US-Israel pound Iran, Trump warns combat operations to continue amid escalating Middle East conflict
The Middle East conflict escalated as US-Israel forces bombarded Iran and Lebanon, with former President Trump stating operations would continue until objectives are met. Smoke was also seen rising from the US embassy in Kuwait City amid growing tensions.
The United States and Israel launched a major military offensive against Iran on February 28, 2026, with former President Donald Trump declaring that combat operations would continue until objectives are met. The strikes targeted multiple objectives across Iran, including Iranian leadership structures, with Israeli forces confirming the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The operation aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and effect regime change in Tehran. Trump stated on Truth Social that the operation defends Americans by 'eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime' and urged Iranians to use the attack as their 'only chance for generations' to overthrow their government.
Iran responded by declaring the offensive 'an act of war' and launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region. On March 2, 2026, black smoke was observed rising from the US Embassy compound in Kuwait City following Iranian strikes, with the embassy issuing security alerts advising Americans not to approach the facility. Kuwait's interior ministry reported intercepting drones, while the health ministry confirmed one death and 32 injuries from the attacks. Iranian military commanders reported striking US bases across Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, with Major General Ali Abdollahi vowing to continue military operations until the US and Israel are 'definitively defeated.'
The conflict has expanded regionally, with Israel also conducting strikes in Lebanon. Philippine media outlets including GMA, ABS-CBN, Inquirer, and Philstar have covered the escalating conflict, focusing on risks to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East. GMA's 24 Oras Weekend reported on March 1 advising Filipinos in the region to stay indoors and prepare for shelter. ABS-CBN reported Philippine leftist groups condemning the attacks as violations of international law.
Philippine authorities have responded to the crisis, with the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines stating on March 1 that the conflict poses 'no direct threat' to Philippine territory as it remains contained in the Middle East. However, they urged calm and warned against misinformation. Migrante-Middle East has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to implement evacuation plans and repatriation for affected OFWs, with reports indicating over 2 million Filipinos at risk in the region. The Philippine government has established emergency contact numbers for OFWs needing assistance.
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