Democracy Dies in Darkness
Updated
March 3, 2026 at 7:27 a.m. EST
The U.S. closed embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait following drone attacks as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched retaliatory strikes around the region Tuesday. Israel carried out fresh strikes against high-profile targets in Iran and said it would deploy ground troops deeper into Lebanon, as Hezbollah said its militants targeted Israel with drones. Israel said it bombed Tehran’s Presidential Office and the Supreme National Security Council in an effort to target the Iranian leadership. As the war stretches into its fourth day, the death toll is mounting — and now includes six U.S. service members. President Donald Trump signaled U.S. forces have capabilities to continue striking Iran for “far longer” than the four to five week duration projected by the military.
What to know as war enters fourth day
- Israel strikes Iran and Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces said it bombed key government targets in the Iranian capital on Tuesday, as it ordered troops to advance further into Lebanon.
- Iran launched a wave of retaliatory strikes following the initial attacks. At least eight Arab states have been attacked by Iranian drones and missiles, according to a joint statement shared by Qatar on Monday.
- U.S. service members killed: The number of U.S. troops killed in the operations against Iran rose to six. In a separate incident, U.S. Central Command said six crew members ejected safely after three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were downed by friendly fire over Kuwait.
- Iran reports more than 700 dead: The Iranian Red Crescent Society said the death toll from ongoing airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel had risen to 787. The Post could not independently verify the toll.
- Attack against U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. State Department officials urged people to avoid the building “due to an attack on the facility.” Saudi authorities said two drones attacked the building overnight, resulting in a contained fire and minor damage.
Nuclear watchdog confirms damage to Iran’s Natanz nuclear complex
The International Atomic Energy Agency said it had confirmed damage to entrance buildings of Iran’s underground Natanz nuclear complex on Tuesday, after reviewing newly available satellite imagery.
“No radiological consequence” was expected and there was no additional impact detected at the fuel enrichment plant itself, the agency said.
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