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Israel Launches Strategic Airstrikes on Tehran Amid Persian New Year Celebrations

NewsFinale Journal

March 20, 2026

Israel Launches Strategic Airstrikes on Tehran Amid Persian New Year Celebrations

On Friday, Israel carried out airstrikes on Tehran as Iranians celebrated Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This conflict has sent ripples through the international economy, heightening fears that Iran’s Arab neighbors might become embroiled in the hostilities.

Reports from activists indicated that strikes were heard around the Iranian capital. These attacks followed Israel’s promise to halt further assaults on a crucial Iranian gas site, while Iran ramped up its own strikes on oil and gas facilities across the Gulf region.

In the early hours of Friday, Dubai was rocked by loud explosions as its air defenses intercepted incoming attacks. This occurred amid the Eid al-Fitr festivities, marking the conclusion of Ramadan, as the city’s mosques issued the dawn call to prayer.

People clean debris from their apartment in Tehran, Iran. (AP)

Plumes of smoke rise from an oil facility in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. (AP)

Iran maintained its barrage against Israel, prompting millions to seek shelter as sirens blared from Haifa to the Galilee and near the Lebanese border. This followed a particularly intense Thursday, marked by over a dozen missile launches, as reported by the Israeli military.

The global fuel market is experiencing significant strain due to Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway for approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late on Thursday that, at the request of US President Donald Trump, Israel will hold off any further attacks on Iran’s offshore South Pars gas field. Iranian strikes in retaliation have led to already elevated global energy prices further surging and spurred Gulf allies to call for Trump to rein in Netanyahu.

Family members in a damaged car flee the site of an Israeli airstrike that hit an apartment building in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. (AP)

Israeli soldiers take photographs next to a fragment of a missile fired from Iran, and intercepted by Israeli defence system, embedded in an open field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. (AP)

Since the US and Israel launched the war on February 28, Iran’s top leaders have been killed and the country’s military capabilities have been severely degraded. Netanyahu said in a televised address that Iran no longer has the ability to enrich uranium or make ballistic missiles, although he did not provide evidence.

Still, Iran — now led by the son of the supreme leader killed in the war’s opening salvo — remains capable of missile and drone attacks.

Brent crude oil, the international standard, briefly surged above $US119 a barrel, up more than 60 per cent since the war started. The European benchmark for natural gas prices also rose sharply and has roughly doubled in the past month.

UN Security Council meets over Iran’s attacks on Gulf states

The United Nations Security Council held an urgent closed meeting on Thursday during which Gulf countries stressed the need for Iran to halt attacks on them, said Bahrain’s UN Ambassador Jamal Alrowaiei, the Arab representative on the UN’s most powerful body.

But Iran has shown no signs of backing down. Saudi Arabia said its SAMREF refinery in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu was hit. Saudi Arabia had begun pumping large volumes of oil west toward the Red Sea to avoid the Strait of Hormuz.

Israeli security forces inspect an apartment struck by an Iranian missile that killed two people in Ramat Gan, Israel. (AP)

Qatar, a key source of natural gas for world markets, said Iranian missiles that caused extensive damage to the Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facility, reduced its exports by about 17 per cent and will cost about $US20 billion in lost revenue a year. The damage will take up to five years to repair, even though production at the facility had already been halted after earlier attacks.

Two oil refineries in Kuwait and gas operations in Abu Dhabi also were targeted by Iran, authorities said.

Underscoring the danger to ships in the region, a vessel was set ablaze on Thursday off the United Arab Emirates’ coast and another was damaged off Qatar. Efforts to bypass the strait were also under pressure: An Iranian drone hit a Saudi refinery on the Red Sea, which the country had hoped to use as an alternative route.

US President Donald Trump walks to board Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. (AP)

A Middle East Airlines plane takes off from Rafik Hariri International Airport as smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut’s southern suburbs, Lebanon. (AP)

Meanwhile, the UAE said on Friday it disrupted what it called “a terrorist network funded and operated by Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran”, arresting its operatives. It accused the men of laundering money while “operating within the country under a fictitious commercial cover” that sought to carry out schemes that would threaten the country’s financial stability.

It published images of five prisoners on its state-run WAM news agency, without identifying the men.

Relatives mourn while the body of General Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Defence Council and a senior adviser to the Supreme Leader who was killed in a strike, is being buried at the courtyard of the Imamzadeh Saleh shrine in Tehran, Iran. (AP)

Two men ride their motorbike past a billboard of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei in downtown Tehran, Iran. (AP)

Netanyahu says Iran’s military has been severely hit

At Thursday’s news conference, Netanyahu said: “Iran’s air defences have been rendered useless, their navy is lying at the bottom of the sea. … Their air force is nearly destroyed.”

He said he hopes the Iranian people will rise up against the Islamic Republic that has ruled for nearly a half-century. There’s been no sign of any organised opposition since the war began, after Iranian authorities crushed mass protests in January.

The prime minister’s comments to foreign journalists came amid difficult days for Trump and Netanyahu, with a top US intelligence official resigning and claiming Israel pushed Trump into the war, and Israel’s attacks on South Pars, which led to Iran’s retaliatory strikes on the region’s oil and gas fields.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, centre, poses with foreign ministers before a consultative meeting of foreign ministers from a group of Arab and Islamic countries in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem. (AP)

“I misled no one,” Netanyahu said. “And I didn’t have to convince President Trump about the need to prevent Iran from developing its nuclear program.”

Iran long has insisted its program was peaceful, although it was enriching uranium up to 60 per cent purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels. That stockpile of highly enriched uranium still remains in Iran.

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that US forces were attacking deeper into Iranian territory, with warplanes hunting Iranian boats in the strait and dropping 5000-pound bombs on underground weapons-storage facilities.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to the media during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington. (AP)

Trump says he is not deploying troops to Iran

Iran condemned Israel’s attack on South Pars, the Iranian part of the world’s largest gas field, located offshore in the Persian Gulf and owned jointly with Qatar.

With some 80 per cent of power generated in Iran coming from natural gas, according to the International Energy Agency, the attack threatens the country’s electricity supplies.

After Trump requested Israel not attack South Pars, he also warned on social media that if Iran continued striking Qatar, the US would “massively blow up the entirety” of the field.

Asked later about the possibility of US ground troops being deployed to Iran, Trump responded: “No. I’m not putting troops anywhere.”

Fragment of a missile fired from Iran, and intercepted by Israeli defence system, sticks out in a open field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. (AP)

Death toll climbs in third week of war

More than 1300 people in Iran have been killed during the war. Israeli strikes against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon have displaced more than 1 million people, according to the Lebanese government, which says more than 1000 people have been killed. Israel says it has killed more than 500 Hezbollah militants.

In Israel, 15 people have been killed by Iranian missile fire. Four people were also killed in the occupied West Bank by an Iranian missile strike.

At least 13 US military members have been killed.

HGTV, the beloved home and renovation television network, has captured audiences with its exhilarating home makeovers and investment challenges. Among its most celebrated shows are “The Property Brothers,” “Disaster DIY,” “Flip or Flop,” and “Fixer Upper.” These popular series have not only showcased stunning real estate transformations but also propelled their stars into the limelight, allowing them to enjoy the lavish lifestyle that comes with their newfound fame.

Jason Davis/Getty Images

Since its launch in 1994, HGTV has become a powerhouse of entertainment, and its top personalities have reaped the benefits. Thanks to astute business decisions and strategic investments, these stars have mastered the art of earning—and spending—large sums of money. From extravagant engagement rings and stunning mansions to luxurious yachts and bespoke armor, HGTV’s elite are living lives of luxury. Notable figures like the Scott twins and power couples such as the Gaineses and Baeumlers exemplify the opulence that comes with HGTV stardom.

Leading the pack in terms of wealth are Drew and Jonathan Scott, the charismatic Canadian twins with a staggering net worth of $100 million each. Their rise to fame began with a string of successful HGTV shows, including “The Property Brothers,” “Forever Home,” and “Brother vs. Brother.” A lucrative partnership with Rooms to Go further fuels their wealth, while their production company, Scott Brothers Entertainment, which they run with older brother J.D. Scott, continues to flourish.

With a combined net worth of $200 million, the Scott brothers enjoy a lifestyle most can only dream of. Drew’s appearance on Season 25 of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2017 and their fan cruises, “Sailing With the Scotts,” from 2015 to 2018 exemplify their public appeal. In 2020, they made headlines with a $9.5 million “trophy property” purchase in Los Angeles. In a romantic gesture three years later, Jonathan proposed to actress Zooey Deschanel with a Van Cleef & Arpels Folie des Pres ring, valued at $42,900.

Drew and Jonathan Scott are the wealthiest HGTV stars

Jeremy Chan/Getty Images

The Scotts indulge in their passions beyond real estate, with Drew openly sharing his penchant for sword collecting, including an $8,000 custom suit of armor, as reported by Pop Sugar. Their musical interests have also led them to release songs on platforms like iTunes and Amazon. Moreover, the brothers have explored hundreds of escape rooms across various cities, a pastime they discussed with The Wall Street Journal, showcasing their zest for life and adventure.

The Property Brothers’ monumental $200 million combined net worth fuels a luxurious life that many can only dream of. In 2017, Drew enjoyed a stint on Season 25 of “Dancing With the Stars,” where Jonathan gave a guest performance with his brother. From 2015 to 2018, they both leisurely cruised with fans throughout the Caribbean on special Carnival trips called “Sailing With the Scotts.” In 2020, the brothers bought a “trophy property” in Los Angeles for $9.5 million. Three years later, Jonathan Scott took a big step in his relationship with actor Zooey Deschanel, proposing with a Folie des Pres ring from Van Cleef & Arpels that reportedly cost $42,900.

The rich brothers have also spent a lot on their many hobbies and side quests. Drew admitted to Pop Sugar that he has splurged a large dollar amount on his sword collection, including an $8,000 custom suit of armor made just for him. The siblings have recorded songs together on iTunes and Amazon to pursue their music passion, including “Hold On” and “Let the Light Shine In.” They also boasted to The Wall Street Journal about doing hundreds of escape rooms together in countless cities, which is not a cheap pastime.

Sarah and Bryan Baeumler own an island oasis for water sports

HGTV Canadian stars Sarah Baeumler and Bryan Baeumler have a combined net worth of $20 million, and they know how to spend it. The married couple has co-hosted numerous hit shows, including “Disaster DIY,” “Disaster DIY: Cottage Edition,” “Leave It to Bryan,” “House of Bryan,” and “Renovation Island.” In the last-mentioned show, the duo spent $2 million to purchase the Emerald Palms resort on South Andros Island, Bahamas. They then spent an additional $10 million to renovate and revamp the former resort into what is now their Caerula Mar Club. They initially expected to spend around $4 million on the renovation project, but ultimately far exceeded their budget. For the average fan of the Baeumlers looking to stay at their Caerula Mar Club, it costs around $500 to over $1,000 a night, depending on the type of room and time of stay.

The Baeumlers have spent a lot of money to maintain their lifestyle, which includes expensive hobbies. The family is known to love an array of water sports, including boating, fishing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding, and exploring dive sites with their scuba diving certifications. Any fellow water sports enthusiast can attest to the hefty price tag for each of these activities alone.

Their favorite activities have led them to own numerous boats over the years. They even own a tropical property in the Florida Keys, where they keep a dedicated boat for making trips to the Bahamas. In 2022, the Baeumlers also bought their own private plane that Bryan learned to pilot himself to help save on all their roundtrip flights.

Chip and Joanna Gaines have spent millions on their Magnolia Empire

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines are two of the most recognizable faces from the popular home network. Their combined net worth is a staggering $50 million, making them the wealthiest HGTV couple. Made famous by the smash-hit show “Fixer Upper,” the duo rose to stardom and riches that have now expanded into their Magnolia Empire. In 2019, the couple invested $10.4 million to expand their Magnolia Market at the Silos in their hometown of Waco, Texas. The market includes a large retail center outfitted with shops, restaurants, gardens, and bakeries. Their Magnolia Empire also spans across mediums, including books, boutique rentals, home decor, a magazine, and their own TV network. According to an OK! USA source, the power couple’s Magnolia Empire alone has an estimated worth of $750 million.

Chip and Joanna flaunt their wealth while spending their deep pockets on smart investments and luxurious items. In 2025, they spent $5.5 million on a 1960s Colorado mountain home that they planned to renovate for the limited HGTV series “Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House.” They have frequently traveled to Colorado for ski trips and for spring break, making it the ideal location for an investment property. Their closet also screams money as they get dolled up for fancy events. At the 14th Annual Tim Tebow Foundation Celebrity Gala and Golf Classic in 2025, Joanna donned a floral $798 Mac Duggal gown for the spring festivity. Both Chip and Joanna were also photographed in 2023 dressed to the nines at a White House state dinner, an event suitable for their lavish lifestyle.

Christina Haack promotes her luxurious lifestyle

Christina Haack posing with Heather Rae El Moussa at an Emmy event.

Phillip Faraone/Getty Images

While Christina Haack’s three divorces may have cost her a lot of her wealth, she still boasts an impressive $25 million net worth. She co-hosted HGTV’s “The Flip Off” and “Flip or Flop” with her ex-husband, Tarek El Moussa, where the couple rose to fame together after signing their first deal with HGTV in 2012. She then starred in her own show, “Christina on the Coast,” for five seasons until it was canceled in July 2025. During the show’s run, she also had a spin-off called “Christina in the Country” with her third ex-husband, Josh Hall. The reason for Haack’s cancellation may have been the high price tag of renovation shows driven by the rising cost of construction materials; according to Deadline, HGTV’s shows of this nature can cost a whopping $500,000 per episode. Despite the cancelation, Haack is enjoying her $12 million home in Newport Beach, California.

Haack has used her HGTV riches for other endeavors outside the network. She launched Clé Cachée Champagne, which targets consumers by selling the image of luxury. The posts on the company’s Instagram depict a lavish lifestyle most will never obtain, with champagne bottles posed beside designer clothes and fancy glasses on a swanky backdrop. Marketed as “a pure expression of Grand Cru Chardonnay” created by Haack, the company’s website promises “a bottle that brings modern luxury.” She also partnered with her ex-husband’s current wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, to help promote her new lip gloss.

The HGTV star is not shy about flaunting her fortune. She regularly sports Louis Vuitton bags, bathing suits, and other designer clothes that can cost thousands a piece on her Instagram. Her lavish spending habits also include her frequent traveler lifestyle, where she is often pictured in tropical destinations, in the mountains, or on a boat.