Good evening. We begin with confirmation of the first American casualties since the U.S. and Israel began strikes on Iran. Three U.S. service members based in Kuwait have been killed and at least five others seriously wounded, the first U.S. deaths since the joint campaign — called Operation Epic Fury — began. President Trump released a video honoring the fallen and warned the fighting will continue until objectives are met, saying the operation had always been a “four-week process” and that combat operations are ongoing.
The air campaign has intensified. Israel and the U.S. have carried out strikes across Iran; Israeli forces showed footage they said depicted regime headquarters struck. Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones at Israel and at Gulf nations that host U.S. forces, including hits near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s attacks struck facilities in Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Tankers were hit off Oman’s coast, and airspace closures have grounded flights across the region. Dozens have been injured and at least four killed in attacks on Gulf nations, and commercial activity has been severely disrupted.
Israel reports intercepting a high share of incoming missiles and drones, though some have struck targets — including a strike west of Jerusalem that hit a synagogue shelter, and a residential neighborhood in Tel Aviv that was heavily damaged. In Israel, air raid sirens and sheltering have become routine as Tehran vows further revenge. CBS teams in Tel Aviv and the Gulf report people taking cover and shelters being used across the region.
President Trump said the U.S. will avenge the deaths of the three service members. Republican senators such as Tom Cotton support continued strikes but do not expect large-scale U.S. ground forces in Iran. Democratic lawmakers have demanded answers about the legal basis for strikes and whether Congress was consulted; members of Congress are scheduled to receive briefings on the operation.
Iran’s response and the killing of its supreme leader have raised questions about succession and the future of the regime. State media announced the supreme leader’s death and the country entered a period of mourning, while pro-regime and pro-government demonstrations continue. Israeli officials told reporters they see their operations as aiming to accelerate the overthrow of Iranian leadership before the U.S. reconsiders or resumes negotiations.
Across the region, fears of wider conflict have led to protests and violence. In Pakistan, pro-regime demonstrators attempted to storm the U.S. Consulate in Karachi; in Iraq, protests approached the Green Zone outside Baghdad. Analysts warn Iran’s attacks on neighboring Gulf countries may be a gamble intended to pressure Arab leaders into seeking an early end to the campaign, though it has not yet achieved that result.
In Austin, Texas, the FBI is investigating an early-morning shooting at a busy entertainment district that left multiple people wounded and two dead. Video shows a gunman firing from a vehicle and then from a rifle while patrolling officers shot and killed him within about a minute. Nineteen people were shot; three were critical and two died. Officials identified the gunman as a naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal; he was wearing a shirt reading “property of Allah” and authorities found a Koran and an Iranian flag and photos of Iranian leaders during a search of his home. Investigators say there were indicators of potential ties or inspiration related to terrorism, and the shooter had a history of mental health issues.
Back in Washington, lawmakers remain divided over the strikes on Iran. Some emphasize Congress’s role in authorizing war; others defend or support the administration’s actions as necessary. Administration officials say Iran intended to use ballistic missiles against U.S. and allied forces, and say combat operations will continue until objectives are reached.
Americans stuck in the Middle East are scrambling to return home as most regional airspace is closed or heavily restricted. Dubai, Doha and Kuwait airports saw major disruptions after strikes and drone attacks. Travelers have been forced to change routes, sleep in airports, or cross land borders into neighboring countries such as Jordan or Egypt to reach international flights. The U.S. embassy in Israel announced a temporary closure, and the State Department urged Americans abroad to have their own departure plans and not rely solely on government-assisted evacuation.
Also in the U.S. this weekend: In East Texas, a hot air balloon collided with a cell phone tower, leaving two people stranded near the top of the 925-foot structure. Rescue crews climbed the tower in high winds and brought the two people down safely; they were taken to the hospital.
In lighter domestic news, California’s Big Bear Valley eagle cam delighted viewers as the eagle pair — Jackie and Shadow — laid another egg, the second of the week. Experts say a third egg may still be on the way; the pair previously lost two eggs to ravens.
Weekend Journal: As winter lingers, some seek new ways to enjoy the outdoors. In Wisconsin, ice boaters race and cruise on frozen lakes. Iceboats are three-skated vessels that can reach speeds many times the wind speed — sometimes surpassing 70 knots — and enthusiasts say there’s a unique adrenaline rush from skating across frozen water.
On this day in history: March 1 stories of past events were recalled, including references to famous historical incidents.
That’s the CBS Weekend News for Sunday. I’m Jericka Duncan in New York. Tomorrow night on the CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil: a report from the Middle East. Have a good night.
