The war in the Middle East in maps, video and photos

The Guardian World

by Oliver Holmes and William Christou. Visuals by Lucy Swan, Ashley Kirk, Chris Watson, Heidi Wilson, Boglarka Kosztolanyi, Maheen Sadiq , Bryony Moore, Matt Fidler and Arnel Hecimovic

March 3, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A US-Israeli military campaign against Iran escalated dramatically into a regional conflict following the targeted killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The initial attacks on Saturday involved airstrikes and missile strikes that claimed the life of Iran's highest-ranking official, sparking widespread retaliatory actions across the Middle East. Tehran responded by launching coordinated strikes in multiple countries, escalating tensions in an already volatile region. The conflict intensified as Israel launched a ground invasion of Lebanon on Tuesday, targeting Hezbollah, which has long-standing ties with Iran. The move followed weeks of intense Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, prompted by Hezbollah's rocket attacks across the border. This development underscores how the US-Israeli campaign against Iran has drawn in regional proxies and allies, creating a broader war that spans multiple countries. The situation has raised concerns about further escalation and humanitarian crises. Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah and Hamas have joined the fray, carrying out attacks on Israel and its supporters. Meanwhile, the involvement of major global powers, including the US and Russia, adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate conflict. The regional instability has far-reaching implications for global oil markets, security dynamics, and international relations. The war's escalation highlights deep-seated tensions in the Middle East, rooted in decades of political, religious, and territorial disputes. As the conflict continues to expand, it threatens to destabilize an already fragile region, drawing in more nations and complicating efforts to achieve peace and security in the area. For readers interested in global affairs, this conflict matters because it has the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and beyond. The involvement of major powers and the risk of widespread violence underscore the high stakes at play. As the situation evolves, the outcome could have lasting consequences for international relations, regional stability, and global security.

Verticals

worldpolitics

Originally published on The Guardian World on 3/3/2026