Last Updated: March 2, 2026, 5:57 AM EST
The U.S. and Israel continue strikes across Iran after President Donald Trump announced “major combat operations” Saturday. Daytime strikes in the joint U.S.-Israel attack targeted military and government sites, officials said. On Sunday, Iranian state television confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among those killed by airstrikes in Tehran.
Iran is responding with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, regional U.S. bases and Gulf nations. Israel is also intensifying its long-running strike campaign in Lebanon following fresh attacks by the Iranian-aligned Hezbollah militia.
Key developments
– Three U.S. service members killed, five seriously wounded, CENTCOM says
Three U.S. service members were killed and five were “seriously wounded” as part of the attacks on Iran, U.S. Central Command announced. As of 9:30 a.m. ET March 1, CENTCOM said several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are being returned to duty. The three fatalities and other injuries occurred in Kuwait, U.S. officials said. Identities are being withheld until next-of-kin notifications are complete. (CENTCOM post on X; ABC News’ Luis Martinez)
– IDF claims killing of senior Iranian intelligence officials
The Israel Defense Forces said it killed several senior Iranian intelligence officials in its opening wave of strikes. The IDF named Syed Yahya Hamidi, described as deputy minister of intelligence for Israel affairs, and Jalal F’or Hussein, identified as head of the Intelligence Ministry’s espionage division, and said “a number of other senior officials” were also killed.
– Two drones targeting Saudi refinery intercepted
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense reported intercepting and destroying two drones aimed at the Ras Tanura refinery. The interception caused shrapnel to fall near civilian facilities; the ministry said limited fire broke out from falling shrapnel but reported no civilian injuries. Ras Tanura, operated by Saudi Aramco in the Eastern Province, is among the country’s largest refineries. (ABC News’ Somayeh Malekian and Ghazi Balkiz)
– Israel carries out “precise” strike in Beirut
The Israeli military said it carried out a “precise targeted” strike in Beirut against a “prominent Hezbollah terrorist element,” according to IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee. Smoke was seen rising over Beirut’s southern suburbs following the strike.
– Iranian Red Crescent reports 555 killed
The Iranian Red Crescent Society said at least 555 people have been killed in the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which it said have hit 131 cities across the country. (ABC News’ Somayeh Malekian)
Situation summary
U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes aimed at Iranian military and government targets. Iran’s leadership has acknowledged the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran strikes. Retaliatory attacks from Iran have targeted Israel, U.S. regional bases and Gulf states, prompting defensive actions including drone interceptions by Saudi forces and targeted Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Casualties include hundreds in Iran and U.S. military fatalities and injuries reported by CENTCOM. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing operations and further responses expected.