Middle Eastern Crisis: Events of the Last Few Days

Brief Overview of Events

• Israeli forces reported on March 2 that they struck Hezbollah positions in response to attacks from the group. Soon, hostilities intensified, and air raid sirens were activated in northern Israel. The Israeli General Staff announced the start of an "offensive campaign" against this group.
• On the same day, Israel continued airstrikes on Lebanon, resulting in over 30 deaths and around 150 injuries in Beirut and southern cities, according to local health authorities.
• A high-ranking Hezbollah commander, Mohammed Raad, was killed in Beirut as a result of Israeli attacks.
• Lebanon closed all schools and educational institutions due to ongoing hostilities.
• After Hezbollah's attacks, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called their actions "illegal" and urged for the cessation of the group's military operations.
• Throughout the day, explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, caused by retaliatory rocket strikes from Lebanon and attacks from Iranian territory.
• The USA and Israel continued active airstrikes on strategic sites in Iran, including command centers and military bases.
• In response, Iran initiated a ninth wave of missile attacks on Israel and American bases in the Persian Gulf (UAE, Qatar, Bahrain).
• Iran also announced the cessation of negotiations with the USA, rejecting diplomatic initiatives and continuing military actions.
• In the night of March 3, air raid sirens sounded again in Israel, with reports of ongoing strikes on Iranian targets.

Iranian Attacks on US Bases

• On the morning of March 2, Iran announced the start of a new phase of operations against "American military infrastructure" in the region, launching ballistic missiles and UAVs at US facilities in Iraq and Syria. The Pentagon reported the interception of some missiles by air defense systems.
• Around noon on March 2, strikes occurred near the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq, where American troops are stationed. Reports indicate damage to facilities and injuries among US military personnel.
• On the same day, Iran announced missile launches towards American bases in Qatar and Bahrain, where the US Fifth Fleet is based. Local authorities confirmed the operation of air defense systems.
• In the afternoon of March 2, drones attacked American facilities in eastern Syria. US Central Command reported "damage assessment" and plans for retaliatory actions.
• In the night of March 3, alarm sirens sounded at American military bases in Iraq; the Pentagon confirmed the interception of several missiles, but there were casualties among the personnel.
• In Kuwait, three US fighter jets were shot down. The country's Ministry of Defense reported that "several" American planes crashed in Kuwait on March 2. Central Command confirmed the loss of three F-15E fighters, suggesting they fell victim to "friendly fire" from the Kuwaiti air defense system during Iranian air attacks. Six pilots managed to eject, and their condition is stable. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Airspace Closure and Consequences

• The airspace over key Middle Eastern countries is closed; airlines are canceling flights until March 7 and beyond.
• The first commercial flight departed from the UAE after several days of standstill, and the evacuation of foreign nationals continues.
• Maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz remain under threat, leading to a halt in tanker traffic and a rise in oil prices on the global market.

Casualties and Victims

• Hundreds of civilians have died and been injured in Iran, Lebanon, and neighboring areas due to shelling from both sides.
• The USA confirmed the deaths of several of its military personnel during the conflict with Iran.

Global Reaction

• US President Donald Trump characterized the operation against Iran as prolonged, noting that it could last "more than four weeks."
• The UK, France, and Germany expressed support for their allies in the region, offering their bases for operations. Spain refused to provide its airfields for actions against Iran.