US and Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of strikes across Tehran, the Alborz province and Kermanshah in the early hours of March 17, while Iranian missiles and drones struck Dubai in a continued escalation of the regional conflict.

The overnight bombardment marked the 17th day of fighting since the US and Israel began strikes on Iranian territory on February 28. Iran has retaliated throughout the conflict by firing missiles and drones at Israel and at Gulf states hosting US military assets.

Residents across Tehran reported explosions in rapid succession between 5.00am and 5.10am local time, with strikes heard in neighbourhoods spanning the west, east and centre of the capital.

Israeli reports said that several key military and political leaders were killed in the attacks on Tehran, including Ali Larijani's Iran's security chief, however, according to his official channel seen by IntelliNews, he was alive and sending condolences for the funeral of the naval officers from the Dena warship, which was sunk off the coast of Sri Lanka earlier in the war. 

In the Sadeghieh district, residents said windows and doors shook violently and described what they believed to be a bunker-busting munition.

In southeastern Tehran, residents described the blasts as the loudest since the war began, with more than 10 explosions in quick succession followed by the sound of fighter jets passing overhead.

Karaj and Hashtgerd in neighbouring Alborz province were also hit, with residents reporting powerful explosions that woke entire households. In Pardis, east of Tehran, four blasts were heard in rapid succession.

Kermanshah in western Iran reported two large explosions accompanied by bright flashes around 4.50am, followed by power cuts and the continuous sound of aircraft.

During a situational assessment on March 17, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir commented on the overnight strikes. "We are continuing to concentrate forces and conduct precise and targeted ground operations. Cooperation between the IDF and CENTCOM continues to strengthen, with joint actions contributing to enhanced operational achievements. We will continue to act decisively to remove threats to the residents of Israel,” Zamir stated, as per an IDF social media update.

Separately, Iranian strikes hit Dubai around 5.40am local time, with residents near the airport reporting what they believed was another attack on the facility.

Drone activity was reported over the Mirdif district. Residents in central Dubai said the blast wave shook buildings and was preceded by air raid sirens.