Iranian flags hang from a building at the Shahid Borujerdi residential complex in southeast Tehran, a site that was heavily struck and destroyed by Israel...

Iran Eases Attacks While US Pressures Intensify, Israel Strikes Spark Beirut Panic | Ukraine news Iranian flags hang from a building at the Shahid Borujerdi residential complex in southeast Tehran, a site that was heavily struck and destroyed by Israel and the United States during Operation Epic Fury on March 5, 2026. Kaveh Kazemi/Getty Images After nearly a week of fighting in the Middle East, Iran has significantly reduced its strikes in the region, while the United States is intensifying pressure on Iran, and Israeli strikes are causing panic in southern Beirut. The United States administration warns that the war could escalate – and NATO allies are reluctant to join the conflict. Here’s what you need to know right now. Key developments at the moment Iran has significantly reduced activity: in the last 24 hours rocket strikes have fallen by about 90%, drone strikes by about 83%, according to U.S. Central Command. Such a development is likely to bring relief to neighboring Persian Gulf states that had faced the heaviest pressure earlier. The United States says there will be more: U.S. attacks against Iran have intensified, notably against its navy, employing many new capabilities. > «If you think you have seen something – just wait» Europe is getting involved: the United Kingdom, France and Spain agreed to provide military support to defend their allies’ interests. But many countries criticize the escalation; even as Italy sent defensive weapons to the Persian Gulf, its defense minister said that the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran violated international law. NATO is gathering: NATO member countries have bolstered their defensive capabilities after a suspected launch of missiles from Iran was shot down while passing through Turkish airspace. Iran stated that it did not fire any missiles toward Turkey, according to state media. What is happening in Iran and Lebanon? More Israeli strikes: Israel is moving into the “next phase” of the war, reporting more than 2,500 strikes across more than 6,000 armed operations. It also noted that the defense forces would push deeper into Lebanon. Meanwhile, Iran is responding with a broader wave of attacks on the regime’s critical infrastructure in Tehran and other cities early Friday morning. Beirut hit: new Israeli strikes hit southern suburbs of Lebanon, areas that serve as a base for Hezbollah. Evacuation orders covered entire districts where more than half a million people live, triggering panic and mass evacuations. Rising death toll: US and Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,200 people in Iran and more than 120 in Lebanon since the start of the conflict. Iranian strikes have also inflicted casualties on dozens of people in other countries in the region. Iranian strikes: even at a slower pace the threat remains. In Bahrain, a hotel, two residential buildings and an oil refinery were hit. Iran has been shelling Persian Gulf states; Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia intercepted rocket and drone attacks in the early hours of Friday. Iran is also accused of attacking Azerbaijan – the first strikes against the country since the start of the conflict, which Iran denies. Iran attacks Israel: Iran said it launched a hybrid drone-and-missile attack on Tel Aviv overnight. Visible evidence from the scene points to a cluster munition in the sky over central Israel. U.S. radars under fire: images of key bases on the Arabian Peninsula show Iran attempting to undermine THAAD defense systems by destroying radars. Travelers stranded: hundreds of Americans have returned home from Abu Dhabi; more than 11,000 flights in the region have been canceled since the start of the conflict, according to aviation-service data. Congress and leadership Congress votes, again: The House of Representatives failed to pass a bill that would limit the president’s war powers, after a similar move failed in the Senate. Next Supreme Leader: Donald Trump said he would play a role in naming Iran’s next leader and did not see grounds for Mojtaba Khamenei to become the successor to the Supreme Leader. Such statements underscore the ongoing tension in the region’s political landscape. Looking ahead: the situation is likely to remain unstable, and the international community is considering various scenarios for developments and pathways for dialogue aimed at reducing risks and preserving regional stability.