{"id":30095,"date":"2026-03-02T01:31:47","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T06:31:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/middle-east-conflict-escalates-as-iran-backed-groups-launch-new-attacks\/"},"modified":"2026-03-02T01:31:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T06:31:47","slug":"middle-east-conflict-escalates-as-iran-backed-groups-launch-new-attacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/middle-east-conflict-escalates-as-iran-backed-groups-launch-new-attacks\/","title":{"rendered":"Middle East Conflict Escalates as Iran-Backed Groups Launch New Attacks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n

Regional conflict expanded dramatically Monday as Tehran launched missile strikes against Israel and Arab nations, while Iranian-supported militias including Hezbollah escalated their involvement in the widening Middle Eastern warfare.<\/p>

Following continued American and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani declared on social media platform X: “We will not negotiate with the United States.”<\/p>

Former President Trump, who recently encouraged Iranian citizens to “take over” their government, indicated Sunday his willingness to engage in talks with Iran’s emerging leadership.<\/p>

Iran’s foreign minister hinted that military forces may be operating without centralized government oversight when questioned about strikes on Gulf Arab countries that previously served as diplomatic intermediaries for Tehran.<\/p>

Iranian officials report over 200 fatalities since the beginning of strikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials.<\/p>

The United Arab Emirates announced the closure of its primary stock exchanges as regional warfare intensifies. The Capital Market Authority confirmed that both the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market would remain shuttered Monday and Tuesday.<\/p>

Officials stated they will continue monitoring regional developments and implement additional measures as needed. The Nasdaq Dubai exchange similarly suspended operations for both days.<\/p>

Dubai serves as the Gulf’s primary commercial center, while Abu Dhabi functions as a crucial regional financial hub housing some of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index, the region’s biggest stock market, dropped 2.2 percent Sunday.<\/p>

As Kuwait experienced continued attacks, U.S. officials issued emergency advisories for American citizens to seek shelter and stay indoors. The warning stated: “Do not come to the Embassy,” without providing additional details.<\/p>

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported Monday that Israeli airstrikes following Hezbollah’s attack resulted in at least 31 deaths. The ministry indicated the strikes also injured 149 people, with approximately two-thirds of casualties occurring in southern Lebanon.<\/p>

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that a Shaheed-type drone caused “minor material damage” to military facilities at the U.K.’s RAF Akrotiri base on the island’s southern coastline. The president said the drone impact occurred shortly after midnight Monday.<\/p>

Christodoulides announced all relevant agencies have been placed on high alert and called a national security council meeting to assess the situation. “I want to be clear: our homeland is not participating in any way, nor is its intention to take part in any military operation,” he stated during a national address.<\/p>

He emphasized Cyprus remains committed to its humanitarian mission in the region and seeks to be “part of the solution and not the problem,” prioritizing citizen safety and national security.<\/p>

Overnight strikes were documented throughout Iran, while explosions echoed through Dubai Monday. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry activated sirens nationwide, urging residents to “head to the nearest safe place.”<\/p>

Kuwaiti authorities reported debris struck the Ahmadi oil refinery, causing minor injuries to two workers. The state-run KUNA news agency earlier confirmed that Kuwait’s forces successfully intercepted a drone attack early Monday.<\/p>

Ali Larijani’s refusal to negotiate with the United States came in response to reporting by Qatar’s Al Jazeera news network, as American and Israeli bombing campaigns continue targeting Iran.<\/p>

Tehran and its allied militias have intensified their attacks following Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death.<\/p>

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are scheduled to conduct a Monday morning press conference regarding military operations against Iran. The Pentagon announced the 8 a.m. EST briefing Sunday evening on social media.<\/p>

Tuesday will see Hegseth and Caine joining Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe in briefing the complete Congressional membership on the strikes, according to White House announcements. Rubio was also scheduled to brief Hill leadership Monday.<\/p>

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Hezbollah’s rocket launches from Lebanon, stating they “target all the efforts and endeavors exerted by the Lebanese state to keep Lebanon away from the dangerous military confrontations taking place in the region.”<\/p>

While condemning Israeli strikes on Lebanon, Aoun warned that “persisting in using Lebanon once again as a platform for proxy wars in which we have no involvement will expose our country to risks once more.”<\/p>

Cyprus government spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis confirmed an “incident” at the British air base involved an “unmanned drone which caused limited damage.” He said the RAF Akrotiri incident occurred shortly after midnight Monday, with “information received through various channels” indicating a drone strike.<\/p>

Letymbiotis did not specify the drone type, launch location, or damage extent. He confirmed Cypriot authorities activated security protocols and are monitoring developments in coordination with the U.K. and its two Cypriot military installations.<\/p>

The suspected drone attack followed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s commitment to assist the U.S. in the conflict against Iran.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Regional warfare intensified Monday as Iranian-supported militias expanded their attacks following recent airstrikes. Financial markets across the Gulf region suspended trading while multiple countries issued safety warnings to their citizens.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":30094,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[832],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30095","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-world-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772433106429.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbtNqq-7Pp","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":30075,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/middle-east-conflict-escalates-as-iran-backed-forces-target-us-troops\/","url_meta":{"origin":30095,"position":0},"title":"Middle East Conflict Escalates as Iran-Backed Forces Target US Troops","author":"Admin","date":"March 2, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Military tensions have intensified across the Middle East as Iranian-backed militias launched drone attacks against American forces in Iraq, while Israeli and U.S. airstrikes continue pounding Iranian targets. The escalating conflict has resulted in over 200 casualties and threatens to draw additional nations into the regional warfare.","rel":"","context":"In "World News"","block_context":{"text":"World News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/world-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772429576452.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772429576452.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772429576452.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772429576452.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":31124,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/middle-east-media-divided-as-iran-strikes-gulf-states-us-israel-respond\/","url_meta":{"origin":30095,"position":1},"title":"Middle East Media Divided as Iran Strikes Gulf States, US-Israel Respond","author":"Admin","date":"March 3, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Arab news outlets are showing sharp divisions in their coverage as Iranian missiles target Gulf states while US and Israeli forces launch coordinated strikes against Iran. Gulf nations are condemning Iranian attacks on their territory while Iran-aligned media outlets frame the US-Israeli response as aggression.","rel":"","context":"In "World News"","block_context":{"text":"World News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/world-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772563765508.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":33895,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/middle-east-conflict-escalates-as-oil-facilities-water-plants-targeted\/","url_meta":{"origin":30095,"position":2},"title":"Middle East Conflict Escalates as Oil Facilities, Water Plants Targeted","author":"Admin","date":"March 8, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Israeli forces targeted oil storage facilities in Tehran and struck locations in Lebanon on Sunday, while Iran hit a water desalination plant in Bahrain. The escalating conflict has now expanded to include critical civilian infrastructure as both sides intensify their military operations.","rel":"","context":"In "World News"","block_context":{"text":"World News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/world-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772958825468.jpg?fit=998%2C635&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772958825468.jpg?fit=998%2C635&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772958825468.jpg?fit=998%2C635&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772958825468.jpg?fit=998%2C635&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":39854,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/iranian-drones-strike-kuwait-oil-facility-as-middle-east-conflict-escalates\/","url_meta":{"origin":30095,"position":3},"title":"Iranian Drones Strike Kuwait Oil Facility as Middle East Conflict Escalates","author":"Admin","date":"March 20, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Iranian drone attacks targeted a major Kuwaiti oil refinery early Friday, sparking fires at the facility that processes 730,000 barrels daily. The strikes came amid ongoing regional warfare that has sent global oil prices soaring over 47% since the conflict began.","rel":"","context":"In "World News"","block_context":{"text":"World News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/world-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773988591579.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773988591579.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773988591579.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773988591579.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":37059,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/dubai-tourism-plummets-as-regional-conflict-keeps-visitors-away\/","url_meta":{"origin":30095,"position":4},"title":"Dubai Tourism Plummets as Regional Conflict Keeps Visitors Away","author":"Admin","date":"March 14, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Dubai's normally bustling tourist attractions are experiencing unusually low visitor numbers during peak season due to regional warfare. Iranian attacks and disrupted air travel have damaged the UAE's reputation as a safe Middle Eastern destination.","rel":"","context":"In "World News"","block_context":{"text":"World News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/world-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773517001456.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773517001456.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773517001456.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1773517001456.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":30224,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/defense-officials-to-brief-on-iran-strikes-as-regional-conflict-widens\/","url_meta":{"origin":30095,"position":5},"title":"Defense Officials to Brief on Iran Strikes as Regional Conflict Widens","author":"Admin","date":"March 2, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Pentagon leadership will address the media Monday regarding ongoing U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. The briefing comes as regional fighting has expanded, resulting in American casualties and friendly fire incidents involving U.S. aircraft.","rel":"","context":"In "World News"","block_context":{"text":"World News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/world-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772458358796.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772458358796.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772458358796.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/news-1772458358796.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30095","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30095"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30095\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30094"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30095"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30095"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30095"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}