Middle East war escalates as Iran, Israel and US exchange strikes

Tuesday 03 March 2026 - 13:21

The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States intensified on its fourth day, with Tehran launching attacks on US-linked sites in the Gulf while Israel continued simultaneous airstrikes in Iran and Lebanon.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that “the gates of hell” would open further against the United States and Israel, as Tehran called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene and halt the fighting.

US embassies close amid rising tensions

The US Embassy in Riyadh temporarily closed after confirming it had been targeted in a drone attack, which Saudi authorities described as causing limited fire damage. The US Embassy in Kuwait also suspended operations due to regional tensions.

The US State Department ordered the departure of non-essential diplomatic personnel from Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

Israeli strikes in Beirut and Tehran

Israel’s military said it was conducting simultaneous strikes in Tehran and Beirut, targeting Iranian military assets and Hezbollah positions. In Beirut’s southern suburbs, including areas considered strongholds of Hezbollah, several strikes caused extensive structural damage, according to local reports.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that forces would advance to additional strategic positions in Lebanon to prevent cross-border attacks. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s army reportedly redeployed away from certain southern border positions amid escalating hostilities. The United Nations estimates that at least 30,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon since the escalation began.

In Iran, Israeli strikes reportedly targeted government institutions in central Tehran, with explosions also reported in Karaj and Isfahan. Journalists described hearing multiple powerful blasts across the capital.

Iranian retaliation across the region

Iranian armed forces stated they had launched drone and missile attacks against Israeli military zones and a US military base in Qatar. Authorities in Doha reported that attempted strikes on Qatari territory, including near the airport, were intercepted.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed to have carried out a large-scale attack on a US air base in Bahrain. In Oman, drones were reportedly intercepted near the port of Salalah, with no casualties reported.

Tehran warned European countries against direct involvement after Germany, France and the United Kingdom signaled readiness for defensive actions. Iranian officials described such involvement as a potential act of war.

Rising casualties and economic impact

According to Iran’s Red Crescent, 787 people have been killed across the country since Saturday, with more than 1,000 reported attacks affecting over 150 cities. These figures could not be independently verified.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concern over the impact on civilians and infrastructure.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted following threats to target vessels crossing the strategic waterway. China urged all parties to halt military operations and ensure maritime security.

Global markets reacted sharply to the escalation. Brent crude oil climbed to $85 per barrel, while European gas prices surged. Major European stock exchanges, including Paris, London, Frankfurt and Milan, recorded significant losses.