The war declared five days ago by the US and Israel against Iran is reaching massive proportions, having now spread across the entire Middle East region. At a time when an unprecedented rift is emerging within the Western Alliance—with Trump attacking the UK and Spain for not facilitating American warplanes and France openly distancing itself from American actions in Iran—the US has announced the urgent evacuation of non-essential diplomatic personnel from Cyprus, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, a move that followed similar actions in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Iraq.
For its part, Israel continues to strike Hezbollah targets and positions in southern Lebanon and Beirut, while also launching a barrage of airstrikes against Iran, carrying out attacks using bombs weighing... dozens of tons. Iran has effectively blocked global navigation in the Strait of Hormuz while constantly launching missiles and drones hitting both Israel and many Gulf states—Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates—as well as more distant targets, such as the British bases in Cyprus. At the same time, the Iranians report they are very close to electing the new Supreme Leader to succeed Ali Khamenei.
Sanchez fires at Trump: You cannot play Russian roulette with the fate of millions
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez launched a scathing attack on US President Donald Trump, highlighting that Spain opposes the "destruction" caused by the current war in the Middle East. Following Donald Trump's threats to limit trade with Madrid due to Spain's stance on the conflict, Sanchez, in a televised address, said that "this is how the great disasters of humanity begin... You cannot play Russian roulette with the fate of millions."
"The position of the Spanish government can be summarized in four words: no to war [no a la guerra]," Sanchez argued, stating that "we will not become accomplices in something that harms the world and goes against our values and interests, simply out of fear of retaliation." Tensions between the two NATO allies increased after Sanchez condemned the American and Israeli bombings against Iran as "reckless and illegal." He later banned US aircraft from using naval and air bases in southern Spain for the operation against Tehran.
Cyprus closes airspace - Two Greek F-16s intercept drone
Cyprus announced earlier today, Wednesday 4/3, that a suspicious object was detected near Lebanese airspace. A government source stated that the airspace over Larnaca Airport was closed, while it is reported that the two F-16s sent to Cyprus by Greece took off and intercepted the drone in Lebanese airspace before it entered Cyprus. It is recalled that on Monday 2/3, a drone targeted the RAF British base at Akrotiri in Cyprus, a key hub for UK air operations in the Middle East, believed to be the first attack on the British base since 1986.
US evacuates Cyprus, Oman, Saudi Arabia
Indicative of the scale the war has taken is the US decision to remove non-essential diplomatic personnel and their families from Cyprus, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. This decision was taken by the State Department as Iran continues to attack US government and military facilities throughout the Middle East. The State Department announcement to employees in Saudi Arabia mentions a "continuing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran," following the drone strike on the US embassy in Riyadh. It also adds that the US government has "limited ability" to assist American citizens in the country. The announcements for Cyprus and Oman both cite "security risks."
Oman, which has long served as a mediator between Washington and Tehran, has largely avoided attacks in the current conflict—however, its commercial port at Duqm, on the east coast, has been hit more than once by Iranian drones.
Revolutionary Guards: We fully control the Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) announced they control the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping route for oil and gas, adding that any ship attempting to pass through the waterway risks being damaged by missiles or "stray" drones. "Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is under the full control of the Islamic Republic Navy," IRGC officer Mohammad Akbarzadeh said in a statement issued by the Fars news agency.
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— Savage Spit (@Waleedahmdd) March 3, 2026
Iran has launched its largest assault on Israel to date. Testek Nukes in day and launched Missiles by night. Seismic activity by day fueling speculation of nuclear testing.
This is a clear escalation. A shift in phase. The pressure is now on Israel. The ball is now… pic.twitter.com/OXxU4aIGyt
Trump proposal: US warships to escort tankers
US President Donald Trump argued that the US Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, adding that he ordered the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to provide political risk insurance and financial guarantees for maritime trade in the Gulf. This move is one of the administration's most aggressive steps so far in an attempt to limit the surge in energy prices amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has increased risks to navigation in key maritime routes.
Global crude oil prices have skyrocketed since Israeli and American forces began striking Iran over the weekend, leading to clashes that have disrupted tanker shipments from the Middle East. However, shipowners and analysts were not certain that the military escorts and insurance coverage provided by the DFC would be enough to stop the rise in prices. The DFC, founded in 2019, is a government agency that works with private investors to support projects in developing countries.
Trump: We might have to live with more expensive oil for a while
Donald Trump has placed reducing fuel costs for Americans at the center of his economic policy, and this specific move shows a willingness to use both economic and military means to prevent disruptions to the global crude oil supply. "Whatever happens, the United States will ensure the free flow of energy to the world," Donald Trump said in a social media post. Donald Trump added that other measures will follow, while noting that Americans might have to live with higher oil prices for a short period, "but once this is over, I believe prices will fall, even lower than before." If high energy prices continue, they could undermine the efforts of Trump's Republican Party lawmakers to maintain power in the Congressional midterm elections in November.
Axios: The February 23 call that changed the Middle East forever
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to launch an attack on Iran during a telephone conversation on February 23, Axios reports, citing sources. This conversation, which the report describes as a turning point "that changed the Middle East," was part of months of intense coordinated action between the two leaders, who, according to American and Israeli officials, had met twice and spoken 15 times by phone in the two months before the war. As reported, Netanyahu informed Trump that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would meet with his advisors on February 28. It is noted that the US and Israel had considered attacking Iran a week earlier but had postponed it for intelligence and operational reasons, including adverse weather conditions.
At the same time, Trump was ready to strike Iran before receiving the intelligence on Khamenei, but had not decided when this would happen until Netanyahu called him. Initial CIA intelligence, collected at the president's request, confirmed the data on Khamenei from Israeli intelligence services. American officials noted that during the president's annual address to Congress the day after the call, Trump made a "conscious decision" not to focus excessively on Tehran, so that Khamenei would not be able to hide before the attack took place. The CIA fully confirmed the evidence on Khamenei by February 26, while the president's special envoy Steve Witcoff and the American leader's son-in-law Jared Kushner called from Geneva after talks with Iran, reporting they had reached a deadlock. According to a source, Witcoff and Kushner informed Trump they would persist and try to reach an agreement, but added that the Iranians showed no inclination to accept the deal that would satisfy the US. Subsequently, on February 27, Trump gave the final order for the start of the attack against Iran.
US: We have destroyed 17 Iranian ships
The American military has destroyed 17 Iranian ships as part of the war with Iran, the commander of US forces in the Middle East claimed. "Simply put, we are focusing on destroying anything that can fire at us," said Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, in a message posted on X, describing "surgical strikes without resistance" by B-2 and B-1 bombers. "We are also sinking the Iranian navy — the entire navy," he added. "So far we have destroyed 17 Iranian ships, including the most operational Iranian submarine, which now has a hole in its side. For decades, the Iranian regime has harassed international navigation. Today, there is not a single Iranian ship sailing in the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, or the Gulf of Oman," said Brad Cooper. "And we are not going to stop." Brad Cooper's statements were made four days after the start of the American military operation against Iran, named Operation Epic Fury. Defense Department officials have stated that the destruction of the Iranian navy is a key goal of the operation.
We have struck 2,000 targets
More than 50,000 American soldiers and over 200 fighter jets are participating in the mission, according to Brad Cooper, while attacks are carried out 24 hours a day. "We are now less than 100 hours into this operation and we have already struck nearly 2,000 targets with more than 2,000 munitions," said the American general. In retaliation for the US and Israeli bombings, Iran has launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones, Brad Cooper said. Nevertheless, he added that Tehran's "ability to strike us is decreasing."
Fierce dogfight: Israeli F-35 downs Iranian Yak-130 over Tehran
An Israeli F-35I fighter downed a Russian-made Iranian Yak-130 aircraft over Tehran earlier today, Wednesday 4/3 morning, the IDF claims. This marks the first downing of a manned aircraft by an F-35 in history. It is also the first time in about 40 years that the Israeli Air Force has been involved in a dogfight with manned aircraft. The last time Israeli fighters downed a manned enemy aircraft was on November 24, 1985, over Lebanon, when an IAF F-15 downed two Syrian MiG-23s.
Israel: Massive bombings with 32 tons of bombs in Tehran
For its part, Israel is launching massive bombings in Tehran and Iran. It is characteristic that during the night, the Israelis dropped... 32 tons of bombs on Tehran. Meanwhile, the Israeli army continues to strike Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and Beirut. In fact, Israeli military forces published a new evacuation order for more than a dozen villages and towns in Lebanon, warning that imminent attacks are likely. The most recent list named 16 areas, mainly in southern Lebanon, where the military targets Hezbollah positions, and informed residents to stay at least 1,000 meters away. "Ensure your safety and that of your loved ones: evacuate immediately and do not return to the villages and towns at this stage," the IDF stated, noting that it simultaneously intercepted missiles launched from Lebanon targeting Israeli cities. According to the Israelis, at least 50 people have been killed by operations conducted in Lebanon.
IDF: 10th wave of attack against Iran underway
The IDF began "extensive attacks targeting targets of the Iranian terrorist regime in Tehran," the Israeli armed forces said in a statement. This marks the tenth wave of attacks since the latest conflict broke out on Saturday, according to the IDF. Earlier, the IDF reported that its night attacks targeted what they described as command centers used by Iran's internal security forces and Basij forces. Iranian state media reported explosions in various parts of the country on Wednesday morning, with one photo showing a large column of dark smoke near the city of Isfahan.
Iran: Massive missile attacks on Israel - Heavy and catastrophic blows to the enemy
However, despite the strong blows it has been receiving for 5 consecutive days, Iran is showing signs of endurance and resistance. The Iranians launch dozens of missiles and drones daily against Israel and against American interests in the Gulf states. The Iranian armed forces dealt heavy and catastrophic blows to the enemy's bases and sensitive and strategic centers in the region, said the spokesperson for the Iranian military Khatam al-Anbiya. Earlier, the Revolutionary Guards announced the launch of the 16th wave of the operation, during which the Revolutionary Guard Air Forces carried out massive attacks with missiles and drones against targets in Israel.
US destroyer hit
A US destroyer became a target of missiles launched by the Revolutionary Guard Navy. The IRGC reported in a statement early Wednesday that, as part of Operation True Promise 4, missiles were launched against a strategic American target in the Indian Ocean. According to the statement, a US destroyer being refueled by a US tanker in the Indian Ocean, approximately 650 kilometers from Iran's southern coast, was hit by Qadr-360 and Talaeiyeh missiles of the Revolutionary Guard Navy. According to intelligence information, there was an extensive fire on the decks of the two ships, with clouds of smoke rising into the sky over the ocean.
Iran: We can continue the war as long as we want
Senior Iranian official Mohammad Mokhber stated on state television that Iran does not intend to negotiate with the US and can continue the war in the Middle East for as long as necessary. As he said, Iran "has no trust in the Americans and we have no basis for negotiations with them," adding: "We can continue the war as long as we want."
Chaos from Iranian drones and missiles in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia announced that it intercepted and destroyed 9 drones that entered its airspace, as state media reported earlier today, Wednesday 4/3. The Saudi Ministry of Defense stated that the drones were destroyed "immediately" upon entering the airspace, while it was not specified if there were casualties or damage to infrastructure. Meanwhile, it is reported that the CIA office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was also hit in the drone attack from Iran against the US embassy last Monday. Information claims there were no casualties, although significant damage was caused to the building, which is located in the same complex as the embassy.
Kuwait also announced it intercepted "several enemy aerial targets" early Wednesday morning, with debris falling on a house and causing injuries, according to the state Kuwait News Agency, citing the country's Ministry of Defense. The aerial targets were "detected and intercepted within Kuwaiti airspace early in the morning" and destroyed, the agency reports. Subsequently, debris fell on a residence, causing injuries and property damage. In a later post, the agency cited the country's Ministry of Health, stating that an 11-year-old girl "died from injuries sustained when shrapnel fell in a residential area," while four members of her family are undergoing "medical evaluation." Kuwait has repelled hundreds of drones and missiles since the start of the latest conflict, with attacks targeting energy infrastructure and the US embassy, while Kuwaiti air defense accidentally shot down three American F-15s. In Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, the Iranians hit the US consulate, while earlier they had also hit the American air base in Bahrain. Iran had also launched an attack on the US base in Erbil, Iraq.
Iran: We are ready for a prolonged war
The secretary of Iran's National Security Council, Larijani, stated in a social media post that the country is ready to defend itself in a prolonged war, unlike the US. For those who know about war operations, to have a landing in Iran requires great preparation, logistics, and weapons... today the US does not have the conditions for a ground landing, so the "boots on the ground" scenario is impossible. For his part, US President Donald Trump stated earlier that it is now "too late" for negotiations with Iran. "Their anti-aircraft defense, air force, navy, and leadership no longer exist. They want to talk. I said: 'Too late!'" Trump said in a post on the social network Truth Social. Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu countered criticism that the conflict in the Middle East will evolve into an "endless war," arguing instead that it will lead to peace and democracy in Iran.
More than 1,000 dead in Iran
More than 1,000 people, including children, have been killed in Iran since the start of the war on Saturday, according to the American organization Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). The organization reports that by Tuesday afternoon at least 1,097 civilians have lost their lives, of which 181 are children. More than 5,400 civilians, including 100 children, have been injured, HRANA reports. The organization notes that its report is preliminary and that it is verifying hundreds more reported deaths.
Three-day funeral for Khamenei - Close to electing the new Supreme Leader
Iran announced it will hold a three-day funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with the ceremony starting today, Wednesday 4/3 evening at the Imam Khomeini prayer site in Tehran, according to state media. The ceremony will last three days and the funeral procession will be announced when finalized. The decision for the three-day memorial comes after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli and American attacks last Saturday 28/2, an event that has caused mourning throughout the country. Mourning for the former Supreme Leader also includes public events in Tehran and other cities. Meanwhile, Iran claims it is close to choosing the new Supreme Leader to replace Khamenei.
Bomb revelation from Israel: Mojtaba Khamenei will be Iran's new Supreme Leader
Mojtaba, son of the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will be Iran's new Supreme Leader, according to a Ynet report citing senior Israeli officials. "Senior Israeli officials estimate that Iran's Assembly of Experts will soon announce Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, as his successor," the report reveals. Earlier, Israel confirmed the attack on the office of the Council of Experts in the city of Qom, where the election of the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic was scheduled.
Israel: Every new leader of the terrorist regime is a target
Israel warned that any new leader appointed by Iran's clerics will be an "unquestionable target for elimination," as top Iranian officials gather to choose a successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that any leader appointed by the Iranian regime will be a target for elimination, and that he, together with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has instructed the Israeli military to prepare and act with all necessary means within the goals of the military operation "Operation Lion’s Roar." "It doesn't matter what his name is or where he is hiding," Katz said, adding that "Israel will continue to act with full force, together with its American partners, to dismantle the capabilities of the Iranian regime and create the conditions so that the people of Iran can overthrow and replace it." At the same time, according to reports, Israeli and American forces are striking the building where the body responsible for choosing the new supreme leader is meeting in the city of Qom, south of Tehran, in an operation aimed at disrupting this process.
New chief in the Revolutionary Guards
Senior Iranian military official Ahmad Vahidi was appointed the new chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), succeeding Mohammad Pakpour, who was reportedly killed last Saturday 28/2 in an operation by Israel and the US. Ahmad Vahidi, who previously served as head of the Quds Force, the IRGC's external operations unit, is considered by international authorities as the mastermind of the deadly bombings in Argentina in the 1990s. Specifically, his name is directly linked to the attack on the Israeli embassy in 1992, which cost the lives of 29 people, as well as the deadly explosion at the AMIA Jewish community center in 1994, where 85 people lost their lives and hundreds were injured. Due to his involvement in these events, he has been wanted by Interpol since 2007. Despite Tehran's denial of the charges, pressure on him increased sharply in 2024 when an Argentine court issued a landmark ruling, naming Iran as a terrorist state and attributing final responsibility for the AMIA terrorist attack to it.
Macron sends Rafales to Cyprus, de Gaulle aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean
The war launched by the US and Israel against Iran is becoming internationalized in an asymmetric and dangerous way, while the Mediterranean Sea is turning into a theater of operations following the drone attack in Cyprus by pro-Iranian forces from Lebanon. In this context, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that France has deployed Rafale fighter jets, anti-aircraft systems, and air radars in the last few hours with the aim of intercepting missiles and drones. He also confirmed that Paris is sending the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier—the flagship of the French navy—towards the Mediterranean Sea. Macron emphasized that the country has defense agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Iraq and that "it will show solidarity." The French president also referred to the situation in Lebanon, where fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has resumed. He condemned the organization's attack against Israel as a "big mistake" while simultaneously warning Israel against a ground invasion of its northern neighbor. "The Islamic Republic of Iran bears the primary responsibility for this situation," Emmanuel Macron stated in his address.
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