Iran-US War Mapped as More Countries Dragged into Widening Middle East Conflict
Friday 27 March 2026 18:58 GMT – The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has unleashed widespread devastation across the Middle East, with the war spilling over into multiple nations in the region. Retaliatory strikes have ensnared several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan, following initial attacks. Iran has threatened its "most intense offensive operation" against US bases, exacerbating the crisis.
Civilian Targets and International Condemnation
Civilian infrastructure in the Gulf, such as hotels and airports, has been struck, with no apparent resolution to the hostilities. On Friday, the G7 condemned Iranian attacks on civilian facilities. The conflict has also affected countries outside the Middle East, with drones entering their airspace or engagements occurring at sea.
US-Israeli Attacks on Iran
The war erupted on Saturday, February 28, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei among the early casualties. The large-scale military assault by the US and Israel aimed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program and remove its leadership. Subsequent strikes have targeted key military sites and government buildings across Iran.
At least 175 people, predominantly children, were killed in an attack on a girls’ primary school in Minab, according to Iranian authorities. This incident sparked outrage from human rights groups and the United Nations, which called for an investigation into the "horrific" event. The school was adjacent to Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps buildings, which were also destroyed. The US is investigating the attack, while the UN expressed serious concern.
Since then, the US and Israel have focused on Iran’s energy facilities. Outside the Middle East, a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship in international waters off Sri Lanka on Wednesday, March 4, killing at least 87 Iranian soldiers. Reports indicate that over 10,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division could be deployed to support America’s operations. Additionally, a large bombing attack on Kharg Island, Iran’s crucial oil hub, occurred on March 13.
Iranian Attacks on Israel
The Iranian military has continued launching missiles and drones at Israel, striking civilian targets, as reported by Israeli authorities. Nine people were killed in Beit Shemesh on Sunday, March 1, after a missile evaded Israeli air defences, according to the local ambulance service. At least 16 people have been killed in Israel since the conflict began. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that avenging the US-Israeli attacks was Iran’s "legitimate right and duty."
Israeli Attacks on Lebanon
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified along the Lebanese border, despite a fragile Qatar-mediated ceasefire from November 2024. Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel to avenge Ayatollah Khamenei’s death, firing rockets and drones in retaliation. Human Rights Watch reported that Israel used white phosphorous, an incendiary weapon, over civilian homes in Lebanon on Monday, March 9. This chemical can burn skin to the bone and ignite buildings.
As of Friday, at least 1,094 people have been killed, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Over one million individuals, approximately 20% of the country’s population, have been displaced, with the UN’s refugee agency declaring a major humanitarian crisis.
Iranian Attacks on Gulf Countries
Iran has targeted several US military bases across the Gulf in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, causing chaos in the region. Countries have deployed armed forces to intercept aircraft entering their airspace, disrupting airlines and global travel. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted four US bases: Al Udeid air base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, Al Dhafra in the UAE, and the 5th Fleet service centre.
Several American warplanes were downed in Kuwait, later confirmed as "friendly fire." The Ras Laffan energy hub in Qatar, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export facility employing over 115,000 people, was hit by a ballistic missile on March 19. The Palm Hotel in Dubai caught fire after debris fell during an Iranian missile attack on February 28. One person died and seven were injured at Dubai International Airport in an "incident."
A Pakistani taxi driver was killed in Dubai on March 8 when his car was crushed by falling debris. Ports across Oman, US military bases, and Zayed International Airport in the UAE have also been struck, with dozens of deaths reported. On March 3, the US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was hit by two drones, causing a "limited fire." The following day, the Aramco oil refinery in Ras Tanura was struck by an Iranian attack. Additional attacks have occurred in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, with four people reportedly killed near the US embassy in Baghdad on March 16.
Azerbaijan and Turkey
The conflict has edged closer to Europe, impacting Azerbaijan and Turkey with drone incidents. On March 5, Azerbaijan accused Iran of a drone strike on its territory, with President Ilham Aliyev calling it a "groundless act of terror and aggression" and ordering retaliatory measures. Iran denied launching drones toward Azerbaijan. Reports suggested missiles were launched by Iran toward Turkey on March 4, claims Iran has denied. A second ballistic missile was shot down by NATO air defences in Turkish airspace on March 9, with no casualties.
Strait of Hormuz
At least 16 vessels have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route largely closed due to fighting, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations. Hundreds of ships are anchored in the region to avoid hits, with oil prices surging to over $111 a barrel as hundreds of barrels are held up.
Cyprus
The UK confirmed that strikes hit the RAF Akrotiri air base in Cyprus on March 1, targeting its runway. On March 2, two more drones were intercepted. The UK has deployed a warship and helicopters with counter-drone technology to defend the base.
