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
Adam Lucente
Mar 24, 2026
Lebanese soldiers stand at the site where, according to Lebanese authorities, fragments from a missile interception fell in the town of Sahel Alma, north of Beirut, on March 24, 2026. Explosions rocked several areas north of Beirut that have so far been spared in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war, according to residents and local media, with a military official saying the blasts likely came from an intercepted Iranian missile. (Photo by FADEL itani / AFP via Getty Images)
Lebanese soldiers stand at the site where, according to Lebanese authorities, fragments from a missile interception fell in the town of Sahel Alma, north of Beirut, on March 24, 2026. Explosions rocked several areas north of Beirut that have so far been spared in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war, according to residents and local media, with a military official saying the blasts likely came from an intercepted Iranian missile. — FADEL itani / AFP via Getty Images

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.

The incident marks the first time Iranian projectiles have been intercepted over Lebanon.

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


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.

The Israeli military later said that a missile fired by Iran fell in Beirut, following multiple other launches directed at Israel.

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 killed 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.

Lebanon has ramped up efforts to rein in Hezbollah since the war began, declaring the group’s military activity illegal earlier this month. The move came after Hezbollah resumed rocket fire on Israel in solidarity with Iran. Since then, Israel has intensified its airstrikes and ground operations. Lebanese officials say the strikes have killed more than 1,000 people.

The Lebanese government also ordered the arrest of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members in the country in early March, following an ultimatum from Israel. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam told CNN last week that he welcomes deconfliction talks with Israel and appealed to US President Donald Trump to help end the conflict.

This is a developing story and will be updated. 

Related Topics

Lebanon War