US Jets Crash, War Spreads Across West Asia

Israeli airstrikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday, March 2, 2026, according to Lebanese state media. The strikes came as Hezbollah claimed it had fired rockets and drones at Israel. The group said the attacks were in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

On Sunday, March 1, the United States and Israel carried out major strikes across Iran. Reports said the attacks targeted ballistic missile sites and naval assets. Large bombs were used in the operation, which is part of an escalating military campaign following Khamenei’s killing.

Iranian leaders said that more than 200 people have been killed since the start of the strikes, including senior political, military, and spiritual leaders. In response, Iran launched missiles at Israel and at several Gulf Arab states, calling it a counteroffensive. Iranian officials have vowed revenge and warned of further action.

Meanwhile, the United States strongly condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks. In a joint statement issued with Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Washington described Iran’s actions as dangerous and destabilising for the region.

Tensions across West Asia remain very high, with fears that the conflict could widen further. Several countries have urged restraint and called for diplomatic efforts to prevent more violence.