Rabia Ali
March 03, 2026•Update: March 03, 2026
ISTANBUL
Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Tuesday, including tensions escalating in the Middle East with the Israeli army launching a new wave of airstrikes in Tehran, a drone attack targeting the US embassy in the Saudi capital, US President Donald Trump saying the military operation in Iran could extend beyond the initial 4-5 week timeline, and French President Emmanuel Macron ordering an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in France’s arsenal.
TOP STORIES
- Israeli army launches new wave of airstrikes in Iran
The Israeli army announced the launch of a new wave of airstrikes targeting Iran’s capital, Tehran, according to a statement.
Israeli airstrikes targeted several locations in central Tehran, including the site of the former parliament building, an Anadolu correspondent reported.
It also carried out strikes on the complex of Iran’s state broadcaster in Tehran.
Earlier, the Israeli military warned residents of Tehran’s Evin neighborhood to evacuate, particularly areas surrounding the state radio and television headquarters, ahead of planned strikes.
- Drone attack targets US embassy in Saudi capital
The US Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital came under a drone attack, the Saudi Defense Ministry said.
In a statement posted on the US social media company X’s platform, the ministry’s spokesperson said the embassy was struck by two drones, according to initial estimates.
The attack caused a limited fire and minor material damage to the building with no casualties reported, it added.
The development came amid escalating regional tensions triggered by joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran launched early Saturday, with Iran responding with missiles and drones targeting Israel and US military assets across the Gulf.
- Trump signals Iran operation could extend beyond initial 4-5 week timeline
President Donald Trump said the current US military operation in Iran is expected to last four to five weeks but could go on for longer if necessary.
"We projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that. We'll do it," Trump told a White House ceremony about the US’ Operation Epic Fury, which began on Saturday.
The president framed the offensive’s duration as tied to the dismantling of Iran’s conventional missile infrastructure, calling it an urgent and expanding threat.
Trump said Iran's conventional ballistic missile program was growing "rapidly and dramatically."
- Macron orders increase in nuclear warheads
French President Emmanuel Macron said he has ordered an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in France’s arsenal, declaring that Paris will no longer disclose the size of its stockpile as part of a shift toward what he called “advanced deterrence.”
“I have ordered an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in our arsenal to put an end to any speculation,” Macron said in a speech at the Ile Longue naval base.
“We will no longer communicate the size of our nuclear arsenal," he said.
Framing the move as necessary in a deteriorating global security climate, Macron argued that “we cannot be satisfied with the current trajectory” and that “a strengthening of our arsenal is indispensable.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz has been closed to transit and warned that vessels attempting to cross would be attacked.
- The US and Israel over the weekend carried out two attacks on Iran’s nuclear facility in Natanz, said the chief of the country’s nuclear agency.
- The US Central Command said three F-15E Strike Eagles “were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.”
- Kuwait reported its first military death amid the Middle East’s regional escalation that began with the US-Israeli offensive on Iran.
- At least 52 people were killed and 154 others injured in a series of Israeli airstrikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon, said Lebanese authorities.
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed they had struck the US naval fleet in Bahrain, the US's Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates and a US base in Kuwait.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed deep sorrow over the civilian suffering in Iran, adding that Türkiye will step up its diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire to help bring peace.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian decried US and Israeli attacks targeting hospitals and schools in Iran as a “blatant violation” of humanitarian principles, vowing his country “will not remain silent or yield to these crimes.”
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed regional and global developments as well as issues on NATO's agenda with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in a phone call following the attacks on Iran and subsequent clashes.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he stands by his decision not to involve the UK in bombing raids on Iran carried out by the US and Israel.
- China reaffirmed its support for Iran during a phone call between the foreign ministers of the two countries held against the backdrop of escalation in the Middle East.
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military operation against Iran is not intended to topple the country’s leadership, even as he acknowledged its sweeping impact.
- Kuwait’s Health Ministry said 19 injured people were admitted to Al-Jahra and Al-Adan hospitals amid escalating regional tensions following a US-Israeli attack on Iran.
- US Central Command said six US service members have been killed in action as US-Israeli joint attacks entered their third day.
- Israeli authorities have decided to keep Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv closed until Friday and maintained restrictions on public gatherings until Wednesday evening amid a widening war with Iran.
- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said his government has banned Hezbollah’s military and security activities and limited the group’s role to political work, ordering the army to enforce a plan to restrict weapons to state control north of the Litani River.
- The US Central Command said three F-15E Strike Eagles “were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses.”
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
- QatarEnergy halts LNG production after drone attacks on facilities
QatarEnergy suspended liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after drone strikes targeted key energy facilities in the Gulf state, the company announced.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said two drones launched from Iran struck sites in Mesaieed Industrial City and Ras Laffan Industrial City.
According to the ministry, one drone hit a water tank at a power plant in Mesaieed, while the second targeted an energy facility in Ras Laffan belonging to QatarEnergy. No casualties were reported.
Following the attacks, QatarEnergy announced that it had ceased production of LNG and associated products at the affected facilities, citing the security situation.
- Turkish economy grows 3.6% in 2025
The Turkish economy expanded by 3.6% in 2025 on a yearly basis, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) said.
The country's GDP reached 63 trillion Turkish Liras ($1.59 trillion) last year, up from 44.6 trillion liras ($1.36 trillion) in 2024, official figures showed. The GDP per capita was at 712,200 Turkish liras ($18,040) last year.
In the fourth quarter alone, the GDP rose by 3.4%, the TurkStat added.
