⚡ Flash Middle East Crisis — 18:31 CET, March 2, 2026

Day 3 — evening

Updates since last report (18:01)

🇺🇸 Trump: “Ahead of schedule — but can extend beyond 4-5 weeks”

Haaretz: Trump says the US is “ahead of schedule” in Iran operations — but reserves the right to extend beyond 4-5 weeks if needed. Restates objectives: “I ordered the strikes to stop Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs.” 🔗 Haaretz

📊 Poll: only 27% of Americans approve the Iran operation

Haaretz reports a poll: only 27% of Americans approve Trump’s Iran operation. An absolute majority opposed — politically complicating the war, especially with War Powers Resolution in Congress. 🔗 Haaretz

🇮🇳 India: protests against Khamenei’s killing

Al Jazeera: demonstrations across India against Khamenei’s killing. India has 200 million Muslims and a long non-alignment tradition — its diplomatic positioning is closely watched. 🔗 Al Jazeera

🇺🇦 Ukraine: “We’ll help down Iranian drones if partners broker a ceasefire”

Asharq: Ukraine’s foreign minister proposes a trade: Ukraine helps shoot down Iranian drones in exchange for a mediated ceasefire. Explicitly linking the two conflicts. 🔗 Asharq Al-Awsat

💥 NYT: Iran hits Qatar and Saudi energy sites

NYT headline: “Iranian Strikes Hit Qatar and Saudi Energy Sites, Threatening Oil and Gas Supplies” — new energy infrastructure damage while Qatar LNG production already halted. 🔗 NYT