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Iranian ballistic missile intercepted over Lebanon, US Embassy feared as target

Tensions in Lebanon remain high amid Hezbollah rocket fire toward Israel and intensified Israeli strikes across the country.

Adam Lucente

Mar 24, 2026

Missile interceptions triggered a large explosion north of Beirut Tuesday, officials said, causing injuries amid unconfirmed reports that a US asset in the country may have been targeted.

The official National News Agency said explosions heard in the Keserwan district were caused by intercepted missiles and resulted in minor injuries.

Local and Arabic-language media reported that buildings were damaged in the towns of Sahel Alma and Haret Sakher.

مصادر "الحدث": استهداف شقة سكنية في "ساحل علما "بعمق المنطقة المسيحية شمال شرق بيروت pic.twitter.com/K1qfQsd7rm

Reuters reporter Tala Ramadan said on X that an Iranian missile was intercepted over Lebanese airspace by a foreign naval vessel, citing security forces in the country.

Regional media carried unconfirmed reports that the US Embassy, the Hamat Air Base or a site in Cyprus may have been targeted by an Iranian missile.

Tensions in Lebanon remain high amid Hezbollah rocket fire toward Israel and intensified Israeli strikes across the country. Earlier Tuesday, Lebanon ordered the Iranian ambassador to leave the country by March 29. 

The Israeli military said it had eliminated Muhammad Ali Kourani, whom it identified as a member of Iran’s Quds Force in Lebanon.

Neither the State Department nor Central Command immediately returned a request for comment.

This is a developing story and will be updated. 

Related Topics

Lebanon War

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