★UNITED STATES

1. Trump Keeps Ground Option Open Amid Possible Iran Raids

The Pentagon is reportedly preparing options for possible weeks-long ground operations in Iran involving Special Operations forces and conventional infantry. President Donald Trump did not confirm any operation, but said he had “lots of alternatives” when asked about boots on the ground and stressed that the United States has major naval forces in the region. Reuters says the planning is focused on potential missions near the Strait of Hormuz and Kharg Island, though it remains unclear whether Trump would approve deploying U.S. ground troops.

2. Iran Spokesman Warns US Troops “Food For Sharks” If Invaded

Iranian state aligned media said a Khatam al Anbia Central Headquarters spokesperson warned any US ground invasion would lead US troops to become “food for sharks in the Persian Gulf” and face “severe and humiliating consequences.” Separately, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said any US ground offensive would bring “severe punishment” for US forces and their regional allies, stating Iranian forces are prepared to respond decisively.

3. Iran Threatens U.S. Universities in the Middle East

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned it may target American university campuses in the Middle East in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli strikes that damaged two universities in Iran. Officials urged students and staff to stay at least one kilometer away from potential targets. American universities in the Gulf, including Texas A&M Qatar and NYU Abu Dhabi, could be at risk.

4. Iran Claims AWACS Destroyed After Confirmed Damage At Saudi Base

Iranian state aligned media said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it “completely destroyed” a US E 3 AWACS aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia during a missile and drone strike. Separately, US-linked reporting said an E 3 aircraft and additional aircraft were damaged in the same attack, with injuries reported. There has been no official confirmation of total destruction.

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★IRAN

5. Explosions, Power Outages, Fighter Jets Reported Across Multiple Cities

Explosions were reported across multiple Iranian cities including Tehran, Qom, Qazvin, Karaj, Tabriz, and Bandar Abbas early Tuesday, with no immediate official confirmation. Hours later, witnesses reported widespread power outages in Tehran and Karaj, alongside low flying fighter jets and continued explosions across several provinces. Air defense activity was reported in Zahedan, while additional blasts were heard in Chabahar and Bandar Abbas, indicating sustained nationwide activity.

6. Iranian Nuclear Scientist, Wife, and IRGC Commanders Killed

Iranian nuclear scientist Mohammad Reza Kia and his wife were killed in a strike in Kiashahr, along with IRGC leaders Abbas Karami and Saeed Zangeneh. Kia, a nuclear physics and atomic engineering expert, contributed to Iran’s nuclear research. The attack follows prior Israeli strikes that targeted senior IRGC and military figures across Iran since February.

7. Reports Claim Russia Sends Advanced Drones to Iran, Kremlin Denies

U.S. and European sources report that Russia is supplying Iran with advanced “Shahed” drones, upgraded with improved navigation, AI, and electronic warfare capabilities, potentially enhancing Iran’s attacks on Israel, Gulf states, and U.S. bases. Russia denies the claims. European assessments suggest the shipments are limited and may not decisively alter the ongoing Middle East conflict.

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★ISRAEL

8. Iran Launches Third Wave Toward Israel As Interceptions Reported

Israeli media reported a third wave of launches from Iran within one hour, with interceptions reported and no immediate casualties. A drone fragment struck a truck near Kiryat Shmona, lightly injuring the driver. Separately, five rockets were launched from Lebanon toward Haifa overnight and intercepted. 

9. Industrial Complex in Southern Israel Hit by Iranian Rocket Debris

A fire broke out in the Ramat Hovav industrial area after Israeli authorities said shrapnel from an Iranian rocket or its interception caused the blast. No injuries were reported, but the fire involved chemical and industrial facilities. Emergency teams continue containment, and residents were urged to stay indoors and follow safety instructions.

10. Israel Strikes 250 Targets Across Iran and Lebanon

The Israeli Air Force struck over 250 targets in Iran and Lebanon, including missile sites, air defenses, and command centers, in a large-scale operation. Dozens of sites in Tehran were hit in multiple waves, while over 170 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon were attacked, amid escalating conflict and ongoing Israeli efforts to weaken Iranian and Hezbollah military capabilities.

11. Israel Detects Multiple Iranian Missile Waves

The Israeli military reported multiple missile launches from Iran targeting southern Israel, triggering sirens in the Negev and Eilat. Air defenses intercepted one missile while another landed in an open area. Earlier strikes injured at least 12 civilians in Beit Shemesh, with alerts sounding across 15 southern locations, including Beersheba, Dimona, and the Dead Sea region.

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★IRAQ

12. Airstrikes Hit Popular Mobilization Sites in Nineveh and Salahuddin

Unknown warplanes struck two Popular Mobilization Force sites in Nineveh and Salahuddin, targeting a base of the “Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada” north of Mosul. No casualties were reported, only material damage. The attacks come amid rising regional tensions and recent U.S.- and Israeli-linked strikes on pro-Iranian Iraqi militias.

13. Syria Thwarts Drone Attacks on U.S. Bases from Iraq

Syria reported that four drones launched from Iraq targeted the U.S. Al-Qasr base, which were intercepted without casualties. Earlier, the Syrian army repelled a similar drone attack on the Tanf base, handed over by the U.S. in February. Explosions in Damascus were linked to Israeli interception of Iranian missiles, as regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and Hezbollah continue to escalate.

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★LEBANON

14. Israel Cuts Hezbollah Supply Line From Beqaa to Southern Khiam

Israel struck the Dibin–Ibl al-Saqi route in southern Lebanon, severing Hezbollah’s last supply line from western Beqaa. Airstrikes and heavy artillery aimed to isolate Khiam, with forces advancing toward the Litani River. Coastal operations south of Tyre also continue, as Israeli troops push east to secure high ground and converge with other advancing units.

15. Israel Kills Hezbollah-Linked Journalist in Lebanon Strike

The IDF killed journalist Ali Shoeib in a southern Lebanon airstrike, saying he was a Hezbollah Radwan Force intelligence operative using media cover to expose troop positions and spread propaganda. The strike in Jezzine also killed reporter Fatima Ftouni, drawing condemnation from Lebanon over targeting journalists amid the ongoing regional conflict.

16. Israel Advances into Southern Lebanon During Escalating Conflict

Israeli forces crossed from the Golan into southern Lebanon for the first time since 2024, conducting operations to disrupt Hezbollah positions. The escalation has killed at least 1,189 people in Lebanon since March 2, including nine medics and multiple journalists. Israel reports eliminating over 800 Hezbollah fighters, while cross-border clashes continue, and strikes hit towns, infrastructure, and residential areas.

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★GULF STATES

17. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt Discuss Ending war with Iran

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt held talks in Islamabad on Sunday exploring ways to end the Middle East conflict. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said all sides support potential U.S.-Iran negotiations in Islamabad, backed by China, emphasizing diplomacy as the only path to prevent conflict and achieve lasting regional peace.

18. Kuwait Detects Fourteen Ballistic Missiles, Soldiers Injured in Attacks

Kuwait reported detecting 14 hostile ballistic missiles and 12 drones, with strikes hitting a military camp and injuring 10 personnel, alongside material damage. Additional attacks targeted a logistics warehouse without casualties, while authorities confirmed ongoing repairs to damaged power lines and stable electricity and water systems.

19. UAE Intercepts 20 Iranian Missiles as Kuwait Extinguishes Airport Fire

The UAE’s air defenses intercepted 20 ballistic missiles and 37 drones from Iran, part of 398 missiles and 1,872 drones launched since February, causing two military deaths. Meanwhile, Kuwait extinguished a fuel storage fire at its airport after a drone attack. Iranian strikes also damaged industrial sites, including Emirates Global Aluminium’s facility in Khalifa Economic Zone.

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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.