US-Israel-Iran War: Escalation and Global Concerns
The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has intensified significantly, spreading across multiple fronts and raising concerns about a wider regional war and potential global energy crisis. As of March 5, 2026, the conflict has entered its fifth day, marked by extensive strikes, naval engagements, and escalating rhetoric.
Operation Epic Fury: Devastating Strikes on Iran
Since the weekend, nearly 2,000 targets throughout Iran have been struck by US and Israeli forces, as part of an operation dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by US Central Command. These strikes have focused on government and military sites, including Iran’s ballistic missile program. US Central Command stated that over 1,250 targets were struck within the first 48 hours of the operation.
The Israel Defense Forces reported attacking an additional 600 “terrorist infrastructures of the Iranian regime” as of Monday. The strikes have impacted over 130 cities across Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
Escalation of Conflict: Naval Engagements and Regional Impacts
The conflict has expanded beyond air strikes. A US submarine torpedoed an Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in at least 87 fatalities. This marks the first time a US submarine has engaged an enemy ship in combat since World War II. Simultaneously, NATO air defenses intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile headed for Turkey.
Israel has continued its assault on Lebanon, with troops moving into at least nine towns in southern Lebanon. Approximately 300,000 residents of southern Lebanon have fled the area due to ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has issued urgent evacuation orders for all of southern Lebanon, urging residents to move north of the Litani River.
Retaliation and Global Security Concerns
Iran is retaliating by targeting US bases and embassies in the Middle East, as well as oil refineries and tourist infrastructure. Qatar intercepted 10 drones and two cruise missiles, and a drone was directed at a Saudi oil refinery. The US State Department has ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to depart from Jordan, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns.
Iran has warned that it will target Israeli embassies worldwide if Israel attacks the Iranian embassy in Beirut.
Political Developments and Military Assessments
US President Donald Trump has stated that the operation could last between four and five weeks, while acknowledging the capability to extend it further. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the joint US-Israeli military campaign as having inflicted “sheer destruction” on Iranian adversaries, claiming they are “toast.” He also stated that the US and Israel will soon have complete control over Iranian skies.
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine reported that the US military campaign is “beginning to expand inland and striking progressively deeper into Iranian territory,” and that Iran’s ballistic capabilities were down 86 percent and its drone launching capabilities down 73 percent from the first day of the war.
The US Senate has backed Trump’s military campaign against Iran, blocking a resolution to limit strikes.
Leadership Succession in Iran
Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed him. Israeli Defence Minister Yisrael Katz warned that any successor to Khamenei could be targeted if Iran continues to threaten Israel.
Civilian Impact
Human rights groups report that more than 1,000 civilians have been killed in Iran since the start of the war.
Additional reporting: Reuters