Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-03 at 12:02

HEADLINESIran Assembly of Experts Hit, Khamenei KilledUS Says 1,700 Targets Hit IranUK Deploys HMS Dragon as Markets SlideThe time is now 12:02 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, Israeli strikes hit what is described as the symbolic heart of Iran's Islamic regime, targeting the Assembly of Experts as it was reportedly meeting to choose Iran's next supreme leader. Iranian outlets said the structure in Qom was flattened, and Tasnim, linked to the IRGC, confirmed the Assembly’s compound in Qom had been struck and that its building in Tehran, at the site of the former parliament, was also hit overnight. A Telegram channel claimed the strike targeted a formal session convened to select the Islamic Republic’s next leader, alleging members were killed or wounded. The Assembly of Experts is the clerical body empowered under Iran’s constitution to appoint, supervise, and in theory dismiss the Supreme Leader. The second, and last, person to hold that role was Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday morning. The Assembly consists of 88 clerics elected to eight-year terms, though all candidates must first be vetted by the Guardian Council.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, footage shows a ballistic missile impact this morning in Kfar Yuval in northern Israel.In US Military Role, CENTCOM says that since the start of Operation Epic Fury on Saturday, more than 1,700 targets have been struck across Iran, including command and control centers, IRGC Joint Headquarters, IRGC Aerospace Forces Headquarters, integrated air defense systems, ballistic missile sites, and Iranian Navy ships and submarines, among other targets. The update notes that hundreds of strike and support assets are being used from the US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, including platforms such as B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, various fighters, aerial refueling and electronic warfare assets, and regional surveillance and air defense capabilities.In Regional Impacts, Britain’s prime minister said the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon will be deployed to the Middle East amid strikes on British personnel and infrastructure in Cyprus. Israeli assessments also suggest that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar may strike Iran soon. A separate report notes Britain is sending a warship to Cyprus after a drone strike hit a UK base. Global markets reacted to the war, with energy prices rising and stocks falling: the Nasdaq Composite declined about 2%, European markets fell by roughly 3% or more, eurozone core inflation surprised to the upside, and the Dutch TTF natural gas price jumped over 40% to above €60 per megawatt-hour, with broader dollar strength and cross-continental stock declines.In US Policy Concerning Israel, a president’s remarks suggested the United States did not feel Israel forced Washington’s hand to strike Iran, though the president said negotiations had created a sense they might act and defended the readiness of both sides. In another briefing, a White House encounter described Iran’s capabilities in stark terms and noted German Chancellor Merz’s assistance to the United States on Iran policy. A Politico report summarized remarks that Iran’s missile capabilities were being decimated, with US ammunition stocks described as unlimited, and that defense firms were operating under emergency orders to boost production; the president said he is open to working with surviving elements of Iran’s ruling regime, suggesting the conflict could continue for days or weeks.In Israeli Domestic Politics, a court extended restrictions on Yonatan Urich, Netanyahu’s long-time aide, but ruled he may speak with the prime minister provided they do not discuss the investigation, noting Urich is barred from working at the Prime Minister’s Office and from contacting individuals named in the case. The ruling stems from the Bild leak affair, in which Urich and others are suspected of involvement in the transfer of classified wartime material published by a German tabloid, and whether the leak was coordinated or politically motivated.In Israeli Economy and Business, experts warn that war with Iran could deepen Israel’s economic weaknesses. The direct military costs—reserve days, flight hours, interceptors, and munitions—are measured in billions, and the broader hit to output from disrupted activity could be substantial. Some sectors, notably hi-tech, may continue to operate remotely, but industry faces vulnerability to prolonged disruption, while agriculture remains active. In the near term, investor sentiment is uncertain as the economy absorbs the immediate fiscal strains and potential longer-term impacts on growth and stability.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/middle-east/faq/article-888688https://t.me/JewishNews24/50524https://t.me/DefenderDome/18658https://t.me/Newss0nline/61045https://t.me/DefenderDome/18656https://t.me/DefenderDome/18657https://t.me/newssil/193986https://t.me/JewishNews24/50523https://t.me/selena_updates/56869https://t.me/DefenderDome/18659https://t.me/abualiexpress/116321https://t.me/JewishNews24/50522https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-888684https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-888682