05-03-2026

US and Israel escalate conflict with Iran

Date: 05-03-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 4 | cbsnews.com: 2 | cnbc.com: 2 | economist.com: 5 | edition.cnn.com: 7 | foxnews.com: 4 | france24.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 2 | nypost.com: 2 | straitstimes.com: 1
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Source: foxnews.com

Image content: The image depicts a large gray naval ship in the middle of the ocean, with a missile launching from its deck. The main subject is the naval ship and the missile launch. The image shows a naval ship, likely a destroyer or cruiser, in the ocean, with a missile being launched from its deck, surrounded by smoke and flames. The missile is visible as it blasts off into the sky. A naval ship is launching a missile into the air amidst smoke and flames on its deck, in the middle of a body of water, under a cloudy sky.

Summary

The US and Israel have launched a military operation against Iran, resulting in significant casualties and destruction, with the goal of dismantling Iran's military capabilities and potentially changing the regime. The conflict has drawn in multiple countries and has raised concerns about its potential expansion into other regions.

Key Points

  • The US and Israel have launched airstrikes and naval operations against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and destroying significant military assets.
  • The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 1,100 killed in Iran and at least 77 in Lebanon.
  • The US has sunk an Iranian warship in international waters, and Israel has launched strikes on Beirut and other targets in the region.
  • The conflict has raised concerns about its potential expansion into other regions, including South-east Asia.
  • The US and Israel have stated that their goal is to dismantle Iran's military capabilities and potentially change the regime.

Articles in this Cluster

Iran delays Khamenei funeral as US and Israeli bombardment continues

Iran has postponed the funeral of its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, due to the ongoing US and Israeli bombardment. Khamenei was killed in a strike in Tehran at the start of the air campaign. The Assembly of Experts is close to choosing a successor, with Mojtaba Khamenei, Ayatollah's son, considered a front-runner. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Iran launching missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf states with US bases. The US Secretary of Defence claimed that a US submarine sank an Iranian navy frigate, and that US and Israeli forces would soon have total aerial superiority over Iran.
Entities: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran, US, Israel, TehranTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Pentagon identifies six US soldiers killed in Iran conflict

The US Pentagon has identified the six soldiers killed in a drone attack on a command center in Kuwait, which was attributed to Iran. The soldiers were members of the US Army Reserve and were killed when an unmanned aircraft system evaded air defenses and hit the center on Sunday. The attack was part of a broader conflict between the US and Iran, with the US having a long-standing defense relationship with Kuwait.
Entities: US, Iran, Pentagon, Kuwait, Army ReserveTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Spain's Pedro Sánchez hits back at Trump threat to sever trade saying 'no to war'

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has responded strongly to US President Donald Trump's threat to sever trade ties with Spain, reaffirming his opposition to war and the breakdown of international law. Trump had threatened to impose a full trade embargo on Spain due to its refusal to allow the US to use jointly run military bases to strike Iran. Sánchez emphasized Spain's commitment to peace and international legality, drawing parallels with the country's stance on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The Spanish government's position has been backed by European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President António Costa, who have expressed solidarity with Spain.
Entities: Pedro Sánchez, Donald Trump, Spain, US, IranTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

US Senate vote fails to rein in Trump war powers on Iran

The US Senate voted down a bipartisan resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump's ability to wage war in Iran without congressional approval. The measure was rejected 53-47, largely along party lines, with two senators crossing the aisle. Democrats argued that Trump had sidelined Congress and offered shifting reasons for the war, while most Republicans blocked the resolution. The war between the US, Israel, and Iran continues, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth suggesting it could last eight weeks. The legislation will be voted on in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Entities: Donald Trump, Iran, US Senate, Israel, Pete HegsethTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Hegseth says U.S. torpedo sank an Iranian warship, says U.S. will fight "for as long as we need to" - CBS News

The US is making 'steady progress' in its military campaign against Iran, which entered its fifth day. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that an American submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean using a torpedo, marking the first time a US Navy submarine has done so since 1945. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine reported that over 20 Iranian naval vessels and one submarine have been destroyed, effectively neutralizing Iran's major naval presence. The operation, which has hit over 2,000 targets in Iran, is expected to continue for several weeks, with the goal of eliminating Iran's ballistic missile systems and preventing the country from rebuilding its combat capabilities. Six US service members have been killed and 10 seriously wounded so far.
Entities: Pete Hegseth, Gen. Dan Caine, Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, IranTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Israel's president says it's "about time that everybody tells Iran, 'Guys, we're fed up,'" as he lays out goals for war - CBS News

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that Israel and the US had no choice but to take action against Iran due to its plans to expand its nuclear arsenal and long-range missiles. Herzog emphasized that the goal of the war is not necessarily regime change, but 'Middle East change,' aiming to cripple Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons and support terrorism. He expressed that Israel is not calling for a ground invasion and that the coordination between the US and Israel is 'superbly close.' Herzog also acknowledged that the war is not popular in America, but believes it's a unique war that the free world must fight.
Entities: Isaac Herzog, Iran, Israel, United States, Tony DokoupilTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

European markets: Stoxx 600, FTSE, DAX, CAC, Iran latest

European stocks declined on Thursday as geopolitical tensions escalated in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell by 0.4%, with major European markets such as the FTSE 100, DAX, and CAC 40 also experiencing losses. The conflict has intensified over the last 24 hours, with Israel launching fresh attacks on Tehran and the U.S. claiming to have destroyed 17 Iranian ships and nearly 2,000 targets. The situation is further complicated by the potential appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's next supreme leader. Meanwhile, Spanish stocks are being closely watched due to tensions between Spain and the U.S. over the use of Spanish bases for strikes on Iran.
Entities: European stocks, U.S., Israel, Iran, Donald TrumpTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

How long will the Iran war last? Experts weigh in on the debate

The US and Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran, with the US insisting the military operation will last 'four to five weeks.' Experts warn that the conflict may be more complicated and prolonged if the Iranian regime proves resilient. Analysts are divided on the US game plan and endgame, with some likening it to a 'gamble.' The conflict's duration and outcome depend on Trump's objectives and Iran's ability to withstand the onslaught. While a short and targeted operation is possible, a prolonged ground war is unlikely due to public opinion and potential consequences.
Entities: Iran, US, Israel, Donald Trump, Suzanne MaloneyTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Hizbullah, the reluctant proxy, strikes at Israel

The article discusses Hizbullah's recent actions in the ongoing conflict between Israel, Iran, and America. Despite speculation that Hizbullah might remain neutral, the group launched a limited attack on northern Israel using rockets and drones. The article suggests that Hizbullah's restrained response indicates a desire to avoid being drawn into a full-scale war that could be detrimental to the group. The conflict is escalating, with various regional actors involved, and the article touches on the broader implications of the war, including the potential for further escalation and the involvement of other Gulf states.
Entities: Hizbullah, Israel, Iran, America, Gulf statesTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Middle East & Africa | The Economist

The article discusses the recent developments in the Iran war, including the assassination of Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, and the subsequent escalation of the conflict. The war has been a stunning operational success, but its direction is a mess at the political level. The article analyzes the implications of Khamenei's death, the role of ideology in prolonging Iran's regime, and the potential for further escalation. It also examines the responses of various actors, including Gulf states, Hizbullah, and the United States. The article concludes that the war is rapidly engulfing the region and that the consequences of Khamenei's death are uncertain.
Entities: Iran, Ali Khamenei, United States, Gulf states, HizbullahTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

The Iran war has been a stunning operational success

The article discusses the Iran war, highlighting its operational success despite political mess. It mentions a recent air-to-air kill by the Israeli Air Force and quotes America's secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, saying 'We are punching them while they're down.' The article touches on various aspects of the war, including its escalation, the involvement of other groups like Hizbullah, and the potential long-term consequences.
Entities: Iran, Israel, Pete Hegseth, Israeli Air Force, AmericaTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

The Iran war is rapidly engulfing the region

The article discusses the rapidly escalating Iran war and its potential to engulf the region. In the first 48 hours, America and Israel have dropped thousands of bombs on Iran, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while Iran has retaliated with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at nine countries. The US chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, General Dan Caine, stated that meeting war aims would take time, focusing on Iran's missile force rather than regime change. The article explores the potential for further escalation and the implications of the conflict.
Entities: Iran, America, Israel, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, General Dan CaineTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

The start of the Iran war was determined by spying success

The article discusses how intelligence gathering and spying played a crucial role in determining the timing of the start of the Iran war. Israel and America had been tracking Ali Khamenei's movements and knew about high-level meetings in Tehran, which led them to launch a preemptive strike. The article explores the consequences of this action, including the messy war that ensued and the unclear long-term outcomes. It also touches on the regional implications and the potential for further escalation.
Entities: Ali Khamenei, Israel, America, Tehran, IranTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Analysis: Why is the word ‘war’ triggering for Republicans? | CNN Politics

The article discusses why Republican lawmakers are avoiding the word 'war' in the context of the conflict with Iran. CNN's Dana Bash breaks down the reasons behind this avoidance, suggesting it is intentional. The article also touches on related news, including the US submarine striking an Iranian warship, MAGA allies criticizing President Trump's handling of the war, and various politicians' reactions to the conflict.
Entities: Republicans, Iran, CNN, Dana Bash, Steven KernTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

CIA working to arm Kurdish forces to spark uprising in Iran | CNN

The CIA is working to arm Kurdish forces to spark a popular uprising in Iran, according to multiple sources familiar with the plan. The move comes after a US-Israel strike killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, leaving the position open. The CIA has begun supporting Iranian Kurdish militias months before the strike, and a senior Kurdish Regional Government official expressed fear of possible retaliatory strikes by Tehran. The Trump administration is weighing military support for Iranian Kurdish forces in Iraq to challenge Iran, but experts warn of potential risks. The situation is part of a larger escalation of conflict in the region, with Israel striking Beirut and the US launching anti-drug trafficking operations in Ecuador.
Entities: CIA, Kurdish forces, Iran, US, IsraelTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Lebanon and continuing strikes: Everything we know on day six of the US-Israel war with Iran | CNNClose icon

The US-Israel conflict with Iran has entered its sixth day, with escalating violence and widening regional involvement. Key developments include the US sinking an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, NATO intercepting an Iranian missile heading for Turkey, and Israel launching its 11th wave of attacks against Iran. The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties, with over 1,100 killed in Iran and at least 77 in Lebanon. The US has identified its objectives as destroying Iran's ballistic missile program, annihilating its naval presence, and preventing it from pursuing a nuclear weapon. The situation is dire, with many residents in southern Lebanon forced to evacuate and Tehran residents fleeing to the countryside.
Entities: US, Israel, Iran, Lebanon, NATOTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Live updates: Israel and Iran trade strikes as war widens in Middle East | CNNClose icon

The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, drawing in other countries and disrupting the global economy. The US has sunk an Iranian warship in international waters, killing over 80 people, and has warned of further strikes into Iran. Iran has retaliated with strikes against Israel, and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane, has been effectively closed. The conflict has caused oil prices to surge, and many ships are stranded or avoiding the Strait. The US House is expected to vote on a resolution requiring President Trump to seek congressional approval for future military action against Tehran. The conflict has also raised concerns for India, which had hosted the Iranian warship that was sunk, and for other countries in the region.
Entities: Israel, Iran, United States, Strait of Hormuz, HezbollahTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Pence praises Trump for ‘pulling the trigger’ on Iran | CNN Politics

Former US Vice President Mike Pence has expressed his support for President Donald Trump's decision to launch a military strike against Iran. In an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Pence stated that Trump made the right decision. The US operation against Iran is ongoing, with the US submarine sinking an Iranian warship in international waters and Israel launching strikes on Beirut. The Trump administration is considering providing military support to Iranian Kurdish forces in Iraq. The situation is escalating, with concerns about potential retaliatory strikes by Tehran.
Entities: Mike Pence, Donald Trump, Iran, CNN, Kaitlan CollinsTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Why arming Iranian Kurds might be a bad idea | CNN

The CIA is working to deliver military support to Iranian Kurdish forces in Iraq to challenge Iran. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh breaks down the risks associated with this move, which could lead to retaliatory strikes by Tehran. The US operation against Iran is still in its early days, with the US submarine sinking an Iranian warship in international waters. The conflict is escalating, with Israel striking Beirut amid the Iran War escalation.
Entities: CIA, Iranian Kurds, Iraq, Iran, Nick Paton WalshTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Why Israel is striking Beirut | CNN

The article discusses Israel's recent strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, and the surrounding region. CNN's Matthew Chance reports from Beirut, where the Lebanese capital is facing a wave of Israeli strikes, including near its international airport. The article also touches on related news, including the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a US-Israel strike and the subsequent uncertainty over who will succeed him. Other related stories include the US launching anti-drug trafficking operations in Ecuador and the CIA supporting Iranian Kurdish militias.
Entities: Israel, Beirut, Lebanon, Iran, Ayatollah KhameneiTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Airstrike reportedly hit meeting building in Qom for planned successor discussions | Fox News

An Israeli airstrike reportedly hit a meeting building in Qom, Iran, where senior Iranian clerics were planning to discuss succession plans for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a previous Israeli airstrike. The strike is seen as a significant blow to Iran's leadership and the country's entrenched theocracy. Defense analyst Kobi Michael stated that the strike would leave the remaining clerics 'exposed' and feeling 'insecure and hunted.' The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the strike, and the incident is part of a broader military campaign involving the US and Israel against Iran.
Entities: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Kobi Michael, Israel, Iran, QomTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

B-2 stealth bombers expected to land at U.K. bases for Iran strikes | Fox News

The US is expected to land B-2 stealth bombers at UK military bases within days to join the ongoing campaign against Iran, according to reports. The bombers will be stationed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The US has already used B-2 bombers to strike Iranian ballistic missile facilities as part of Operation Epic Fury. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had initially been hesitant to allow the use of UK bases for offensive operations but eventually gave the green light to protect UK and US allies. The conflict has escalated tensions in the region, with a suspected Iranian-made drone striking a British military base in Cyprus.
Entities: B-2 stealth bombers, UK, Iran, US, IsraelTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Israeli airstrikes target Iran internal security apparatus facilities | Fox News

The Israeli military has conducted airstrikes on Iran's internal security apparatus facilities, targeting command centers used to maintain control and suppress protests. The strikes are part of Operation Epic Fury, a sweeping military campaign aimed at dismantling the Iranian regime's security apparatus. Israeli and US officials have hinted at the possibility of regime change in Iran, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump encouraging the Iranian people to take control of their government. The strikes have dealt a serious blow to the regime, but experts warn that the path to regime change is uncertain and that the regime's resilience should not be underestimated.
Entities: Israel, Iran, Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Operation Epic Fury, United StatesTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Navy submarine sinks Iranian frigate with $4.2M torpedo near Sri Lanka | Fox News

A U.S. Navy submarine sank an Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, in international waters near Sri Lanka using a $4.2 million Mark 48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) torpedo. The strike, confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was the first sinking of an enemy ship by torpedo since World War II. The operation demonstrated U.S. maritime dominance and sent a strong message to Tehran that 'the gloves really are off.' The Iranian frigate was equipped with surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedo launchers. Sri Lanka's coast guard received a distress call from the Iranian vessel reporting an explosion. The sinking of the warship was described as a 'quiet death' and marked a significant escalation in the conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
Entities: Pete Hegseth, Thomas Shugart, Iran, United States, Sri LankaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Live: Israel strikes Tehran and Beirut as Iran says it targeted Iraqi Kurdistan - France 24

The article reports on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with Israel striking Tehran and Beirut while Iran claims to have targeted Kurdish groups in Iraq. The conflict has drawn in multiple countries, including Lebanon, where Israeli forces have advanced into border towns and conducted air strikes targeting Hezbollah. The US has expressed support for Israel, with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth telling Israel to 'keep going until the end.' Iran has denied firing a missile towards Turkey, and Australia has deployed 'military assets' to the region as a contingency plan. The situation remains volatile, with multiple explosions reported in Tehran and its outskirts.
Entities: Israel, Iran, Tehran, Beirut, IraqTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Have America and Israel just started a forever war with Iran? | World News | Sky News

The article discusses the escalating conflict between America, Israel, and Iran, questioning whether a 'forever war' has begun. Journalists Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel, reporting from Israel, analyze the situation, the death toll in Iran, and the potential next steps, including the possibility of regime change and the objectives of the involved countries.
Entities: America, Israel, Iran, Yalda Hakim, Richard EngelTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Iran made a mistake targeting civilians in Middle East, says former CIA director | World News | Sky News

Former CIA Director General David Petraeus has stated that Iran made a 'big mistake' by targeting civilians in the Middle East, rather than just attacking US bases and assets in the Gulf states. Petraeus believes that this has widened the war and drawn in countries that had previously sought to remain neutral. He also expressed skepticism that regime change in Iran can be achieved through air power alone, suggesting that a ground force would be necessary to topple the regime. Petraeus' comments come as the US and Israel continue to launch airstrikes against Iran, with US President Donald Trump calling for regime change.
Entities: Iran, General David Petraeus, CIA, US, Gulf statesTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Ex-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says Trump needs to 'take care' of Iran for good

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has urged President Trump to 'take care of Iran for good' following the US and Israel's joint military operation against Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury. Rice praised the bold military action that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, arguing that it was necessary to immobilize the tyrannical Iranian regime. She cited Iran's long history of aggression against the US, including the 1979 hostage crisis and the 1983 Beirut suicide bombing. Rice also highlighted Iran's nuclear ambitions and its support for terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation, Rice believed that the US action was a necessary step to neutralize Iran's military capabilities and prevent future threats.
Entities: Condoleezza Rice, Donald Trump, Iran, Israel, United StatesTone: analyticalSentiment: positiveIntent: inform

US will 'bitterly regret' sinking Iranian warship, foreign minister Abbas Araqchi warns

The US Navy has sunk an Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena, in international waters, resulting in significant loss of life. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned that the US will 'bitterly regret' the precedent set by this action. The incident occurred while the Iranian ship was returning from a naval drill with India. The US Navy used a Mark 48 torpedo, which is considered one of the most lethal anti-ship weapons in their inventory. Sri Lanka's navy recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 people. The US has confirmed that they have struck or sunk over 20 Iranian ships. The incident has sparked strong reactions, with Iran condemning the action as an 'atrocity at sea'.
Entities: US Navy, Iran, IRIS Dena, Abbas Araqchi, IndiaTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Concerns ripple to South-east Asia after US sub sinks Iran’s ‘prize ship’ near Sri Lanka | The Straits Times

The sinking of an Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka has raised concerns about the potential expansion of the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran into South-east Asia. Experts warn that the incident could escalate the conflict, given the lack of clarity on US strategic objectives and the unpredictability of the Trump administration. The sinking is seen as a significant event, being the first time a US submarine has sunk an enemy ship since World War II. Critics argue that the action may violate principles of proportionality and distinction under the law of armed conflict. International reaction has been muted, with Iran, China, and Russia not commenting publicly, while Sri Lanka and India have expressed distress and pledged inquiries.
Entities: US, Iran, Israel, South-east Asia, Sri LankaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform