US-Iran War Enters Fourth Day, US Evacuates Embassies
The U.S.-Iran war has entered its fourth day, prompting the U.S. to shutter several embassies and evacuate diplomats across the Middle East. President Trump signaled it could be the beginning of extended hostilities, while Senator Marco Rubio warned Iran that “the hardest hits are yet to come.” Meanwhile, China has publicly called for an immediate halt to military actions.
The current conflict was preceded by months of escalating tensions, including nationwide anti-government protests in Iran beginning in late 2025 and a significant U.S. military buildup in the region. Just days before the initial strikes, high-stakes nuclear negotiations in Geneva between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Oman, ended without a deal. The war began on February 28, 2026, with a coordinated U.S.-Israeli operation that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and approximately 40 other senior Iranian officials in a series of near-simultaneous strikes. The U.S. and Israel have since conducted hundreds of strikes, targeting ballistic missile sites, air defense systems, and naval assets, establishing air superiority over western Iran and Tehran. Iran has retaliated with hundreds of ballistic missile and drone attacks, targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in several Gulf countries, including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These retaliatory strikes have also hit civilian areas and key economic infrastructure, such as oil facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties. As of March 2, at least 1,500 people have been killed in Iran, including 200 civilians. The U.S. has reported six service members killed in action, while strikes on Israel have resulted in 11 civilian deaths. The war has had an immediate economic impact. Global oil prices have surged, with Brent crude rising over 11% to $77.70 a barrel. European natural gas prices jumped 41% after Iranian attacks forced a halt in production at a major Qatari liquefied natural gas facility. Stock markets have seen significant downturns, with the FTSE 100 on track for its worst day in nearly a year. The international response has been mixed. At an emergency UN Security Council meeting, Russia and China condemned the U.S.-Israeli strikes, while most other members were more circumspect, placing blame on Iran for its nuclear activities. European powers like the UK, France, and Germany have condemned Iran's counter-attacks and stated they will take steps to defend their interests in the region.
