What Happened Between 3:00 and 5:00 AM. The Iran War in Two Hours

Strait of Hormuz Declared Closed

IRGC Threatens to Burn Any Ship That Enters the Strait
Brigadier General Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the IRGC commander-in-chief, declared the Strait of Hormuz officially closed, warning that any vessel attempting passage would be attacked. He stated that not a single drop of oil would be allowed to leave the Persian Gulf. Tanker traffic through the strait has already dropped by roughly 70%, with over 150 commercial ships anchored on either side. Oil prices surged past $79 a barrel, and analysts warn they could climb to $150–200 if the blockade holds. The strait handles about 20% of global oil supplies.

U.S. Embassy in Riyadh Attacked

Two Drones Strike American Embassy in Saudi Capital
Saudi authorities confirmed that two drones hit the U.S. Embassy compound in Riyadh, sparking a limited fire and causing minor structural damage. Saudi officials told NBC News that no one was injured. The attack marks a significant escalation, bringing the conflict directly to the doorstep of Washington's closest Gulf ally. The State Department has urged Americans across 14 Middle Eastern countries to leave immediately.

Death Toll Continues to Rise

787 Killed in Iran as U.S. and Israel Strike Thousands of Targets
The death toll from joint U.S.–Israeli strikes across Iran has risen to at least 787, according to updated reports. Six American service members have been killed in action since the operation began on February 28. The U.S. and Israel have struck over 1,250 targets, including nuclear facilities, missile bases, and the Iranian state broadcaster's headquarters. Israeli special forces reportedly carried out a ground operation inside Iranian territory on the evening of March 2.

Washington's Position

Trump Says Operations "Ahead of Schedule," Rubio Promises Harder Strikes
President Trump stated that American forces are substantially ahead of the projected 4–5 week timeline. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Capitol Hill that the most devastating phase of the campaign has not yet begun, adding that the operation would continue until all objectives are met. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintained that the goal is not regime change and that the war will not be endless — though Senate Minority Leader Schumer criticized the administration's briefing as raising more questions than it answered.

Regional Spillover

Kuwait Accidentally Downs Three U.S. Fighter Jets; Israel Invades Southern Lebanon
Three American F-15E jets were shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses in a friendly-fire incident during active combat. All six crew members ejected safely and were recovered. Meanwhile, the Israeli military authorized a new ground incursion into southern Lebanon, intensifying air strikes on Beirut and beyond. Iran-backed Hezbollah launched revenge attacks on Israeli territory. Casualties have been reported in Israel, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain.