News Flash Daily
02 March 
Red Crescent confirms deaths across 131 Iranian cities; Iran rejects talks with the United States despite Trump’s openness, as conflict spreads to Lebanon
Tehran: At least 555 people have been killed in Iran following sustained military attacks by the United States, according to figures released by Iran’s Red Crescent. The humanitarian body stated that 131 cities across Iran have been impacted by the strikes, underscoring the scale of destruction as the Iran–Israel–US conflict entered its third consecutive day, triggering widespread instability across the Middle East.
Despite escalating casualties and infrastructure damage, Iran has categorically ruled out negotiations with the United States, even as US President Donald Trump publicly indicated his willingness to engage in dialogue with Iran’s new leadership.
Rising Death Toll Amid Expanding Conflict
According to Iranian authorities, initial reports following the targeting of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei suggested more than 200 fatalities. Updated data from the Red Crescent now confirms that at least 555 people have died nationwide, with airstrikes affecting 131 urban centres, including major civilian and strategic locations.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in fresh attacks on energy infrastructure, diplomatic facilities, and residential neighbourhoods, intensifying humanitarian concerns and regional fallout.
Iran Rejects Dialogue as Airstrikes Continue
As US and Israeli airstrikes continue across Iranian territory, President Trump reiterated that he remains open to talks with Iran’s leadership. However, Tehran swiftly dismissed the proposal.
Senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani posted a blunt message on X:
“We will not negotiate with the United States.”
The statement came a day after Trump said he was open to engagement and urged the Iranian people to “accept” their government, remarks that further inflamed tensions.
Airspace Disruptions and Overnight Strikes
Overnight bombardments were reported in multiple regions, including the capital Tehran. Eyewitnesses said an attack in the Niavaran neighborhood struck a transmitter linked to Iranian state television, temporarily knocking satellite signals offline. In western Iran, three people were killed in Sanandaj, according to state media.
Addressing concerns over attacks on Gulf Arab countries that had previously acted as intermediaries, Iran’s Foreign Minister suggested that some military units may be operating outside the direct control of the central government, adding another layer of complexity to the crisis.
No Damage to Nuclear Sites So Far: IAEA
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi, said on Monday that there were “no indications” of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the Tehran Research Reactor.
Speaking to the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, Grossi confirmed that radiation levels in neighbouring countries remain normal, but warned that ongoing military activity near nuclear sites and fuel storage facilities significantly raises the risk of a nuclear safety crisis. He urged all sides to exercise maximum military restraint.
War Spreads to Lebanon; Israel Signals Prolonged Operations
The conflict further widened after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward Israel. In retaliation, Israel carried out airstrikes over Beirut and southern Lebanon, killing at least 31 people and injuring 149, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Nearly two-thirds of the fatalities were reported from southern regions.
Israel’s military chief Eyal Zamir warned that operations in Lebanon could involve “several days of fighting.” Military spokesperson Efi Defrin said Hezbollah would pay a “heavy price,” adding that all options, including a potential ground offensive, remain on the table.
Since the war began, Israel has mobilised over 100,000 reserve soldiers and ordered the evacuation of residents from 53 villages in southern Lebanon.
While condemning Israeli strikes, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned that Hezbollah’s actions risk dragging Lebanon into a wider and more devastating regional war.
