Top Stories • March 4, 2026

Operation Epic Fury has expanded into a broader Middle East confrontation. Militants launched rocket barrages from Lebanon into northern Israel overnight, prompting immediate Israeli airstrikes. At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. forces are conducting “laser-focused” operations to dismantle Iran’s missile and military infrastructure, warning the conflict will take time and that objectives remain clear. European nations are increasingly involved after a suspected Iranian-made drone struck the British RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, causing minor damage with no injuries, following London’s approval for U.S. defensive use of its bases. France and other EU partners have moved toward heightened defensive readiness, while U.S. and Israeli strikes inside Iran continue in response to missile and drone attacks across Israel and the Gulf.

Daniel Compatangelo reports.