Voice Of People Report, March 3: Following Iran’s retaliatory attacks and countermeasures by the United States and Israel, the Middle East has partially escalated into a full-fledged regional conflict. After the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran has conducted drone and missile strikes on U.S. bases, oil facilities, and critical infrastructure in the Gulf region for the third consecutive day. In response, the U.S. and Israel have intensified their military operations.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed attacks on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Tel Aviv office, military installations in Haifa, and key command centers in East Jerusalem. According to Iranian sources, at least 555 people have been killed, with hundreds more injured in the ongoing strikes.

In the Gulf, U.S. airbases in Kuwait were hit by cruise missiles, an Indian sailor was killed in a drone attack off the coast of Oman, drone attacks in Saudi Arabia targeted the Ras Tanura refinery, explosions occurred in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and drones struck installations in Doha, Qatar. Minor attacks and interceptions were also reported in Bahrain, Jordan, and Erbil, Iraq.

With airspace closed, over 3,400 flights have been canceled, leaving passengers stranded at major airports.

In response, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have stated that they are ready to take necessary measures to defend against Iranian attacks and protect their interests and those of their allies. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and other international observers have called for de-escalation of tensions.

The situation in Lebanon is also tense. Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 31 people and injured 149, while Hezbollah’s attacks prompted further Israeli military action. Israeli Chief of Staff Ya’al Jamir has warned that fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon could continue for several weeks.

Overall, the conflict that began with Khamenei’s death has now spread across Gulf countries, Lebanon, Israel, and cities in Tehran, involving ongoing drone and missile attacks, explosions, and rising casualties. International diplomatic efforts are underway, but there are no immediate signs of de-escalation, posing a major challenge for regional and global security.