The conflict intensified on Sunday with fatalities, large fires and cross-border strikes across the Middle East. Two Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon while dozens of civilian casualties were reported in Lebanon. Explosions and fires were reported in Iran after strikes on fuel depots, and Gulf states including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait experienced repeated attacks and intercepts. Iran's IRGC said it could sustain fighting for six months, and Tehran warned it may respond to further incursions.
Middle East War Escalates: Israeli Fatalities, Massive Blasts in Iran and Renewed Attacks Across the Gulf
Lebanese first responders inspect a Beirut hotel room targeted by the Israeli strike (Ibrahim AMRO)(Ibrahim AMRO/AFP/AFP)
Here are the latest verified developments from the widening Middle East conflict as of Sunday.
Key Incidents
Israeli Soldiers Killed — Israel's military said two of its soldiers were killed in fighting in southern Lebanon, the first Israeli military fatalities since clashes intensified with Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Injuries Inside Israel — First responders reported six people wounded at blast sites in central Israel, some by shrapnel. AFP journalists heard at least 10 explosions over Tel Aviv after the Israeli army reported new missile launches linked to Iran.
Arab League Condemns Strikes — The head of the Arab League called Iran's attacks on several member states "reckless," urging Tehran to reverse what he described as a "massive strategic mistake."
Abu Dhabi and Gulf Cities Hit — Witnesses in Abu Dhabi reported explosions. The capital has faced repeated attacks for more than a week since Tehran began its regional retaliatory campaign, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain all reporting new strikes or intercepts.
Rising Toll In Lebanon — Lebanon's health minister said Israeli strikes over the past week have killed 394 people, including 83 children, 42 women and nine rescue workers, and condemned attacks on medical teams and ambulances.
Evacuation From Beirut — More than 100 Iranian nationals, including some diplomats, were evacuated from Beirut on a Russian plane after Lebanon banned activity by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a major backer of Hezbollah.
Succession Developments in Iran — Members of the clerical council responsible for choosing Iran's next supreme leader said they have agreed on a candidate, though the name has not been released. Iranian officials rejected a demand by US President Donald Trump for input on the succession, and Israel's military warned it would target "any successor and anyone seeking to appoint one."
Fuel Depots and Explosions in Iran — Fuel distribution in Tehran was temporarily halted after strikes reportedly hit five depots in and around the capital, sparking large fires and casting a smoky haze over the city. State media also reported explosions in Yazd province and earlier detonations in Isfahan and Tehran, though some targets remain unconfirmed.
Israeli Strikes In and Around Beirut — Lebanese authorities said an Israeli strike on a Beirut hotel killed four people. The Israeli military said it had carried out a precise strike targeting commanders from the Quds Force, the IRGC's foreign operations arm. In southern Lebanon, strikes killed multiple civilians across more than 20 towns and villages.
Maritime Incident In The Strait Of Hormuz — A UAE-flagged tugboat was hit by a blast and sank; Indonesia reported three crew members remain missing, one survivor is being treated for burns in Oman, and search operations continue.
Wider Gulf Impact
Attacks And Intercepts — Gulf states reported a mix of drone, missile and other attacks: Kuwait said two border guards were killed and reported damage to airport fuel tanks; Saudi Arabia said it intercepted 15 drones, including an attempted strike on Riyadh's diplomatic quarter; Bahrain reported injuries from falling missile debris and damage to a desalination plant. The UAE said its air defences detected 17 ballistic missiles, destroying 16 while one fell into the sea.
IRGC Statement — Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated they could sustain an "intense war" for six months and warned that more advanced missiles could be used in coming days.
Tehran Signals Potential Retaliation — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country "will be forced to respond" to any attack or invasion attempt by a neighboring state, framing such action as a necessity rather than a desire to harm civilians. He had earlier apologised to neighboring countries hosting US bases for attacks on their territory.
Context And Outlook
The situation remains fluid, with multiple states reporting new strikes and air-defence interceptions, civilian casualties mounting in Lebanon, and explosions and fires reported across Iran. International diplomatic concern is rising, and the risk of further regional escalation remains high.
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