US-Iran-Israel Conflict: Massive Strikes, Drone Attacks, and Regional Fallout Continue
Mar 5, 2026: The conflict between Israel, Iran, and the US has entered its sixth day, with fresh missile and drone strikes reported across the Middle East, causing widespread casualties and regional instability.
Israeli Operations Intensify:
The Israeli military is planning one to two more weeks of operations against Iran, targeting thousands of military and regime sites. The Israeli Air Force has reportedly dropped over 5,000 bombs on Iranian targets since the start of the conflict, according to the Times of Israel.
Massive explosions were reported Thursday in Bandar Abbas, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, with blasts also heard across eastern Tehran. Overnight strikes affected Kurdish cities including Sanandaj, Saqqez, and Bukan, with Iranian authorities reporting attacks in more than 150 cities nationwide.
Iran Retaliates:
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched its 19th wave of retaliatory attacks, targeting US and Israeli bases. The Israeli military confirmed new missile launches from Iran toward Israel, triggering air raid alerts in areas including Tel Aviv, though no casualties were reported. Air defence systems were activated to intercept the missiles.
US Involvement:
US President Donald Trump described Iran as “out of control,” justifying the pre-emptive strikes as necessary to prevent Tehran from attacking Israel first. The US has reportedly destroyed more than 20 Iranian vessels, including a major submarine.
Iran Reports Casualties:
Iranian state media reported over 1,000 deaths due to US and Israeli strikes, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, his family, and senior Iranian officials. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran had sought diplomacy but was forced to defend itself following what he called “American-Zionist military aggression.”
Succession in Iran:
A member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts indicated that the process to appoint Khamenei’s successor is nearing completion. Public mourning for the late Supreme Leader began Wednesday evening at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Musallah, with further ceremonies planned in the coming days.
Regional Impacts:
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Azerbaijan accused Iran of firing two drones at Nakhchivan, injuring two, and summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest.
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Lebanon: Israeli airstrikes on southern Beirut killed six people, including a family of four, amid ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
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Turkey: NATO systems intercepted a ballistic missile from Iran heading toward Turkish airspace.
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Global Shipping: Over 23,000 flights to Middle East hubs have been cancelled; Maersk suspended bookings in the Gulf.
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Sri Lanka: The US sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near its coast; 32 sailors rescued, over 100 missing or dead.
Statements from Leaders:
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Trump praised the campaign, claiming Iranian leaders were being eliminated and vowing to continue operations.
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Iran continues missile attacks across the region in retaliation.
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Oman is assisting in repatriating stranded foreigners and urging an end to the war.
