Dawn Dispatch // March 3rd, 2026

Iran Updates + Commentary, Terrorism In Texas, Ohio Chaos, Heroes Remembered, Things To Know, Baby Hippo Makes a Debut, SAG Remembers, And Much More...

Friends,

It’s Tuesday, but it already feels like I’ve lived three days in the past 24 hours. It’s not all bad - not by a long shot! Our youngest turned three yesterday, and we had a grand time of it - playing and singing and feasting. Time is flying by, and I’m working to enjoy each and every moment with our little family - even when things around the world feel tense.

Alright, before we jump into all the news you need to know, I wanted to remind you that Mel Gibson’s newest film hits theaters next year and I hope it opens to strong acclaim and interest. Will you be seeing it? I still think about the power of one of his other films, “The Passion.”

Alright….let’s jump in!

Operation Epic Fury - A Run Down

There is no shortage of commentary and prognostications surrounding the conflict in Operation Epic Fury. I have contributed to this commentary myself much of the weekend on IG. Instead of sharing more of my opinion here, I wanted to offer a timeline of events, as I know many of you are staying off of social media for a time and might need factual information surrounding the events. Here’s a play-by-play of what has happened in the last 72 hours, along with helpful links, videos, and photos

February 28th, 2026:

• Around 6:20 GMT (Early morning in Tehran): Explosions reported in central Tehran, including near official and security compounds. U.S. and Israeli forces launch coordinated strikes under Operations “Epic Fury” (U.S.) and “Roaring Lion” (Israel), targeting Iran’s leadership, nuclear facilities, military infrastructure (including IRGC headquarters, missile sites in Parchin and Qom), and security apparatus. The strikes aim to induce regime change and neutralize Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

• Around 6:30 GMT: Israel confirms a “preemptive” strike and declares a nationwide state of emergency. Airspace in Israel and Iran is closed.

• Around 7:00 GMT: U.S. President Donald Trump announces the start of major combat operations to destroy Iran’s missile industry, naval forces, and nuclear capabilities.

• Around 7:30 GMT: Iranian media reports preparations for “crushing” retaliation. Missile launches from Iran detected, targeting U.S. bases in Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan, as part of IRGC’s Operation “True Promise 4.”

  Attacks also hit civilian sites, including Kuwait International Airport, Palm Hotel in Dubai, and buildings in Bahrain. Dubai’s airport shuts down.

• Mid-morning (Tehran time): Strikes hit a girls’ primary school in Minab, killing 85 and injuring over 80, according to Mehr News Agency. Iranian Defense Minister, IRGC Commander Mohammad-Hossein Bagheri, and other leaders (including Ali Shamkhani, Mohammad Pakpour, Gholamreza Soleimani, and Amir Ali Hajizadeh) were confirmed killed. It is not confirmed which strikes hit the school.

• Afternoon/Evening: U.S. confirms the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a strike on his compound. Celebrations erupt in the streets of Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Tabriz, and other cities, with crowds chanting “Khamenei is dead — we’re free!” and waving pre-1979 flags. Iranian forces open fire on crowds in Sanandaj, Tehran, and Rasht, dispersing gatherings and making arrests.

• Evening: MEK leader Maryam Rajavi declares a provisional government based on a 10-point plan for a democratic, non-nuclear republic. IDF announces new strikes on ballistic missile sites in Qom and central Iran. Iran claims a strike on Jebel Ali Port in UAE.

• Throughout the day: No U.S. casualties reported. Oil prices soar due to regional disruptions.