Tehran/Riyadh/Tel Aviv/Washington, March 3, 2026: Iran launched late-night missile attacks across the Middle East, targeting six US military bases and multiple cities in Israel, amid rapidly escalating regional tensions.
According to international news agencies, Iranian strikes hit US military installations in Bahrain, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. In addition, missiles were fired at several Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem.
Iranian media claimed that strikes also targeted the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Air Force headquarters. Reports said “Khyber” missiles were used in the attacks.
Fire at US Embassy in Riyadh after drone strike
In Riyadh, two drones reportedly struck the Embassy of the United States, Riyadh, causing a fire in the diplomatic quarter. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed partial damage to the building but said no casualties were reported as the premises had been evacuated. Two explosions were heard following the drone impacts.
US President Donald Trump warned that a response to the Riyadh attack would be forthcoming, adding that retaliation would include avenging any American military casualties.
Israel strikes Tehran; explosions reported
Arab media reported that Israeli forces carried out retaliatory strikes on targets in Tehran, including a broadcasting authority building. Loud explosions were heard across the Iranian capital, a claim later confirmed by Iranian media outlets.
Russian media also reported that Jordan’s air defense system failed to intercept incoming Iranian missiles. One missile allegedly struck a Jordanian military base after a failed interception attempt, plunging parts of the area into darkness.
Amid the escalating tensions, the US Embassy in Jordan was evacuated as a precautionary measure, with announcements instructing staff to move to secure locations.
Civilian death toll in Iran rises to 742
A Washington-based human rights organization reported that 85 civilians and 11 military personnel were killed in the past 24 hours alone. Since the start of US-Israeli strikes on February 28, at least 742 civilians have reportedly been killed in Iran.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), 176 children are among the dead, underscoring the severity of the humanitarian crisis.
Israel orders evacuation of 59 areas in Lebanon
The Israeli military issued emergency warnings for residents in 59 areas of Lebanon, particularly in southern Beirut, urging them to evacuate buildings where military operations are anticipated. The warning was disseminated via Telegram, instructing residents to leave immediately for their safety.
Qatar claims interception of 98 ballistic missiles
The Ministry of Defense of Qatar claimed that 101 Iranian ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and 39 drones entered its airspace. Qatari air defense systems reportedly intercepted three cruise missiles, 98 ballistic missiles, and 24 drones mid-air.
US lawmakers debate escalation
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told lawmakers on Capitol Hill that Israel was preparing to strike Iran and that there was a strong possibility the United States would be targeted in retaliation. He suggested that adopting a purely defensive posture could have resulted in greater American casualties.
Congressman Joaquin Castro criticized the administration, stating that Israel had pushed the US toward confrontation with Iran and that the Trump administration chose to join the conflict instead of restraining its ally.
UAE and Qatar call for de-escalation
According to Bloomberg, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have urged allies to encourage President Trump to help reduce tensions over Iran. Both Gulf states are reportedly seeking to form a broader coalition to secure an immediate diplomatic resolution and prevent further regional destabilization, particularly amid concerns over rising global energy prices.
The situation remains fluid, with fears growing that the widening conflict could trigger a broader regional war.
