As per reports, following are the updates regarding the escalations in the Middle East due to Israel-US airstrikes on Iran as of Thursday (05 March).

• The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues to intensify, with sustained airstrikes, missile launches and retaliatory operations reported across Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Iraq and surrounding maritime areas. The escalation follows coordinated US-Israeli military strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, ballistic missile capabilities and naval assets.
• Iranian state media reports that the death toll from US-Israeli airstrikes across Iran has reached at least 1,045, with approximately 5,000 individuals injured. Several attacks have reportedly struck residential districts and civilian infrastructure in Tehran and other major urban areas. Iranian authorities have also reported damage to multiple facilities including schools and historic sites.
• The ongoing bombardment has triggered large-scale civilian displacement in Iran. According to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), approximately 100,000 residents fled Tehran during the first two days of the conflict, while additional reporting indicates that a large proportion of the capital’s population has temporarily relocated to other parts of the country or neighbouring regions amid continued air raid warnings and missile strikes.
• Israeli military officials stated that over 5,000 munitions have been dropped on targets across Iran since the beginning of operations. Targets reportedly include command centres, air defence infrastructure and facilities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Quds Force and other security agencies.
• The United States confirmed a major naval escalation in the Indian Ocean, stating that a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka. Rescue operations conducted by Sri Lankan naval forces recovered dozens of bodies and survivors, while additional personnel remain missing. US Central Command has also claimed that more than 20 Iranian vessels have been struck or destroyed since the start of the campaign.
• Iranian retaliatory actions have included missile and drone launches targeting Israel and US-linked military infrastructure across the region. Air raid sirens were activated across several Israeli cities including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and northern Israel following reports of new missile barrages.
• The conflict has also intensified along the Israel-Lebanon border, where Israel launched ground incursions and airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities report at least 72 fatalities and more than 400 injuries, while over 83,000 civilians have been displaced and relocated to emergency shelters.
• Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for launching rockets and drone attacks against Israeli military installations, including attacks targeting the Haifa naval base and other military sites near Tel Aviv. Israeli military officials reported that several projectiles were intercepted by air defence systems.
• The regional escalation has expanded into Iraq, where multiple drones were intercepted near Baghdad International Airport, which hosts strategic military infrastructure and previously housed US coalition forces. US diplomatic facilities in Baghdad have also reported security alerts amid concerns of potential attacks by Iran-aligned militias.
• NATO air defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran that was heading towards Turkish airspace, preventing a potential cross-border incident. Turkish authorities subsequently summoned Iran’s ambassador to protest the incident and warn against further escalation that could threaten regional stability.
• The conflict is increasingly affecting global maritime security, with several missile and drone incidents reported near shipping routes in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz. Energy intelligence data indicates that oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped by approximately 90 percent, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply chains.
• Maritime security risks have also impacted commercial shipping. A cargo vessel was reportedly attacked by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting rescue operations by Oman’s navy. Additionally, shipping giant Maersk announced the suspension of cargo bookings to and from multiple Gulf countries due to the evolving security environment.
• Iranian military officials issued a warning that Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide could become legitimate targets if Israel proceeds with attacks against Iranian diplomatic representatives in Lebanon. The warning follows Israeli statements urging Iranian personnel in Lebanon to evacuate within 24 hours.