explainer
At least 1,332 people have been reported killed in attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel since the war began last weekend.
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Published March 7, 2026
A week has passed since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, but conflicts continue to escalate across the Middle East.
A new wave of heavy bombing hit Iran’s capital early Saturday, with at least 1,332 people reported dead in US and Israeli attacks.
Here’s what we know:
in iran
Military attacks and casualties increase: Since February 28, the U.S. Central Command announced that it has attacked more than 3,000 targets in Iran and destroyed 43 Iranian warships. Iran’s death toll has now risen to at least 1,332. US demands: US President Donald Trump has demanded “unconditional surrender” from Iran, without which he has said there will be no deal. Maritime threats and movements: The Iranian military has confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, but has specifically stated that it will target any U.S. or Israeli vessels that attempt to transit. Europe could become a ‘target’: Iran’s deputy foreign minister warned European countries that joining the US-Israel conflict would make them a ‘legitimate target’ for Iranian retaliation. Russian support: President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressed condolences for the deaths in Iran, and received an update on the situation. Russia is also reportedly providing Iran with information about American military positions, according to anonymous U.S. officials. Oil trade: The war has caused a “significant increase in demand” for Russian energy products, the Kremlin said. The announcement came a day after the US granted India a 30-day exemption.

in the gulf countries
Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE: All three countries have reported missiles and drones within their territory. Qatar’s government said its air defense systems intercepted nine of the 10 Iranian drones launched into the country on Friday. Saudi Arabia: The country also reported intercepting multiple drones near the capital Riyadh. Kuwait: The country has begun cutting production at some oil fields as it runs out of space to store bottled crude oil, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

British military support: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and pledged British military support, including fighter jets, helicopters and destroyers, to protect Saudi Arabia if necessary. Additional British Typhoon fighter jets are set to arrive in Qatar to support defense air patrols Aviation and evacuation update: Qatar’s Hamad International Airport is partially resuming air operations via a dedicated ’emergency route’ following extensive airspace closures and flight cancellations in the region. Qatar Airways has announced special repatriation flights to five European cities: London, Paris, Madrid, Rome and Frankfurt.
in israel
Iranian attacks are coming: Iran continues to fire drones and missiles at targets across Israel, setting off explosions and air raid sirens near Tel Aviv in northern Israel and Beersheba in the Negev desert. Depletion of air defenses: Analysts say Iran’s apparent strategy in response to such sustained attacks is to expand Israel’s air defense systems, tipping the country off balance and depleting its supply of anti-missile equipment. Condemnation at the United Nations: Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Irabani, accused Israel and the United States of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by failing to recognize “red lines”. Hezbollah Retaliation: In response to Israeli military operations in Lebanon, Hezbollah fired rockets at multiple locations in northern Israel.
in the US
Conflicting timelines: U.S. officials have given mixed signals about how long the conflict will last. The White House said the campaign could last four to six weeks, but the Pentagon did not provide a timeline. Military size: President Trump said defense manufacturers would “quadruple” weapons production to sustain military operations. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury are estimated to have cost $3.7 billion (approximately $891 million per day), but most of the spending was not budgeted..
Strategic Deployment: The United States is increasing its offensive capabilities with the arrival of B-1 bombers at Royal Air Force bases after Britain allowed the United States to use the base for defensive operations.
in Lebanon and Iraq
Hezbollah clashes with Israeli forces in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley: Hezbollah acknowledged the involvement of its fighters, saying in a statement that Hezbollah forces “observed the incursion of four enemy military helicopters from the Syrian direction.” Israeli attacks and casualties: Israeli warplanes bomb towns in southern and eastern Lebanon. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health said 217 people have died since the attacks began. Displacement crisis: More and more residents are fleeing areas such as Tire and Dahiyeh on the southern outskirts of Beirut. Schools in Beirut are currently being used as evacuation centers. Diplomatic response: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on allies to help stop the attack. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support in a telephone conversation with Aoun. Drone attack in Iraq’s Kurdistan region: Drones hit Erbil Arjaan by Rotana Hotel after the US embassy warned that Iranian-aligned groups could attack hotels used by foreigners.

What has happened since the war began on February 28th?
One week since war began: The US and Israeli military operation against Iran entered its seventh day on Friday, marking one week since the first attacks began at 6:27 a.m. Japan time last Saturday. Casualties Rising: At least 1,332 civilians have reportedly been killed in Iran over the past week, with schools, hospitals and other infrastructure damaged. More than 200 people were killed in Lebanon. Eleven people were killed in Israel, including six U.S. military personnel. Hezbollah’s participation: Hezbollah entered the conflict on March 2, firing into northern Israel and prompting Israel to expand its attacks on Lebanon. Humanitarian crisis: The United Nations estimates that at least 330,000 people have been forcibly displaced across the Middle East due to escalating violence.

Europe drawn in: Countries including Britain, France, and Spain agreed to provide military support to protect allies’ interests. Energy shock: Oil prices have soared amid massive disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint that carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil supplies.

Regional expansion: Iran launched waves of missiles and drones across the Gulf, targeting countries that host U.S. military bases, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. US Domestic Support: The US Senate and House of Representatives both supported President Trump’s continued military operations against Iran and rejected a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at halting the conflict.

