Middle East War Intensifies as Iran, Israel and US Exchange Strikes; Over 600 Reported Dead

Tehran/Beirut/Riyadh, March 3: Israeli forces have continued large-scale air assaults on Tehran and Beirut, including a strike on Iran’s state broadcaster, as the death toll in Iran and Lebanon has reportedly surpassed 600 amid escalating regional conflict.

In Iran, authorities confirmed that at least 13 soldiers were killed in a US-Israeli strike on a military base in Kerman province in the south of the country. Iranian state media also reported a massive explosion in eastern Tehran, with thick smoke seen rising from the area. Officials have yet to confirm the specific targets of the latest strike.

The ongoing attacks have dealt severe blows to Iran’s military leadership. Multiple senior figures within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including its commander-in-chief and more than ten other senior officials, were reportedly killed in recent strikes. Several IRGC headquarters and facilities across Tehran and other cities have also been targeted.

Meanwhile, Saudi authorities said two drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh, causing a limited fire and minor structural damage. No casualties were immediately reported.

Strait of Hormuz “Closed”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption passes — has been “closed.” The IRGC warned that any vessels attempting to transit the strait would be attacked.

The announcement has heightened fears of a major disruption to global energy supplies. Iran has already targeted energy infrastructure across the Gulf region, sending oil and gas prices sharply higher.

Qatar’s state-owned petroleum company suspended all liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after two of its facilities were struck, raising concerns over global supply chains.

Continued Missile Exchanges

Iran has continued launching attacks on Israel, with the Israeli military reporting missile interceptions over West Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Eilat. At least 10 people have been killed in Israel since Saturday, according to Israeli authorities.

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes following rocket fire by Hezbollah have reportedly caused dozens of casualties, further widening the conflict beyond Iran and Israel.

US Position

US President Donald Trump said the military campaign against Iran could last approximately four weeks, vowing that Washington would “do whatever it takes” to dismantle Tehran’s missile and nuclear capabilities.

As the conflict intensifies across multiple fronts — from Tehran and Beirut to the Gulf and Israel — civilians are increasingly being affected, with strikes hitting not only military and political sites but also urban areas.

The situation remains highly volatile, with fears growing that the conflict could expand further across the region.(Al Jazeera)