A military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran entered its eighth day on March 7, with strikes reported across multiple countries in the Middle East. The operations, which began on Feb. 28, include U.S. and Israeli actions in Iran and Lebanon, as well as Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf nations.
Military Operations and Casualties
U.S. Central Command issued a statement saying its forces have struck more than 3,000 targets in Iran and destroyed 43 Iranian naval vessels since the conflict began. In Iran, at least 1,332 people have been reported killed, according to figures compiled from news agencies.
In a public address, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that an “unconditional surrender” from Iran was a precondition for any deal to end hostilities. The Pentagon has not provided a timeline for the duration of the military campaign, though White House officials have suggested it could last four to six weeks.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated the cost of the first 100 hours of the U.S. operation at $3.7 billion.
Iran’s military confirmed the Strait of Hormuz remains open but said it would target U.S. or Israeli ships in the waterway. Iranian officials also stated that European nations providing military support to the U.S. and Israel could become “legitimate targets.”
Iranian missile and drone attacks have been reported across Israel, with air raid sirens activated in Tel Aviv and other locations.
Regional Escalation
The conflict has expanded beyond Iran and Israel. In Lebanon, the group Hezbollah announced it had fired rockets into northern Israel. In response, Israel conducted airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that 217 people have been killed in the country since Feb. 28.
Several Gulf nations have reported intercepting projectiles. Qatar’s government said its air defense systems intercepted nine of ten Iranian drones on Friday. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones near its capital, Riyadh.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Kuwait has begun to reduce production at some oil fields due to a lack of storage capacity.
International Reactions
The United Kingdom has increased its military presence in the region. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office confirmed he pledged British military support to Saudi Arabia, including aircraft and a naval destroyer. A U.S. B-1 bomber has also arrived at a U.K. airbase being used for operations.
The Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, to offer condolences. Citing anonymous U.S. officials, reports indicated Russia is providing Iran with intelligence on U.S. military positions.
At the United Nations, Iran’s ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani, accused the U.S. and Israel of committing war crimes.
Humanitarian and Economic Impact
The United Nations estimates that at least 330,000 people have been displaced across the Middle East due to the conflict. In Beirut, schools are reportedly being used as shelters for those who have fled their homes.
Global oil prices have risen amid disruptions to shipping routes. In aviation, Qatar Airways announced it was organizing repatriation flights from Hamad International Airport, which is operating on a limited basis using designated emergency air corridors.
