The Middle East conflict has sharply expanded, with Israel launching ground operations in southern Lebanon while carrying out large-scale airstrikes on both Tehran and Beirut. Iran has faced repeated waves of attacks from Israeli and US warplanes, with hundreds reported dead since the fighting began.

Israel exchanged further strikes with Iran overnight into Tuesday while it continues its assault on Lebanon, intensifying a conflict which has already killed hundreds, caused Washington to warn Americans to leave much of the region and threatens to spark a global energy crisis.… pic.twitter.com/zjA6pixojp

— CNN (@CNN) March 3, 2026

Hezbollah has responded with drone launches toward northern Israel, and missile and drone fire has spread across the Gulf. Civilian casualties are rising, key nuclear facilities have been damaged, and US diplomatic sites have come under attack. As more countries are drawn into the crisis, fears are growing that the region is sliding toward a much broader war.

Israel Expands Operations in Lebanon and Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz approved a ground incursion into southern Lebanon. At the same time, the Israeli air force said it carried out “extensive strikes” on both Tehran and Beirut.

The strikes targeted Iranian government-linked sites and positions linked to Hezbollah, which said it launched drones toward northern Israel. In Lebanon, at least 52 people were reported killed and around 30,000 displaced. Meanwhile, Israeli and US warplanes launched new attacks across Iran, where the Iranian Red Crescent said at least 787 people have died since the conflict began.

Nuclear Site Damaged

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that entrance buildings at the Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant were damaged in recent strikes. The site is a key part of Iran’s nuclear program, raising global concern about further escalation.

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Conflict Spreads Across the Gulf

The violence has affected at least nine countries. The United Arab Emirates reported hundreds of incoming missiles and drones since the start of the conflict. Drone strikes also targeted ports in Oman. In Riyadh, the US embassy was hit by a drone strike, sparking a fire. The United States Department of State has urged American citizens to leave 14 countries across the region as tensions continue to rise.