14 stories from the past 30 days · Armed conflict, civilian harm & humanitarian access · Regional
Iran has been engaged in military conflict with the United States and Israel for the past month. According to reports from Tehran, attacks on government-affiliated sites have also resulted in civilian casualties.
A World Health Organization official stated that the organization is working to establish alternative pathways to transport emergency medical supplies from its Dubai hub to crisis areas, including Lebanon, using longer overland routes.
One month into the Middle East conflict, all parties have demonstrated open disregard for international norms governing armed conflict. The geographic spread and rapid escalation of hostilities represent a critical test for international law.
A child was killed and three civilians wounded in the past 24 hours from US and Israeli strikes across Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). HRANA reports the total civilian death toll has reached 1,407 since the war began, with at least 214 children killed since February 28, and more than 200 attacks documented across 15 provinces in the past day.
Conflict in the Middle East is causing widespread displacement, airstrikes, and humanitarian crises affecting multiple countries in the region and beyond. In Lebanon, thousands are fleeing their homes while others remain in the streets. In Egypt, fuel shortages driven by the conflict are raising prices and affecting citizens' livelihoods. The World Health Organization has warned that the situation in the Middle East has reached a critical phase.
Iran has targeted seven Arab countries, primarily in the Gulf region, with at least 4,447 missiles and cruise missiles, plus attacks by fighter aircraft, over a 22-day period according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency based on official statements through March 22. The attacks began on February 28.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it conducted attacks targeting locations in Israel, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. The IRGC claimed to have struck Tel Aviv, Acre, and Haifa Bay in Israel, as well as Ali al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia's defence ministry reported downing 20 drones in its eastern region early Saturday, an area near Iran that houses major oil installations. The ministry did not report casualties or damage. Israel separately detected a new missile launch from Iran targeting it early Saturday morning.
Health experts caution that dust from destroyed buildings poses serious public health risks, as it can release toxic substances including asbestos, heavy metals, and crystalline silica, according to a health and occupational safety expert.
Iran targeted Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain with missiles and drones, resulting in a fire in Ras Laffan industrial city in Qatar. Arab states condemned the attacks and characterized them as a threat to regional security.
Save the Children reported that conflict in the Middle East is blocking main supply routes for humanitarian assistance. The organization's statement highlighted the impediment to aid delivery affecting hundreds of thousands of children.
Facilities associated with Iran's Pars gas field in the south were struck by airstrikes in what is described as the first declared attack targeting Iranian energy infrastructure since the war began.
Arab pressure efforts have commenced in Kuwait and include discussions of a Syrian paper. Israel has conducted strikes against military targets with stated aim of weapons removal.
Concerns have been raised that the Syria-Iraq border could become a fragile zone where ISIS cells operate due to insufficient coordination between the two countries.