⚡ Flash Middle East Crisis — 17:01 CET, March 2, 2026

Day 3 — evening

⚠️ Trump to CNN: “The big wave is yet to come”

🇺🇸 “We haven’t even started hitting them hard” — escalation imminent

In a CNN interview, Trump declared: “We haven’t even started hitting them hard, the big wave hasn’t even happened. The big one is coming soon.” Simultaneously, NYT reports the US is sending additional military forces to the Middle East to expand operations. Why it matters: after 3 days of bombing, 555+ Iranian dead and the Gulf energy blackout, Trump says this was just the beginning. The “big wave” suggests significant escalation in the coming hours. 🔗 Guardian | NYT | Reuters

🇬🇧 Starmer: UK “not joining strikes” but continues defensive action

British PM Keir Starmer clarified UK position: not participating in offensive strikes on Iran, but will continue defensive actions (shooting down drones over Cyprus, protecting bases). Denied the RAF Akrotiri drone was linked to decision to grant bases to US. Why it matters: UK seeks a third way between US solidarity and Spain’s total refusal — “I defend but don’t attack.” But the line is thin: UK bases used for US strikes make the distinction rhetorical. 🔗 Guardian