Explosions rock Tehran as Iran says US-Israel strikes hit nearly 10,000 civilian sites

The Middle East conflict intensified sharply on March 10, with Iran claiming that US and Israeli attacks have struck nearly 10,000 civilian sites and killed more than 1,300 civilians since the war began 11 days ago.

Loud explosions were reported across Tehran, where rescue teams searched through debris following fresh air strikes. Iranian authorities released footage showing emergency responders recovering bodies near Resalat Square, where at least six people were reported killed.

The latest developments come amid a widening regional confrontation involving Israel, Iran, the United States and Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East.

US destroys Iranian vessels amid Hormuz warning

The US military said it had destroyed 16 inactive Iranian mine-laying vessels, a move that followed warnings from US President Donald Trump about potential disruptions to global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime energy routes.

Washington warned of “grave consequences” if Iran attempted to block or disrupt shipping through the strait, which handles a significant share of global oil trade.

Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire

Fighting also intensified along Israel’s northern front as Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Forces traded heavy fire.

Iranian missile strikes were reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while several Gulf nations — including Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia — reported intercepting missiles and drones in recent hours.

The escalating exchanges have raised fears that the conflict could spill across the broader region.

Israeli air strikes shake Beirut

In Beirut, two powerful Israeli air strikes shortly after midnight hit the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, sending shockwaves across the city.

The blasts were felt far beyond Dahiyeh, an area that has faced repeated bombardment since hostilities sharply escalated about 10 days ago.

Additional strikes were confirmed in the Bekaa Valley, near Lebanon’s border with Syria, as well as in towns and villages across southern Lebanon.

Red Cross paramedic dies after ambulance strike

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said a Lebanese Red Cross paramedic died from injuries sustained when his ambulance was struck by an Israeli air strike while he was travelling to rescue wounded civilians in the south.

He was the fourth Red Cross paramedic wounded in the past week, according to officials.

The ministry condemned the attack, stating the medical workers were travelling in clearly marked ambulances, and urged international intervention to stop the targeting of medical personnel.

Pope Leo expresses ‘profound sorrow’

Meanwhile, Pope Leo expressed deep concern over the spiraling violence, saying he felt “profound sorrow for all the victims of the bombings” across the region.

According to Vatican News, the pontiff said many of those killed were innocent civilians, including children.

Among the dead was Father Pierre El‑Rahi, a Maronite priest killed in Israeli tank fire in the Lebanese town of Qlayaa on Monday after rushing to help a family whose home had come under attack.

The pope called for an immediate end to hostilities and urged prayers for peace across the Middle East.