5 takeaways from the first 2 days of US-Israel war against Iran

South China Morning Post · Mar 2, 2026 · Collected from RSS

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The United States and Israel’s military campaign against Iran entered a more volatile phase on Sunday, with Washington reporting its first casualties, Tehran widening retaliatory strikes across the region, and energy markets bracing for shock after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.The conflict – triggered by US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader and senior officials – is rapidly reshaping regional security calculations and global economic outlooks.Here are five key developments that you should know about.First US casualties reported as Trump warns of further lossesThe United States confirmed the deaths of three US service members, underscoring the risk of escalation as Iranian missile and drone attacks intensify.US President Donald Trump acknowledged the losses and warned that more could follow, saying military operations would continue. US Central Command said major combat operations remain ongoing.Iran has launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israeli population centres and US military installations across the Gulf, expanding the confrontation beyond the initial decapitation strikes.01:07Israel launches air strikes on Iran for the second consecutive dayIsrael launches air strikes on Iran for the second consecutive dayBritain authorises the limited defensive use of its basesBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he had authorised the United States to use British bases for a “specific and limited defensive purpose” aimed at intercepting Iranian missile attacks that could endanger civilians and British personnel.

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