Last updated: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 07:40 UTC
07:35 UTC — US Embassy in Riyadh Advises Americans to Avoid Compound
The United States Embassy in Riyadh advised American citizens to avoid the compound after what Saudi officials described as a drone attack.
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said two drones targeted the facility early Tuesday, causing a limited fire and minor structural damage. Officials did not release further details about the origin of the drones.
The embassy canceled all appointments and told Americans to stay away until further notice.
07:20 UTC — US Expands Diplomatic Evacuations to Six Countries
The U.S. State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from Bahrain and Jordan, citing safety risks.
In addition, the department added Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates to its evacuation list. Officials urged American citizens across the region to consider leaving while commercial travel options remain available.
07:05 UTC — Airstrike Reportedly Kills 13 at Iranian Base
Local Iranian media reported that airstrikes killed at least 13 troops at an air base in Kerman, about 800 kilometers southeast of Tehran.
The semiofficial Tasnim news agency and the Hammihan newspaper said the base houses military helicopters. However, Iranian defense officials have not issued a public statement.
Independent verification of the casualty figures was not immediately available.
06:50 UTC — Drone Hits Fuel Tank at Omani Port
Oman’s state-run news agency reported that a drone struck a fuel tank at the port of Duqm.
Authorities confirmed no injuries. Duqm has served as a logistical resupply point for U.S. naval operations in the Arabian Sea.
Officials did not identify who launched the drone.
06:35 UTC — Israeli Forces Operating in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli military said one of its divisions is operating inside southern Lebanon and has taken positions at several points near the border.
According to an Arabic-language military spokesperson, the deployment aims to reinforce forward defenses and prevent infiltration attempts.
At the same time, the military said its air force carried out strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure. Lebanese authorities have not yet commented.
06:20 UTC — Iran Claims Attack on Bahrain Air Base
Iranian state television broadcast a statement attributed to the Revolutionary Guard claiming missile and drone attacks targeted an air base in Bahrain.
Shortly afterward, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry confirmed that sirens sounded and instructed residents to seek shelter.
Bahraini and U.S. officials have not confirmed damage or casualties.
06:05 UTC — Israeli Military Reports Strikes in Tehran and Beirut
The Israeli military said it launched “simultaneous targeted strikes” against military targets in Tehran and Beirut.
Earlier, airstrikes hit parts of Beirut. The military stated it targeted Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities.
Hezbollah said it launched drones toward an Israeli air base. The Israeli military reported intercepting two drones.
05:50 UTC — Explosions Heard Across Tehran
Residents in Tehran reported hearing repeated explosions overnight and into early Tuesday.
Witnesses described aircraft flying overhead. However, authorities did not immediately confirm which sites were struck.
05:35 UTC — Iranian Red Crescent Reports 555 Deaths
The Iranian Red Crescent Society said at least 555 people have died since U.S.-Israeli operations began.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities reported 11 fatalities from Iranian missile strikes.
Officials have not independently verified these casualty figures.
05:20 UTC — Trump Says US Has “Virtually Unlimited” Munitions
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the United States has a “virtually unlimited supply” of certain munitions.
He stated that stockpiles of medium and upper-medium grade weapons “have never been higher or better.” He also said additional high-grade weapons remain stored abroad, though he did not provide specifics.
05:05 UTC — Funeral Held in Southern Iran After Reported School Strike
Iranian state television aired footage of a mass funeral in Minab for 165 people killed in what authorities described as an attack on a girls’ school.
U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins said officials were reviewing reports of the strike.
An Israeli military spokesperson said earlier he was not aware of operations in that area. The claims remain unverified.
04:50 UTC — Israel Rules Out Immediate Ground Deployment in Iran
An Israeli military spokesperson said there are no immediate plans to deploy ground troops inside Iran.
Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani told reporters such a move is “not very likely” at this stage.
04:35 UTC — Thailand Increases Security at Diplomatic Missions
Thailand’s National Security Council said authorities increased security around the U.S., Israeli, and Iranian embassies in Bangkok.
Officials described the move as precautionary amid rising regional tensions.
What We Know
A drone strike caused limited damage at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh.
The United States expanded evacuation orders to six Middle East countries.
Iranian media reported 13 troops killed in a strike on Kerman Air Base.
Iran claimed it targeted an air base in Bahrain.
Israeli forces are operating inside southern Lebanon.
What We Don’t Know
Independent verification of casualty figures reported inside Iran.
The full scope of air operations in Tehran and Beirut.
Specific objectives or timelines announced by either side.
