The Guardian

US and Israel threaten major escalation as airstrikes bombard Iran and Lebanon

| Jason Burke | The Guardian | March 6 2026

Summary: The United States and Israel launched a new wave of coordinated airstrikes against Iranian and Hezbollah targets across Iran and Lebanon. Officials said American and Israeli forces divided targets geographically, with Israel focusing on missile infrastructure while the U.S. attacked naval and strategic sites. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks against Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East. Military leaders warned that firepower could “surge dramatically” as the campaign continues. Analysts say the expanding conflict risks drawing in additional regional actors and escalating into a broader war. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

War on Iran: how the US-Israeli bid for regime change unfolded

| Julian Borger | The Guardian | February 28 2026

Summary: This report explains how a coordinated U.S. and Israeli strike campaign against Iran rapidly escalated into open war. The offensive targeted military installations and leadership sites in Tehran in what officials described as an attempt to weaken Iran’s regime and its nuclear ambitions. Iran quickly retaliated with missile and drone attacks across the region. The strikes triggered emergency meetings at the United Nations and alarm among global leaders about regional stability. The article traces the early timeline of the conflict and the strategic objectives behind the operation. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Trump denies that Israel forced US’s hand in launching strikes against Iran

| Robert Tait and Chris Stein | The Guardian | March 3 2026

Summary: Donald Trump rejected claims that Israel pressured the United States into joining its attack on Iran. Critics in Congress argued that the president’s justification for the war remains unclear and inadequately explained. Secretary of state briefings have also drawn criticism for failing to outline long-term goals for the conflict. The administration insists the campaign is necessary to stop Iran’s military and nuclear ambitions. Debate over the war has intensified within both parties and among Trump’s supporters. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Democrats thrown into disarray as US offensive on Iran creates cracks

| David Smith | The Guardian | March 2 2026

Summary: The U.S. attack on Iran triggered sharp divisions within the Democratic party. Some lawmakers strongly condemned the operation and accused the president of bypassing Congress to launch an unconstitutional war. Others expressed mixed reactions while still criticizing Iran’s government. Calls quickly emerged for a congressional vote to limit the president’s war powers. The dispute reflects broader uncertainty in Washington about how the United States should respond to the escalating conflict. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

US strikes on Iran triggered by Israel’s plan to launch attack

| Staff | The Guardian | March 2 2026

Summary: U.S. officials acknowledged that Israel’s preparations for a large strike campaign helped trigger Washington’s decision to join the attack on Iran. Since the war began the United States and Israel have carried out repeated airstrikes on Iranian military targets. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks aimed at U.S. allies and bases throughout the Middle East. The conflict has rapidly expanded across several countries in the region. Analysts warn that continued escalation could destabilize the broader Middle East. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

First Thing: airstrikes hit Iran-Iraq border as US and Israeli plans to mobilise Kurds gathers pace

| Clea Skopeliti | The Guardian | March 5 2026

Summary: Heavy airstrikes have hit military and security positions along Iran’s border with Iraq. U.S. officials have discussed supporting Kurdish forces if they cross into Iranian territory during the conflict. Analysts warn that encouraging ethnic militias could destabilize Iran internally and trigger a broader civil conflict. The strikes appear to signal preparation for new fronts in the expanding war. The article outlines how the war has entered a more complex and dangerous phase. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Trump vies for Bush’s crown for worst foreign policy decision in history

| David Smith | The Guardian | February 28 2026

Summary: This analysis argues that the U.S. decision to launch a war with Iran could become one of the most consequential foreign policy choices in decades. Critics compare the move to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and warn of long-term regional instability. The article describes how the president announced the attack in a dramatic social-media message late at night. It also highlights the administration’s stated goal of regime change in Tehran. Observers worry that the conflict could become another prolonged Middle East war. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

The US and Israel are waging war on an Iran they think they understand

| Simon Tisdall | The Guardian | March 5 2026

Summary: This opinion article argues that Iran has adapted its military strategy to confront stronger opponents asymmetrically. Rather than matching American and Israeli firepower directly Iran relies on drones missiles and proxy networks across the region. These attacks are often limited in scale but designed to gradually stretch the conflict across time and geography. The author suggests that U.S. and Israeli planners may underestimate Iran’s capacity for prolonged resistance. The piece concludes that the war could become a drawn-out regional struggle. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

US investigators believe strike on Iranian girls’ school likely carried out by US forces

| Staff | The Guardian | March 6 2026

Summary: Investigators believe a deadly strike on a girls’ school in Iran may have been carried out by U.S. forces during the campaign. The attack occurred while Israeli and American forces were striking separate target zones across the country. United Nations officials have called for an independent investigation into the incident. The case has intensified international criticism of the military campaign. Civilian casualties are increasingly shaping global reactions to the war. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Iran’s president says mediation efforts have begun to end war with US and Israel

| Staff | The Guardian | March 6 2026

Summary: Iran’s president said several countries have begun attempts to mediate between Iran and the United States and Israel. Nations including Qatar Turkey Egypt and Oman have reportedly offered diplomatic channels to reduce the fighting. Iranian officials insist the country will defend itself while remaining open to peace negotiations. Meanwhile U.S. and Israeli leaders signaled plans to intensify military operations. The competing approaches show how diplomacy and military escalation are unfolding simultaneously. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}