Tehran, Iran / Tel Aviv, Israel – Web Desk: The ongoing Middle East conflict entered its eighth day on March 7, 2026, with the United States and Israel conducting new airstrikes on targets in Iran, including Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, where explosions were reported alongside significant damage and smoke visible across the city.
US Central Command stated that operations have destroyed or damaged 43 Iranian aircraft and struck over 3,000 targets since the campaign began on February 28. The Israeli military claimed a successful strike on Asghar Hejazi, a senior aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader, in Tehran.
Iranian authorities reported the death toll from US and Israeli strikes reaching 1,332, including civilians, women, and medical personnel. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the 23rd wave of “Operation True Promise 4,” launching missiles and drones at sites in Israel. Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv following the barrage.
Hezbollah, operating from Lebanon, fired rockets toward northern Israel, with several evading defenses and injuring eight Israeli soldiers, including the son of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. In Lebanon, an Israeli strike injured three UN peacekeepers in Al-Qozah, drawing condemnation from the United Nations.
The Iranian Navy claimed a shore-to-sea missile launch toward the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the region, though US officials have previously denied similar claims of hits on the vessel, stating no damage occurred.
In a weekly report, US Central Command detailed the use of B-2 and B-1 bombers, F-35 stealth fighters, Patriot and THAAD systems, MQ-9 drones, and naval assets including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group in the air and missile campaign.
Iran’s IRGC challenged US naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any US or Israeli vessels could be targeted, while asserting the strait remains open for transit.
US President Donald Trump reiterated demands for Iran’s unconditional surrender, ruling out negotiations or ground troop deployment, and stating that acceptable new leadership must emerge before any US assistance. He dismissed Iranian overtures as “too late” and referenced potential future actions beyond the current theater.
The conflict has intensified regional tensions, disrupted shipping routes, and driven concerns over global oil and fuel prices amid safe-haven asset shifts.
