Israel war effort against Iran. Netanyahu claimed that some countries were already moving toward participation and emphasized the need for broader international involvement.

He accused Iran of targeting civilians in the recent attack and warned that Iran possesses the capability to strike long-range targets within Europe. The comments came amid heightened regional tensions following the Iranian assault and ongoing discussions about global responses to the conflict.

The situation underscores growing international concern over the expanding scope of hostilities between Iran and Israel, with potential implications for European and Middle Eastern security.

Iran has remained under a complete internet shutdown since the first day of the ongoing war, which has now reached its 23rd day. According to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks, this marks the longest period of internet disruption in Iran’s history. The blackout has continued without restoration, cutting off digital communication across the country.

Earlier in January, Iran had also imposed internet restrictions during protests, but the current shutdown has surpassed that duration. The report highlights the scale and persistence of the current disconnection, which has drawn attention as a significant record in the country’s digital history.

The extended disruption underscores the severity of the wartime situation and its impact on communication infrastructure, though no official explanation or timeline for restoration has been provided in the report.

The Hormuz Strait, a narrow maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, has become a focal point of global tension after Iran effectively blocked it following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran on February 28. The strait lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, serving as one of the world’s busiest oil transport routes.

According to the report, about 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically pass through this route, with shipments from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Normally, around 3,000 vessels transit the strait each month, but traffic has dropped sharply as Iran has threatened attacks on tankers and other ships. Since the conflict began, at least 21 vessels have been attacked or targeted.

The disruption has pushed global energy prices higher, with crude oil surpassing 100 dollars per barrel, marking a 70 percent rise this year and 50 percent higher than last year.

Israel’s Ministry of Education has suspended all in-person classes across the country following twin missile strikes by Iran on the southern cities of Arad and Dimona. The decision will remain in effect on Sunday and Monday, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera.

Israeli media reported that about 100 people were injured in the attacks, with more than 50 of them in Arad alone. Other outlets, including Middle East Monitor and TRT World, stated that at least six people were killed and over 100 injured in Arad. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered intensified rescue and emergency operations in the affected areas, emphasizing reinforcement of field emergency and rescue teams.

The nationwide suspension of classes reflects heightened security concerns following the missile strikes, as authorities focus on emergency response and public safety measures.

Israel’s Health Ministry reported that at least 4,292 people have been hospitalized since the start of the conflict with Iran. The ministry’s data indicate that these injuries have occurred over the course of the ongoing hostilities, though no specific timeline or regional breakdown was provided.

According to an earlier report by Al Jazeera, at least 39 people were injured in a missile strike by Iran on the southern Israeli city of Dimona on Saturday night. The continuing exchanges of attacks between the two countries have raised concerns about escalating tensions across the Middle East.

Observers fear that the repeated strikes and counterstrikes could further destabilize the region, though no official statements on future actions were included in the report.

Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaei-Nik has issued a confident statement regarding the country’s wartime readiness, responding to US assessments suggesting a decline in Tehran’s defense capabilities. According to Al Jazeera, his remarks were published in Iranian media on March 22, 2026.

Talaei-Nik said that ongoing regional attacks demonstrate Iran’s ability to rely on strategic reserves and domestic production. He highlighted that two decades of investment in missile and drone manufacturing have enabled the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to strike targets with precision and effectiveness. He further noted that IRGC missile and drone operations, along with the use of cruise missiles from coastal and naval units, indicate improved accuracy compared to the early weeks of the conflict.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Talaei-Nik asserted that Iran’s armed forces effectively control and determine the security of the waterway.

Iran’s military has warned that it will strike energy infrastructure linked to the United States and Israel across the Middle East if its power plants come under attack. The statement was reported by Al Jazeera and delivered by Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Command. He said Iran would also target desalination plants and information technology infrastructure associated with the two countries.

The warning followed a threat from US President Donald Trump, who said that American forces would attack Iran’s power plants within 48 hours if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened. In response, Iran’s military issued its counter-warning. Separately, Fars News Agency cited the late Ali Larijani, former head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who had earlier cautioned that any strike on Iran’s power grid could plunge the entire Middle East into darkness within half an hour.

The exchange of threats underscores rising tensions in the Gulf region, with both sides signaling readiness for escalation over control of key energy and trade routes.

A rocket fired from Lebanon struck northern Israel on Sunday, killing one person, according to Israel’s emergency rescue service cited by AFP. The projectile hit several vehicles near the border area, and one occupant was later pronounced dead. Local fire services reported that two cars were engulfed in flames after taking a direct hit.

The report, sourced from The Guardian and relayed by Amader Desh, did not specify who launched the rocket or the exact location of the incident. The attack adds to ongoing cross-border tensions between Israel and armed groups operating from Lebanon, though no group was identified in the report.

Authorities have not released further details about the victim or the extent of the damage, and no official response from either side was mentioned in the source.

A military helicopter crash in Qatar has killed all seven people on board, including three Turkish nationals, according to Turkey’s Ministry of Defense. The ministry confirmed that one of the victims was a Turkish soldier, while two others were security personnel from the Turkish defense equipment manufacturer Aselsan. The remaining four victims were members of Qatar’s armed forces.

Qatar’s Defense Ministry stated that the helicopter went down early Sunday while performing routine duties due to a mechanical failure. Initially, six bodies were recovered and one person was reported missing. Later, the ministry confirmed that all seven had died and released their names. Turkey said that Qatar is conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Authorities from both countries have not yet disclosed further details about the investigation or the specific circumstances leading to the mechanical failure.

Iran launched missile attacks on Saturday night targeting two Israeli cities, Arad and Dimona, located near nuclear facilities. Israeli officials reported that more than 160 people were injured in the strikes, with several in critical condition. According to the report, 84 people were hospitalized in Arad and 78 in Dimona following the ballistic missile attacks.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that it was not yet aware of any damage to a nuclear research center situated about 13 kilometers from Dimona. Iran’s state television said the strikes were carried out in response to an earlier attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.

The incident marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, with both countries referencing nuclear sites in their actions. The full extent of the damage and potential international responses remain unclear.

Iran has launched multiple ballistic missile attacks on Israel, striking several cities and causing significant casualties. The assaults, reported on Saturday, targeted major urban centers including Dimona and Arad, where several buildings collapsed and hospitals declared emergencies. At least six people have been killed and hundreds injured, according to limited official disclosures under strict information controls. Sirens and mobile alerts have been repeatedly issued as Iran continues retaliatory strikes.

Israeli Army Radio reported that about 150 injured individuals sought treatment at Soroka Medical Center following the Dimona and Arad attacks. The Israeli military confirmed that Iran had fired another wave of missiles and stated that its air defense systems were actively responding. Explosions were also heard in central Israel shortly after missiles were launched from Iran, though no immediate casualties were reported.

Channel 12 reported additional missile impacts in Holon and alarm activations across central and northern Israel, including areas affected by rockets from Lebanon. Rescue teams have been deployed to affected regions as Israel’s defense forces remain on high alert.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The ultimatum, issued late on March 21, 2026, demands that Iran allow free passage through the key global energy corridor or face severe consequences.

In response, Iran dismissed the threat and issued a counter-warning. The Iranian military, citing Fars News Agency, stated that any attack on Iran’s energy or power infrastructure would trigger retaliatory strikes on all U.S. and allied energy, information technology, and desalination facilities across the region. Tehran reaffirmed its earlier warnings that any violation of its infrastructure would be met with a broad regional response.

The exchange of threats has heightened tensions in the Gulf, where the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global oil shipments. The situation underscores the fragility of regional stability and the potential for escalation if diplomatic channels fail to ease the standoff.

According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, an Iranian official announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to all types of vessels, provided that adequate security and safety are ensured. However, ships connected to what Iran defines as 'enemy' countries will not be granted this access. The statement was made by Ali Mousavi, Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Mousavi attributed the current disruption of this vital oil transport route to the 'aggression' of the United States and Israel. He emphasized that diplomacy remains Iran’s top priority, but achieving it requires a complete end to aggression and the rebuilding of mutual trust and confidence.

The announcement underscores Iran’s conditional approach to maritime access in the region, linking navigation rights to political and security considerations amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf.

Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Ali Mousavi, stated that foreign vessels can continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian government for security and safety reasons. Mousavi, who also serves as Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, told Mehr News Agency that while Iran will uphold its international obligations, other nations must also respect Iran’s regional integrity and rights.

He added that Iran is ready to cooperate with the IMO and other countries to enhance maritime safety and protect sailors. Mousavi emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to Iran’s enemies. He further claimed that the current situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz stems from the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The statement highlights Iran’s attempt to balance international maritime cooperation with its stance against adversarial nations, amid heightened regional instability.