March 15, 2026 — Tel Aviv/Jerusalem The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck more than 200 targets in western and central Iran over the past day, including command centers, air defenses and weapon sites, as the war with Iran entered its third week. Iran responded with multiple ballistic missile salvos at Israel, triggering sirens across central, southern and northern regions and lightly injuring at least five people.
The escalation occurred amid the ongoing 2026 Iran war, which began on February 28 with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, also fired rockets and drones at northern and central Israel, prompting IDF counterstrikes on launchers and command centers in southern Lebanon and Beirut.
Israeli Operations in Iran
Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated the IDF has ‘thousands of targets’ remaining in Iran, with new ones identified daily, and plans for at least three more weeks of operations coordinated with U.S. allies. Recent airstrikes hit IRGC and Basij command centers in the Hamedan area. The IDF also eliminated Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Muhammad Ghazali and other operatives.
Iranian and Hezbollah Attacks
Iran launched at least seven missile barrages since midnight, with impacts in Bnei Brak, Ramat Gan and other areas causing injuries from glass shards and cluster munitions. A missile fragment damaged the U.S. consul’s residence in Jerusalem, drawing condemnation from the State Department. Hezbollah targeted Haifa and the Galilee with about 10 rockets, intercepted without casualties.
“We ‘never’ asked US for ceasefire,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, adding Iran is ready to defend itself indefinitely.
Regional and Diplomatic Developments
U.S. President Donald Trump discussed reopening the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and urged allies to deploy warships. Six U.S. soldiers died in a KC-135 crash in Iraq, raising U.S. fatalities to 13-14. Lebanon reported 850 deaths since fighting renewed, including civilians and health workers.
Israeli officials hinted at ceasefire talks with Beirut to disarm Hezbollah, though Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar insisted Lebanon act first. Gulf states like UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia intercepted Iranian drones and missiles.
Casualties and Impact
In Israel, 108 were hospitalized in 24 hours, mostly lightly injured or with anxiety; totals since February 28 exceed 3,000. Iran claims thousands killed, while human rights groups report over 3,000 Iranian deaths. The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands in Lebanon and disrupted global oil via Hormuz.
Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire. The war stems from Iran’s nuclear activities and proxy attacks, per U.S. and Israeli statements.