Khamenei’s Removal Could Reshape Iran: General Petraeus Explains the Risks
WASHINGTON -- Retired four-star General David Petraeus is a veteran of nearly four decades in the US Army, commanding US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan before serving as director of the CIA in 2011-12.
In an interview with RFE/RL on March 2, Petraeus endorsed the Trump administration’s frank account of operations, noting substantial achievements alongside losses of personnel and aircraft.
He said the consequences of killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many senior officials are uncertain until a successor emerges, and while the stated US aim of the military action is to create conditions that might allow Iranians—or disaffected regime elements—to topple the Islamic republic's leadership, he stresses it remains to be seen if that is realistic.
To read the full interview, click here.
Trump Describes ‘Clear Objectives’ Of US Campaign In Iran
- By RFE/RL
In his first public comments since the war began, President Donald Trump characterized the threat from Tehran as imminent.
"This was our last best chance to strike...and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime," Trump said at an event at the White House on March 2.
He further added that the Iranian regime's development of long-range missiles and nuclear weapons could have endangered not only the region, "but also the American people."
6 US Service Members Dead After Iran’s Attacks
Six American service members died during Iran's initial retaliatory attacks, the US Central Command announced on March 2. Several others remain seriously injured.
US President Donald Trump earlier cautioned that further casualties were possible.
"Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends," he said, adding that operations could last four weeks or "until all our objectives are achieved."
Tehran Residents Share Images Of Destruction As Air Strikes Continue
Videos shared online on March 2 show the massive impact of missiles hitting Tehran on the third day of a military campaign against Iran by the United States and Israel.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society put the death toll in the country at more than 500 and said that dozens more had been killed in Iranian counter-strikes across the region.
Israel Struck Tehran’s State Television Broadcaster, Military Says
Israel's military said it "struck and dismantled" the headquarters of Tehran's state radio and television broadcaster, describing it as the "terrorist regime's communications center."
"Over the years, the Iranian Broadcasting Authority called for the destruction of the State of Israel and for the use of nuclear weapons," the military said in a statement published on March 2.
"The center was also recently used by the Iranian regime's forces to advance military activities under the guise of civilian activity," it added.
Shortly after, Israeli defense forces said that a new wave of Iranian attacks had been launched on the country.
US Centcom Says It Has 'Destroyed' IRGC Command And Control Facilities
Good morning.
We'll begin today’s live blog with US Central Command (CENTCOM) saying US forces have destroyed Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields during sustained operations. "We will continue to take decisive action against imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime," it added.
Report: Trump Says 'You'll Find Out Very Soon' When Asked About Response To Riyadh Embassy Attack
US President Donald Trump told a reporter 'you'll find out very soon' when asked by a reporter about the response to an attack on the American Embassy in Riyadh and the deaths of American service members in the Iran conflict.
Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry said on X earlier today that two drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh, causing a small fire and limited material damage, based on an initial assessment.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Kuwait says it will be closed until further notice "due to ongoing regional tensions."
Vance Says Iran Nuclear Talks “Did Not Pass the Smell Test” As Strikes Enter Third Day
US Vice President JD Vance said that negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program collapsed after officials concluded Tehran’s assurances “did not pass the smell test,” leading President Donald Trump to authorize Operation Epic Fury, which is now in its third day.
Speaking to Fox News late on March 2, Vance said US envoys, including Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio and Jared Kushner, held “deliberate” talks in Geneva aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
The discussions broke down over uranium enrichment, with Vance questioning why Iran was building "facilities 70 feet underground” and enriching uranium beyond civilian levels.
"Nobody objects to the Iranians being able to build medical isotopes; the objection is these enrichment facilities that are only useful for building a nuclear weapon," he said.
Vance added that there was "just no way" that Trump would take the United States "into a multiyear conflict with no clear end in sight and no clear objective. "
He also said that Washington would prefer "a friendly regime in Iran, a stable country, a country that's willing to work with the United States."
Iran Women’s Soccer Team Silent During Playing Of Anthem
The Iranian women’s soccer team remained silent last night while the Islamic republic's national anthem was played before the opening match of the Asian Cup in Australia, with none of the players singing along.
Head coach Marzieh Jafari was seen on the sidelines smiling as the players stood in silence.
Despite Iran’s 3–0 loss to South Korea, members of the Iranian women’s team were applauded by spectators.
Australian media and Fox News reported that during a press conference, journalists asked team captain Zahra Ghanbari -- who was seated alongside Jafari -- about the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the question was quickly cut off.
According to ESPN, Jafari responded in Persian, but a media representative from the Asian Football Confederation interrupted her remarks without providing a translation.
Netanyahu Says Operation Against Iran Is Not An "Endless War'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has moved to dismiss concerns about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East following strikes by his country and the United States on Iran in recent days.
“I hear the people are saying you’re going to have an endless war here. You’re not going to have an endless war,” Netanyahu told Sean Hannity on Fox News. “This is going to be a quick and decisive action, and we’re going to create the conditions first for the Iranian people to get control of their destiny to form their own democratically elected government.”