Iran responded with intensive missile and drone strikes, initially targeting U.S. bases in the Gulf countries and later extending to vital, oil-related, and civilian infrastructure. In retaliation for Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in the Gulf and Israeli targets, Washington and Tel Aviv intensified their bombing campaigns across Iran. This military escalation unfolded alongside an economic collapse in Iran and disruptions to global energy supplies, amid Arab and international condemnation and the United Nations’ inability to ease tensions.

The war spread across multiple frontlines, with Hezbollah and Iraqi factions joining the conflict after the governments of Iraq and Lebanon failed to prevent escalation. On March 2, 2026—just three days after the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—Hezbollah launched six rockets toward Israel and three military drones toward Cyprus. Iraqi factions followed suit, targeting U.S. military and diplomatic sites in Baghdad and Erbil.

In recent hours, the conflict has further escalated, with the Houthis officially joining the war yesterday, Saturday, marking one month since its onset. They announced two cruise missile and drone attacks on military sites in southern Israel, while the Yemeni government condemned Yemen being dragged into the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus of the conflict, with the Revolutionary Guard targeting container ships and oil tankers passing through, declaring the strait unsafe for any vessel bound for countries supporting attacks on Iran. Meanwhile, the United States is preparing a military operation to forcibly reopen the waterway.

Energy prices have soared to record levels following the halt of oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil consumption. Brent crude futures currently stand at $105.32 per barrel. The threat to global food security also looms, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning last Wednesday that a fertilizer shortage could heighten the risk of famine, particularly as the global planting season approaches.

Reports indicate that the U.S. is preparing for limited ground operations on Kharg Island, deploying forces that include units from the 82nd Airborne Division and Marine Expeditionary Units, with the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli also arriving in the region.

Washington proposed a 15-point plan to end the war, calling for a reduction of Iran’s nuclear program, limitations on its missile capabilities, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for international navigation, in exchange for the gradual easing of sanctions on Iran. Tehran, however, rejected any dialogue under military pressure, while President Trump assigned Vice President J.D. Vance the task of ending the conflict, aiming for a resolution within a few weeks.

The Revolutionary Guard declared, following an attack on the University of Science and Technology in Tehran, that all Israeli and American universities in Western Asia are now considered legitimate targets. They warned staff, faculty, and students at US universities in the region to “stay at least one kilometer away from these institutions,” giving the US a deadline until noon on Monday to officially condemn the strikes on Iranian universities.