Iran reports start of international mediation as Israel expands air campaign into Lebanese territory

President Pezeshkian confirms mediation efforts have started while Israel intensifies its air campaign in Lebanon and Tehran following the death of Ali Khamenei.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 8:26 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Korea Times

Diplomatic overtures amid regional escalation

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Friday that mediation efforts by various countries have commenced, though he declined to name the specific parties involved. In a post on the social media platform X, Pezeshkian expressed a commitment to lasting regional peace while emphasizing that Iran would not hesitate to defend its national authority and dignity. He further noted that any mediation must address those who underestimated the Iranian people and initiated the current hostilities. Pezeshkian, who is currently serving on a panel assuming the duties of the late Supreme Leader, remains subordinate to the supreme leadership within the Iranian political structure.

Expansion of Israeli operations in Lebanon

Israel significantly broadened its military campaign on Friday by launching heavy strikes on Beirut after issuing an unprecedented evacuation order for the entire southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital. This area serves as a primary hub for Hezbollah, the Shiite militia and Iranian ally that has maintained a dominant presence in Lebanon since the 1980s. The Israeli military reported conducting 26 waves of strikes overnight, specifically targeting Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities. This escalation followed Hezbollah's decision to fire on Israel earlier in the week as a retaliatory measure for the death of Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the conflict.

Direct strikes on Iranian leadership facilities

In addition to the Lebanese front, Israel launched a new wave of attacks within Iran, utilizing 50 warplanes to strike a bunker located beneath the Tehran compound of the slain Supreme Leader. Israeli officials stated the facility was still being utilized by Iranian leadership after Khamenei’s death. Inside Israel, residents reported hearing explosions as air defense systems intercepted incoming Iranian fire. Meanwhile, Qatari officials confirmed that Iranian drones targeted the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, which serves as the largest United States military installation in the Middle East, though no casualties were reported from that specific engagement.