US–Israeli Operation and Immediate Fallout
US President Donald Trump confirmed the strike in a video statement on Sunday, describing the campaign—dubbed “Operation Epic Fury”—as “one of the most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen.” He said the operation would continue until “all of our objectives” are achieved, adding, “I got him before he got me. They tried twice, I got him first.”
According to US officials, American forces targeted hundreds of sites across Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities and air defence systems. Trump claimed that nine ships and a naval building were destroyed “in a matter of literally minutes.”
Israeli strikes also hit Tehran, while Iran retaliated with drones and missiles aimed at Israel and locations around the Gulf. A missile barrage in Jerusalem left at least seven people injured.
Hezbollah, Lebanon and Expanding Frontlines
The conflict quickly spread to Lebanon. Israel carried out multiple airstrikes in southern Lebanon and issued evacuation warnings to dozens of villages. At least 31 people were reported killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Associated Press.
Air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel shortly after midnight Monday, followed by explosions on the outskirts of Beirut. The Israeli military said it targeted positions of Hezbollah after projectiles were launched into Israeli territory.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating it was acting in response to repeated Israeli strikes and to avenge Khamenei’s killing. The exchange marked a significant breach of a ceasefire that had largely held since November 2024, escalating tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Attacks Across the Gulf
Iran-linked fighters reportedly attacked US bases in Iraq, with explosions heard in Baghdad and Erbil as drones struck military installations.
In Kuwait, several American fighter aircraft went down on Monday morning. The Ministry of Defence spokesperson said all crew members survived and were evacuated for medical checks. Authorities launched search and rescue operations, and investigations are underway in coordination with US forces.
Kuwait’s air defence units also intercepted multiple hostile aerial targets over the central region at dawn, with no casualties reported.
Elsewhere, a suspected drone strike sparked a brief fire at Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery. The blaze was quickly brought under control, according to Reuters.
Britain’s Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri in Cyprus was also hit by a suspected drone strike overnight. The UK Ministry of Defence and Cypriot authorities confirmed limited damage but no casualties. Residents near the base were advised to shelter in place.
Travel and Market Disruptions
The escalating hostilities have severely disrupted regional air travel. Missile strikes reportedly damaged parts of Dubai International Airport, while blasts were reported in Abu Dhabi and Doha. Large portions of Middle Eastern airspace were closed, forcing airlines to cancel flights.
By Sunday evening, around 1,600 flights had been cancelled by major regional carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways. Indian airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa also reported hundreds of cancellations. Most airlines indicated that services would remain suspended pending safety assessments.
Financial markets reacted sharply. Indian equity benchmarks fell at the opening bell on Monday amid rising tensions and surging crude oil prices. The Nifty50 slipped below 24,900, while the BSE Sensex dropped more than 1,000 points in early trade. Analysts warned that sectors sensitive to crude prices—such as oil marketing companies, aviation, chemicals and paints—could face margin pressures, while upstream oil producers and defence stocks may benefit.
In the Gulf, authorities announced that the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market would remain closed on March 2 and 3, citing regional instability.
Iran Rejects Negotiations
Amid speculation about diplomatic backchannels, Iran’s top national security official, Ali Larijani, dismissed reports of outreach to Washington. In a post on X, he said Tehran “will not negotiate with the United States,” accusing Trump of plunging the region into chaos and expressing concern about further casualties among American troops.
Global Reactions and Rising Concerns
Governments worldwide responded with a mix of support and condemnation. Gulf states pledged to defend themselves against any Iranian attacks, while international leaders voiced concern about the potential impact on global oil supplies, trade routes, and the broader economy.
With hostilities spreading across multiple fronts—from Iran and Israel to Lebanon, Iraq, the Gulf, and Cyprus—fears are mounting that the conflict could evolve into a wider regional war, further destabilising an already volatile Middle East.
