Israel Strikes Iranian Targets Near Caspian Sea East of Tehran
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Israel Strikes Iranian Targets Near Caspian Sea East of Tehran

19 March, 2026.Lebanon.2 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Israel says it struck Iranian targets near the Caspian Sea east of Tehran.
  • Al-Manar reports Israeli airstrikes hitting Bint Jbeil, Taybeh, and other southern Lebanon towns.
  • Contradiction: Lebanon airstrikes and Iran-target claims describe separate theaters.

Israel's Strategic Escalation

It added that attacks have begun on Iranian targets east of Tehran, according to Reuters.

Image from Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Al-Manar TV LebanonAl-Manar TV Lebanon

This represents a significant geographical expansion of Israel's retaliatory campaign beyond immediate border regions.

The Caspian Sea strikes are particularly notable as they involve targets hundreds of kilometers from Israel's operational range.

These operations indicate Israel's determination to strike deep within Iranian territory.

US Economic Pressure Strategy

The Trump administration is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island to force Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Kharg Island handles about 90 percent of Iran's oil exports and has already been targeted in US and Israeli strikes.

Image from Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Al-Manar TV LebanonAl-Manar TV Lebanon

One source said the strategy could involve intensifying strikes for about a month before seizing the island to gain leverage.

The US military has approved additional troop deployments to the region, though a final decision has not been made.

These approaches suggest a coordinated strategy combining military and economic pressure.

Regional Defensive Measures

Officials said the move is a precautionary step amid ongoing conflict and reported attacks by Iran.

Ukraine has deployed interceptor units to protect infrastructure in five Middle Eastern countries.

Bahrain's Defence Force said it has faced 141 missiles and 242 drones launched from Iran since February 28.

The Defence Force described the attacks as 'sinful Iranian terrorist aggression targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain.'

International Reactions

Sri Lanka declined a US request to station two military aircraft at a civilian airport to maintain neutrality.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the decision was made to avoid supporting any side in the conflict.

Image from Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Al-Manar TV LebanonAl-Manar TV Lebanon

An Iranian missile hit the Haifa refinery, damaging key electrical systems and external infrastructure.

Kuwait shut down parts of the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery following a drone attack.

An Indian national was killed in Riyadh, though Indian ships and seafarers remain safe with no port congestion.

Press Freedom Concerns

Foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called the attack a 'gross violation of international law.'

Image from Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Al-Manar TV LebanonAl-Manar TV Lebanon

Zakharova said the circumstances suggested the attack on journalists was deliberate and targeted.

Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Beirut, triggering strong sonic booms heard across the city.

The booms occurred in two successive waves and were described as loud blasts reverberating across the city.

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