Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET 03/01/2026 Newscast

Date: March 1, 2026
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Runtime Covered: 00:03–04:56

Episode Overview

This urgent Fox News newscast provides breaking coverage of high-profile U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The episode details President Trump’s statement, Iran’s immediate military response, official U.S. reactions and clarifications, and the beginnings of congressional debate over the scope of military action. The episode ends with a brief segment on a major vehicle recall. The overall tone is intense, immediate, and focused on fast-moving geopolitical and domestic developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Khamenei Killed in Airstrikes (00:03–01:08)

• Chris DiMaio (Host): Opens with confirmation from President Trump that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, is dead after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
• Details From President Trump:
  • Trump describes Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history.”
  • He frames the attack as justice for victims of Khamenei’s rule worldwide.
  • Asserts that heavy, targeted bombing campaigns will continue “uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary.”
• Israeli and Iranian Sources:
  • Israeli reports back up the claim of Khamenei’s death.
  • Iranian state media confirms Khamenei’s death and names three interim leaders.
  • Announced a 40-day mourning period, referring to Khamenei as a martyr.
• Memorable Quote (President Trump via Chris DiMaio):
  “This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans and those people from many countries throughout the world killed or mutilated by Khomeini and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs.” (00:24)
• Additional Note: Relatives of Khamenei and dozens of Iranian officials also killed in the attack.

2. Escalating Retaliatory Threats (00:54–01:53)

• Social Media Statement:
  Trump posts on Truth Social that Iran has threatened, “to hit very hard today, harder than they've ever hit before.” (00:54)
• U.S. Threat of Overwhelming Response:
  Trump warns, “if they do, we will hit them with a force that's never been seen before.” (00:55)
• Current Military Situation:
  • Israeli military reports a new wave of strikes targeting Iran’s ballistic missile and aerial defense systems.
  • Ongoing explosions in Tehran.
  • Iran has fired drones and missiles at multiple Israeli locations, including Jerusalem.
  • Recent Iranian missile attack on a residential area of Tel Aviv highlighted.
• Correspondent Check-in: Greg Palcott in London provides the latest situational summary.

3. US Defense Response and Propaganda Claims (03:02–03:52)

• Reporting on U.S. Military Casualties:
  • Senior U.S. defense officials confirm no American service members killed or injured and no U.S. naval ships hit.
  • Minimal damage to U.S. bases, “does not impact operations.”
• Denial of Civilian Targeting:
  • U.S. official refutes Iranian claims that a primary school was hit, reiterating that the U.S. “does not target any civilian infrastructure.”
• Target Details:
  • Strikes have focused on IRGC command facilities, missile/drone sites, and airfields.
  • More nuclear sites expected to be targeted in upcoming strikes.
• Quote (Liz Frieden, FOX News):
  “Officials say we can expect more nuclear facilities to be targeted next.” (03:46)

4. Congressional War Powers Debate (03:52–04:12)

• Congressional Pushback:
  • Bipartisan group in Congress demands a rapid vote on a war powers resolution.
  • Some question the legality of further attacks without Congressional approval, fearing escalation into a larger conflict.

5. Major Subaru Vehicle Recall (04:12–04:56)

• Recall Details:
  • About 70,000 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester Hybrids recalled due to possible fuel leaks and fire risk.
  • No fires or injuries reported; repairs offered free of charge.
  • Vehicle owners advised to park outside and keep fuel tanks below half full until repairs.
• Quote (Paul Stevens, FOX News):
  “Subaru says at least 33 fuel leaks have been reported in the U.S., but no fires or injuries.” (04:36)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• President Trump’s Victory Statement:
  “Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead.” (00:12)
• Escalation Threat:
  “They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that's never been seen before.” – President Trump via Truth Social (00:55)
• Iranian Succession Announcement:
  “Iranian state media now saying three figures will be running things after admitting the Supreme Leader has been killed. Also announcing a 40-day mourning period for the person they describe as a martyr.” – Correspondent (01:08)
• U.S. Targeting Statement:
  “The official refuted the Iranian foreign minister's claim that the U.S. targeted a primary school, saying that the U.S. does not target any civilian infrastructure.” – Liz Frieden, FOX News (03:28)

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Khamenei's Death & Trump Statement | 00:03–01:08 | | Iran Vows Retaliation; Israel Strikes Continue | 00:54–01:53 | | U.S. Defense Official Response | 03:02–03:52 | | Congressional War Powers Debate | 03:52–04:12 | | Subaru Vehicle Recall | 04:12–04:56 |

Summary

This newscast delivers a rapid succession of breaking developments around the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader in coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. The episode features combative statements from President Trump, ongoing military exchanges between Iran and Israel, an official U.S. pushback against Iranian propaganda, and the first signs of political friction in Washington over the president’s war powers. The tone is urgent and high-stakes, with clear signals that further escalation is possible in the coming hours. The newscast closes with consumer-oriented information about a major automobile recall. This episode provides a concise but comprehensive look at a world-shaping moment.