Middle East tensions escalate: 31 dead in Lebanon, 19 in Pakistan amid Iran-US-Israel conflict; Flights suspended
Tehran/Beirut/Gilgit/New Delhi, March 2, 2026: The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel military operation has triggered widespread violence and instability across the Middle East and South Asia.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Beirut and surrounding Hezbollah strongholds left at least 31 people dead and 149 injured, while retaliatory missile and drone strikes from Iran targeted Tel Aviv, East Al-Quds, and Haifa, prompting warnings for civilians to evacuate areas near military and government installations.
The unrest has spilled beyond the region, with protests in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan resulting in 7 deaths and multiple injuries, while demonstrations across Karachi and Islamabad led to 12 more fatalities. Authorities imposed emergency measures, including road closures and deployment of security forces, to contain the unrest.
In response to the escalating conflict, major airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air, Qatar Airways, and Emirates have suspended flights to Middle Eastern destinations, offering passengers full flexibility with refunds and rescheduling.
Iran’s newly appointed interim leadership council member Ayatollah Alireza Arafi condemned Western military actions as “unjust” and vowed further retaliation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a fresh phase of its “True Promise” operation against Israeli and US targets, while the Israel Defence Forces conducted Operation Roaring Lion, eliminating senior Iranian intelligence officials and striking Tehran’s Ministry of Intelligence.
Amid the escalating conflict, global leaders including Russia and the UAE have called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy, while Shia communities across India observed mourning, candle marches, and black-flag demonstrations in tribute to Khamenei. Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning, warning of continued retaliatory strikes, signaling that the crisis may further intensify in the coming days.