3AM ET 03/01/2026 Newscast

Summary

---

Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET March 1, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode delivers urgent breaking news on the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Host Chris DiMaio and a roster of on-the-ground Fox News reporters break down the unfolding international repercussions, statements from global leaders, and the escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. The episode also covers protests abroad, U.S. military clarifications, and calls for Congressional oversight.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Breaking: Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader (00:03–01:41)

• President Trump Announces Death: President Trump claims Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in combined U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Trump labels Khamenei “one of the most evil people in history” and frames the strike as justice for past victims globally. (00:10–00:27)
• Details of Airstrikes: U.S. and Israeli forces conducted “heavy and pinpoint bombing” beginning early Saturday. Attacks are set to continue as needed. (00:30)
• Other High-Profile Casualties: State media reports Iran’s defense minister and army chief of staff were also killed. (00:50)
• War of Words at the U.N.: Iranian Ambassador Saeed Irvani condemns the strikes at the UN Security Council, accusing the U.S. and Israel of misleading the international community about an “imminent threat.” (01:08)
• U.S. Ambassador Responds: Michael Waltz argues Iran’s missile and nuclear programs remain a “grave and mounting danger,” justifying continued pressure. (01:26–01:38)
• Global Tension: UN Secretary General António Guterres urges restraint to prevent escalation. (01:41)

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump (via Jared Halpern):
  “Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead... 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 Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs.” (00:13–00:27)
• Saeed Irvani:
  “The president of the United States has falsely described this aggression as necessary to neutralize an imminent threat to the American people. This is nothing more than a deliberate attempt to mislead the international community.” (01:08–01:20)
• Michael Waltz:
  “Iran’s continued pursuit of advanced missile capabilities, coupled with its refusal to abandon nuclear ambitions despite diplomatic opportunities, presents a grave and mounting danger.” (01:26–01:38)

---

2. Consequences and Reactions Abroad (01:41–02:00)

• Protests in Pakistan: Hundreds stormed the U.S. Consulate in Karachi following news of the attack, resulting in smashed windows and at least one protester killed. (01:41–02:00)

---

3. Continued U.S. Response and Clarifications (03:08–04:44)

• Trump Issues New Warning: In a Truth Social post, Trump warns Iran against retaliation, threatening an unprecedented military response if Iran attacks “harder than they ever have before.” (03:12–03:35)
• Military Updates: U.S. Central Command disputes Iranian claims of American casualties and attacks on civilians, clarifying that only military targets have been struck, and damage to U.S. bases is minimal. (04:00–04:20)
• Targeted Sites: Strikes have focused on command centers, missile and drone launch sites, military airfields, and potentially, “more nuclear facilities next.” (04:20–04:30)

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump (via David Spunt):
  “Iran just stated that they're going to hit very hard today, harder than they ever have been hit before. They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before.” (03:13–03:24)
• U.S. Defense Official (via Liz Frieden):
  “No U.S. service members have been killed or injured, no U.S. navy ships have been struck by Iranian missiles, and there is only minimal damage to U.S. bases and it does not impact operations. The US does not target any civilian infrastructure.” (04:02–04:12)
• Liz Frieden:
  “US strikes in Iran are far from over. The US Official also says so far targets have included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. Officials say we can expect more nuclear facilities to be targeted next.” (04:27–04:41)

---

4. Political Fallout in Washington (04:44–05:04)

• Congressional Pushback: Members of Congress, including Democrats and some Republicans, demand a war powers resolution to restrain the president’s military actions and require Congressional approval, citing risks of deepening the conflict. (04:44–05:04)

---

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The tone is urgent and direct, emphasizing the historic gravity of Khamenei’s reported death.
• President Trump’s statements—describing Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history”—are a recurring motif, reinforcing the administration’s justification for the strike.
• Scenes from Karachi and heated exchanges at the UN illustrate the widening international fallout and risk of escalation.

---

Important Timestamps

• 00:10 – President Trump’s initial statement on Khamenei’s death
• 01:08 – Iranian Ambassador Irvani condemns U.S. actions at UN
• 01:26 – U.S. Ambassador Michael Waltz addresses Iran’s nuclear threat
• 01:41 – UN Secretary General calls for restraint; protest erupts in Pakistan
• 03:12 – Trump warns Iran against retaliation via social media
• 04:00 – U.S. official denies Iranian claims and describes strike targets
• 04:44 – Congressional leaders call for war powers resolution

---

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive update on the Iran crisis, the U.S.-Israel military campaign, and its political and international repercussions as of March 1, 2026.

Transcript

[Chris DiMaio]

He's done. I'm Chris DiMaio, Fox News. President Trump says Iran's supreme leader is dead following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.

[Jared Halpern]

The president says Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead. President Trump's confirmation follows Israeli reports that the supreme leader was killed in airstrikes. President Trump says 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. US And Israeli airstrikes were launched early Saturday morning. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, the president says, will continue uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary. In Washington, Jared Halpern, Fox News, Iran.

[Chris DiMaio]

State media says the country's defense minister and army chief of staff were also killed in an airstrike, A war of words between the US And Iran. At the UN On Saturday, Iranian Ambassador Saeed Irvani spoke to the Security Council saying some members of the UN need to step up and condemn the US And Israel.

[Saeed Irvani]

The president of the United States has falsely described this aggression as necessary to neutralize an imminent threat to the American people. This is nothing more than a deliberate attempt to mislead the international community.

[Chris DiMaio]

U.S. ambassador Michael Waltz not buying it.

[Michael Waltz]

Iran's continued pursuit of advanced missile capabilities, coupled with its refusal to abandon nuclear ambitions despite diplomatic opportunities, presents a grave and mounting danger.

[Chris DiMaio]

Secretary General Antonio Guterres says everything must be done to prevent an escalation. Meantime, hundreds of people stormed the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, Sunday, smashing windows after the U. S. Israel attack on Iran. At least one protester was killed. America is listening to Fox News.

[Commercial Announcer]

Did you know? Fast growing trees is America's largest, most trusted online nursery with over 2 million happy customers. They carry thousands of trees and plants that are grown with care and guaranteed to thrive. From privacy and fruit trees to shrubs, flowering trees, houseplants and more, Fast Growing Trees makes it easy to find plants that truly work for you, delivered to your door. And no matter where you're starting or what you're dreaming for your yard, their plant experts are there to support you every step of the way. No green thumb required, just quality plants you can count on. Every order is backed by their alive and thrive guarantee. And you'll get ongoing support from real knowledgeable experts. Right now, Fast Growing Trees has great deals on spring planting essentials with up to half off select plants. And as a listener to our show, you'll get an additional 20% off your first purchase when you use the Code Fox at checkout. That's 20% off. Better plants and better growing. @fast growingtrees.com with code FOX.

[Chris DiMaio]

President Trump with a warning to Iran in the aftermath of the US Israel attack.

[David Spunt]

He writes on Truth Social Iran just stated that they're going to hit very hard today, harder than they ever have been hit before. They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before. Thank you for your attention to this matter. The president out with a statement just hours earlier announcing the death of the ayatollah, writing Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history is dead. This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans and those people from many countries throughout the world that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs.

[Chris DiMaio]

That's Fox's David Spunt. As U.S. strikes continue on Iran, U.S. central Command is pushing back against what they say is Iranian propaganda.

[Liz Frieden]

A senior U.S. defense official tells Fox News no U.S. service members have been killed or injured, no U.S. navy ships have been struck by Iranian missiles, and there is only minimal damage to US Bases and it does not impact operations. The official refuted the Iranian foreign minister's claim that the US Targeted a primary school, saying that the US does not target any civilian infrastructure. US Strikes in Iran are far from over. The US Official also says so far targets have included Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields. Officials say we can expect more nuclear facilities to be targeted next. In Washington, Liz Frieden, Fox News.

[Chris DiMaio]

Key members of Congress are demanding a swift vote on a war powers resolution that would restrain the president's military attack on Iran. Democrats and some Republicans say that the president must seek approval from Congress for a potentially illegal campaign that risks a deeper conflict. I'm Chris Di.

[Netsuite Commercial Announcer]

Every business is asking the same question. How do we make AI work for us? No more waiting with Netsuite by Oracle, you can put AI to work. Today, NetSuite is the number one AI Cloud ERP, trusted by over 43,000 businesses. It's the unified suite that brings your finances, inventory, commerce, HR and CRM into a single source of truth. The connected data is what makes your AI smarter, helping you make fast decisions. If your revenues are at least in the seven figures, get our free business guide demystifying [e-mail] fox.