US-Israel war on Iran live: explosions heard in Gulf cities and Jerusalem; evacuations in Beirut as conflict spreads to Lebanon

The Guardian World

by Adam Fulton

March 2, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Middle East is teetering on the brink of a full-scale regional conflict as explosions rocked Gulf cities and Jerusalem, with Iran-backed Hezbollah claiming responsibility for launching rockets and drones at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The escalating violence has already claimed its first fatality in Bahrain, where a foreign worker was killed by shrapnel from an intercepted missile. Meanwhile, evacuations have been ordered in Beirut as the conflict spreads to Lebanon. Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, reported intercepting 61 missiles and 34 drones targeting it, with some碎片 striking buildings and the naval base. This marks a significant escalation, as the conflict has moved beyond Israel and Iran to involve other regional powers. The situation is further complicated by the strategic importance of the region, particularly Bahrain’s role in hosting US military forces. The interception of so many missiles and drones highlights the sophistication of the conflict’s weaponry and the potential for broader regional instability. While Hezbollah claims its actions are a response to the assassination of Khamenei, Israel has vowed to continue its campaign against Iranian targets, raising fears of even greater escalation. The involvement of US forces in Bahrain adds another layer of complexity, as tensions between the United States and

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 3/2/2026