The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran entered its fourth day on Tuesday, with fighting spreading across the Gulf and Lebanon. US President Donald Trump said the military campaign was the “last, best chance” to stop Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and warned it could continue for “four to five weeks”, with the ability to last longer if necessary.
The scale of fighting has expanded, with casualties rising and sea lanes and airspace disrupted across the region. Israeli forces continue their attacks on Tehran and Beirut, including an attack on the Iranian state broadcaster, as the death toll in Iran and Lebanon surpasses 700.
What has happened so far?
US and Israeli forces continued airstrikes against targets in Iran. Israeli attacks also expanded to Lebanon, where the Iran-backed Hezbollah group fired rockets into Israel. Israel said it responded by attacking Hezbollah positions in and around Beirut.
The United Arab Emirates said its air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles launched from Iran. Saudi Arabia said two drones struck near the US embassy compound in Riyadh, causing minor damage and a small fire.
The US military said the number of US service members killed in the conflict has risen to six. He also confirmed that three US F-15 fighter jets were shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses in what he described as an “apparent friendly fire incident”. All crew members ejected safely.
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Trump and Rubio describe the US position
Speaking at the White House, Trump said: “Whatever the time is, it’s fine, whatever the cost.” He added that the United States was “destroying Iran’s missile capabilities” and preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Rubio admitted what we all knew: the United States has entered a war of choice on behalf of Israel. The so-called Iranian “threat” never existed.
Therefore, both American and Iranian bloodshed falls on “Israel First.”
The American people deserve better and should take their country back.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 3, 2026
In an interview with New York PostTrump said he would not rule out deploying ground troops, saying, “I’m not saying there won’t be troops on the ground.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the attacks were carried out in “self-defense” and described them as a response to an “imminent threat.” He later told reporters that “the hardest blows are yet to come.”
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However, Democratic Senator Mark Warner said after a classified briefing that officials had shown no evidence of an imminent threat to the United States.
Iran’s response and the threat of the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian officials said the country was prepared for a protracted conflict. A senior Revolutionary Guard adviser said “not a single drop of oil” would pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global energy supplies. He warned that any ship attempting to cross could be attacked.
Maritime traffic through the strait has slowed significantly, according to regional authorities and shipping companies.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Kuwait must explain why US aircraft were operating in its airspace, having previously assured that no attacks would be launched from its territory.
Fighting in Lebanon and throughout the Gulf
Israel said it carried out more attacks on Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage sites in Beirut. Lebanese health officials have reported dozens of deaths since the fighting began.
Qatar said it had lodged formal complaints with the United Nations over Iranian attacks in the Gulf. Qatar’s Defense Ministry also said its air force intercepted two planes entering its airspace.
Explosions have been reported in Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, where the United States has military bases. Some civil infrastructure, including parts of Dubai airport, has been affected.
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Economic and travel disruption
Oil and gas markets remain volatile. Naval traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, raising concerns about energy supplies. Qatar said it would halt some production of liquefied natural gas.
Airspace closures in parts of the Gulf have left thousands of travelers stranded, particularly in major hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The US State Department has advised US citizens to “depart now” from several countries in the region.
As the conflict enters its third day, both Washington and Tehran say they are prepared to take further steps. There are no clear signs of de-escalation and regional governments remain on high alert.
