Operation Epic Fury
21m ago.
[Briefing]
Israel is conducting an intensive military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, expanding strikes to Beirut while the Iranian-backed militia retaliates with evacuation warnings to 23 northern Israeli settlements. The escalating conflict is destabilizing the broader region, prompting diplomatic mediation efforts, EU meeting postponements, and evacuation of civilians from the Persian Gulf, while simultaneously disrupting global maritime commerce and business operations. The involvement of the US, Iran, and concerns about the Strait of Hormuz blockade indicate this situation remains rapidly escalating with widening geopolitical and economic consequences beyond the immediate Israel-Lebanon theater.
[Key figures]
Verified 31m agoDays of Conflict
7
Israeli Settlements Under Evacuation Warning
23
Cruise Ship Passengers Evacuated from Dubai
1,500+
Buffer Zone Distance (Hezbollah Evacuation Warning)
5 km
Countries Directly Involved
4
[Situation map]
[Timeline]
Hezbollah Issues Evacuation Warning to 23 Israeli Settlements
Hezbollah has issued an immediate evacuation warning to residents of 23 northern Israeli settlements, demanding those living within 5km of the Lebanese border leave at once in response to Israeli strikes on Beirut and Lebanese infrastructure. Middle East Monitor reports the warning represents a significant escalation in direct threats to Israeli civilian populations as both sides exchange attacks and counterattacks.
EU suspends Cyprus meetings amid Middle East crisis
The Cyprus EU presidency has rescheduled or converted to virtual format all March ministerial and technical meetings due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, citing flight disruptions and logistics difficulties, Politico Europe reports. The decision affects multiple EU-level conferences while an informal European Council meeting remains scheduled for April 23-24.
Israel expands campaign with Beirut strikes; mediation efforts reported
Israel has expanded its military campaign with intensive bombing of Beirut on day seven of escalating conflict, Channel News Asia reports. Iran says countries have begun mediation efforts to address the crisis, though the situation remains highly volatile with no immediate de-escalation mechanisms apparent.
[Articles]
Lebanon death toll from war rises to 217 as Israel presses strikes
The death toll in Lebanon has risen to 217 due to the ongoing war, as Israel continues to press strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The situation remains tense, with both sides exchanging fire and causing significant damage. The conflict has resulted in a large number of casualties and displaced people, leading to a humanitarian crisis in the region.
Lebanon more than ever a hostage of Hezbollah
The Hezbollah movement has opened a new front in northern Israel, acting against the interests of the Lebanese people it claims to defend. This move is seen as a suicidal reflex, similar to their actions in 2023 during the Gaza war. The Hezbollah's pro-Iranian stance is once again prioritized over the well-being of the Lebanese population.
Alarm alerts, romantic encounters in shelters... These applications that accompany the lives of Israelis in times of war
Israel, known as the 'start-up nation', has developed various services and applications to secure its population and facilitate daily life during wartime, including those that help with romantic encounters in bomb shelters. These services aim to make life easier for Israelis amidst the conflict.
An opportunity to destroy what's left of Hezbollah: Israel seeks to finish off the Shiite militia in Lebanon
Israel is intensifying its strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, aiming to eradicate the Iranian-backed militia and expand the buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon. The Israeli military, Tsahal, has multiplied its attacks to destroy the remaining Hezbollah forces. This escalation is part of a broader conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, with significant implications for regional stability.
Hezbollah Issues Evacuation Warning to 23 Israeli Settlements
Hezbollah has issued an immediate evacuation warning to residents of 23 northern Israeli settlements, demanding those living within 5km of the Lebanese border leave at once in response to Israeli strikes on Beirut and Lebanese infrastructure. Middle East Monitor reports the warning represents a significant escalation in direct threats to Israeli civilian populations as both sides exchange attacks and counterattacks.
Hezbollah Issues warning to residents of 23 northern Israeli settlements to evacuate after Beirut strikes
Hezbollah has issued a warning to residents of 23 northern Israeli settlements to evacuate immediately in response to Israeli attacks on Beirut and other areas of Lebanon. The group has called on people living within 5km of the Lebanese border to leave at once, citing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, civilians, and infrastructure. This warning is a response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging attacks and warnings. The situation remains tense and
EU suspends Cyprus meetings amid Middle East crisis
The Cyprus EU presidency has rescheduled or converted to virtual format all March ministerial and technical meetings due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, citing flight disruptions and logistics difficulties, Politico Europe reports. The decision affects multiple EU-level conferences while an informal European Council meeting remains scheduled for April 23-24.
All March EU meetings in Cyprus rescheduled or made virtual
The Cyprus presidency has rescheduled or made virtual all EU meetings in March due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, citing difficulties and cancellations of flights to the region. The decision affects various ministerial-level meetings, conferences, and technocrat-level meetings. An informal European Council meeting with EU leaders is still scheduled for April 23-24. Meanwhile, Greece, France, and Spain have sent warships and fighter jets to Cyprus after Iranian drones targeted British bases o
Israel expands campaign with Beirut strikes; mediation efforts reported
Israel has expanded its military campaign with intensive bombing of Beirut on day seven of escalating conflict, Channel News Asia reports. Iran says countries have begun mediation efforts to address the crisis, though the situation remains highly volatile with no immediate de-escalation mechanisms apparent.
Israel pounds Beirut in expansion of war; Iran says countries have begun mediation efforts
Israel has expanded its military campaign, pounding Beirut, amidst reports that countries have begun mediation efforts to address the escalating conflict. The expansion of the war and the involvement of Iran in mediation efforts indicate a significant escalation of the situation. The conflict continues to spread beyond traditional zones, affecting multiple countries in the region. Diplomatic efforts are underway to mitigate the crisis, but the situation remains highly volatile.
Support for partners: Pistorius' ambiguous slogans
German Defense Minister Pistorius and the SPD are seeking distance from the Iran war, but Germany cannot stand aside if NATO and the EU are involved. This comes as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, with major regional and international implications. The situation remains complex, with various nations and organizations weighing their involvement. Germany's stance is being closely watched, given its position within the EU and NATO.
1,500+ cruise ship passengers evacuated from Dubai amid regional war
Over 1,500 passengers aboard a cruise ship in Dubai have been evacuated by air to Europe and North America due to the escalating Middle East conflict, France Info reports. The mass evacuation represents a significant expansion of the war's impact on civilian tourism and commercial operations in the region.
Middle East War: Over 1,500 Cruise Ship Passengers Evacuated from Dubai
Over 1,500 passengers on a cruise ship in Dubai have been evacuated by air to Europe and America due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The evacuation efforts are part of a broader response to the escalating conflict in the region. The situation remains tense, with many countries advising their citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the area. The evacuation of the cruise ship passengers is a significant development in the crisis, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the conflict o
US-Israel war with Iran sends shockwaves through global business
The US-Israel war with Iran is having a significant impact on global business, sending shockwaves through the international community. This conflict is a major escalation of tensions in the region and is being closely watched by countries around the world. The situation is highly volatile and has the potential to disrupt global markets and trade.
A Week of Attacks on Iran: 'Without Trump, Netanyahu Could Not Continue the War'
The US and Israel have been attacking Iran for a week, sparking concerns about the escalation of the conflict. According to security expert Michael Milshtein, the war could not continue without the support of the US, particularly former President Trump. The article discusses the Israeli perspective on the war and its potential duration.
Blockage of the Strait of Hormuz: 'Today, we don't really have visibility,' testifies a French shipowner
A French shipowner has expressed concerns about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz, citing a lack of visibility in the region. This comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and the US, and its allies. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for international oil trade, and any disruption could have significant geopolitical implications. The situation is being closely monitored by global powers due to its potential impact on regional and global stabi
Greece boosts Bulgaria’s defenses
Greece is deploying a Patriot missile defense system and troops to bolster Bulgaria's defense capabilities against possible aerial attacks, particularly from Iranian missiles. This move is in response to Bulgaria's request as a NATO and EU member state. Additionally, Greece has sent fighter jets and senior air force officers to assist with coordination. This action follows recent deployments to Cyprus and the island of Karpathos in the southeastern Aegean Sea, amid heightened tensions in the reg
Polymarket insider trading allegations emerge in Iran war betting
Polymarket, an online betting platform with ties to Donald Trump Jr., faces allegations of insider trading after bettors accurately predicted the exact date and time of initial strikes on Iran, suggesting potential access to non-public operational information, France 24 reports. The allegations raise questions about information security surrounding classified military operations.
Polymarket faces allegations of insider trading after suspicious Iran war bets
Polymarket, an online betting company, is under scrutiny for allegations of insider trading after bettors accurately predicted the date and time of the first strikes on Iran, with some accounts suspected of having access to non-public information. The company has ties to prominent figures, including Donald Trump Jr., who is a shareholder. The allegations suggest a potential leak of sensitive information related to the Iran war.
Israel continues targeting Hezbollah strongholds, causing heavy displacement
Israeli forces have intensified military operations against Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut on day seven of escalating conflict, conducting intensive overnight bombing campaigns. The Iranian-allied militant group has been engaged in continuous cross-border clashes with Israel since March 2, resulting in significant civilian displacement in Lebanon.
GPS jamming affects 1,100+ vessels at Strait of Hormuz
A surge in GPS interference around the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted navigation for over 1,100 vessels since the conflict began, France 24 reports. The attacks are contributing to a de facto blockade of the strategic waterway and creating severe risks to international maritime commerce.
GPS jamming at Strait of Hormuz affects 1,100+ vessels, threatens global shipping
Over 1,100 vessels have been affected by a surge in GPS interference around the Strait of Hormuz since the start of Operation Epic Fury, creating a de facto blockade of one of the world's most critical shipping lanes, France 24 reports. Experts warn the escalating electronic attacks pose severe navigation risks and are exacerbating regional tensions with urgent implications for global energy markets.
Surge in GPS interference around Strait of Hormuz increases shipping risks
A surge in GPS interference around the Strait of Hormuz has increased shipping risks, with over 1,100 vessels affected since the start of the conflict. This interference poses severe risks to navigation and is contributing to the de facto blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The incident is part of the escalating tensions in the Middle East Gulf. Experts warn that these attacks are exacerbating the situation, highlighting the need for urgent attention to mitigate the risks
Culture in the Gulf: Under Black Smoke
The US and Israel's attack on Iran has affected the cultural scene in the Gulf, which is built on stability. Museums, galleries, and trade fair companies are now being tested to see if they can withstand drones and missiles. The attack has shaken the region, and its impact on the cultural sector is being felt. The Gulf's cultural institutions are bracing for potential further disruptions.
Cyprus targeted by Iranian drone in escalating regional strikes
A British military base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, was struck by an Iranian-made Shahed drone launched by Hezbollah on Sunday night, marking the expansion of Operation Epic Fury beyond traditional conflict zones. Le Figaro reports Cyprus has been placed on high alert for potential terrorist threats amid the intensifying Middle East conflict.
Middle East War: Cyprus on Alert for Potential Terrorist Threats
Cyprus has been put on high alert due to potential terrorist threats amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. A British base in Akrotiri, southern Cyprus, was targeted by an Iranian-made Shahed drone launched by Hezbollah on Sunday night.
Operation Epic Fury costs $5.82 billion in first 100 hours
The initial 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury have consumed an estimated $5.82 billion, comprising $3.3 billion in operational costs and $2.52 billion in lost military assets from Iranian retaliatory strikes, according to Middle East Monitor analysis. The expenditure represents approximately 0.69% of the entire 2026 U.S. defense budget.
Iran withdraws from 2026 Paralympics due to escalating Middle East conflict
Iran has withdrawn from the Milan Paralympics, with its only athlete unable to safely travel to Italy amid the ongoing regional military operations. Politico Europe reports the International Paralympic Committee determined the risk to human life was too high despite efforts to find alternative routes for the athlete's passage.
‘Self-destructive, suicidal’: In Lebanon, anger rises against Hezbollah amid Israeli strikes
Hezbollah has launched strikes against Israel, prompting a robust military response and sparking anger among the Lebanese population, including the southern Shiite community, which is now on the frontlines of Israeli military operations. The militant group has lost political backers in Lebanon due to the escalation. The situation is linked to the honoring of Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei
Iran’s only athlete won’t compete at Milan Paralympics
Iran has withdrawn from the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has made it impossible for its only athlete, Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, to travel to Italy safely. The International Paralympic Committee had been working to find alternative routes for the athlete's safe passage, but the risk to human life was deemed too high. The withdrawal is a result of the ongoing conflict, which has also caused communication disruptions in Iran f