Trump warns of protracted Iran war as violence spreads
Trump said the war began Feb. 28 with a strike killing Iran’s supreme leader and is “ahead of schedule” but the U.S. is prepared for prolonged conflict.
‘Get Out Now’: US Issues Unprecedented Evacuation Warning as War Engulfs Middle East
TEHRAN, March 3, 2026 – The conflict engulfing the Middle East entered a perilous new phase on Tuesday as powerful explosions rocked the Iranian capital and the United States issued an unprecedented call for all American citizens to evacuate countries across the entire region from Egypt eastward.
Witnesses from the AFP news agency reported new blasts shaking windows in Tehran as fighter jets were heard flying over the city. The strikes came on the fourth consecutive day of hostilities, following the massive US-Israeli operation “Operation Epic Fury” that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28.
The situation on the ground has deteriorated into a multi-front war. As US and Israeli forces continue their campaigns, Israel has now expanded its operations, bombarding targets in Lebanon in a move that threatens to open a second major front. Meanwhile, Iran’s retaliatory “Operation True Promise 4” has widened its scope, with Tehran targeting not only Israel and US bases but also oil facilities in Gulf countries, a major escalation that has sent shockwaves through global energy markets.
In a stark sign of the growing danger, the US State Department issued a sweeping security alert on Tuesday, urging all American citizens to leave “all of West Asia from. that further retaliatory strikes are imminent.
President Donald Trump, speaking on Monday, reinforced this grim outlook, warning that his administration’s military campaign against Iran could extend longer than the previously stated four weeks. “We are prepared for whatever it takes,” Trump said, vowing continued retaliation for American casualties, which now stand at four service members killed and four injured. The President’s remarks signaled a sustained campaign with no clear end in sight, dashing hopes for a quick de-escalation.
The decision to target Gulf oil infrastructure marks a dangerous strategic pivot by Tehran. Analysts suggest Iran is attempting to inflict maximum economic pain on the US and its allies, threatening the oil exports that underpin the global economy. Initial reports indicate strikes have caused fires and damage at several facilities, though specific details remain unclear amid communications blackouts in some areas.
The widening conflict has now directly impacted over a dozen countries. Iran continues to bear the brunt of the casualties, with its Red Crescent reporting at least 555 dead from strikes on 131 cities. Lebanon’s death toll has risen following Israel’s bombardment, while Gulf states like Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar have all reported fatalities. Israel has confirmed 10 dead, with hundreds wounded from Iranian missile barrages. Saudi Arabia and Jordan have also been targeted.
With the US urging a mass evacuation, the region braces for what could become a prolonged and devastating war, as Tehran’s leadership, reeling from Khamenei’s death, has ruled out negotiations and vowed a protracted confrontation.