What happened: The war took a new turn Sunday morning. For the first time, Israeli soldiers were killed — two died in southern Lebanon. Iran launched its biggest single attack on the UAE yet: 100+ missiles and drones. Israel struck Tehran's oil facilities again overnight Sunday. And Iran's president dropped his Saturday apology and threatened to hit harder.
Two Israeli Soldiers Killed — First IDF Deaths of the War
The Israeli military said two soldiers were killed fighting in southern Lebanon on Sunday.
These are the first Israeli military deaths of the entire nine-day war.
Three more people were also hurt in Israel on Sunday afternoon from a missile strike.
Israel has been bombing Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah — the Iran-backed armed group based there. Health officials in Lebanon say at least 397 people have been killed in the country since the war began. That includes 83 children and 82 women. More than 400,000 people have fled their homes.
Israel says it is targeting Iranian forces operating inside Lebanon, not civilians.
Iran Fires 100+ Missiles and Drones at UAE — Biggest Barrage Yet
Iran fired more than 100 missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates on Sunday.
The UAE's defense ministry said most were shot down. Only four drones actually landed at unnamed locations. No major casualties were reported.
It was the largest single attack on the UAE since the war began.
The UAE is a wealthy Gulf country with about 9 million people — most of them foreign workers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the West. It is not a party to the war, but Iran accuses it of letting the US use its territory to attack Iran.
Dubai International Airport — one of the world's busiest — has already been forced to close several times during missile alerts this week.
Tehran Struck Again — Oil Fires Continue into Sunday Night
A late-night Israeli airstrike hit another oil facility in Tehran on Sunday, adding to the massive fires still burning from Saturday night's strikes on four oil depots.
Thick black smoke has been hanging over Tehran all day Sunday. The city has 10 million people in it.
Iran's Red Crescent told residents to stay inside, wear masks, and avoid going outside right after rain — burning oil mixed with rain water can create toxic acid rain.
Iran's government said the strikes have now damaged about 10,000 civilian buildings — including nearly 8,000 homes, plus schools and hospitals.
Iran's parliament speaker warned that oil prices will "keep rising" as long as the war goes on.
Israel says the oil sites are used to "operate military infrastructure."
Iran President Reverses Course — Now Threatening Escalation
On Saturday, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to Gulf neighbors for Iranian missile strikes. He called for diplomacy.
On Sunday, he reversed himself.
"When we are attacked, we have no choice but to respond. The more pressure they impose on us, the stronger our response will naturally be," Pezeshkian said in a video.
"Our Iran will not bow easily in the face of bullying, oppression or aggression — and it never has," he added.
Iranian hard-liners had quickly contradicted his Saturday apology. Judiciary chief Mohseni-Ejei wrote on Sunday that "intense attacks on these targets will continue." The hard-liners appear to be winning the internal debate.
Note: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed on Day 1 of the war. Iran is now run by a three-person leadership council. Pezeshkian and the hard-liners are both on it. They clearly disagree.
Desalination Plants: Both Sides Have Now Hit Them
Iran hit a desalination plant in Bahrain on Sunday — confirmed by Bahrain's government. Desalination plants turn seawater into drinking water. The Persian Gulf region is one of the driest places on earth.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US struck an Iranian desalination plant first — on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz — cutting water to 30 villages.
He warned: "The US set this precedent, not Iran."
Both sides have now hit civilian water infrastructure. The worry is this could become a pattern.
The Numbers — Day 9
- Iran: 1,230+ killed (including 200 children and 200 women) · 10,000+ civilian buildings damaged
- Lebanon: 397+ killed · 400,000+ displaced
- Israel: ~13 killed (including 2 soldiers killed Sunday — first IDF deaths of war)
- US troops: 6 killed (drone strike in Kuwait, Day 2)
- Oil prices: Brent crude $92.69/barrel · US crude $90.90
- Strait of Hormuz: Mostly blocked — 20% of world's daily oil disrupted
What Each Side Says
United States: Trump said he is "not looking to settle" the war. He also downplayed reports that Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran to help target US forces, saying it's "not helping them much." He declined to tap the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve despite gas prices climbing.
Israel: Netanyahu has promised "many surprises" ahead. Israel says it is targeting Iran's military capacity and energy infrastructure. Two Israeli soldiers were killed Sunday in Lebanon — the first of the war.
Iran: Pezeshkian is now threatening a stronger response. Iran's hard-liners say attacks will not stop. Iran says it is responding to US and Israeli aggression. Iranian officials say the strikes are killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure.
This report is based on AP News live blog coverage (multiple reporters), UAE Defense Ministry official statement, Al Jazeera (Lebanon death toll, UAE barrages), and official Iranian and Bahraini government statements. All major claims confirmed by 2+ sources. Death tolls are official figures and may be incomplete.