The US-Israel-Iran War Enters Second Week Amid Intense Strikes and Diplomatic Maneuvering

March 7, 2026 — The ongoing joint military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran has entered its second week, with no immediate signs of de-escalation as both sides exchange heavy airstrikes, missile barrages, and drones across the region.

The conflict, which erupted on February 28 with Operation Epic Fury — a massive wave of coordinated strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, leadership, nuclear sites, and missile capabilities — has already resulted in significant casualties and widespread disruption. Iranian state media reports at least 940-1,300 deaths from US and Israeli attacks, while Israeli authorities confirm around 10-11 fatalities from Iranian retaliatory fire.

In the latest developments overnight into Saturday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a "broad-scale wave of strikes" on Tehran and central Iran, using more than 80 fighter jets to target government infrastructure, including areas near Mehrabad Airport. Explosions rocked the capital, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and triggering air defenses.

Iran responded with fresh barrages of ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Israel and several Gulf states. Air raid sirens sounded across parts of Israel as defense systems intercepted incoming projectiles. Reports indicate Iran launched multiple waves, including strikes that affected the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where air defenses downed most of 15-16 ballistic missiles and 119-121 drones. A drone incident was also reported near Dubai International Airport, temporarily disrupting flights before partial resumption.

US President Donald Trump, in social media posts and public statements, vowed that Iran would be "hit very hard" on Saturday, signaling consideration of new targets and "areas and groups" not previously struck. Trump described Iran's recent statements as an "apology and surrender" to its neighbors, though he reiterated demands for the country's "unconditional surrender" before any negotiations.

In a televised address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian — speaking as part of the interim leadership council following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the opening strikes — apologized to neighboring countries for the impact of Iran's actions and pledged that Tehran would "no longer attack" regional states or launch missiles unless attacks on Iran originate from their territory. He firmly rejected calls for unconditional surrender, calling it "a dream" for adversaries.

The US military has reported destroying significant portions of Iran's navy, air force, and missile launchers, with estimates of around 300 ballistic missile launchers neutralized and Iran's naval assets heavily degraded. Strikes have also targeted nuclear-related facilities, including sites linked to enrichment and potential weaponization research at locations like Natanz and covert compounds, though the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported no radiological consequences from recent hits.

The war has expanded regionally, with Israeli operations continuing against Iranian-backed positions in Lebanon, reports of Iranian drones reaching Azerbaijan, and involvement of proxies and militias in Iraq. Oil and gas prices have surged amid fears of prolonged disruption in the Persian Gulf, and global economic fallout continues to mount.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in recent interviews, expressed confidence in countering any potential US ground invasion, describing it as a "big disaster" for American forces, while refusing ceasefire talks without concessions.

As the conflict intensifies into its eighth day, analysts warn of multiplying risks, including further civilian casualties, potential regime instability in Iran, and broader spillover across the Middle East. Diplomatic channels remain strained, with Russia and China largely standing aside despite earlier intelligence-sharing reports.

The situation remains highly fluid, with both sides showing no immediate willingness to stand down. International observers, including the United Nations, have urged restraint to prevent a wider regional catastrophe.