19th Day of War: Heavy U.S. Attacks with Bunker-Buster Bombs on Missile Sites

On Wednesday, March 18, as the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel continues, a new wave of attacks, reactions, and security incidents has been reported across various parts of the region—developments that indicate an expansion of the conflict and rising tensions in the Middle East.

Airstrikes and direct clashes

Inside Iran, domestic sources have reported hearing multiple explosions and the activation of air defense systems in central Tehran. It has also been announced that a projectile struck the grounds of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, although officials claim the incident did not cause serious damage. In Yazd, airstrikes targeting the airport and military centers were also reported, damaging infrastructure but causing no casualties.

The Death of Ali Larijani Deals a Heavy Blow to the Iranian Regime’s Security Apparatus

At the same time, the Iranian regime attacked Qatar’s Ras Laffan refinery—the world’s largest gas condensate complex—causing extensive damage

At the same time, the U.S. military has reported attacking Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz using bunker-buster bombs. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), these positions were targeted due to threats against international shipping.

On the other side, Israel reported a new wave of missiles launched from Iranian territory. Several explosions caused by missile interceptions were observed in the skies over Jerusalem, and air raid sirens sounded in parts of the city.

Attacks on regional countries

The scope of the conflict has extended to other countries in the region. In Iraq, reports have emerged of an explosion near the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. These attacks occurred in the Green Zone, where diplomatic institutions are located, indicating ongoing insecurity in the country.

In the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have announced that they are facing drone and missile attacks, and their defense systems are intercepting these threats. Additionally, the Prime Minister of Australia reported that a projectile struck near his country’s military base in the United Arab Emirates, causing only minor damage.

In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes on central Beirut have left at least 6 people dead and 24 injured. These attacks targeted residential areas, increasing concerns about rising civilian casualties.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that military operations against Iran are progressing faster than planned and may conclude within one to two weeks. He said the objective of these operations is to counter Iran’s nuclear programs.

In response, Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of the Iranian regime, emphasized regarding the killing of Ali Larijani—an Iranian political and security figure—that the country’s political structure is not dependent on individuals and that the removal of one official does not affect the system’s continuity. He also attributed attacks on certain areas to the presence of U.S. forces and placed responsibility for potential damage in urban areas on the opposing side.

In one of the most significant domestic developments, the killing of Ali Larijani, a senior Iranian political and security figure, has been confirmed. He was targeted in an attack along with his son and several other officials. This event could have a significant impact on the country’s security structure.

It has also been reported that a prisoner accused of spying for Israel has been executed in Iran—an action that has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and is seen as a sign of an increasingly securitized domestic environment.

Strategic and economic dimensions of the war

Alongside the military clashes, concerns about the economic impact of the war have also increased. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, has been disrupted, contributing to rising global oil prices. Some analysts have also warned that vital resources such as water could become a new factor in regional tensions.

Overall, recent developments show that the conflicts have not diminished but are expanding in a multi-layered manner—a situation that could have broader consequences for regional security and stability.