Dhaka, March 21 -- Israel and Iran attacked each other on Saturday as the US was sending thousands more Marines to the Middle East and President Donald Trump accused NATO allies of cowardice over their reluctance to help open the Strait of Hormuz.

Israel also attacked Beirut, saying it was targeting Hezbollah as it steps up airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed Lebanese militia in the deadliest spillover from the war on Iran since Hezbollah fired on Israel in support of Tehran on Mar 2.

More than 2,000 people have been killed since the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb 28, while Americans appear increasingly concerned at signs the war could expand further as it enters its fourth week.

Vital energy infrastructure in Iran and neighbourin...