US and Israel strike Iran as Tehran and allies retaliate, widening regional war
Mar 7th 2026
A U.S.-Israeli offensive on Iran triggered broad retaliation from Tehran and allied militias, producing military casualties, civilian harm and major regional and global disruptions.
- U.S. and Israeli forces launched a major campaign against Iran, with President Donald Trump saying operations could last four to five weeks.
- Iran and Iran-backed militias responded with missiles, drones and strikes across Israel, Lebanon and Gulf states, including attacks on energy facilities.
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reported killed in the initial strikes, according to officials and state media.
- U.S. military casualties include six service members killed and about 18 seriously wounded, the Pentagon said.
- Hezbollah and other groups fired into Israel, prompting large Israeli strikes in Lebanon and displacing thousands of civilians.
- Humanitarian and global disruptions include closed Gaza crossings, rising oil prices, canceled flights and evacuations of U.S. embassy staff in some countries.
- The U.S. urged Americans to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries as allies discuss logistics and potential further support.