Last updated: March 2, 2026, 5:57 AM EST
Hegseth is scheduled to hold a Pentagon briefing Monday morning.
Overview
U.S. and Israeli forces have carried out coordinated daytime strikes across Iran after President Donald Trump announced what he described as major combat operations on Saturday. Iranian state television reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was among those killed in airstrikes on Tehran. Iran has launched missile and drone retaliatory attacks against Israel, U.S. regional bases and Gulf states. Israel has also stepped up strikes in Lebanon following new attacks linked to Hezbollah.
Key developments
– U.S. military casualties: U.S. Central Command reported three U.S. service members killed and five seriously wounded in the operations tied to the strikes on Iran. Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions; many are being returned to duty. The fatalities and other injuries occurred in Kuwait. Identities have not been released pending next-of-kin notifications.
– Iranian leadership losses: Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in strikes on Tehran. The situation inside Iran is chaotic and casualty figures vary by source.
– Israeli claims on Iranian intelligence officials: The Israel Defense Forces said its initial strikes eliminated several senior Iranian intelligence officials, naming 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, among those killed.
– Attacks and interceptions in the Gulf: Saudi Arabia reported intercepting and destroying two drones aimed at the Ras Tanura oil refinery. Falling shrapnel caused localized fires near civilian facilities but officials reported no civilian injuries. Ras Tanura, run by Saudi Aramco, is one of the kingdom’s largest refineries.
– Strikes in Lebanon and Beirut activity: Israel said it conducted a precise targeted strike in Beirut against a prominent Hezbollah figure. Smoke was visible over southern suburbs of Beirut after the strike.
– Iranian Red Crescent toll: The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported at least 555 people killed by the U.S.-Israeli strikes, saying attacks have struck more than 130 cities. Independent verification of that toll is limited amid ongoing operations.
Situation summary
The conflict remains highly fluid, with sustained air campaigns from U.S. and Israeli forces aimed at Iranian military and government targets and Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and nearby allied facilities. Gulf states are responding defensively, including Saudi interceptions of incoming drones. Casualties reported so far include hundreds in Iran and U.S. military fatalities and injuries. Further military and diplomatic developments are expected as regional and international actors respond.