Escalating Middle East Conflict: US Claims IRGC Command Centers Destroyed; Iran Launches Missile and Drone Attacks on US Bases
Washington/Tehran: The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has claimed that its forces have destroyed key command and control centers of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) amid rapidly escalating hostilities in the Middle East.
In a statement shared on social media, CENTCOM said its operations targeted Iranian air defense installations, missile and drone launch sites, airfields, and IRGC headquarters. However, it did not provide independent evidence to support the claims. The command added that it would continue decisive action against what it described as imminent threats posed by Iran.
Iranian Retaliation Across the Region
The US and Israeli air war against Iran widened, with no end in sight as Israel attacked Lebanon in response to strikes by Hezbollah and Tehran kept up its missile and drone attacks on Gulf states https://t.co/5w0c45DZF5 pic.twitter.com/qz9FKX97MV
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 3, 2026
In response to US and Israeli strikes, Iran has intensified attacks on Israeli cities and American military installations across the region. Iranian authorities claimed that early morning missile and drone strikes targeted a US air base in Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa area, allegedly using 20 drones and three missiles. Iran’s IRGC asserted that the main command building and fuel tanks at the base were hit, though Bahraini officials have not issued an immediate confirmation.
Security Alert: Consular Appointments Cancelled – U.S. Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Mar. 3, 2026)
The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia is closed on Tuesday, March 3. All routine and emergency American Citizen Services appointments are cancelled. The shelter in place…
— U.S. Embassy Riyadh (@USAinKSA) March 3, 2026
Iran also claimed to have targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and launched a fresh wave of missiles and drones at southern Israeli cities. Meanwhile, Lebanon-based Hezbollah said it attacked Israel’s Ramat David Airbase using multiple drones in retaliation for Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Israeli authorities have not formally responded to these claims.
Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO. The Iranian regime has harassed and attacked international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades. Those days are over. Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global… pic.twitter.com/nzdkMVMqZC
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Rise
Iran's IRGC claims attacks on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. pic.twitter.com/qA6JFRkFlB
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) March 2, 2026
The IRGC warned that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed and threatened to destroy any vessel attempting to pass through it. The warning followed US claims that 11 Iranian naval vessels in the Gulf of Oman had been destroyed. Iran also alleged it struck a US-owned oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz using drones, setting it ablaze.
Two days ago, the Iranian regime had 11 ships in the Gulf of Oman, today they have ZERO. The Iranian regime has harassed and attacked international shipping in the Gulf of Oman for decades. Those days are over. Freedom of maritime navigation has underpinned American and global… pic.twitter.com/nzdkMVMqZC
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026
Energy analysts warn that any sustained disruption in the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil passes—could severely impact global oil markets and economic stability.
Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns
The Washington-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 96 people were killed in Monday’s strikes alone, including civilians and military personnel. The group claims that since February 28, at least 742 civilians—including 176 children—have died in US and Israeli operations. Iranian Red Crescent figures previously cited 555 deaths. Independent verification remains limited.
Senior United Nations officials, including representatives for children and armed conflict, expressed grave concern over reported attacks on schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure, calling for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to international humanitarian law.
BREAKING:
Iran strikes UAE oil platform in the Persian Gulf.#Follow4moreUpdate 👍👣👍#uaeattack #Iran #Israel #Viralvideos pic.twitter.com/ctrJsq9n3m
— Dom Niq🤝 (@forson_dom71078) March 1, 2026
Political Fallout and Global Reactions
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that US President Donald Trump’s actions could trigger a third world war. Medvedev accused Washington of seeking global dominance and claimed that Iran would accelerate its nuclear program in response.
President Trump, speaking at the White House, said he would not rule out deploying ground forces in Iran, emphasizing that Washington aims to neutralize Iran’s missile program, weaken its naval power, and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also defended his 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama.
Diplomatic and Security Developments
Iranian officials stated that the selection process for a new Supreme Leader would be swift and conducted in accordance with constitutional procedures following the reported death of Ali Khamenei. The Assembly of Experts, constitutionally empowered to appoint the Supreme Leader, is expected to make a decision soon.
At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident.
Read more:https://t.co/i2y3Q3vo2E
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Riyadh temporarily suspended visa services and advised American citizens in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place.
In Kuwait, CENTCOM confirmed that three US F-15 fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses during operations. All six crew members ejected safely and were reported to be in stable condition.
As explosions continued in Tehran for a third consecutive day, the conflict’s rapid escalation has raised fears of a broader regional war, threatening global energy supplies, international aviation, and economic stability.
