The Israel-Iran conflict, triggered by initial U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, entered its eighth day on March 7 with ongoing missile and airstrike exchanges spreading across the Gulf and Iraq, fueling fears of broader regional war. Israel reported extensive strikes on Tehran targets, while Iranian state media noted explosions in the capital's west.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched the 25th wave of Operation 'True Promise 4,' firing precision missiles including Fattah and Emad, plus drones, at U.S. and Israeli positions.
Gulf states actively intercepted threats: Bahrain downed 86 missiles and 148 drones since the conflict's start; Kuwait's National Guard destroyed a drone. Iran targeted Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE but pledged not to strike nations avoiding use of their airspace by adversaries.
In Iraq, missiles and drones hit near Baghdad International Airport (home to U.S. embassy logistics) on Friday evening, an oil facility in the south twice that day, and a hotel in Erbil—following U.S. warnings of Iran-aligned attacks in Kurdistan.
U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' or risk total destruction of its military, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt noting operations could last 4-6 weeks and considering future Iranian leadership.
Israeli officials, per Yedioth Ahronoth, prepared for additional weeks of combat to weaken Tehran's government without immediate regime change.
A senior aide to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed no attacks on non-cooperating neighbors with Washington and retaliation only against threats from their soil; Pezeshkian had apologized for spillover strikes.
Diplomatically, Saudi Arabia opened informal de-escalation channels with Iran, per European officials via Bloomberg. Iran claimed strikes killed 10 medical workers and damaged over 20 schools.
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged restraint in talks with Oman, Iraq, and Bahrain counterparts, emphasizing regional peace, international law, UN Charter adherence, and solidarity against territorial attacks.
