US Braces for "Extended War" with Iran
The U.S. is evacuating diplomats and shutting down multiple embassies in the Middle East as the war with Iran enters its fourth day. President Trump warned the situation “could turn into extended war,” signaling a major escalation beyond initial strikes. The attacks began with a direct order for "Operation Epic Fury," described by military analysts as unprecedented in scale.
The joint U.S.-Israeli mission began on February 28, 2026, striking over 1,250 targets within the first 48 hours. The operation's stated goals include the destruction of Iran's offensive missiles, naval forces, and nuclear weapons capabilities. Among the first targets hit were the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the attack. The air campaign involves a massive deployment of U.S. military assets, including B-2 stealth bombers, the Lincoln and Ford aircraft carrier strike groups, and the first combat use of new LUCAS drones, which were reverse-engineered from Iran's own Shahed-136 technology. The concentration of American firepower is the largest seen in the region in a generation. The conflict has resulted in casualties on both sides, with the Pentagon confirming six U.S. service members killed. In Iran, the Red Crescent has reported the death toll has risen to 787. The White House also stated that strikes have killed 49 senior Iranian regime leaders. Iran has retaliated with widespread missile and drone attacks against U.S. allies and assets. Drones struck the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil passes. In response to the widening conflict, the U.S. State Department has ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel from embassies in six Gulf nations, including the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar. It has also urged American citizens to depart from 14 countries across the Middle East, though several embassies have stated they cannot provide direct evacuation assistance. Global oil prices have surged, with Brent crude jumping more than 8% to over $77 a barrel, and Wall Street has seen significant drops. The international response has been divided, with nations like Russia and China supporting Iran, while key European allies have called for de-escalation. Spain's Prime Minister went further, condemning the unilateral military action by the U.S. and Israel.
