What we know on day three of US-Israeli attacks on Iran
Al Jazeera
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US and Israel have escalated tensions with Iran after confirming the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On Saturday, they launched airstrikes on Iran while nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington were ongoing. Iran retaliated swiftly, targeting US military assets across the Gulf region, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Iraq, and Israel. The conflict has now entered its third day, with significant attacks reported in Dubai, Cyprus, and beyond. The situation continues to escalate, raising concerns about regional stability and global security.
In Iran, more than 20 people were killed in an attack on Tehran's Niloofar Square, according to Mehr news agency. US President Donald Trump claimed that the joint operation had killed 48 Iranian leaders. Meanwhile, explosions were reported in Gulf nations like UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait. In the UAE, missile strikes caused damage but no injuries. Qatar’s military intercepted missiles with Patriot systems and later deployed fighter planes to counter further threats. Oman reported an attack on an oil tanker near Muscat, resulting in at least one fatality.
In Kuwait, air defenses intercepted hostile targets, causing minor injuries at a refinery and dense smoke from a crashed jet. Bahrain's Ministry of Interior stated that Iran targeted a maritime facility near Manama, leading to debris falling on a foreign ship in the Salman industrial zone. The US military confirmed three service members were killed during operations against Iran, prompting Trump to vow revenge and warn of more casualties. In Israel, Iranian missiles were intercepted by air defenses.
The conflict has significant implications for global energy markets and regional stability. Gulf nations are bracing for further attacks, while the US and its allies prepare for potential escalation. The situation underscores the fragile state of Middle East security and the risks of broader geopolitical confrontation. Readers interested in world affairs will want to follow this unfolding crisis closely, as it could shape international relations and global economic conditions for months to come.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/2/2026