Escalating military strikes between Iran and Israel have entered their fifth day, with Iranian officials framing the conflict as a "battle for survival" amid sustained attacks on critical infrastructure and political targets. The clashes, which began on February 28, 2026, mark one of the most severe confrontations in the region this year.
Strike in Qom Targets Assembly of Experts
On Tuesday, March 3, an Israeli Air Force strike hit a building in Qom where members of Iran’s Assembly of Experts—the body tasked with selecting the country’s next supreme leader—were reportedly gathering. Qom authorities confirmed six fatalities and 30 injuries, with rescue operations ongoing. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the strikes aimed to degrade Iran’s military capabilities, targeting launch facilities and air defense systems.
Tehran Under Fire
A CMG correspondent in Tehran reported multiple explosions across the city on Tuesday afternoon, including near military installations in the northeast. Thick smoke engulfed areas housing the Ministry of Defense and other strategic sites, underscoring the intensity of the attacks.
IRGC Launches 16th Retaliatory Wave
In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced its 16th wave of retaliatory strikes early Wednesday, targeting Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv and facilities in Petah Tikva. The IRGC claims over 680 Israeli personnel have been killed or wounded since the conflict began, though Israel has not verified these figures. "We will fight until our last breath," the IRGC declared in a statement.
As regional tensions reach a boiling point, global observers warn of broader destabilization, with implications for energy markets and diplomatic relations across Asia and beyond.
