A new, torrential escalation of military operations is unfolding in the Middle East this Monday, March 2, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announcing the commencement of the twelfth phase of Operation True Promise 4. The strikes target US and Israeli forces, allied bases in the Middle East—including Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates—as well as US bases in the Eastern Mediterranean. According to reports from NourNews, Tehran unleashed its latest generation of ultra-heavy missiles against US regional bases as part of this new cycle of operations. Specifically, during this 12th phase, Iran struck targets in Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait. Reports indicate that Tehran deployed a total of 26 UAVs and 5 ballistic missiles to carry out the strikes.
The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the 12th wave of Operation True Promise 4 was carried out in the naval domain, targeting fixed and mobile US military assets in #Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, #Bahrain, and the Strait of Hormuz.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) March 2, 2026
According to the IRGC,… pic.twitter.com/rF241jLEwA
The Iranians already claim, at least according to the Revolutionary Guards, that they managed to strike the American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles. They also report attacks on US and British bases spanning from Iraq to Cyprus, while simultaneously claiming to have shot down American F-15 fighters, a claim supported by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense.
Unprecedented Iranian warning: US and Israeli leaderships in the crosshairs – 'They will not be safe even in their homes'
The leadership of the US and Israel will no longer be safe "even in their own homes," warned the Quds Force of the IRGC, issuing a direct threat against Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. "The enemy who murdered Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei must know that from now on, they will not feel safe even inside their own house. We will not rest until the enemy is defeated, and we will seek revenge for all those who lost their lives in their treacherous attack," the Quds Force stated in a release carried by the Fars news agency.
Pentagon: At least 6 American soldiers killed by Iranian strikes
It is noted that 6 American military personnel have been killed so far in the campaign against Iran. US forces recently recovered the bodies of two servicemen who were previously considered missing from a facility hit during Iranian attacks in the region. Major operations are ongoing. The identities of the fallen are being kept confidential until 24 hours after their families have been notified.
Iran swept US bases with new 'ultra-heavy' missiles
Tehran reportedly used what it described as an... "apocalyptic ballistic weapon." The Iranian agency Tasnim published photos and audiovisual material of the launch on its Telegram channel, referring to a "new generation of ultra-heavy missiles."
Iran just launched one of its biggest missiles in this war ? pic.twitter.com/de4YNX2vFD
— . (@LBGamestips) March 2, 2026
As specifically highlighted, this is a unique weapon system currently directed against American military installations. 
At the same time, Washington signals that all scenarios remain on the table, leaving open the possibility of landing ground troops on Iranian soil.
What the explosive 'Doomsday missile' brings
Simultaneously, Iran revealed it used new explosive warheads in its missiles, according to the Tasnim news agency. According to the agency, the type of explosive in Iranian warheads has changed, while the attacks of recent days differ from the 12-day war in both volume and quality. Specifically, a 500kg warhead is now equivalent to previous one-ton warheads. On March 2, CNN reported that the United States is using drones, destroyers, HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, and Tomahawk missiles to strike Iran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry: Strikes coming to Middle East hotels hosting American soldiers
Iran will consider American military personnel residing in Middle East hotels as legitimate targets, stated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in an interview with state television, according to TASS. "If American soldiers seek refuge in hotels and hide there, this is no excuse or reason for Iran to refrain from attacking them," the diplomat warned. It is noted that on March 2, Iran attacked an American Palm Jet and the runway of Camp Victoria near Baghdad airport in Iraq. The strikes caused a fire at the camp, and the aircraft itself sustained damage.
On the morning of February 28, the United States, together with Israel, launched a military operation against Iran. In his address to the nation, the American leader attributed the strikes to "exhausted patience" regarding Tehran's refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Numerous cities in the Islamic Republic were attacked, including the capital. A devastating attack with 40 missiles hit the residence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who did not survive. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Israel and American airbases in the Middle East.
Trump: I do not rule out landing ground troops in Iran
At the same time, US President Donald Trump, in statements to The New York Post, did not rule out the possibility of sending American ground forces to Iran. Commenting on the likelihood of troop deployment, the American leader took a clear distance from the standard tactics of his predecessors. 
"I am not worried about boots on the ground. I mean, every US president says 'there will be no soldiers on the ground.' I don't say that. I say 'they probably won't be needed.' Or, 'if they were needed,'" Trump stated, leaving the scenario of a ground invasion wide open if conditions require it.
'The US continues to pound Iran with large-scale operations'
Washington continues to conduct large-scale military operations against Iran, added President Donald Trump during an award ceremony at the White House. "Today, the United States military continues to conduct large-scale combat operations in Iran to eliminate the serious threat to America posed by this horrible terrorist regime, following the destruction of Iran's nuclear program during Operation Midnight Hammer," the American leader stated.
Revolutionary Guards: We set fire to the tanker ATHE NOVA
The tanker ATHE NOVA was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz by two drones launched from Iranian territory, according to an IRGC announcement. "The oil tanker ATHE NOVA, a US ally in the Strait of Hormuz, continues to burn after being hit by two drones," the text of the announcement characteristically states.
Revelation: Iran used 'product 358' for the first time to down Israeli Hermes drone
Meanwhile, Iranian forces shot down another Israeli Hermes 900 drone using a new anti-aircraft missile known as the "358." Footage of the system in action was found on the "War History Weapons" Telegram channel. In the video recorded by the missile itself, a Hermes is seen locked in its sights as the "358" approaches. The recording stops right next to the UAV's fuselage, suggesting a successful hit. The first images of the "358," classified as a loitering anti-aircraft missile, appeared in 2020. Launched from a compact ground launcher, the missile can then circle in the air searching for a target. The "358" is equipped with a homing head capable of locking onto the target, while a small jet engine allows it to strike drones and helicopters. In January 2025, Iran presented a new missile, the "359," an evolution of Product 358, capable of intercepting targets at a range of 150 kilometers.
Israeli media reveal: War against Iran will last at least until April
The military campaign by Israel and the US against Iran could last at least until April, a high-ranking Israeli official told the state broadcaster Kan. According to him, Israel is "preparing for war with Iran before Passover." This major Jewish holiday will be celebrated this year from April 1 to April 8. As Kan notes, this prediction followed the statement of US President Donald Trump, who hinted that hostilities could continue for several more weeks. It is noted that on February 28, the US and Israel launched the military operation against Iran.
Major Iranian cities, including Tehran, were hit. The White House justified the attack citing missile and nuclear threats allegedly originating from Tehran. The Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliation operation, attacking targets in Israel. American targets in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia were also hit. The strikes on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other key figures of the Islamic Republic's leadership.
Cyprus a possible target of Iran's new cycle of ballistic attacks
"We will hit the island until the US withdraws its fighters from the Eastern Mediterranean," a senior Revolutionary Guard official warned in a shocking statement. According to his claims, the US has moved most of its fighter jets to Cyprus. Jabbari made Tehran's intention to strike the island clear, stating: "We will launch attacks on Cyprus until the Americans are forced to abandon this location as well."
?? Iranian general Jabbari: The Americans have relocated most of their fighter jets to Cyprus. We will launch attacks on Cyprus until the Americans are forced to leave it too. pic.twitter.com/1lJOmXzZ0y
— Sprinter Press (@SprinterPress) March 2, 2026
It is noted that according to information from international agencies, the drones launched toward Cyprus originated from Lebanon and Hezbollah forces. Now, Tehran itself threatens to engage directly against targets in the Eastern Mediterranean, targeting the island with ballistic missiles.
Chaos in the Gulf: Qatar shot down two Iranian Soviet Su-24s
Qatar shot down two Su-24 fighter jets of the Iranian Air Force, as announced by the country's Ministry of Defense on its social media page. "The Qatari Air Force successfully shot down two Su-24 aircraft originating from the Islamic Republic of Iran. It also successfully intercepted seven ballistic missiles using air defense systems and five drones (UAVs) of the air force and navy, which carried out strikes in several areas of the country today," the official statement says. 
According to military officials, the missiles and drones failed to hit their targets. The military authorities of the emirate also called on citizens to remain calm and not spread rumors. Earlier, the Qatari MoD reported an Iranian missile strike on a water storage tank belonging to the Mesaieed power station. A production unit belonging to Qatar Energy was also hit.
Israel: We have hit more than 600 targets within Iranian territory
It is noted that since the start of Operation Lion's Roar against Iran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out airstrikes on approximately 600 targets of the Iranian regime, as emphasized by the IDF spokesperson's office. "Before the start of the campaign, the Operations Directorate conducted in-depth combat training lasting several months, as well as coordination activities with the US Army and extensive preparation for multi-faceted actions," the announcement states. The IDF confirmed it had mobilized approximately 110,000 reservists. The Israeli Air Force reportedly hit over 600 targets, using approximately 2,500 munitions.
In the meantime, the Pentagon released a new video:
The Pentagon has released new footage of strikes on targets in Iran
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 2, 2026
The number of casualties among U.S. military personnel in the operation against Iran has risen to 18.
The U.S. does not rule out additional military casualties as a result of the operation against Iran. This… https://t.co/CsXoAYJSGF pic.twitter.com/6fpF7hQ087
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