Iranian women walk in front of a residential building, destroyed by previous US-Israeli airstrikes, in Tehran on June 2, 2026 [File: Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA]By Elizabeth Melimopoulos and AFPPublished On 3 Jun 20263 Jun 2026
As the US-Israel war on Iran entered its 96th day, the conflict widened across the Gulf region, with both sides reporting new military actions.
The United States military said on Wednesday it carried out “self-defence” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, while Iranian media reported explosions in the area.
The escalation spilled into neighbouring countries, with Kuwait saying its air defence systems had intercepted incoming drones and missiles, and Bahrain activating warning sirens. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) also said it had intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had targeted US military assets in the region in response to US strikes.
The latest developments came amid continued uncertainty over diplomatic efforts to end the war.
In the US
- Democratic senators sharply criticised the Trump administration’s handling of the war. Senator Chris Van Hollen called its foreign policy a “dumpster fire” and described the conflict as “stupid and reckless”. Senator Cory Booker argued that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had handed Tehran new leverage, saying the war had caused widespread economic disruption and “never should have happened”.
In Israel
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government is pursuing “massive plans” to strengthen northern Israel and address what he called the “drone problem” along the border with Lebanon. Speaking at a government meeting, he said fortification measures extending up to 7km (4.3 miles) from the border would support Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah. Netanyahu added that the government is investing $20bn to improve security and economic development in the region.
- Reporting from Nablus, Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim said criticism of Netanyahu is mounting across Israel’s political spectrum, with opponents and some coalition allies accusing him of putting his political survival before broader strategic goals against Hezbollah. Ibrahim said many analysts believe Netanyahu sought to expand military operations in Beirut partly to derail US-Iran talks and that pressure from Washington may have forced him to step back, fuelling further frustration among his critics.
In Lebanon
- At least five people, including a child, were killed and 45 others wounded in Israeli attacks on the southern Lebanese towns of Burj Shemali, Ebba and Tibnin, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.
- Israeli forces have carried out artillery attacks in southern Lebanon’s Blat. Our Al Jazeera colleagues on the ground are reporting that a powerful blast was heard in the nearby town of Dibbine earlier.
- Hezbollah said on Wednesday it launched 13 attacks against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, targeting troop gatherings, military vehicles and army command posts.
