US Strikes Iran: ‘Shooting All Things That Can Shoot’
Strikes Across the Middle East Intensify as UK Evacuates Nationals from Oman
Escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran continues to grip the Middle East, with strikes reported across Iran, Lebanon, and surrounding regions. The United Kingdom has chartered a flight to evacuate British nationals from Oman, signaling a growing concern for the safety of citizens in the area. This comes as the US military reports having struck over 2,000 targets in Iran since the start of the joint bombing campaign with Israel, while Iran has reportedly launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones in retaliation.
The current situation represents a significant intensification of tensions, threatening to spark a wider regional crisis and potentially disrupt global energy markets. According to Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, the initial 24 hours of the joint operation were nearly double the scale of the “shock and awe” strikes that initiated the US-led Iraq War in 2003. This operation involves a substantial military build-up, with over 50,000 troops, 200 fighter jets, and two aircraft carriers deployed in the region – the largest US presence in the Middle East in a generation.
US and Israeli Military Actions
The US and Israel assert they have been targeting Iran’s air defenses, along with hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers, and drones. US officials said the focus has shifted to “shooting all the things that can shoot at us,” indicating a commitment to neutralizing Iranian military capabilities. The scale of the US military involvement is considerable, with reports indicating the destruction of 17 Iranian ships, effectively sinking the entire Iranian navy.
Simultaneously, Israel has continued strikes on both Iran and Lebanon. Israeli forces launched a “broad wave of strikes” on Iran while also attacking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. Israeli air defenses have also reportedly intercepted missiles fired from both Iran and Lebanon. The Israeli military has also shut all crossings in and out of the occupied West Bank, restricting access to urgent aid for Palestinians amid rising settler attacks.
Rising Death Toll and Diplomatic Responses
The conflict has already taken a heavy toll. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that more than 787 people have been killed in Iran since the war began, according to the Iranian Red Crescent. One Tehran resident described experiencing a “heavy bombardment” on Monday night, stating, “It feels like an onslaught.”
The US has responded to the escalating violence by closing its embassies in Riyadh and Kuwait, and ordering non-emergency US government personnel and their families to depart from Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns. The situation prompted the UK to charter an evacuation flight for British nationals in Oman, reflecting the increasing risks to foreign citizens in the region.
Confirmed vs. Unclear Details
While the US and Israel have provided details regarding the number of targets struck and the scale of their military operations, independent verification of these claims remains challenging. The exact nature and extent of the damage inflicted on Iranian military infrastructure have not been independently confirmed. Similarly, the number of casualties reported by Iranian sources has not been independently verified.
It remains unclear what specific triggers prompted the latest escalation in hostilities. While the strikes are presented as retaliatory measures, the precise sequence of events and the underlying motivations of each party are subject to ongoing analysis. Details regarding the specific targets selected and the strategic objectives of the strikes were not provided in available reports.
Background: A History of Tensions
The current conflict is rooted in a long history of tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Iran and Israel have been engaged in a shadow war for years, with Israel conducting covert operations against Iran’s nuclear program and Iran supporting proxy groups that threaten Israel’s security. The United States has historically maintained a strong alliance with Israel and has imposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program and support for terrorism.
The recent escalation follows the killing of top security officials, including Iran’s supreme leader, which prompted Iran to declare 40 days of mourning and launch retaliatory attacks. This cycle of action and reaction underscores the volatile nature of the region and the potential for further escalation. For more background on the complex dynamics of the Middle East, see resources from the Council on Foreign Relations https://www.cfr.org/middle-east.
What Happens Next?
The immediate future remains uncertain. The US and Israel have signaled their intention to continue military operations against Iran, while Iran has vowed to retaliate against any further attacks. The potential for miscalculation and unintended consequences is high, raising the risk of a wider regional war.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict are ongoing, but their prospects for success are limited. The US has urged Iran to exercise restraint, but Iran has shown little willingness to compromise. The involvement of other regional actors, such as Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed groups, further complicates the situation. The next steps will likely involve continued military strikes, diplomatic maneuvering, and a heightened level of alert for potential attacks against US and Israeli interests in the region.
Reader FAQ
Q: Is it safe to travel to the Middle East right now? A: The US State Department has advised Americans to leave the region, and the UK is evacuating its citizens from Oman. Travel to the Middle East is currently considered extremely risky.
Q: What is the US’s role in this conflict? A: The US is actively engaged in military operations against Iran, alongside Israel, and is providing support to its allies in the region.
Q: What is Hezbollah’s involvement? A: Israel is actively targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, accusing the group of launching attacks against Israel.
Q: What are the potential consequences of this conflict? A: The conflict could escalate into a wider regional war, disrupt global energy markets, and lead to a humanitarian crisis.
Q: Where can I find more information about the conflict? A: Reliable sources of information include The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/world/us-israel-iran-attack-maps and CNN https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/03/middleeast/iran-us-israel-what-we-know-intl.