★IRAQ

1. Drones and Rockets Strike U.S. Embassy in Baghdad

Iraqi security sources reported that rockets and at least five drones targeted the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, the heaviest attack since the start of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran. Two drones were intercepted by air defenses, while a third hit inside the compound, causing fire and smoke. Baghdad’s Green Zone has been secured, and Iran-backed militias continue retaliatory attacks.

2. Drone Hits Baghdad Green Zone Hotel, No Injuries Reported

Iraq’s Interior Ministry said a drone struck the Al-Rasheed Hotel inside Baghdad’s Green Zone, causing no injuries or material damage, marking another incident targeting high-security areas in the capital amid ongoing regional escalation and repeated drone and rocket attacks linked to Iran-aligned groups operating in Iraq.

3. Four PMF Fighters Killed in Western Iraq Strike

At least four Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) members were killed, and three were wounded in a strike on a checkpoint near Al-Qaim, Anbar province, near the Syrian border. A second strike on the same site injured four more. PMF units, including Iran-aligned factions, have been both targets and perpetrators in ongoing US-Israel–Iran regional hostilities since February 28.

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★UNITED STATES & ISRAEL

4. Israel Destroys Aircraft Used by Iran’s Supreme Leader at Tehran Airport

The Israel Defense Forces said it carried out an overnight strike on March 16, destroying an aircraft at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport that had been used by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials for travel and military coordination. The IDF said the precision attack degrades Iran’s ability to coordinate logistics, procurement, and ties with allied forces amid the ongoing conflict.

5. IDF Destroys Iranian Satellite Attack Base to Maintain Space Supremacy

An IDF Unit 9900 official stated Israel destroyed an Iranian base developing technologies to target Israeli and other satellites, aiming to preserve Israeli space superiority. The site supported the IRGC’s Chamran-1 satellite program and broader aerospace efforts, raising concerns over potential ICBM development. Israel conducted multiple strikes to protect surveillance capabilities and limit Iran’s space warfare potential.

6. US Attack on Iranian Warship Sparks Anger in India

The sinking of Iran’s IRIS Dena by a U.S. submarine in the Indian Ocean has raised tensions with India. The vessel was destroyed in under three minutes by a Mark 48 torpedo from the USS Charlotte (SSN‑766), killing at least 84 crew members. Indian officials criticized the U.S. for acting near Indian waters without consultation, calling the strike shocking and a challenge to regional trust. 

7. Trump Envoys Hold First Hamas Talks During Gaza Ceasefire Strain

Envoys from US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace met Hamas representatives in Cairo over the weekend to try to maintain the Gaza ceasefire. The discussions, the first publicly reported since the start of the Iran war, aim to preserve the truce and advance postwar plans for Gaza’s administration and reconstruction. Rising tensions from US and Israeli operations against Iran have complicated the ceasefire and diverted international attention from the Gaza recovery efforts.

8. Trump Pressures Allies to Secure Strait of Hormuz

President Trump urged US allies to assist in securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, citing US military capability to reopen it and reporting strikes on 30 Iranian mine-laying vessels. Amid ongoing US-Israel–Iran hostilities, over 6,000 US sorties have targeted Iranian military assets, while Israel and Iran continue mutual air and drone strikes. Iran signals readiness for a prolonged war.

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★GULF STATES

9. Kuwait Foils Hezbollah-linked Cell of 16 Members

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 16 individuals—14 Kuwaiti and 2 Lebanese—linked to Hezbollah, plotting to destabilize the country and recruit for the organization. Authorities seized firearms, assassination weapons, encrypted devices, drones, propaganda materials, drugs, and cash. Investigations continue, and the suspects will be referred to the public prosecutor, with strict measures against any security threats.

10. UAE and Qatar Intercept Multiple Iranian Missile and Drone Attacks

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it struck Israeli targets and the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar during the 57th wave of Operation True Promise 4, using missiles and drones and reporting additional attacks on bases in Bahrain and the UAE.

11. Fire Breaks Out in Fujairah Oil Zone After Drone Attack

A fire erupted in Fujairah’s oil industrial area following a drone strike, authorities reported, with no injuries reported. Civil defense teams responded immediately and continue efforts to contain the blaze. Officials urged the public to rely on official sources and avoid spreading rumors about the incident.

12. Drone Attack Forces Suspension Of Abu Dhabi Shah Gas Field Operations

UAE authorities said a drone attack caused a fire at Abu Dhabi’s Shah gas field, forcing suspension of operations while damage is assessed, with emergency teams containing the blaze and no injuries reported, according to official statements and multiple independent reports confirming the incident.

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★IRAN

13. Thousands of Iranian Forces Killed in US-Israeli Strikes

Reports claim at least 5,000 Iranian security personnel were killed and over 15,000 wounded in US-Israeli strikes, mainly targeting missile and drone units. No official figures were released. Authorities allegedly restricted funerals as morale declined, with reports of salary delays, desertions, and reduced operational readiness across military and police forces.

14. Mojtaba Khamenei Survived Israeli‑US Strike by Minutes

Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, narrowly survived U.S. and Israeli air strikes on his Tehran compound after stepping outside moments before missiles hit. The attack on Feb. 28 killed his wife, son, brother-in-law, and other officials, while Mojtaba suffered a leg injury, according to leaked audio from senior Iranian officials.

15. Larijani Rejects Trump AI Claim, Offers No Verifiable Evidence

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani rejected President Donald Trump’s claim that pro-government rallies were AI generated, stating millions participated in nationwide anti-US and anti-Israel demonstrations, comparing Trump’s remarks to Pahlavi-era statements during the 1979 revolution, and asserting widespread public mobilization, while providing no verifiable evidence, independent confirmation, or technical rebuttal to support his claims. He also called on Islamic countries to decide “which side” they support, accused the United States and Israel of aggression, said Iran responded with resistance, criticized governments for failing to back Iran, questioned their tolerance of U.S. bases used for attacks, and urged unity while stating Iran seeks cooperation not domination. 

16. Pahlavi Names Ebadi To Lead Iran Transitional Justice Committee

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi announced the formation of a committee to draft transitional justice regulations, stating Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi will lead efforts to design a court and fact-finding commission addressing alleged abuses under the Islamic Republic. 

17. EU Imposes Sanctions Over Iran Protest Crackdown Abuses

The EU imposed sanctions on 16 individuals and three entities for serious human rights violations tied to suppressing January 2026 protests in Iran, which followed economic unrest and spread nationwide. Authorities responded with arrests amid rising casualties, while Tehran blamed foreign actors for fueling unrest.

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★LEBANON

18. Hezbollah Fires Rockets and Drones at Nahariya 

Hezbollah targeted Nahariya in northern Israel with rockets and drones, wounding one and causing fires, while six others suffered smoke inhalation. The conflict, sparked on March 2 after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has displaced over one million people in Lebanon and killed at least 886, including 111 children. Israel has launched ground and air operations in southern Lebanon.

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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.