U.S. and Israel pound targets across Iran as Trump signals openness to talk to new leadership

The U.S. and Israel pounded targets across Iran on Sunday, March 1, 2026, dropping massive bombs on the country's ballistic missile sites and sinking warships as part of an intensifying military campaign that followed the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. More than 200 people have been killed since the start of the strikes according to Iranian leaders, as blasts across the country rattled windows and sent plumes of smoke high into the sky above Tehran. Iran vowed revenge, firing missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states in a counteroffensive that resulted in the deaths of three American service members - the first known American casualties from the conflict. Israel reported 11 deaths including nine people killed and 28 wounded in a strike on a synagogue in Beit Shemesh, with 11 people still missing. The attacks on Iran showed no signs of relenting as the U.S. and Israel targeted key military, political and intelligence facilities. Israel deployed 100 fighter jets simultaneously striking targets in Tehran, including buildings belonging to Iran's air force, missile command, and internal security force. The U.S. military confirmed B-2 stealth bombers struck Iran's ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. President Donald Trump announced on social media that nine Iranian warships had been sunk and the Iranian navy's headquarters had been 'largely destroyed.' Despite his 'America First' platform and vows to avoid 'forever wars,' Trump signaled openness to dialogue with Iran's new leadership, stating 'They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk.' Britain, France and Germany expressed readiness to work with the U.S. to help stop Iran's attacks, calling them 'reckless.' In Tehran, streets were largely deserted as people sheltered during heavy airstrikes, with paramilitary Basij setting up checkpoints across the city. Two powerful explosions were heard in Tehran's Niavaran neighborhood, and video footage showed plumes of smoke filling the skyline. In southern Iran, at least 165 people were reportedly killed when a girls' school was struck, though Israel denied awareness of such strikes. Iran announced that a new leadership council had begun its work and a new supreme leader would be chosen within 'one or two days.'