EXPLAINER
At least 1,332 people have been reported killed in US and Israeli attacks on Iran since the start of the war last weekend.
Published March 7, 2026
A week after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, the conflict continues to escalate across the Middle East.
At least 1,332 people have been reported killed in attacks between the United States and Israel as a new wave of intense bombing hit the Iranian capital early on Saturday.
This is what we know:
In Iran
- Military attacks and increasing casualties: The US military’s Central Command says it has struck more than 3,000 targets in Iran and destroyed 43 Iranian warships since February 28. The death toll in Iran has now risen to at least 1,332 people.
- The United States demands: US President Donald Trump demands an “unconditional surrender” from Iran and says there will be no deal without it.
- Threats and maritime movements: The Iranian military confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, but explicitly stated that it will attack any American or Israeli ship that attempts to pass through it.
- Europe can become a “target”: Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned European nations that they will become “legitimate targets” of Iranian retaliation if they join the United States and Israel in the conflict.
- Russian support: President Vladimir Putin spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, offering his condolences over the deaths in Iran and receiving a briefing on the events.
- Russia is also reportedly providing Iran with intelligence on U.S. military positions, according to U.S. officials who spoke anonymously.
- Oil trade: The war has caused a “significant increase in demand” for Russian energy products, the Kremlin said. This came a day after the United States granted India a 30-day waiver.
In the Gulf nations
- Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates: The three countries have reported the arrival of missiles and drones to their territories.
- Qatar’s government said its air defense systems intercepted nine of 10 Iranian drones launched against the country on Friday.
- Saudi Arabia: The country also reported intercepting multiple drones near its capital, Riyadh.
- Kuwait: It has begun cutting production at some oil fields after running out of space to store its bottled crude, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
- UK military support: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and pledged British military support, including fighter jets, helicopters and a destroyer, to defend Saudi Arabia if necessary.
- More UK Typhoon fighter jets are due to arrive in Qatar to help with defensive air patrols.
- Aviation and evacuation updates: Following major regional airspace closures and flight cancellations, Qatar’s Hamad International Airport is partially resuming air navigation via specific “emergency routes.”
- Qatar Airways has announced special repatriation flights to five European cities: London, Paris, Madrid, Rome and Frankfurt.
In Israel
- Incoming Iranian attacks: Iran constantly fires drones and missiles at targets across Israel, triggering explosions and air raid sirens in Tel Aviv in northern Israel and near Beersheba in the Negev Desert.
- Depletion of air defenses: According to analysts, Iran’s apparent strategy with these sustained attacks is to stretch Israel’s air defense systems, keep the country off balance and deplete its supply of missile interceptors.
- Accusations at the UN: Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, accused Israel and the United States of failing to recognize “a red line” and of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- Hezbollah retaliation: In response to Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, Hezbollah has fired rockets at multiple locations in northern Israel.
in the united states
- Contradictory schedules: U.S. officials have given mixed signals about how long the conflict could last. The White House said the campaign could last four to six weeks, while the Pentagon declined to give a timeline.
- Military scale: Trump said defense manufacturers will “quadruple” weapons production to sustain the campaign.
- The first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury are estimated to have cost $3.7 billion, about $891 million per day, and most of the spending is unbudgeted, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)..
- Strategic deployments: The United States is beefing up its strike capabilities: A B-1 bomber arrived at a UK air base after the UK allowed the US to use its bases for defensive operations.
In Lebanon, Iraq
- Hezbollah clashes with Israeli troops in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley: Hezbollah confirms that its fighters were involved and states in a statement that its forces “observed the infiltration of four Israeli enemy army helicopters from the direction of Syria.”
- Israeli attacks and casualties: Israeli planes bombed cities in southern and eastern Lebanon. Lebanon’s Public Health Ministry says 217 people have died since the attacks began.
- Displacement crisis: A growing number of residents have fled areas such as Tire and the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh. Beirut schools are now used as shelters.
- Diplomatic response: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on allies to help stop the attacks. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support in a phone call with Aoun.
- Drone attack in Iraqi Kurdistan region: A drone hit the Erbil Arjaan By Rotana hotel after the US embassy warned that Iran-aligned groups could attack hotels used by foreigners.
What has happened since the war began on February 28?
- One week since the start of the war: The US-Israeli military campaign against Iran entered its seventh day on Friday, a week after initial attacks began last Saturday at 06:27 GMT.
- Growing victims: At least 1,332 civilians have been killed in Iran over the past week and schools, hospitals and other infrastructure have reportedly been affected. More than 200 people have been killed in Lebanon. Eleven have died in Israel and six American service members have also died.
- Hezbollah joins: Hezbollah entered the conflict on March 2, firing into northern Israel and causing Israel to expand its attacks into Lebanon.
- Humanitarian crisis: The UN estimates that at least 330,000 people have been forcibly displaced across the Middle East due to escalating violence.
- Europe trapped: Countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Spain have agreed to provide military support to protect the interests of their allies.
- Energy shock: Oil prices have soared amid major shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint that carries around 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.
- Regional climbing: Iran has launched waves of missiles and drones across the Gulf, targeting countries hosting US military bases, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- US Domestic Support: Both the US Senate and House of Representatives voted to reject bipartisan war powers resolutions aimed at stopping the conflict, supporting Trump’s ongoing military campaign against Iran.
