Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said that he’s “not happy” with the UK after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it would not be drawn into a “wider war” over Iran.

What is happening now: Israel carried out airstrikes on three Beirut neighbourhoods, striking a residential building. “A series of raids and artillery shelling targeted southern towns at dawn,” news agency AFP cited Lebanon’s national news agency reports.
“Israeli warplanes carried out two airstrikes targeting the Kafaat and Haret Hreik areas. In another raid, the aircraft struck a residential apartment on the upper floors of a building located at the end of Venice Street in the Doha Aramoun area.”

5 latest developments: 

IDF launches attacks targeting Beirut and Tehran: The Israeli military announced that it has launched “extensive” strikes against various targets in Beirut and Tehran. IDF said that in Iran, it is launching attacks targeting “infrastructure of the terror regime,” while in Beirut, the army said that they were striking Hezbollah targets.
Iran rejects ceasefire claims: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had not asked Washington for a ceasefire and does not see a reason to hold talks.
Attacks reported across the Middle East: Rockets and drones targeted Baghdad International Airport in Iraq, where the US operates a diplomatic mission.
Tanker hit near UAE’s Fujairah: A tanker was hit by an “unknown projectile whilst at anchor”, late on Monday (Mar 16), near the Emirati oil port of Fujairah, said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre on Tuesday.
Lebanon toll rises as border tensions grow: Israel launched new strikes in southern Lebanon and moved tanks and troops towards the border, with the reported death toll in Lebanon reaching about 886.

The Indian Express Global Desk remains committed to rigorous verification. Follow our live blog below for real-time tracking of Operation Epic Fury, regional airspace status, and diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.