US Israeli War With Iran, Trump's War Address, Gulf Countries Bear The Brunt

Summary

Up First (NPR) — US Israeli War With Iran, Trump's War Address, Gulf Countries Bear The Brunt

Date: March 2, 2026
Hosts: Leila Fadel, A Martinez
Guests/Correspondents: Jackie Northam, Franco Ordoñez, Aya Batrawi

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Episode Overview

This urgent episode provides a rapid briefing on the ongoing war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, sparking widespread military escalation and retaliation throughout the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf countries. The episode explores the US and Israeli strikes on Iran—including the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader—Trump’s televised war statements and ambiguous objectives, and the regional fallout as Gulf states, Lebanon, and global energy flows are battered by missile and drone attacks. Special reporting from the region offers first-hand accounts of the violence and its implications.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Outbreak of War: US-Israel vs. Iran

[00:02–01:15]

• The Middle East is in crisis after a US-Israeli assault on Iran; Iran is firing missiles at US allies.
• President Trump acknowledges US military casualties, warning more deaths are likely.

Quote:

"And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is, likely be more."
— President Trump [00:27 & 05:36]

• Gulf states, including Doha and Dubai, are drawn into the conflict as expat cities become targets.

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2. Escalation and Key Events in the Conflict

[02:29–03:55]

• Reporting by Jackie Northam details:
  • US and Israel hitting “hundreds of targets” inside Iran: missile batteries, command sites, and reported killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
  • Iran responds with deadly strikes on Israel, Gulf States; Hezbollah attacks from Lebanon bring Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon.

Quote:

"President Trump said the military had also sunk nine Iranian warship, although CENTCOM only confirmed one."
— Jackie Northam [02:35]

Reaction Inside Iran

• Mixed public response; some Iranians celebrate Khamenei's death (statues pulled down, buildings taken over) while others mourn en masse and chant anti-American slogans.
• A temporary leadership council is formed pending a new Supreme Leader.

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3. Trump’s Rationale, Ambitions, and Diplomacy

[03:55–04:59]

• Trump’s stated goals for war:
  • Prevent Iranian nuclear capability.
  • Regime change in Iran.
  • Indicates intention not to remain bogged down in a protracted conflict—publicly outlines a four-to-five-week window [citing NYT].
• Potential opening for diplomacy with Iran’s new leadership.

Quote:

"He could keep this going potentially indefinitely."
— Richard Fontaine, Center for New American Security [04:46]

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4. Military and Civilian Fallout Across the Gulf

[09:07–10:59]

• Reporting by Aya Batrawi (Dubai):
  • Unprecedented missile and drone strikes on civilian-centric Gulf cities, causing major disruptions in “safe havens” like Dubai.
  • Many attacks intercepted, but some missiles hit residential buildings (e.g., Bahrain), airports (Dubai), and major shipping & oil infrastructure.
  • Civilian casualties remain relatively low, but fear and chaos are widespread.
  • US airbases in Qatar and Bahrain hit; Dubai airport closed since Saturday—affecting global travel and commerce.

Quote:

"Dubai is billed as a safe haven, a luxury destination, and it's never been targeted by missiles like this before."
— Aya Batrawi [09:29]

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5. Hezbollah’s Entry: New Front in Lebanon

[10:59–11:55]

• Longstanding ceasefire collapses—Hezbollah launches attacks on Israel, sparking retaliatory Israeli airstrikes killing dozens in Lebanon.
• Widespread evacuations and humanitarian strain, coinciding with Ramadan fasting.

Quote:

"Fifty villages in Lebanon and in southern suburbs of Beirut to be evacuated. And then airstrikes pounded those areas... killing more than 30 and wounding 150."
— Aya Batrawi [11:06]

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6. Global Ripples: Oil, Shipping, International Reaction

[12:01–12:52]

• Gulf Arab states threaten retaliation if attacks continue—war could widen further.
• Oil refineries in Saudi Arabia are hit, Strait of Hormuz (vital for global oil trade) is effectively shut; oil prices spike.

Quote:

"The Strait of Hormuz... has effectively been shut down since Saturday... The scale of the fallout of this war really depends on how long the US and Israel continue this war."
— Aya Batrawi [12:47]

• Europe (UK, France, Germany) announces intention to defend energy and regional interests.

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7. US Politics: Trump’s Leadership and Legislative Tensions

[05:53–08:29]

• Trump delivers war addresses via videos, limited press access, and mainly communicates through social media.
• No direct press conferences, limited public appearances.
• Significant criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans for lack of Congressional war authorization; calls for a vote to restrain Trump’s military powers.

Quote:

"He hasn't addressed the American people in person or... gotten Congress involved. Democrats and some Republicans are unhappy."
— Franco Ordoñez [07:55]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [05:36] President Trump:
  "We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen... there will likely be more before it ends."

• [04:46] Richard Fontaine:
  "If things are going well militarily, and maybe it looks like there's some cracks here and there in the security forces or, you know, uprisings, he could keep this going potentially indefinitely."

• [09:29] Aya Batrawi:
  "Dubai is billed as a safe haven, a luxury destination, and it's never been targeted by missiles like this before."

• [11:06] Aya Batrawi:
  "The military ordered 50 villages in Lebanon and in southern suburbs of Beirut to be evacuated. And then airstrikes pounded those areas... killing more than 30 people already and wounding 150."

• [12:47] Aya Batrawi:
  "The Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, that narrow shipping lane where a fifth of the world's oil passes from the Gulf to China and India and beyond, has effectively been shut down since Saturday."

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|-------------| | 00:02–01:15 | War outbreak and initial overview | | 02:29–03:55 | Jackie Northam on strikes in Iran and regional retaliation | | 05:36–05:53 | Trump’s televised remarks, honoring the dead | | 07:24–07:41 | Trump appeals to Iranians to rise up | | 09:29–10:47 | Aya Batrawi describes living through strikes in Dubai and Gulf impact | | 11:06–11:55 | New front in Lebanon (Hezbollah strikes, Israeli response) | | 12:01–12:52 | Oil market shock; Strait of Hormuz closes; global response |

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Conclusion

This episode of Up First delivers rapid, unfiltered insight into how the US-Israeli campaign against Iran is reverberating throughout the Middle East and the world. It examines the complexity of military aims, on-the-ground civilian impact, internal US political struggles, and widespread uncertainty about the war’s endgame. As regional violence escalates and the global economy trembles, hosts and correspondents emphasize the fluid, dangerous situation day by day.

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For further coverage:
Listen to NPR’s in-depth feeds for constant updates, including State of the World and hourly US Military Action in Iran coverage.

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(End of summary.)

Transcript

[A]

The Middle east is being engulfed by the US And Israeli war on Iran.

[B]

Iran is retaliating with strikes on allies of the US And Israel is pounding Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets. President Trump says this could go on for weeks.

[A]

I'm Layla Fodel. That's a Martinez. And this is up first from NPR News. Three U.S. service members were killed by Iranian strikes. Here's what the president said about that.

[C]

And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is, likely be more.

[B]

And America's Gulf allies are taking the brunt of Iran's retaliation. Waves of missiles and drones are turning expat cities such as Doha and Dubai into battlefields. Stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your day.

[D]

This message comes from Carvana Finance. And buy your next vehicle with Carvana. Shop a huge selection, customize terms to fit your budget and buy completely online. No hassle, no pressure. Get the car. You love the easy way.

[C]

With Carvana, the US Launches a military operation against Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. On STATE OF THE world.

[E]

We'll bring you the latest on the

[B]

operation as well as reaction from the

[C]

region and around the globe.

[F]

Listen to State OF the WORLD on

[C]

the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[D]

NPR News now is your podcast source for updates every hour on the US Military action in Iran. President Trump calls it a war and says the goal is regime change. He also says US Casualties are possible, with news changing rapidly. Listen to NPR News now. New episodes at the top of every hour on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[B]

After a weekend of the US And Israel's war against Iran around the world, there have been celebrations such as this one in the heart of Tehran.

[A]

And protests like this one in Iraq. And as the US And Israel continue to strike Iran, Iran is retaliating against countries that host American military bases. The Pentagon says three US Service members have been killed. And a new front is now open in Lebanon with Israel pounding the country after Hezbollah fired rockets.

[B]

NPR's international affairs correspondent Jackie Northam is here to bring us up to date. Jackie, tell us the latest.

[G]

Well, the US And Israel say they are hitting hundreds of targets in Iran, and that includes key targets such as anti aircraft defense systems, ballistic missiles and launchers, command and control centers. President Trump said the military had also sunk nine Iranian warship, although CENTCOM only confirmed one. Other targets include senior military and political figures in Iran, including the killing of Iran's supreme leader, ayatollah Ali Khamenei Saturday. Iran has responded with deadly strikes on Israel and attacking Gulf states. And last night, the Iranian backed militia Hezbollah in Lebanon launched rockets into Israel, which responded with airstrikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon, widening this war even further in Iran.

[B]

What was the response to the killing of the supreme leader?

[A]

Mixed.

[G]

You know, NPR has spoken to a few people in Iran who say they're very happy about Khamenei's death. And we're seeing on social media statues of Khamenei being pulled down by Iranians and people briefly took over a government building in one town. But there were also huge crowds at pro regime rallies mourning Khomeini's death and shouting death to America. You know, in the wake of his killing, a temporary leadership council is being formed and will remain in place until a panel of Shia religious leaders makes a final decision on a new supreme leader.

[B]

Okay. Now, President Trump started this war and he's now indicating there's a chance for diplomacy. He said Iran's new leadership wants to talk with him and that he plans to do so as well. So does that give us any sense of how Trump will try to end the war?

[G]

Well, you know, Trump gave several justifications for attacking Iran, you know, preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons and indicating he wanted regime change. But he says the war will continue until his objectives are met. You know, it's clear Trump doesn't want to get mired down in a protracted conflict in the Middle East. And in an interview with the New York Times on Sunday, he said the military intends to sustain its assault on Iran for, quote, four to five weeks if necessary. I spoke with Richard Fontaine, who's the CEO of the center for New American Security, and he says Trump reopening negotiations would be a sign that Iran is less of a threat and the US could get a better deal. Here he is.

[E]

On the other hand, if things are going well militarily, and maybe it looks like there's some cracks here and there in the security forces or, you know, uprisings, he could keep this going potentially indefinitely.

[B]

So as to play this out, you

[G]

know, a, we're only three days into this war and Iran appears to be digging in, you know, so there's still the potential that this war will further escalate.

[B]

All right, that's NPR's international affairs correspondent, Jackie Northam. Jackie, thanks.

[G]

Thank you.

[B]

Smoke plumes were seen rising from the US Embassy compound in Kuwait. According to the associate press, as Iran retaliates following U.S. and Israeli attacks.

[A]

President Trump says U.S. strikes will continue, quote, at full force. He's warning the American people that more U.S. lives will likely be lost after three service members were killed in the war over the weekend.

[C]

We pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen. And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is, likely be more.

[A]

That's from a six minute video Trump posted online on Sunday where Trump also said the U.S. would, quote, avenge their deaths.

[B]

NPR White House correspondent Franco Ordonez is covering the conflict. Franco, what else did President Trump say?

[E]

Yeah, President Trump says hundreds of targets in Iran have been hit, including the Revolutionary Guard facilities and Iranian air defense systems. And he added that nine naval ships have been destroyed as well as Iran's naval building. He's boasting that Iranians around the world are cheering the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

[C]

This wretched and vile man had the blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands and was responsible for the slaughter of countless thousands of innocent people all across many countries.

[E]

It's unclear what thousands of American lives Trump is referring to here, but there are just so many questions.

[B]

Now, the White House says Iran wants to talk and that Trump will speak with them. What does that mean?

[E]

Yeah, I mean, the White House told NPR that Iran wants to restart negotiations and that Trump will eventually speak with whoever is in charge. But a top Iran security official says on X that they won't negotiate. And if the White House does reopen talk, it does raise questions about what that means. You know, does the regime get to stay in control even if it's badly damaged?

[B]

Yeah, but he is. Hasn't Trump been calling on Iranians to take over the government themselves?

[E]

Yeah, I mean, exactly. I mean, he did that again yesterday, telling them to, quote, seize this moment, to be brave, to be heroic.

[C]

America is with you. I made a promise to you and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, but we'll be there to help.

[E]

And he again called on the police and Revolutionary Guard to lay down their weapons. He offered a mute, and he says they should join protesters.

[B]

All right, so lots of questions then about what comes next. But we really haven't seen much of Trump since the war started.

[E]

Not at all. I mean, the only time we've seen him is getting on and off the plane yesterday, going into the building, and he didn't take questions. I mean, it's been also controlled. I mean, except for some brief phone calls with select media. It's been largely social media posts and these two video addresses. He hasn't addressed the American people in person or any answered questions from the press pool. And he hasn't gotten Congress involved. I mean, Democrats and some Republicans are unhappy that he didn't seek congressional authorization for a war, and some want to vote to restrain Trump. And that's going to be a big debate this week. All right.

[B]

Now, has the president given any more insight, though, into how long this whole thing will last?

[E]

Yeah, as we heard, he's saying combat operations will continue until US Objectives are met. And he has said that could be a week. But he's also told other media outlets like the New York Times that it could be four to five weeks. Really. He has said that there are strong objectives, that the US has strong objectives, but again, he hasn't explained what those specific objectives are. And without knowing what specifically the US Hopes to accomplish, I mean, it's really hard to predict how long any of this will last.

[B]

That's a White House correspondent, Franco Ordonez. Franco, thank you very much.

[E]

Thank you.

[B]

A Iran is retaliating against the US Targeting its Arab neighbors where US Troops are based.

[A]

The countries hit include Saudi Arabia, the uae, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and even Oman, which had been mediating nuclear talks.

[B]

We're joined now by NPR international correspondent Aya Batrawi in Dubai. So tell us what it's been like where you are.

[F]

Yeah. So here in Dubai, my apartment rattled with the sound of loud booms on Saturday. To say that this was unexpected is an understatement. Dubai is billed as a safe haven, a luxury destination, and it's never been targeted by missiles like this before. But drones have also been launched by Iran at its neighbors. I want you to have a listen to what sounded like in Bahrain, where a drone struck a residential building there over the weekend. So that was one of several verified videos online of that one attack. And, you know, despite these hits, the numbers of casualties have actually been very low at this point, with most drones and missiles intercepted. But this morning, Kuwait's defense ministry says several U.S. warplanes crashed and that crews were safe after ejecting, but the circumstances around that are still unclear. And this comes after three US Troops, as you heard, already were killed and five seriously wounded as part of a ground support team in Kuwait over the weekend. And Iran's missiles also got through defenses and they hit an air base in Qatar, where there are thousands of US troops, and hit the US Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain. According to state media, there But I also want to say that civilian areas have suffered. You're talking about luxury hotels in Dubai and across the Gulf and sea ports. That is how this region imports the

[A]

bulk of its food.

[F]

But Dubai's airport, which is the world's busiest for international transit connecting Europe to Asia and Africa, Africa was also struck by a drone and flights there remain suspended now for the since Saturday. So this war has engulfed the region.

[B]

Yeah, it really has. And another overnight development was the Iran backed Hezbollah group getting involved. Tell us what's happening in Lebanon.

[F]

So, you know, there was a ceasefire there for about the last 15 months. Although Israel would continue to strike Hezbollah, Hezbollah had not struck back. However, all of that changed last night. Israel says a few rockets and drones were launched landing in open spaces. Now that's in response to the Israel killing the supreme leader. Now the military ordered 50 villages in Lebanon and in southern suburbs of Beirut to be evacuated. And then airstrikes pounded those areas in Lebanon, killing more than 30 people already and wounding 150, according to Lebanon's health ministry. NPR's producer in Beirut, Joad Rascala, spoke with families fleeing to school shelters with their kids and lugging mattresses. Of course, this is all happening in Ramadan as people are fasting. And everyone who spoke to said they were exhausted, that the scene is being repeated again.

[B]

So, okay, a lot unfolding as we speak. What can we expect there going forward?

[F]

All right. So if Gulf Arab states continue to get hit, they have said that they reserve the right to strike back to defend their national security. So that could happen and that would obviously widen the scope of this war dramatically. Also, we've heard the UK France and Germany saying they will take steps to defend their interests and those of their allies in the region. And some of those interests are about oil. You know, Saudi Arabia says one of its largest oil refineries was targeted today by Iranian drones, sparking a fire and temporarily shutting down production there. We've already seen oil prices spiking today on trading. You know, the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf, that narrow shipping lane where a fifth of the world's oil passes from the Gulf to China and India and beyond, has effectively been shut down since Saturday. Shipping insurance firms are concerned about naval attacks. So the scale of the fallout of this war really depends on how long the US And Israel continue this war.

[B]

That's NPR international correspondent Taya Bhatrawi in Dubai. Thank you very much.

[F]

Thank you.

[B]

A and one thing really quick, if you enjoy starting your day with up first, please consider signing up for npr. Your subscription will help keep the NPR network strong and support local public radio stations through a recurring monthly donation. And you get some cool perks with it, too, such as ad free listening, bonus episodes and early access to some NPR content. Visit plus to sign up. And that's up first for Monday, march 2nd.

[A]

Amy martinez, and I'm layla faldel. Today's episode of up first was edited by james heider, tina kraya, anna yukonanov, miguel macias, mohamed abradisi and alice wolfley. It was produced by ziad buch and nia dumas. Our director is christopher thomas. We get engineering support from zoe van genhoven. Our technical director is carly strange. Join us again tomorrow.

[D]

Want to hear this podcast without sponsor breaks? Amazon prime members can listen to up first sponsor free through Amazon Music. Or you can also support NPR's vital journalism and get UPverse [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org hey, it's Tonya Moseley, co host of Fresh Air. Don't miss my interview with actor Kate Hudson. We talk about her music career, motherhood and, of course, her breakout role. Penny Lane, man, show some respect. You can find my interview on the Fresh Air podcast. Greenland has said it is not for sale. Denmark has said it can't even legally sell Greenland. And whether Trump can or will or should try to control or purchase a territory that does not want to be sold is one question. But on Planet Money, we are more interested in how we even got to this moment and how we might gracefully

[F]

get out of it.

[D]

Listen to Planet Money on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.