Middle East Crisis Update — 11:01 CET, March 2, 2026

18+ sources consulted | Day 3 — midday

Key Developments

🏛️ UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in Tehran damaged in strikes — world heritage site hit. First protected cultural property destruction in the conflict. 🔗 Asharq Al-Awsat
📈 Minab school toll updated: at least 175 dead — NYT updates from 153 to 175 victims in strike on girls’ school in southern Iran. 🔗 NYT
🇮🇱 IDF: “War will last however long it will last” — open-ended statement. No prospect of rapid cessation. 🔗 Haaretz
✈️ Asia travel sector rattled: fears of “domino effect” — SCMP: airlines, tourism and trade hit in cascade. 🔗 SCMP
⛽ Oil prices surge — Al Jazeera and NYT confirm sharp rise. NYT headline updated to “Surge.” 🔗 Al Jazeera | NYT