Dhaka, March 21 -- The Israeli military struck Iran and Beirut 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.

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.

Israel said it was attacking Hezbollah on Saturday in the Lebanese capital as it steps up airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed militia in the deadliest spillover from the war on Iran since Hezbollah fired on Israel in support of Tehran on Mar 2.

Israel also launched new attacks on Iran...