Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-07 at 18:02

HEADLINESIsrael destroys 75% of Iran launchersUS denies Iran hostage claimsSaudi intercepts eight Iranian dronesThe time is now 6:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, the defense establishment says it has destroyed 75% of Iran's missile launchers, up from 65% two days ago, as Saturday sirens sent millions of Israelis into shelters. Officials caution they cannot guarantee an near-term end to Iranian missile fire, and describe the aim as reducing casualties to a level where Iran’s missiles no longer disrupt daily life, a goal they compare to the pattern seen with Yemen’s Houthis. Saturday’s activity showed a continued drop in missiles fired to below 15, potentially around 10, down from about 100 on the war’s first day and 20-25 in recent days, with no reports of massive hits. The Israeli defense forces also update that more than 200 ballistic missiles have been fired at Israel since the conflict began. Oil facilities in and around Tehran were reported under sustained Israeli attack this evening.In US Military Role, Iran’s defense minister Ali Larijani claimed some American soldiers were captured, but the United States Central Command rejected the assertion, with its spokesman Captain Tim Hockins saying Iran is spreading false information and that no Americans have been taken hostage.In Regional Impacts, Saudi Arabia said a Iranian drone was shot down to the east of Riyadh and eight more Iranian drones were intercepted as they entered Saudi airspace, part of a week of drone and missile activity tied to Iran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he remains in close contact with Saudi authorities, and Riyadh has assured Tehran it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran. Iran’s leadership signaled a possible pause, with reports that a temporary leadership council approved suspending attacks on nearby countries unless an attack came from them, though the meaning and momentum of that signal remain unclear. There were further reports of strikes directed at Gulf states on Saturday. Debris from an interception of a suspected Iranian drone in Dubai killed a Pakistani driver and caused minor damage to a Dubai Marina tower, with the UAE noting the incident and the IRGC later claiming it was targeting an area where US troops are located. Families of six Americans detained in Iran—that number publicly supported by the James Foley Legacy Foundation—say they fear the detainees could become collateral damage as airstrikes and retaliatory actions escalate; the US government has not confirmed how many Americans are being held, but relatives emphasize the danger to those detained, including individuals held in Evin Prison.In the Conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, attacks in Beirut resumed.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-889169https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-889169https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1293317https://t.me/ILtoday/17563https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1293315https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-889171https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-889170https://www.timesofisrael.com/families-of-us-detainees-in-iran-fear-they-risk-becoming-collateral-damage-in-war/https://t.me/beholdisraelchannel/71571https://t.me/newssil/194643