Tensions escalate in the Middle East as Iran targets US Embassy in Baghdad, while Israel launches airstrikes on Hezbollah facility in Beirut. Meanwhile, Cuba restores power after 29-hour nationwide blackout.

Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against Neighbors

Iran has continued to launch retaliatory strikes against its neighbors in the region, with Iranian rocket attacks targeting the US Embassy in Baghdad and a drone sparking a fire at a luxury hotel in the city’s heavily fortified Green Zone.

In the UAE, an Iranian projectile landed near a military base that hosts Australian troops. Several Gulf nations, including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, said they were continuing to intercept Iranian missiles and drones.

Israel Launches Airstrikes on Central Beirut

Israel launched airstrikes on central Beirut, demolishing a residential high-rise building. The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for the building, stating that it was a facility used by Hezbollah.

In southern Lebanon, Israeli troops have been conducting ground operations, ordering the evacuation of several villages. According to the Lebanese Public Health Ministry, at least 912 people, including 111 children, have been killed and 2,221 people have been wounded in Israel’s assault on Lebanon.

Cuba Restores Power After 29-Hour Blackout

Cuba has restored power after a 29-hour island-wide blackout left millions of people without electricity. Cuban energy officials said they had reconnected the national power grid that had completely collapsed on Monday.

However, blackouts are expected to continue due to a US energy blockade that has cut off Cuba from accessing desperately needed fuel. The Trump administration has intensified its pressure to topple the Cuban government, exacerbating the country’s energy crisis.

Daily Show for March 18, 2026 – Democracy Now!

The Daily Show, hosted by Jordan Klepper, featured interviews with actor, writer, and producer Steve Zahn, promoting the movie ‘She Dances.’ The show also covered various topics, including the handling of the Epstein files, the war in Iran, and the NBA scuttling a strip club tribute.

Other News

Other notable news includes the Norwegian Refugee Council stating that 1 million people, about a sixth of Lebanon’s population, have been displaced due to the conflict. The Jordan Klepper Solves Guns series and the Comedy Central show ‘South Park’ also made headlines.

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Reported by Brayan Juma Okumu, Founder of GCHAM Empire.