Middle East Crisis Update — 10:31 CET, March 2, 2026

18+ sources consulted | Day 3

Key Developments

🇸🇦⛽ Saudi Arabia: 2 drones intercepted over Ras Tanura refinery — Riyadh confirms foiled attack on world’s second-largest refinery. Al Jazeera still reports fire at Aramco facility from missile debris. 🔗 Asharq Al-Awsat | Al Jazeera
🎯 IDF: senior Hezbollah militant struck in Beirut — targeted operation in heart of Lebanese capital. Adds to Katz’s declaration that Nasrallah is “target for elimination.” 🔗 Haaretz
🇺🇸 SCMP: US officials sceptical of Iran regime change — internal administration scepticism about feasibility despite Trump’s public rhetoric. 🔗 SCMP
🇨🇳 China faces “oil squeeze” — direct impact on Chinese energy supplies after strikes. 🔗 SCMP
🇵🇸 Gaza: rush to stockpile — population scrambles for supplies as crossings remain closed and Iran war widens. 🔗 Al Jazeera
🇬🇧 UK: Minister Cooper defends decision to grant bases to US — heated political debate at Westminster after Cyprus drone strike. 🔗 Guardian