In a major escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel carried out a series of intense overnight airstrikes targeting central Beirut, while also claiming it has killed Iran’s intelligence minister in a separate operation.

Heavy Airstrikes Rock Central Beirut

Israeli forces launched multiple strikes across central areas of Beirut, hitting densely populated neighbourhoods and causing significant destruction. According to Lebanese authorities, at least 10 people were killed and several others injured as buildings were damaged or completely destroyed.

The strikes reportedly targeted locations linked to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, marking one of the most concentrated bombardments of Beirut in recent weeks. The attacks were carried out over several hours, with limited warning given to civilians in some areas.

Israel Claims Killing of Iran Intelligence Minister

In a parallel development, Israel claimed that it had killed Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib, in an overnight strike. Israeli officials described the operation as part of a broader campaign targeting top Iranian leadership.

The killing, if confirmed, would mark another significant blow to Iran’s leadership structure, following recent strikes that reportedly eliminated other high-ranking officials.

Iran has not officially confirmed the claim so far.

Rising Regional Tensions and Retaliation Fears

The developments come amid a rapidly intensifying conflict involving Israel, Iran, and allied groups across the region. Iran has already responded to previous attacks with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and other locations in the Middle East.

The ongoing hostilities have led to rising casualties, large-scale displacement, and growing international concern, with global powers calling for restraint as fears of a wider regional war mount.

Conflict Expands Across Multiple Fronts

The Beirut strikes are part of a wider Israeli offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been launching rockets and drones into Israeli territory in support of Iran.

With casualties continuing to rise and military operations expanding across borders, the crisis is increasingly being viewed as one of the most serious escalations in the region in recent years, with potential global implications.