BREAKING — March 1, 2026: The US-Iran conflict has exploded beyond Iran’s borders. Hezbollah has entered the war, the UK is now providing military support, Trump says the operation will last “four or five weeks,” and Congress is preparing a war powers vote. Here’s everything happening right now.
Trump: “Four or Five Weeks” of Strikes Ahead
In an interview with The New York Times, President Trump revealed the US plans to keep up the assault on Iran for “four or five weeks.” In a separate six-minute video posted to Truth Social from Mar-a-Lago, Trump said “hundreds of targets” have been hit and warned Americans to expect more military casualties.
“There will likely be more” US deaths, Trump said, after CENTCOM confirmed three American service members killed in action and five seriously wounded — the first US combat deaths of Operation Epic Fury.
Trump also called on Iranians to “rise up” and urged IRGC members to lay down arms, promising immunity to those who surrender.
Hezbollah Enters the War — IDF Strikes Beirut
In a dramatic escalation, Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at northern Israel late Sunday, breaking the November 2024 ceasefire for the first time. The Iran-backed group said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.
The IDF confirmed Hezbollah was behind the rocket fire and declared it “an official declaration of war by Hezbollah.” Israel immediately began striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, with massive explosions reported in Beirut.
The US Embassy in Beirut announced emergency closure for Monday. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had previously rejected being dragged into the conflict — but Hezbollah has now made that decision for him.
UK Joins the Fight — British Jets in the Air
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced he has granted US access to British military bases in Diego Garcia, Cyprus, and the UK itself for “defensive operations” against Iranian missiles.
“We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations, which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes,” Starmer said. “But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source.”
The UK is also enforcing a no-fly zone over parts of Jordan and Iraq, intercepting Iranian drones headed for Israel. While Starmer emphasized the UK is not joining offensive strikes, British forces are actively engaging Iranian military assets.
Iran’s Exiled Prince: “This Is Our Chance”
In a primetime 60 Minutes interview, Prince Reza Pahlavi — son of the deposed Shah and the most prominent Iranian opposition figure — said he believes the regime is collapsing and offered to lead a democratic transition.
“Number one is Iran’s territorial integrity. Number two is a clear separation of religion from state. Number three is equality of all citizens under the law. And most importantly, the democratic process,” Pahlavi told CBS’s Scott Pelley.
Pahlavi, 65, has lived outside Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution but says the country has been on his mind “every single day” since. He also stated Iran has “no need to pursue military weaponizing of the nuclear program.”
Oil Prices Surge, Markets Brace for Monday
Oil prices rose sharply when Sunday trading opened. With 20% of the world’s oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz — which Iran has threatened to close — traders are betting on major supply disruptions.
“If you were to decrease the global supply by cutting off the Strait of Hormuz, you would see prices spike,” said CBS MoneyWatch’s Kelly O’Grady. Global markets are bracing for a volatile Monday open.
Congress to Vote on War Powers Resolution
With Congress set to return this week, lawmakers are preparing to vote on a war powers resolution to potentially halt Trump’s assault on Iran. The debate is complicated by Khamenei’s death — some lawmakers who initially opposed the strikes are now hesitant to intervene given the operation’s apparent success in decapitating Iran’s leadership.
Retired Gen. McKenzie: “Several More Days of Rocket Exchanges”
Retired General Frank McKenzie, former CENTCOM commander, told CBS’s Face the Nation that Americans should “be prepared for several more days of exchanges of long-range rockets.” The critical question over the next 72-96 hours, McKenzie said, is whether the US can sufficiently degrade Iran’s ability to fire missile volleys at American bases across the region.
Gulf States Condemn Iran, Affirm Self-Defense
In a significant diplomatic shift, Gulf states that were hit by Iranian retaliation — including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — have jointly condemned Iran’s attacks and reaffirmed their “right to self-defense.” This marks a potential turning point, with previously neutral Gulf nations aligning more firmly with the US-led coalition.
The conflict continues to expand. Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
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