Harvest of the War, Day4: Fierce Mutual Attacks and Escalating Regional and International Political Positions… UAE Announces 3 Civilian Deaths and Reveals Significant Toll of Strikes on Its Territory

Yemen Monitor / Special Report:

The war entered its fourth day amid mutual military escalation between the United States and the Israeli occupation on one side, and Iran and its proxies on the other. The scope of confrontations expanded to include several countries in the region, coinciding with divergent international positions and warnings of grave repercussions for regional and international security.

Tuesday, March 3, witnessed a flare-up in the war, taking the form of attacks targeting nuclear facilities and qualitative targets in Iranian cities. Meanwhile, the occupation forces intensified their strikes on southern Lebanon, targeting sites and prominent leaders of Hezbollah. In response, missile and drone attacks escalated on Israeli cities in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In the Arab world, the intensity of attacks on Gulf states decreased compared to the first three days. The most prominent events included the targeting of the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh at dawn on Tuesday, as well as the targeting of the Emirate of Fujairah in the UAE, while Abu Dhabi revealed the toll of the attacks it faced and the human losses.

In this harvest, we track the events and positions of a full day of war and its regional and international implications.

Iran… Destruction and Military Losses

Iranian cities were subjected to a series of violent attacks. The army confirmed the death of 13 soldiers in an Israeli attack on a military base in Kerman Province, noting that air defenses have destroyed 35 advanced drones since the start of the war. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed that the targeting of the “Natanz” facility in Isfahan caused damage to the facility’s entrance without recording radiation leaks. News also emerged of the killing of a Revolutionary Guard Brigadier General and four others, the death of two people in “Qazvin,” and damage to “Bushehr” airport.

On the civilian front, the Iranian Red Crescent announced that the number of victims has risen to 787 since the start of the war, with 135 cities subjected to attacks affecting homes, vital facilities, clinics, and schools. In the same context, the Ministry of Defense stated that Tehran’s ability to resist and launch offensive operations exceeds the enemy’s expectations, confirming the use of advanced weapons over time.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the downing of a “cruise” missile in “Markazi” Province and the seizure of a “Hermes 900” drone, confirming the destruction of an American “THAAD” air defense system at the “Al-Ruways” base in the UAE. It noted that destroying two systems of this type gives it a greater ability to hit its targets. It also announced the destruction of targets belonging to hostile groups in Iraqi Kurdistan, accusing the United States and the “Zionist entity” of attacking schools and hospitals and killing more than 700 citizens.

At the United Nations, Iran’s ambassador said that using the territory of neighboring countries to facilitate attacks is unacceptable, warning that any base used against his country would become a legitimate target. According to Iranian political leaders, the final stages of selecting a new Supreme Leader are underway, and the result may be announced soon, acknowledging the truth of the report regarding the targeting of a building belonging to the Assembly of Experts in “Qom,” clarifying that there was no meeting of members and that the assembly’s meetings are held remotely.

In a related context, Brigadier General Ibrahim Jabbari, advisor to the Commander of the IRGC, said his country “informed the American-Israeli enemy that it will strike all economic centers in the region if our main centers are targeted.” The IRGC confirmed in a statement that it will respond quickly and decisively to groups hostile to Iran in any country, while Iranian intelligence said it would deal firmly with mercenaries and collaborators with Israel and America, considering them Israeli soldiers.

The Occupation State… Qualitative Attacks and Injuries in Its Cities

The skies over Israeli cities in the occupied Palestinian territories did not quiet down; sirens wailed in Haifa, Greater Tel Aviv, and several areas due to attacks by Iranian drones and missiles and Hezbollah shelling. According to Israeli media, the attacks resulted in 12 people injured in Tel Aviv, 7 in “Bnei Brak,” and a missile landing in “Petah Tikva.” Media sources reported that Iran has launched more than 300 cluster missiles since the start of the war, and Israel admitted that a missile carrying a cluster warhead fell in the “Petah Tikva” settlement (the village of Mlabbis) in central Israel.

The occupation forces revealed the execution of 1,600 sorties over Iran and the dropping of 4,000 bombs, confirming the targeting of production sites for weapons and ballistic missiles in Tehran and Isfahan, and the disruption of about 300 Iranian missile platforms since Saturday. Military officials confirmed the targeting of a secret nuclear facility in Tehran and the killing of an Iranian leader coordinating with Hezbollah, in addition to bombing a building in “Qom.” Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced approval to advance and control additional areas in southern Lebanon, and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said operations will not stop until Hezbollah is disarmed.

The United States… Intensive Operations and Sharp Political Positions

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israel did not force him to attack Iran, vowing more strikes against the Iranian regime, and announced the start of escorting tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump confirmed that Iran’s stockpile of vital weapons is starting to run out and expressed openness to working with some members of the regime. Trump also spoke about cutting trade ties with Spain and expressed dissatisfaction with Britain for insufficient cooperation, mocking London for giving up the “Chagos” Islands. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is open to supporting groups inside Iran to oust the regime.

For its part, U.S. Central Command announced the execution of more than 1,700 attacks on Iran since Saturday as part of Operation “Epic Fury,” while Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the war, considering that Republicans have dragged America into an endless war.

Saudi Arabia… Hint of Pakistani Intervention

The Wall Street Journal quoted sources saying the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh was subjected to two attacks on Tuesday morning, leading to the collapse of part of its roof. The newspaper added that embassy employees are still sheltering in place within the headquarters.

In a related context, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, said his country informed Iran of the need to keep the mutual defense agreement between Islamabad and Riyadh in mind.

On its part, the Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed its rejection and condemnation of the brutal Iranian attack on the United States Embassy building in Riyadh, adding that the repetition of blatant Iranian behavior will push the region toward further escalation. The Foreign Ministry emphasized that Iran’s escalation comes despite its knowledge that the Kingdom will not allow its airspace or territory to be used to target Iran.

United Arab Emirates… Heavy Cost of Attacks and Losses

The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed the interception of 11 ballistic missiles and 123 drones, and the fall of one missile within the territory without injuries. Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Armed Forces announced the detection of 812 drones, the interception of 755, and the destruction of 172 ballistic missiles, with 3 deaths and 68 injuries recorded, emphasizing that the state reserves its right to self-defense.

The UAE Foreign Ministry stated that it did not participate in the war and did not allow the use of its land, waters, or airspace to attack Iran, confirming it has not taken any decision regarding changing its defensive stance toward Iranian aggression.

Dubai Government Media Office confirmed that competent authorities extinguished a minor fire in the vicinity of the U.S. Consulate following a drone attack, noting the targeting did not result in any injuries. In a related context, the UAE—in a letter to the Security Council—demanded that Iran stop its attacks immediately and refrain from any threat or unlawful use of force.

For its part, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard admitted to targeting the UAE, claiming it destroyed an “American (THAAD) air defense system at the Al-Ruways base,” adding that targeting the system gave them a greater ability to hit targets successfully.

State of Qatar… Political Reproach to Iran

The Qatari Amiri Diwan said that the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, received a call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which they emphasized the importance of working to restore regional peace and stressed the need to stop the escalation and return to the path of dialogue and negotiations.

In the same context, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari confirmed that the Iranian targeting was not limited to military facilities but included the entire territory of the state, emphasizing that Iranian justifications are baseless and that Qatar has proven it cannot be threatened.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the sending of a second letter to the UN and the Security Council regarding the developments of the Iranian aggression, describing it as a flag-white violation of national sovereignty and an unacceptable escalation threatening regional security. Al-Ansari revealed that more than 8,000 people are stranded in “transit” and others are on cruise ships, and everyone has been secured, affirming Qatar’s right to respond in a manner consistent with the nature of the aggression.

Hezbollah and Lebanon… Internal and External War

The Israeli army issued evacuation orders at dawn Tuesday for residents of new towns in Lebanon, carried out raids in the southern suburbs of Beirut, and an incursion into areas in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced the shelling of the Israeli “Rawia” base in the occupied Golan Heights with missiles and the targeting of two “Merkava” tanks.

For his part, General Joseph Aoun (Army Commander) stated that the decision to ban the party’s military activity is sovereign and final, coinciding with the Israeli incursion and the displacement of 31,000 people.

Iraq… An Open Arena for Both Sides

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed that the state alone possesses the decision for war and peace, stating a stand against any party trying to drag the country into conflicts. He stressed the commitment to protecting sovereignty, airspace, and foreign missions.

On the ground, Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported the targeting of “Mount Korek” in Erbil by two drones, and a new bombing targeting the headquarters of Iraqi factions in “Jurf al-Sakhar” north of Babylon. Agence France-Presse also reported an airstrike targeting a base of the “Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades” south of Baghdad.

Sultanate of Oman

The Government Communication Center announced the Sultanate’s condemnation of the targeting of a fuel tank at Duqm Commercial Port by a number of drones. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi renewed his country’s call for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy, tweeting via the “X” platform: “There are solutions available regarding Iran, let us exploit them.”

Late Turkish Statements

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed that the war was set to occur on January 30th, but Turkish efforts succeeded in preventing it by bringing the two parties together. Fidan explained that his country is monitoring all crisis scenarios and discussing all available options, expressing concern over the possibility of the conflict widening. He also noted that the formation of a new leadership in Iran might provide an opportunity to end the war, warning that countries subjected to Iranian attacks may not remain silent if these strikes continue.

International Positions and Warnings

• France: President Emmanuel Macron directed the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and Rafale jets to the region, announcing his rejection of American and Israeli military actions.
• Britain: Keir Starmer announced the sending of anti-drone helicopters and a warship to Cyprus.
• Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed his agreement with Washington and Tel Aviv on the necessity of getting rid of the Iranian regime.
• Russia: Sergey Lavrov warned of the increasing global nuclear threat.
• Atomic Energy: Rafael Grossi revealed that Iran has obtained enough uranium to produce more than 10 nuclear warheads, although it does not currently possess a nuclear weapon.