Operation Epic Fury

Mar 4 15:04 ETBREAKINGBREAKING? Unconfirmed

Hezbollah and Iran Launch Coordinated Strikes on Israel; IDF Pushes Into Southern Lebanon

Hezbollah and Iran launched simultaneous attacks on Israel on Wednesday, firing approximately 10 rockets from Lebanon and multiple Iranian ballistic missiles at central Israeli regions on the fifth day of the conflict. The IDF confirmed that air defense systems intercepted the majority of launches, with two civilians sustaining minor injuries from shrapnel and blast effects. Israeli ground forces advanced deeper into southern Lebanon, establishing forward defensive positions near Houla, where two soldiers from the 401st Armored Brigade suffered moderate wounds from a Hezbollah anti-tank missile strike. Hezbollah claimed direct combat with IDF forces in Khiam in what it described as the first such confrontation of this conflict, while Israeli airstrikes simultaneously hit underground Hezbollah weapons depots and command centers in Beirut.

Mar 4 15:19 ETWORLD REACTION? Unconfirmed

Dubai's Wealthy Residents Pay Millions to Flee UAE Amid Drone and Missile Strikes

Dubai's wealthy residents are evacuating the city in unprecedented numbers as the regional conflict intensifies, with the UAE having endured over 800 drone strikes and 200 missile attacks since Saturday, leaving three people dead and multiple infrastructure targets hit. Private jet brokers report surging demand for evacuation flights, with one Turkish family paying $200,000 for a single flight to Geneva after driving six hours through the desert to reach Oman. Airport closures, border crossing delays of three to four hours, and skyrocketing commercial flight prices have created severe bottlenecks for those attempting to flee. Some departing residents expressed hope to return to Dubai once the conflict stabilizes.

Dubai, UAE

Mar 4 15:19 ETSTATEMENT? Unconfirmed

Iran Intel Operatives Signaled Openness to CIA Talks to End War, Report Says

Iranian operatives from the Ministry of Intelligence reportedly signaled willingness to engage the CIA in discussions to end hostilities, communicating through a third country's intelligence apparatus, according to Middle Eastern and Western officials speaking anonymously. Iran's intelligence ministry denied the report, calling it "absolute lies and psychological warfare," while U.S. officials expressed skepticism about whether either side genuinely seeks an immediate ceasefire on the conflict's fifth day. Iran's UN ambassador had previously said Tehran doubts the usefulness of negotiations at this stage, while Trump reiterated that talks were requested but it was "too late" as U.S.-Israeli strikes continued.

Mar 4 15:29 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

Photo Circulates Showing Aftermath of US-Israel Strikes in Iran

An image circulated on Telegram on March 4 depicting the ongoing effects of U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran. The photo, shared amid continued bombardment of Iranian military and government infrastructure, adds to the growing visual documentation of Operation Epic Fury. U.S. Central Command has confirmed more than 1,700 targets struck in the first 72 hours of the conflict, with strikes continuing into a fifth day.

Mar 4 15:43 ETSTATEMENT? Unconfirmed

Analysis: Last Time a U.S. Submarine Sank an Enemy Warship Was End of WWII

Following the U.S. Navy submarine sinking of an Iranian warship during Operation Epic Fury, The War Zone examines the historical significance of the feat, tracing the last comparable American submarine combat kill to August 14, 1945 — VJ Day. On that day, USS Spikefish sank Japanese submarine I-373 and USS Torsk sank escort vessel CD-13 in the final hours of World War II. While Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth claimed it was the first such sinking since WWII, the analysis clarifies this applies to U.S. submarines specifically, as British and Pakistani submarines have achieved similar combat kills in the intervening decades.

Persian Gulf

Source: The War Zone →

Mar 4 16:15 ETWORLD REACTION? Unconfirmed

Israeli Arab Activist Arrested Over Facebook Post Praising Khamenei After Assassination

Majd Asadi, an Israeli Arab artist and activist, was arrested after posting on Facebook in apparent praise of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following his assassination. Asadi described Khamenei as "an uncompromising historical figure" who "stood against imperial evil," while noting personal disagreements with him. He was released under restrictive conditions; the head of his town council threatened to expel him from the municipality.

Mar 4 16:20 ETWORLD REACTION? Unconfirmed

Israeli Couple Moves Wedding to Tel Aviv Mall Parking Lot as War Cancels Gatherings

An Israeli couple, Lior and Michael, held their wedding ceremony in the underground parking lot of a Tel Aviv shopping mall after public gatherings were canceled amid the ongoing war with Iran. Refusing to postpone their special day, the pair relocated their celebration to the basement level of the mall, adapting to the wartime restrictions that have upended civilian life across Israel. The impromptu venue underscores the broad disruption the conflict has brought to ordinary Israelis, as missile alerts and security restrictions continue to reshape daily routines.

Mar 4 16:32 ETSTATEMENT? Unconfirmed

IDF Eases Wartime Restrictions as Finance Ministry Pushes to Reopen Businesses

The Israeli military announced Wednesday night that wartime restrictions on gatherings and workplaces would be relaxed beginning Thursday afternoon, following pressure from the Finance Ministry to allow businesses near protected spaces to reopen. The Finance Ministry argued that lifting the restrictions would cut economic losses by approximately 5 billion shekels ($1.6 billion) weekly, citing the significant economic toll of maintaining a widespread economic shutdown during the conflict.

Mar 4 16:33 ETWORLD REACTION? Unconfirmed

Spain Denies US Claim of Military Cooperation on Iran as Diplomatic Rift Deepens

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez directly contradicted White House claims that Madrid had agreed to cooperate with US military operations against Iran, with Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stating Spain's position on American base usage "has not changed at all." Sanchez declared "no to the war" during a national televised address, while Trump threatened severe trade retaliation against Spain. European allies including French President Macron rallied behind Spain, as the dispute exposed deepening rifts between the US and NATO partners over the Iran conflict. Portugal, by contrast, conditionally authorized American use of Azores airbases for defensive operations.

Madrid, Spain

Ben Gurion Airport, Israel

Mar 4 16:53 ETSTATEMENT? Unconfirmed

First Repatriation Flights Arrive at Ben Gurion as Israel Partially Reopens Airspace

Israel's Ben Gurion Airport began limited operations Wednesday night to repatriate approximately 100,000 stranded citizens following the closure of Israeli airspace during US-Israel strikes against Iran. Three Israeli carriers — El Al, Arkia, and Israir — operated the initial repatriation flights, with the first arrival coming from Athens. The airport can accommodate one aircraft per hour for the first 24 hours, with capacity gradually increasing to roughly 10,000 daily passengers by Friday.

Mar 4 17:08 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

New Photo Surfaces Showing Damage From US-Israel Strikes on Iran

A photograph shared on Telegram shows apparent destruction resulting from ongoing US-Israeli military strikes against Iranian targets. The image, measuring 2560x1440 pixels, depicts the scale of damage inflicted during Operation Epic Fury, now in its sixth day. Strike imagery circulating on social media has become a key part of the information battle surrounding the conflict, with both sides attempting to shape narratives about the effectiveness of attacks.

Mar 4 17:09 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

Photo Shows Aftermath of Strikes Amid Ongoing US-Israel Campaign Against Iran

A photo circulating on Telegram shows the aftermath of strikes in the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran during Operation Epic Fury. The image, shared without accompanying text, appears to document damage in the conflict zone as coalition forces continue intensive bombardment operations. The release follows a series of similar images shared throughout the day capturing the destruction resulting from the military campaign now in its sixth day.

Source: Breaking Defense →

Mar 4 17:28 ETSTATEMENT? Unconfirmed

Iran War Powers Resolution Fails in Senate 47-53

The Senate defeated a war powers resolution introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) that sought to halt U.S. military operations against Iran without congressional authorization, with the vote falling 47-53. Democrat John Fetterman of Pennsylvania broke with his party to oppose the measure, while Republican Rand Paul of Kentucky crossed the aisle to support it. A companion House resolution sponsored by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie is scheduled for a vote Thursday, calling for an immediate end to hostilities in the conflict designated Operation Epic Fury. Kaine acknowledged such resolutions rarely survive a presidential veto but argued repeated votes could still shape White House decision-making.

Washington D.C., USA

Mar 4 17:31 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

Photo Emerges Showing Destruction From US-Israel Strikes on Iran

A photo circulating on Telegram appears to show widespread destruction resulting from ongoing US-Israel strikes against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury. The image was shared without additional context or caption, consistent with a pattern of visual documentation of strike damage emerging from conflict zones in Iran. The strikes, which began February 28, have targeted military, nuclear, and infrastructure sites across Iran, producing extensive visible damage in multiple cities.

Mar 4 17:34 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

Photo Surfaces Showing Damage From US-Israel Strikes on Iran

A new photograph circulating on Telegram shows visible damage from the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran. The image, shared on March 4, adds to a growing collection of visuals documenting the destruction caused by Operation Epic Fury. The strikes have targeted military infrastructure, nuclear-related facilities, and command centers across Iran since the conflict began on February 28.

Mar 4 17:35 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

Photo Surfaces Showing Damage From US-Israel Strikes on Iran

A photograph circulating on Telegram shows damage attributed to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The image, shared from a monitored Telegram channel, adds to a growing stream of visual documentation emerging from the conflict zone as Operation Epic Fury continues into its fifth day. US and Israeli forces have conducted over 1,700 strikes against Iranian targets since the operation began on February 28, 2026.

Mar 4 17:51 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

Iran Has Fired at Least Six Cluster Missiles at Israel Since War Began, Defense Says

Iran has launched at least six cluster missiles targeting Israeli population centers since the conflict began February 28, according to Israel's defense establishment. The weapons carry small submunition bombs dispersed from high altitude, causing damage across a radius of several kilometers — a recent strike hit a building in Bnei Brak. Senior defense officials say the attacks are deliberately designed to maximize civilian casualties, and the pattern is expected to continue in the coming days.

Mar 4 17:59 ETWORLD REACTION? Unconfirmed

Pro-Israel Post Frames Iran-Israel War as Struggle Between Good and Evil

A pro-Israel message circulating on Telegram declared the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict a fight between forces of good and forces of evil, asserting that Israel defends life while Iran exports terror. The post urged followers to stand with Israel and with truth, reflecting the intense information war accompanying the military conflict. Such messaging has become a prominent feature of the online battle for narrative dominance as Operation Epic Fury enters its fifth day. The post was accompanied by an image and is part of a wave of pro-Israel social media content circulating as fighting continues.

Mar 4 18:00 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

Photo Surfaces Showing Damage From US-Israel Strikes on Iran

A new photograph has surfaced showing damage from ongoing US-Israel airstrikes on Iran as Operation Epic Fury enters its fifth day. The image adds to mounting visual documentation of the destruction wrought by the joint military campaign, which has targeted military installations, nuclear facilities, and IRGC infrastructure across the country. US and Israeli officials have confirmed over 1,700 targets struck in the first 72 hours of the operation.

Mar 4 18:01 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

Iran and Hezbollah Fire Simultaneously at Israel; IDF Says No Coordination

Iran and Hezbollah launched near-simultaneous barrages of rockets, missiles, and mortars at Israel, triggering air raid sirens across northern and central regions including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated that intelligence assessments show "no indication that Hezbollah and Iran coordinated the near-simultaneous barrages." The attacks represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, with Iran and Hezbollah appearing to act independently yet in parallel against Israel.

Mar 4 18:04 ETSTATEMENT? Unconfirmed

Israeli Court Rules Evidence Insufficient to Charge Gaza Smuggling Suspects With Security Offenses

The Be'er Sheva District Court ruled that evidence was insufficient to charge 10 of 15 suspects accused of smuggling goods into Gaza with security-related offenses. The judge criticized the prosecution's case, concluding that the accused sought only to profit from the smuggling and that Hamas had no role in the operation. The court ordered the release of the 10 suspects from detention, with a Sunday hearing scheduled to determine alternative custody arrangements. The five remaining suspects were not addressed in the ruling.

Be'er Sheva, Israel

Mar 4 18:12 ETWORLD REACTION? Unconfirmed

Haaretz Editorial: Israel Faces Choice Between Ben-Gvir and Democracy

The Haaretz editorial board argues that Israel faces a fundamental binary choice between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's continued tenure and the preservation of its democratic institutions. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has petitioned the Supreme Court to order Ben-Gvir's dismissal after Prime Minister Netanyahu refused to remove him despite documented political interference in police operations. The editorial sharply criticizes Netanyahu for defending and legitimizing what it characterizes as Ben-Gvir's Jewish supremacist politics, warning that his continued presence in government undermines the rule of law.

Jerusalem, Israel

Mar 4 18:13 ETSTATEMENT? Unconfirmed

US, Israel Targeting Basij Forces Who Cracked Down on Protesters to Enable Renewed Demonstrations

U.S. and Israeli officials say ongoing airstrikes in Iran are deliberately targeting Basij paramilitary members who violently suppressed anti-government protests earlier in 2026, with the stated objective of enabling renewed demonstrations once the bombing campaign concludes. An Israeli official stated the targeting is part of efforts to create the conditions for regime change, while a U.S. official confirmed Basij members are among the prioritized targets. Officials acknowledged that actual regime collapse would require internal dissent from Iranian leadership, which has not yet materialized despite the sustained aerial campaign.

Mar 4 18:25 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

Photo Surfaces Showing Damage From US-Israel Strikes on Iran

A new image has emerged depicting destruction from the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran. The photograph adds to the growing visual documentation of strikes that have targeted military and strategic sites across the country since Operation Epic Fury began on February 28, 2026.

Mar 4 18:25 ETSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

Photo Surfaces Showing Damage From US-Israel Strikes on Iran

A photo circulating on Telegram shows damage attributed to ongoing US-Israel strikes against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury. The image adds to a growing body of visual documentation emerging from the conflict, which has seen hundreds of strikes across Iran since February 28, 2026. No specific location or source has been attached to the image, and its precise origin remains unverified.

Iran-Iraq Border, Kurdistan Region

Mar 4 18:32 ETBREAKINGBREAKING? Unconfirmed

Thousands of Kurdish Fighters Launch Ground Offensive in Iran from Iraq Border

Thousands of Kurdish fighters have begun ground operations inside Iran from areas near the Iraqi border, Israeli and American officials confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday, opening a potential new front against Tehran. The Kurdish forces, operating from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, are considered among the most prominent armed opposition groups confronting the Iranian regime. Discussions have occurred between the Trump administration and Kurdish leadership regarding intelligence sharing and operational coordination, though the White House denied arming Kurdish groups, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt calling such claims baseless. Kurdish sources acknowledged their forces do not have sufficient capacity to independently overthrow Iran's government.

Source: Jerusalem Post →

Mar 4 19:03 ETBREAKINGSTRIKE? Unconfirmed

US Deploys Precision Strike Missile in Combat for First Time During Operation Epic Fury

The U.S. military fired the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in actual combat for the first time during Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper announced, calling it "an unrivaled deep strike ability." Military forces have destroyed or struck over 20 Iranian naval vessels since operations began Saturday, including the sinking of a Soleimani-class warship — described by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as "the jewel of Iran's navy" — which Hegseth linked to the 2020 assassination of IRGC-Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani.

Persian Gulf

Source: Jerusalem Post →

Mar 4 19:52 ETWORLD REACTION? Unconfirmed

Jerusalem Celebrates Wartime Shushan Purim as Missile Sirens Sound During Holiday Prayers

Jerusalem observed Shushan Purim on Wednesday, celebrating the Jewish holiday one day later than most of the world due to its historical status as a walled city — a tradition tied to ancient Persia, now modern Iran. Missile sirens sounded during morning Megillah readings as thousands of residents gathered despite emergency regulations banning large public gatherings. Many Israelis chose to celebrate in bomb shelters, underground parking garages, and open-air markets, with costumes and festive spirit intact. Rabbinical authorities debated whether Zoom readings of the Megillah fulfilled Jewish law requirements for hearing it in person.

Jerusalem, Israel

Mar 4 19:59 ETBREAKINGBREAKING? Unconfirmed

Iran May Run Out of Ballistic Missiles Within Days; U.S. Weighs Conserving Air Defense Interceptors

The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the U.S. military may be days away from needing to conserve air defense interceptors as Iran continues launching attacks on American military assets across the Middle East, citing three unnamed senior Pentagon officials who said hundreds of advanced THAAD interceptors have already been deployed. Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine publicly disputed the assessment, insisting the U.S. has sufficient precision munitions for current operations, while separately noting Iran's theater ballistic missile launches have fallen 86 percent since the start of the conflict.

Washington D.C., USA