New Delhi | 3 March 2026

Another intense day of fighting and drone attacks has pushed West Asia closer to a wider regional war, as tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran continue to rise. Reports of drone strikes near US embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait prompted US to issue an urgent advisory asking American citizens to leave the Middle East immediately. Limited flight operations resumed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but large-scale cancellations over the past few days have left many travelers stranded.

The US government has signaled that military operations will continue. US President Donald Trump said strikes on Iran could last another four to five weeks and may extend further if required. Briefing lawmakers on “Operation Epic Fury,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the most severe phase of US military action is still ahead, indicating no immediate de-escalation.

Israel has also intensified its campaign, carrying out strikes deep inside Tehran as part of joint operations with the US. At the same time, Israeli forces renewed attacks in Lebanon after Iran-backed Hezbollah launched a drone attack toward Haifa. These developments have strained the November 2024 ceasefire, leading Lebanese authorities to ban Hezbollah’s military activities as civilians fled southern parts of the country.

The growing conflict has led to a sharp rise in casualties across the region. Iranian officials reported hundreds of deaths and injuries, while US forces confirmed fatalities among American service members. Civilian deaths have also been reported in Lebanon, Israel, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain following missile and drone attacks. As airstrikes and bombardments continue, officials warn that the death toll is likely to rise further in the coming days.

West Asia on Edge as US–Israel–Iran Conflict Deepens, Drone Strikes Spread Across Region

Another intense day of fighting and drone attacks has pushed West Asia closer to a wider regional war, as tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran continue to rise. Reports of drone strikes near US embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait prompted US to issue an urgent advisory asking American citizens to leave the Middle East immediately. Limited flight operations resumed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but large-scale cancellations over the past few days have left many travelers stranded.

The US government has signaled that military operations will continue. US President Donald Trump said strikes on Iran could last another four to five weeks and may extend further if required. Briefing lawmakers on “Operation Epic Fury,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the most severe phase of US military action is still ahead, indicating no immediate de-escalation.

Israel has also intensified its campaign, carrying out strikes deep inside Tehran as part of joint operations with the US. At the same time, Israeli forces renewed attacks in Lebanon after Iran-backed Hezbollah launched a drone attack toward Haifa. These developments have strained the November 2024 ceasefire, leading Lebanese authorities to ban Hezbollah’s military activities as civilians fled southern parts of the country.

The growing conflict has led to a sharp rise in casualties across the region. Iranian officials reported hundreds of deaths and injuries, while US forces confirmed fatalities among American service members. Civilian deaths have also been reported in Lebanon, Israel, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain following missile and drone attacks. As airstrikes and bombardments continue, officials warn that the death toll is likely to rise further in the coming days.