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🇮🇱 Israel / Iran · Blinding Tehran

IDF strike on Iranian space compound

The IDF confirmed today it dismantled a key Iranian regime space compound used to develop anti-satellite attack capabilities that threatened Israeli and global space assets. The Israeli Air Force, acting on precise intelligence, hit a compound linked to Iran's military space program, including work tied to the "Chamran-1" satellite launched by the IRGC in 2024. Channel 12 reported the operation also targeted Iran's broader space industry, disrupting satellite communications and production. Tehran is now unable to use its satellites during the war.

The strike follows another recent attack on a Tehran site connected to the Iranian Space Organization, part of what Israel says is a broader effort to counter Iran's growing space warfare capabilities. Israel also struck Mehrabad Airport overnight, destroying the Supreme Leader's Airbus A340 (EP-IGA). Heavy strikes hit targets across northern Tehran, including a police center in the Niavaran district and a target on Bagheri Street in the Shahrak-e Gharb area.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari Shoshani said the IDF has "detailed operational plans for the war with Iran for the next 3 weeks," along with "additional plans extending further."

 

🇺🇸 Washington · Operation Epic Fury

U.S. Launches 6,000 Sorties, Strikes 90 Targets on Kharg Island, Destroys 100 Iranian Vessels

IRGC facility before U.S. strikes — 5 March 2026
IRGC facility after U.S. strikes — 11 March 2026

CENTCOM (U.S. Central Command) released a commander's update on Operation Epic Fury today. U.S. forces alone have flown more than 6,000 combat sorties, striking over 90 targets on Kharg Island and destroying or damaging more than 100 Iranian naval vessels. That's just the American side. Israel has struck thousands of its own targets across Iran separately, including the space compound above. Satellite imagery shows IRGC drone factories and military complexes flattened.

The briefing described the operation as ongoing with "significant progress." Core objectives: dismantle Iran's offensive missile capabilities, neutralize naval threats to ensure freedom of navigation, degrade proxy forces, and prevent Iran from achieving nuclear weapons capability. CENTCOM said recent strikes have "substantially degraded" Iran's ability to project power, including destruction of key missile production sites, naval assets, and IRGC command and control elements.

Trump told reporters Iran is "decimated" and it would take them 10 years or more to rebuild if the U.S. stopped now. He won't declare victory yet.

"I have to do what's right. I can't say, gee, I don't want impacts on oil prices for 3-4 weeks or 2 months and let Iran have a nuclear weapon and let them blow up the Middle East and beyond."

— President Trump

Axios reported Trump is weighing a seizure of Iran's critical oil depot on Kharg Island, a move that would require U.S. boots on the ground, if tankers remain stuck in the Persian Gulf.

6,000+

U.S. Combat Sorties

90+

Kharg Island Targets

100+

Naval Vessels Destroyed

 

🇮🇷 Iran · The Retaliation

Iran Hits Israel and Gulf States in Multi-Front Strikes

Iran launched at least five ballistic missile salvos at Israel since midnight today. Sirens sounded in Jerusalem and central Israel. Rescue services said one missile may have carried a cluster warhead. Fragments hit central Israel, an impact landed near Ben Gurion Airport, and a missile fell in Tzfat, meters from a mikvah. No injuries reported.

Fujairah port after Iranian strikes

The Gulf took heavy fire too. An Iranian drone struck a fuel tank at Dubai International Airport, which was still burning hours later. Dubai temporarily suspended all flights. Iran hit the key port of Fujairah in the UAE again, suspending oil loading at the only export outlet bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar confirmed it intercepted a missile targeting the country, with explosions reported in Doha. Saudi Arabia was struck by over 60 drones in just hours, intercepting 3 over Riyadh and the Eastern Province. No casualties reported. Abu Dhabi reported a casualty from a separate missile incident.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has sent no message and has not requested a ceasefire. "We will not hesitate to defend ourselves and are ready to continue the war." Al-Hadath reports Mojtaba Khamenei has appointed Mohsen Rezaee, former IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) commander, as his military advisor.

 

🇱🇧 Southern Lebanon · The Ground Push

IDF Launches Ground Operation in Southern Lebanon

IDF ground operations in southern Lebanon

Israel's Defense Minister Katz announced the IDF has begun a ground maneuver in Lebanon to remove threats and protect the residents of the Galilee and the north. He warned that "millions of Shiites" will not be allowed to return to their homes until northern Israel is secure. "Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for its aggression and its activity in the Iranian axis."

The IDF's 91st Division launched a targeted push into southern Lebanon. Troops eliminated militants and uncovered Hezbollah weapons at a targeted compound. Two armed Hezbollah operatives advancing toward Israeli forces were struck and eliminated in a separate incident. Hezbollah summed up the past 24 hours with 25 claimed operations, 13 against Israeli territory, 12 within Lebanon.

 

🌍 Strait of Hormuz · The Alliance Gap

Trump Warns NATO. Allies Say No.

Trump warns NATO on Iran

Trump warned NATO faces a "very bad future" if allies fail to assist the U.S. against Iran. The Financial Times reported Trump could delay his planned trip to China later this month if Beijing doesn't help unblock the Strait of Hormuz.

Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius pushed back hard. "What does Trump expect a handful of European frigates to do that the powerful U.S. Navy cannot? This is not our war." Germany's Foreign Minister said he doesn't see a role for NATO in the Strait. Japan said it has no plan to dispatch naval vessels. Australia said it won't send ships either.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the nation, saying reopening the Strait "is not a simple task" and that Britain "will not be drawn into the wider war." He pushed for British energy independence from "tyrants like Putin and the Ayatollahs." One bright spot: the Aframax tanker Karachi, carrying Abu Dhabi crude, safely transited the Strait today, the first non-Iranian tanker to do so without incident. The Wall Street Journal reported the Trump administration plans to announce this week that multiple countries have agreed to form a coalition to escort ships through the corridor.

 

Bottom Line

Three weeks into Operation Epic Fury, CENTCOM's numbers tell the story: 6,000+ sorties, 100+ naval vessels destroyed, Iran's military infrastructure gutted. Trump says a decade of rebuilding. But Iran is still launching missiles at Israel and hitting Gulf states daily. The real question now: who helps reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Europe, Japan, and Australia all said no today.

 
 

Stories You May Have Missed

Iran

Shamkhani Buried Without a Head

The funeral of Iran's top adviser Ali Shamkhani was held in Tehran. State media said he was buried without a head after being killed in strikes on the Supreme Leader's compound. The footage was broadcast on Iranian state television.

Saudi Arabia / U.S.

MBS to Trump: "Keep Hitting the Iranians Hard"

The New York Times reported Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been urging Trump during the war to "keep hitting the Iranians hard." The two leaders have stayed in close contact throughout the conflict. MBS and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed agreed in a phone call that continued Iranian attacks on GCC countries represent a dangerous escalation threatening regional stability.

Iran / U.S. Intelligence

U.S. Intel: New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei May Be Gay

The New York Post reported U.S. intelligence indicates new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei may be gay, and that his father feared his suitability to rule for that reason. Trump reportedly laughed aloud when briefed. Two intelligence officials said the intel points to a long-term relationship with a childhood tutor. U.S. spy agencies consider the tip credible, with one source saying it was "derived from one of the most protected sources that the government has."

United Nations

U.N. Chief Marks "International Day Combating Islamophobia"

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered remarks today marking the International Day "Combating Islamophobia," while Iran fires missiles at civilian areas across the Middle East.

U.S. / Protests

NYC Al-Quds Day Rally Chants "Death to Israel"

At a New York City Al-Quds Day rally, protesters chanted "U.S.A., Go to Hell," "Khamenei Is the Leader," "Death to Israel," and "Stop Eating Babies." They praised Sinwar, Nasrallah, the IRGC, and the Houthis, calling on Iran and Hezbollah to strike Tel Aviv.

 
 
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