Damascus, March 11 (SANA) — The military confrontation between Iran, the United States, and Israel—now in its second week—has become one of the most severe regional crises in decades, with no clear end in sight. The conflict risks drawing in more actors, causing massive civilian suffering, and triggering profound global economic and political consequences.
The escalation began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes—codenamed “Operation Epic Fury” by the U.S. and “Roaring Lion” by Israel—targeting Iranian military infrastructure, missile facilities, air-defense systems, nuclear sites, and leadership compounds across cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Natanz, Karaj, Kermanshah, Qom, and Tabriz. U.S. President Donald Trump described the campaign as necessary to “eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime” and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes aimed to remove “the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.”
The opening wave killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a strike on his compound in Tehran, along with dozens of senior officials, according to U.S. and Israeli officials. Iran confirmed the death and appointed Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader on March 8, a move signaling continuity of hardline policies.
Regional Escalation and Retaliation
Iran responded immediately with waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities (including Tel Aviv) and U.S. military bases across the region, including in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Jordan. Iranian projectiles were intercepted over neighboring countries, but strikes caused civilian casualties and damage in Israel and Gulf states.
The conflict has expanded: Iran-backed groups in Iraq intensified attacks on U.S. targets, while in Lebanon, Hezbollah exchanged fire with Israeli forces. Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and Beirut suburbs, causing significant casualties. Cross-border exchanges continue along Israel’s northern frontier.
Intensifying Military Campaign
U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted hundreds of strikes—nearly 900 in the first 12 hours alone, per U.S. and Israeli reports—focusing on degrading Iran’s air defenses, ballistic missile infrastructure (with the IDF claiming ~75% of launchers destroyed), and nuclear facilities. On March 2, strikes hit the Natanz nuclear enrichment site in Esfahan Province, severely damaging buildings, according to satellite imagery cited by Israeli analysts and confirmed by Iran’s IAEA representative Reza Najafi. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports ongoing targeting of IRGC compounds, Basij bases, and internal security sites in Tehran and western Iran to maintain air superiority.
Explosions persist in major Iranian cities like Tehran and Arak. Iran has launched multiple missile barrages daily since early March, including cluster munitions wounding civilians in central Israel. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described March 10 as potentially the “most intense day” of U.S. strikes, while Trump warned Iran against further disruptions, stating the war could end “pretty quickly” but not this week.
Civilian impact is severe: Iran’s Red Crescent Society reports over 1,200 deaths from strikes, with accusations of hits on civilian sites (including a girls’ school near Bandar Abbas killing over 160 on day one). In Israel, at least 13 deaths reported from Iranian attacks.
Economic and Global Impact
The conflict has disrupted global energy markets. Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel (Brent crude up ~20% in early March trading), driven by fears over the Strait of Hormuz—through which ~20 million barrels per day (~20-25% of global seaborne oil trade and a significant share of LNG) typically flow, per U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and IEA estimates. Iran declared the strait “closed” and threatened vessels, leading to near-total halt in shipping, production shut-ins in Iraq/Kuwait, and skyrocketing tanker/insurance costs. Analysts warn prolonged closure could push prices higher, risking inflation, shortages, and economic strain worldwide.
Diplomatic Pressure and Risks
International calls for de-escalation have intensified. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the use of force, reminding the Security Council of Charter obligations. Russian President Vladimir Putin urged an immediate halt and negotiations, warning of broader risks. China and others echoed restraint calls.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated no future negotiations with the U.S. after this “bitter experience.” Trump has framed the campaign as regime-focused but open to a “judicious transition,” while critics warn of potential civil war in Iran or wider involvement (e.g., Hezbollah fronts, Houthi disruptions).
Analysts from Brookings, Chatham House, and others note the conflict’s existential nature for Tehran, with no quick diplomatic off-ramp. As operations continue into week two, the Middle East remains on high alert, with the trajectory hinging on whether strikes remain limited or spiral into a full regional war.
