‘We Will Not Stop’: US, Israel Intensify Strikes on Iran and Lebanon as Conflict Enters Day Four

The conflict in West Asia entered its fourth day as the United States and Israel intensified joint military operations under Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury, targeting multiple sites across Iran and Lebanon, even as Tehran mounted counter strikes across the region.

Israel Defense Forces said that in the past 24 hours, hundreds of fighter jets and aircraft had been striking hundreds of targets simultaneously in Iran and Lebanon.

Since the start of the operation, the Israeli Air Force has neutralized nearly 300 Iranian missile launchers.

It added that the strikes were aimed at degrading Iran’s air defence capabilities and ballistic missile infrastructure.

Why Did the IDF Target Hezbollah Sites in Southern Lebanon?

In southern Lebanon, Israel continued operations targeting sites run by Hezbollah. The IDF said about 60 Hezbollah targets had been struck in the region.

Among the targets hit were weapons storage facilities, missile launchers, command centres and additional infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah and Hamas in the Tyre and Sidon areas.

The IDF claimed these sites were used by the organisations to plan and carry out attacks against its troops and Israeli civilians.

The IDF further claimed it had struck what it described as a Nuclear Weapons Development Site in Iran.

It said the covert Minzadehei compound was used by a group of nuclear scientists to develop a key component for nuclear weapons.

How Did the IDF Use Intelligence to Target Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Capability?

"Using intelligence, the IDF tracked the activities at this new location, removing a key component of the Iranian regime's capability to develop nuclear weapons," the IDF said.

Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command, said in a briefing that operations would continue and that Iran’s ability to retaliate was declining rapidly.

"Now, we're less than 100 hours into this operation, and we've already struck nearly 2,000 targets with more than 2,000 munitions,” he said.

“We have severely degraded Iran's air defences and destroyed hundreds of Iran's ballistic missiles, launchers, and drones...Thus far, we've destroyed 17 Iranian ships, including the most operational Iranian submarine, that now has a hole in its side...Today, there's not a single Iranian ship underway in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, or Gulf of Oman. And we will not stop. We will continue to conduct dynamic targeting operations," he said.

"U.S. Air Forces are doing what they do best: executing a high volume of air strikes right into Iran,” he said.

What Did Brad Cooper Say About US and Israel Dominating the Skies Over Iran?

“Operationally, the two most powerful air forces in the world, the U.S. and Israel, are dominating the skies over the world's largest state sponsor of terror... And we've just begun. But I have the utmost confidence that we, alongside our partners, will absolutely achieve our military objectives," he added.

"In simple terms, we're focused on shooting all the things that can shoot at us. Our B-2 bombers and B-1 bombers have executed uncontested surgical strikes against multiple missile facilities deep inside Iran. And then just last night, a B-52 bomber force struck ballistic missile and command and control posts,” Cooper also said.

The US Army Reserve confirmed casualties linked to recent Iranian attacks. In a post on X, it said, "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the deaths of four U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers supporting Operation Epic Fury on March 1st."

According to CNN, the identified soldiers were Capt. Cody Khork, 35; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20.

All four were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, an Army Reserve sustainment unit out of Iowa.

What Did Lt. Gen. Robert Harter Say About the Fallen US Army Reserve Soldiers?

Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve, said, "We honour our fallen Heroes, who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation."

US Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll confirmed casualties linked to recent Iranian attacks on American forces in West Asia and mourned the deaths.

In a post on X, he said, "I'm deeply saddened by the loss and injury of our Soldiers from the recent Iranian attacks on U.S. Army forces in the Middle East. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to all those impacted by these recent attacks."

"These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten," he added..

What Did Saudi Gazette Report About Drones Intercepted Over Saudi Airspace?

Meanwhile, nine drones were intercepted after entering Saudi airspace, according to the Saudi Defence Ministry

The update was reported by Saudi Gazette on X, citing the ministry's spokesperson, "Nine drones were intercepted and destroyed immediately after entering Saudi airspace."

Fox News, citing a source, reported that a CIA station inside the US Embassy compound in Riyadh was hit in a drone attack.

Two drones caused structural damage and smoke inside the compound, officials said, adding that there were no immediate reports of injuries.

In Dubai, a fire that broke out near the premises of the US Consulate General late Tuesday night following a suspected drone strike was fully extinguished, with authorities confirming no injuries.

Dubai authorities said emergency teams responded immediately and the fire resulting from the drone related incident had been successfully contained.

(With inputs from ANI)