US-Israel Strikes on Iran Escalate, Killing Dozens

State Department issues worldwide security alert as conflict intensifies

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:20pm

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The U.S. and Israel have launched a series of strikes against Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear development programs, dubbed "Epic Fury." The attacks have killed at least six U.S. service members and dozens of Iranian officials, including the Supreme Leader. Iran has retaliated by targeting oil and gas sites in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as U.S. and allied military installations across the region. The conflict has also resulted in civilian casualties, including at least 175 killed in a missile strike on an all-girls' school in Iran.

Why it matters

The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has major geopolitical and security implications for the Middle East and the world. It raises concerns about the potential for further military escalation, civilian casualties, and disruptions to global energy supplies and trade. The situation also highlights longstanding tensions between the U.S. and Iran dating back to the 1979 hostage crisis.

The details

The U.S. and Israel launched the "Epic Fury" campaign on February 28 with the goal of destroying Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs. So far, more than 1,000 targets have been hit, and dozens of Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have been killed. Iran has responded by attacking oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as U.S. and allied military installations in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE. The conflict has also resulted in civilian casualties, including a missile strike on an all-girls' school in Iran that killed at least 175 people.

  • On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched the "Epic Fury" campaign against Iran.
  • On March 1, a U.S. service member died after an Iranian missile attack on a U.S. base in Kuwait.
  • On March 3, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide security alert for U.S. citizens.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who ordered the attacks on Iran.

Marco Rubio

The current U.S. Secretary of State who has warned that the "hardest hits are yet to come" in the conflict with Iran.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran, who was among the dozens of Iranian officials killed in the U.S.-Israel strikes.

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What they’re saying

“The big wave hasn't even happened. The big one is coming soon.”

— Donald Trump

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This conflict highlights the longstanding tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the potential for further military escalation and civilian casualties. It also raises questions about the justification for the attacks and the potential impact on global energy and trade.