US-Israel Strikes Devastate Tehran; Iran’s President Apologizes to Neighbors
By Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
March 7, 2026
Tehran, Iran’s sprawling capital of over 9 million people, has become the epicenter of devastation as the U.S.-Israel joint military campaign against the Islamic Republic enters its second week. Overnight into March 7, massive explosions lit up the night sky across the city, with thick plumes of black smoke rising from multiple sites including Mehrabad International Airport—the city’s main domestic hub—and residential neighborhoods in western and central districts.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced a “broad-scale wave of strikes” using more than 80 fighter jets targeting what they described as “infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime” in Tehran and central provinces like Isfahan. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed coordinated support, with American assets contributing to suppression of air defenses, destruction of missile launchers, and precision strikes on command nodes. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media showed fires raging at Mehrabad Airport, with reports of a civilian aircraft burning on the tarmac and widespread power outages in affected areas.
This latest barrage follows a pattern of escalating intensity: since the conflict erupted on February 28 with initial strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of top officials, U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted thousands of sorties, claiming to have degraded over 80% of Iran’s air defenses, destroyed much of its ballistic missile inventory, and crippled key naval and IRGC facilities. Tehran and surrounding provinces have borne the brunt, with strikes hitting military compounds, leadership bunkers, airports, and—in some cases—areas near civilian infrastructure.
Iranian Retaliation and Regional Spillover
Iran has responded with repeated waves of ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Israel, U.S. bases, and—controversially—Gulf Arab states. Iranian forces launched multiple salvos overnight, with interceptors activated over Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and southern Israel. Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain reported intercepting incoming projectiles, some headed toward oil facilities and military installations. Reports indicate at least 400 ballistic missiles and nearly 1,000 drones fired regionally since the war began, though most have been downed by layered defenses including Patriot, THAAD, and Arrow systems.
The spillover has strained Iran’s relations with neighbors. In a televised address aired on state media, President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that Iran would “never surrender” to U.S. demands for unconditional capitulation, dismissing Trump’s rhetoric as a “dream they should take to their grave.” However, in a notable shift, Pezeshkian apologized to neighboring countries for Iranian strikes that have struck their territories, stating that the leadership had instructed armed forces to halt attacks on Gulf states “unless attacks on Iran originate from those countries.” He emphasized that Iran had no intention of invading or permanently targeting neighbors, framing earlier actions as defensive responses to aggression.
The apology comes amid growing regional backlash: Gulf leaders have condemned the strikes on their soil, with some quietly cooperating with U.S.-Israeli efforts by allowing overflights or basing. The unintended hits on civilian-adjacent areas in the Gulf have fueled fears of broader economic disruption, especially as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely curtailed.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The human cost in Tehran and across Iran is mounting rapidly. Iran’s Red Crescent and health ministry report over 1,300 deaths nationwide, with hundreds more injured in the capital alone from the latest strikes. Residential buildings in Ekbatan and other neighborhoods have been damaged or collapsed, displacing thousands. Hospitals in Tehran are overwhelmed, with shortages of medicine, electricity, and clean water reported amid the chaos.
International observers and human rights groups have raised alarms over civilian casualties, including reports of strikes near populated areas and infrastructure. While U.S. and Israeli officials insist operations target military and regime assets, satellite imagery and local accounts suggest collateral damage is extensive. The United Nations has appealed for humanitarian access, warning of a worsening crisis affecting millions as displacement grows and basic services collapse.
Strategic Implications and Path Forward
The pounding of Tehran underscores the campaign’s shift toward regime infrastructure and command decapitation. With key figures eliminated early—including Khamenei and senior IRGC commanders—Iran’s response has become more fragmented, relying on surviving missile stocks and proxy networks. Analysts note that while Iran’s retaliatory barrages demonstrate reach, interception rates remain high, limiting strategic impact.
President Trump has reiterated no negotiations short of unconditional surrender, while hinting at post-conflict reconstruction under “acceptable leadership.” Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to “complete all missions” to neutralize threats. Iran, meanwhile, shows no signs of capitulation, with Pezeshkian’s defiance signaling intent to endure.
As explosions continue to rock Tehran and missiles streak across the region, the war risks spiraling further. With oil markets in turmoil, humanitarian needs surging, and great-power tensions rising (including accusations of Russian intelligence support), the second week ends with no clear off-ramp in sight.
Juba Global News Network will provide ongoing coverage of this rapidly evolving conflict. Visit JubaGlobal.com for real-time updates and analysis.
Sources: Compiled from reports by The New York Times, Al Jazeera, CNN, AP News, Reuters, BBC, The Washington Post, and official statements from U.S., Israeli, and Iranian authorities as of March 7, 2026.
