The Israeli Defence Forces released a footage showing what it described as an overnight strike targeting headquarters of Hezbollah in Lebanon’s Beirut. In a social media post on X, IDF said that it launched its twenty sixth wave of strikes in Dehiya since the start of its campaign and targeted headquarters and 10 high-rise buildings containing military infrastructure of Hezbollah.“The IDF completed a broad wave of strikes in Beirut overnight, targeting terror infrastructure of the terror organisation Hezbollah. As part of the strikes, the headquarters of the Executive Council was struck, along with a warehouse where unmanned aerial vehicles were stored, which Hezbollah uses in attacks towards the State of Israel,” IDF said.“The headquarters that were struck were intended to serve the terror organisation Hezbollah in advancing various terror plots against IDF forces and civilians of the State of Israel. Prior to the strike, steps were taken to minimise the risk of harm to civilians, including advance warnings, use of precision munitions, and aerial observations. The IDF will continue to act forcefully against the terror organisation Hezbollah, which decided to join the campaign and operate under the auspices of the Iranian terror regime, and will not allow harm to civilians of the State of Israel,” it added.Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that the strikes were conducted in a densely populated commercial and residential area in the Beirut region that is a stronghold of the Lebanese militant group.A series of violent strikes then rocked the city, the most intense barrage since a ceasefire in late 2024 paused fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. As explosions shook the city, collapsing at least three buildings, residents fled.The attacks continued into the early morning hours, with more than 10 Israeli airstrikes targeting a minimum of five areas in the southern suburbs before dawn. And drones continued to hover over Beirut.Hezbollah joined the Middle East crisis, opening up another front in the war. The militants launched projectiles into northern Israel overnight Sunday for the first time in more than a year and the Israeli military quickly retaliated, declaring that Hezbollah had violated the truce.Hezbollah said it was responding to Israel’s violations throughout the truce, as well as the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, who died in a strike on his compound in Tehran on Saturday.The Israeli military had been attacking Hezbollah’s infrastructure and capabilities amid the ceasefire, arguing that the Lebanese military was failing to promptly disarm the powerful militant group as the truce deal required.Late Thursday, Lebanon’s health ministry reported that 123 people had been killed and 683 wounded in the recent Israeli attacks.Earlier in the day, the streets of Beirut erupted in chaos after the Israeli military warned people to leave the southern suburbs, prompting fears that it would soon begin a large-scale bombing campaign there. The Israeli military had attacked in the Beirut area on Wednesday night as well.

PATNA/NEW DELHI: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday confirmed that he will file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha in the current cycle of elections.The announcement has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Bihar, coming just months after his resounding fifth electoral victory in 2025 and his tenth oath as Chief Minister.

Reacting to the move, Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha drew an unusual analogy. He said the situation resembles a “desi version of the Maduro model” or a case of “kidnapping by consent.” Jha referred to the December 2025 US strikes in Venezuela that captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. “The way this news emerged suddenly across multiple media platforms indicates that it is not mere speculation or rumour. This reflects the end of a political chapter. Even in a ‘desi’ form, such a model can be seen as captivity by consent where the consent is not truly given by the individual but by those around him,” he said.Tejashwi Yadav, leader of opposition in the Bihar Assembly, launched a scathing attack on the BJP after Kumar’s confirmation. He accused the party of hijacking Nitish Kumar and said the move is against the sentiments of the people. “I always said ‘Nitish ji ko ghoda toh chadaya hai dulha banake, lekin phera kisi aur ke sath dila raha hai.’ The BJP has completely hijacked Nitish Kumar. Today, that statement has come true. People’s aspirations are against this change of power,” Yadav said.RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari described the move as a “huge political abduction.” He said it exposes the attitude of the BJP towards its allies and claimed that some JD(U) leaders are working in collusion with the BJP while others support Nitish Kumar. “A major upheaval in Bihar politics has suddenly become visible. No one could have anticipated that the BJP would remove Chief Minister Nitish Kumar so quickly after the elections, but the warning had been there. This is a huge political abduction,” Tiwari told news agency ANI.Congress MP Jairam Ramesh called it a “leadership coup” and said it betrayed the mandate of the people. “What the Indian National Congress had been saying during the Bihar election campaign has now come to pass. A leadership coup and regime change orchestrated by G2 has taken place. In many ways, it is a huge betrayal of the people’s mandate,” he said in a post on X.JD(U) workers and supporters expressed disbelief outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Patna. One worker even suggested that it was possible Nitish Kumar’s account had been hijacked.Union minister and JD(U) MP Rajiv Ranjan Lalan Singh praised Nitish Kumar’s achievements. He said no one can imagine what Kumar has done for Bihar and stressed that it is entirely up to him to decide where he wants to go. “Nitish Kumar will make this decision. He has built Bihar. He will go wherever he wants to go,” Singh said.Former union minister and BJP ally Udit Raj expressed surprise at Kumar’s decision and criticized it for weakening the JD(U). He pointed to high unemployment, the privatization of government functions, and the low standards of government schools in Bihar. “If he is going to be an MP, it would be more honourable for him to take up no roles,” he said.In his statement on X, CM Nitish Kumar sought to assure the people of Bihar that his commitment to the state remains unchanged. “I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. My relationship with you and my resolve to work together to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance,” he wrote.(With agency inputs)

Wedding celebrations lit up Mumbai as Arjun Tendulkar, the son of legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, married Saaniya Chandhok in a lavish ceremony on March 5. The high-profile wedding turned into a memorable gathering of prominent personalities from the worlds of cricket, entertainment and business, as close friends and family came together to celebrate the couple’s special day.

A joyful occasion for the Tendulkar family

The wedding ceremony took place at an exclusive venue in south Mumbai and was attended by a host of distinguished guests. The celebrations marked a major milestone for the Tendulkar family, with the event reflecting both elegance and warmth as loved ones gathered to bless the newlyweds.

Arjun and Saaniya had announced their engagement on August 25 last year, setting the stage for months of anticipation among family members and well-wishers. Since then, a series of pre-wedding festivities had taken place, building excitement ahead of the grand ceremony.

The wedding itself was an intimate yet glamorous affair, with carefully planned arrangements and heartfelt moments shared between the couple and their guests.

Cricket legends gather to celebrate the big day

Unsurprisingly, the wedding saw the presence of several stalwarts of Indian cricket, many of whom have shared long-standing relationships with the Tendulkar family.

Legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar attended the ceremony with his wife Marshneil Gavaskar. Former India head coach Rahul Dravid, former captain Anil Kumble and former India coach Ravi Shastri were also among the distinguished cricket personalities present at the venue.

Former India captain MS Dhoni arrived alongside his wife Sakshi Dhoni, attracting considerable attention from guests and fans alike. India head coach Gautam Gambhir was also spotted at the ceremony with his wife Natasha Jain. Gambhir made time to attend the celebrations before India’s crucial T20 World Cup semi-final clash against England later in the evening.

World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh attended the wedding with his wife Hazel Keech, while brothers Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan were also present.

Several other former Indian cricketers added to the star-studded guest list. Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina with his wife Priyanka Chaudhary, and commentator Aakash Chopra with his wife Aakshi Mathur were seen arriving at the venue.

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan attended with his wife Sagarika Ghatge, while spinner Harbhajan Singh was present with his wife Geeta Basra. Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel arrived with his wife Avni Zaveri, and pacer Dhawal Kulkarni also joined the celebrations.

Young cricketer Prithvi Shaw was among the players who came to congratulate the couple on their special day. Similarly, star batter Shreyas Iyer was also present in the ceremony.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Gautam Gambhir makes appearance at Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding

Guests from entertainment, politics and business

The celebrations extended well beyond the cricketing fraternity. Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan attended the ceremony along with his wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and family members, adding a strong presence from the film industry.

Filmmaker and actor Ashutosh Gowariker arrived with his wife Sunita Gowariker, while Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar was also among the notable guests.

From the world of cricket administration, ICC chairman Jay Shah and India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar attended the ceremony as well. Business leaders Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani were closely associated with the celebrations and were also expected to attend the event in Mumbai.

Also WATCH: Sachin Tendulkar turns emotional for son Arjun at pre-wedding bash with Saaniya Chandhok in Jamnagar

With the recent changes in FAR (Floor Area Ratio) guidelines by the Karnataka government, Bengaluru’s real estate market is to witness taller buildings in the coming years. The Bengaluru skyline will likely see an entirely new shape through the easing of construction regulations, with the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) making it possible to purchase a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 5.2. The city will benefit from increased vertical development to utilize land more efficiently and stimulate economic development along industrial corridors in the outer ring of the city. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is an important real estate metric parameter based on which it is determined how much maximum total built-up area in a building with all floors combined is allowed on a specific plot of land. FAR norms are important because they regulate urban density, building height, and development intensity. If the FAR ratios are high, it means buildings with denser construction and which are taller. On the other hand, lower ratios are allowed in cities to manage the infrastructure-population ratio.FAR = Total Building Floor Area ————————- Gross Plot AreaHigher Floor Area Ratio (FAR) norms, which are 4.0 or higher, are being adopted to promote vertical growth, redevelopment, and densification near transit hubs. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Noida have increased these limits to maximize land usage, often allowing developers to purchase extra FAR. The real estate market and home buyers will experience a totally different landscape that will change how land, investment, and infrastructure will come together in the next decade due to this change in FAR.

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According to Ajay Singh, Senior Director- Sales and Strategy, Jenika Ventures, ” This creates opportunities for this type of industrial development by enabling vertical factories, multi-level storage warehouses, and office parks to be constructed on a smaller footprint, thereby preserving valuable real estate and increasing economic activity in the same geographical location. As a result of the new regulations, land in KIADB-notified regions will be used more rationally, and as land availability becomes increasingly scarce along Bengaluru’s growth corridors, vertical growth of the same type will significantly reduce the need for extensive land acquisition, while at the same time providing even greater opportunities for increasing the economic viability of the growth corridor (or area of development). Notably, the policy aims to encourage the development of integrated townships that incorporate manufacturing facilities, logistics centers, commercial areas, and housing for workers.”For the developer, a higher FAR means better project economics, as it translates into a larger saleable or leasable area on the same land. For the institutional investor, it means better scalability and potential value growth. For the larger ecosystem, it translates into job creation and development-driven growth, which can lead to increased economic activity and improved community infrastructure.Residential market implications“Although the initial impact will be seen in the industrial corridors, the secondary effect may have a bearing on the residential market in the long run. With the rise in employment density and commercial activity in the KIADB (Karnataka Industrial Development Board) sites, it is only a matter of time before there is a greater demand for residential projects in the area. Professionals working in factories, data centers, logistics parks, and office campuses may seek better-designed residential projects in the vicinity of the new industrial hubs. This will also help to reduce the congestion on roads in the Bengaluru city center while further developing the micro-markets in the peripheral areas. This presents an opportunity for the residential real estate investor to take advantage of the projects that are currently being developed around the industrial corridors and their infrastructure,” adds Singh.How this is going to benefit the investorsThe new FAR policy holds significant soaps for real estate investors and homebuyers. Increased land value potential: The increase in permissible built-up areas is going to increase the land valuations.Improved rental opportunities in mixed-use developments: As integrated townships continue to expand, demand for both residential rentals and commercial leasing is expected to rise alongside job creation and economic activity.The ruling of the Karnataka government for allowing FAR up to 5.2 indicates a shift towards vertical growth. This trend is going to lead to vertical and efficient land use. The government is in a position to transform Bengaluru’s peripheral areas into future-ready growth drivers by aligning industrial growth with comprehensive development. Home investors, in particular, will see that the policy is more than just a sign of taller buildings; it is a sign of shifting demand patterns, decentralized employment nodes, and emerging residential growth areas. Research-driven investment choices in these areas can unlock significant long-term value.

Sanju Samson plays a shot during the semi-final vs England at Wankhede stadium. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson believes one more good innings could complete a remarkable personal turnaround after his explosive knock powered India into the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a thrilling victory over England in Mumbai.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Samson smashed a breathtaking 89 off 42 balls, studded with eight fours and seven sixes, guiding India to a massive 253/7 at the Wankhede Stadium. England fought hard through Jacob Bethell’s stunning 105 off 48 balls, but fell seven runs short, sending India into their second consecutive T20 World Cup final.

For Samson, the innings was another step in a redemption arc that has defined India’s campaign in the knockout stage. The Kerala batter had earlier hammered an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in Kolkata, and his back-to-back match-winning knocks have come after a long phase of uncertainty in his career.Speaking after the semifinal, Samson admitted the journey had been emotionally demanding.“It feels really great, really relieving. I have been trying for a few years to do something like this for my country,” he said. “There was a lot of patience, a lot of inner work, training and practice. But we still have one more step to go.”

That final step, Samson hinted, could finally lift a huge weight off his shoulders.“One more innings should be really good… one more match, then I will feel very light,” he added.Samson admitted he had tried too hard during the difficult stretch of New Zealand series at home.“In this format, even the best players struggle sometimes. I had to respect the game and go back to my basics,” he explained.READ ALSO: I made a big mistake dropping Sanju Samson, says Harry BrookTo regain focus, he even chose to step away from social media.“I closed all my windows, shut down my phone and stayed away from social media. Less noise helped me focus in the right direction,” Samson said.The 31-year-old also emphasised the aggressive philosophy of India’s top order in the tournament.“In the powerplay itself matches can be made or spoiled. As soon as you get a few balls, you try to attack. If it is your day, you bat long. If not, you support the others.”Now, with India set to face New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Samson knows the job is not finished yet.

Sanju Samson, right, and Abhishek Sharma (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes Sanju Samson has finally “come of age” in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, praising the wicketkeeper-batter’s improved mental strength, consistency and smarter shot selection after a string of match-winning performances.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Samson has emerged as one of India’s biggest stars in the knockout stage of the tournament. The opener blasted a stunning 42-ball 89 against England in the semifinal to power India to a thrilling seven-run victory. Earlier, his unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against the West Indies had laid the foundation for India’s crucial win in a virtual quarterfinal.

Reflecting on Samson’s resurgence, Shastri said the talented batter has finally found the balance between flair and responsibility.“I think he’s finally realising and coming to terms with the fact that he needs to be more consistent. He’s got to be wiser with his shot selection and he’s got to back his strengths,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.“The thing with Sanju is he’s got every shot in the book, but lapses in concentration. I think he’s toughened up mentally and there’s never been anyone who’s doubted his skill or talent ever since he made the side.”“What people have been disappointed about is that the run of consistency that should have been there by now wasn’t there. But he’s come of age now,” he said.

Samson’s heroics have played a crucial role in guiding India into the final, where they will face New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Despite Samson’s success, his opening partner Abhishek Sharma has struggled to find rhythm in the tournament, scoring just 89 runs in seven innings. However, Shastri urged the team management to show faith in the young left-hander rather than making last-minute changes before the final.“I think they’ve just got to stick with him now,” Shastri said.“Don’t make any changes as the side’s having a good run. Just tell him, ‘believe in your ability, believe in your strengths and back them. Don’t go into a shell where you’re tentative or timid.’”According to Shastri, the biggest stage could bring the best out of Abhishek.“We back you, you back your strengths and go out there and play. The last game might be the best game for you,” he added.

Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed PM Narendra Modi-led government over its foreign policy in the backdrop of the recent waiver issued by the United States for India allowing New Delhi to buy Russian oil, alleging that it was the result of the “exploitation of a compromised individual.”Taking his criticism to X while retweeting a video shared by the Congress of his speech in the Lok Sabha on concerns related to India’s trade sovereignty, Rahul wrote: “India’s foreign policy emerges from the collective will of our people. It should be rooted in our history, our geography, and our spiritual ethos based on Satya and Ahimsa. What we are witnessing today is not policy. It is the result of the exploitation of a compromised individual.”

In the video shared by the Congress, Rahul can be heard blaming Prime Minister Modi and calling him “compromised.” He said, “The US will tell us who we can or cannot buy oil from — if it’s Russia or Iran, the US will decide. But our Prime Minister will not decide.”Earlier in the day, Congress targeted the Centre after the United States announced that it would allow India to continue purchasing Russian oil, questioning how long this “American blackmail” would continue.In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote: “Trump ka naya khel, Dilli dost ko kaha, Putin se le sakte ho tel, kab tak chalega ye Ameriki blackmail (Trump’s new game; told his friend in Delhi you can get oil from Putin; how long will this American blackmail continue?).”The remarks came after the US issued a temporary waiver allowing India to continue buying Russian oil, saying the move was intended to stabilise global energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Middle East.US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said: “President Trump’s energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil.”He added that Washington expects India to increase energy imports from the United States in the future. “India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil,” Bessent wrote, noting that the temporary measure would “alleviate pressure caused by Iran’s attempt to take global energy hostage.”The waiver comes at a time when India faces potential risks of energy supply disruptions in Middle East following escalating tensions in the region. The situation intensified after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iran that killed Ali Khamenei and several senior officials.India sources nearly 40 percent of its oil imports from the region, with a significant share transported through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.Meanwhile, Russia has indicated that it is ready to redirect crude shipments to India to offset potential supply disruptions caused by the conflict. According to Reuters, nearly 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are currently positioned near Indian waters and could reach the country within weeks.The potential shift in supply follows Iranian strikes on vessels in the region, raising fears that the Strait of Hormuz could be partially closed — a development that could affect roughly 40 percent of India’s crude imports.

A second Iranian warship is heading towards Sri Lanka on Thursday, a day after a US submarine destroyed an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean.Sri Lanka’s media minister, Nalinda Jayatissa, told parliament that the vessel was just outside the island nation’s territorial waters but did not provide further details.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has meanwhile met senior officials to discuss how to respond to Iran’s request to allow the ship to enter Sri Lankan waters for safety, news agency AFP reported, citing sources.

According to the report, the warship is carrying more than 100 crew members, who fear they could face the same fate as a sister vessel that was sunk by a US submarine off Sri Lanka’s southern coast on Wednesday.In that attack, a US submarine destroyed the Iranian frigate **IRIS Dena**, killing at least 87 sailors. The strike has emerged as one of the most dramatic naval incidents in the widening Middle East crisis.Authorities in the southern port city of **Galle** were preparing on Thursday to hand over the remains of the 87 Iranian sailors killed in the torpedo strike claimed by the US military.Officials at the main hospital in Galle said 32 rescued Iranian sailors were still receiving treatment under tight security provided by police and elite commandos. The Emergency Treatment Unit has been closed to visitors and other patients, with a separate ward arranged for the injured crew.“Most of them have minor injuries, but a few suffered fractures and burns,” a nurse at the hospital said.Sri Lankan navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said naval vessels were continuing search operations for missing Iranian sailors.The frigate had issued a distress call early Wednesday morning but had already sunk by the time a Sri Lankan rescue vessel reached the site. The attack took place about 40 kilometres south of Galle, according to local naval authorities.The warship had been returning after taking part in a military exercise in Visakhapatnam, an eastern port city in India.Iran has not yet officially commented on the sinking.Sri Lanka has maintained a neutral stance and repeatedly called for dialogue to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Iran is also a key buyer of Sri Lankan tea, the island nation’s main export commodity.

India booked their place in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating England by seven runs in a dramatic semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The contest turned into a high-scoring spectacle as India piled up a mammoth 253/7, the highest total ever recorded in a knockout match in the history of the tournament.

Explosive knocks from Sanju Samson, along with powerful finishing contributions from Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya, powered India to the massive total. England responded with equal aggression, led by a sensational century from Jacob Bethell, but ultimately fell short, finishing at 246/7. Jasprit Bumrah’s calm execution in the death overs proved decisive as India sealed their place in the final.

Harry Brook opens up on the main reason of England’s defeat

Following the match, England captain Harry Brook reflected on the turning point of the game and openly admitted that a costly fielding error from his side played a significant role in the defeat. Brook candidly acknowledged that dropping Samson early in the innings proved to be a crucial moment that shifted momentum in India’s favour. The England skipper said the missed opportunity haunted him throughout the match as the Indian wicketkeeper-batter went on to punish England’s bowling attack.

“I’ll hold my hands up and say that I made a big mistake dropping Samson. Catches win matches, don’t they? Unfortunately, it just didn’t stay in my hands,” Brook said during the post-match presentation.

At the time of the incident, Samson had just begun to settle at the crease. After scoring 15 runs from his first six deliveries, he attempted a lofted shot that went straight towards mid-on. It was a straightforward chance by international standards, but Brook misjudged the ball slightly and failed to complete the catch. That moment proved costly for England as Samson capitalised on the lifeline and launched a blistering counterattack.

Sanju Samson makes England pay for missed opportunity

After surviving the early scare, Samson shifted gears and dominated the middle overs with fearless stroke play. The right-hander went on to score a brilliant 89, smashing boundaries and sixes with ease to put England under enormous pressure.

The dropped chance allowed Samson to add another 74 runs off just 35 deliveries, accelerating India’s innings and pushing them towards a daunting total of 253. England finally managed to dismiss him when Phil Salt held onto a high catch at deep cover off Will Jacks‘ bowling. Brook admitted that the mistake stayed in his mind throughout the game, especially as Samson continued to pile up runs.

“Obviously it’s in the back of your mind. I kept looking at the scoreboard and he was piling the runs on. I was thinking I might have to score 89 tonight to make up for it,” Brook added.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Axar Patel plucks a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Harry Brook in IND vs ENG semi-final

Axar Patel’s stunning catch sums up fielding difference

While Brook’s dropped catch hurt England early in the game, India showcased exceptional fielding under pressure. One of the standout moments came when Axar Patel produced a sensational diving catch to dismiss Brook himself.

The England captain tried to clear the infield against Bumrah’s slower delivery but miscued the shot. Axar sprinted nearly 24 metres before diving full stretch to complete a stunning catch, highlighting the difference in fielding standards between the two teams on the night.

Brook’s innings ended quickly for just seven runs, leaving England with a steep chase that proved just beyond their reach despite Jacob Bethell‘s heroic century.

With the thrilling victory, India advanced to the final of the T20 World Cup 2026, where they will face New Zealand. The title clash is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Sanju Samson’s blazing knock powers India into T20 World Cup 2026 final after thrilling win over England

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday it launched the seventeenth wave of attacks under “Operation True Promise-4”, targeting strategic sites in Israeli-controlled territories that managed to bypass the US-made THAAD missile defence system, one of Washington’s most advanced missile defence systems THAAD, as the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues.Despite the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, Iran has continued to fire projectiles at targets in Israel and across the Middle East. The situation has raised concerns for the United States and its allies, including Israel and Gulf countries, which depend heavily on air defence systems to stop incoming attacks.

Western forces rely on several systems to intercept missiles and drones. The most important among them are THAAD interceptors, Patriot missile systems and the Standard Missile family used by US naval forces. Israel also uses its own Arrow interceptor systems. However, these defences are under growing strain as the conflict continues.Many interceptors have already been supplied to Ukraine during its war with Russia. Others were used in the Red Sea to protect shipping from attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces. Additional systems have been deployed in the Indo-Pacific to defend South Korea and Taiwan from possible threats from North Korea and China, according to news agency PTI.

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What is THAAD?THAAD, short for Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence, is one of the most powerful missile defence systems operated by the United States. It is designed to intercept short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the final phase of their flight.According to the US department of defense, THAAD) is a key element of US ballistic missile defense and employs interceptor missiles, using “hit-to-kill” technology, to destroy threat missiles.The system can destroy incoming missiles at distances of around 150 to 200 kilometres. Unlike traditional missile defences that explode near their targets, THAAD interceptors use kinetic energy. This means they destroy incoming missiles by colliding directly with them in mid-air.

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The system relies on advanced radar and targeting technology. Its AN/TPY-2 radar can detect and track missile threats at very long distances. In forward-based mode, the radar can track targets up to around 3,000 kilometres away. In terminal mode, it focuses on missiles descending toward their targets.According to the US Congressional Research Service, the US military currently operates seven THAAD batteries. Each battery includes six truck-mounted launchers with eight interceptors each, along with radar and command systems that coordinate missile defence operations.THAAD batteries can also work with other missile defence systems, including Aegis systems on US Navy ships and Patriot missile batteries deployed on land. Together, these create a layered defence designed to intercept missiles at different stages of flight.The system can be rapidly deployed by large US military transport aircraft such as the C-17 and C-5, allowing it to be positioned quickly in areas facing missile threats.