Iran war death toll surpasses 1,045 as US–Israel strikes intensify

2026-03-04 - 13:36

The death toll in Iran from the ongoing war with the United States and Israel has risen to at least 1,045, according to Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs. The agency said the figure reflects bodies that have been identified and prepared for burial. The announcement came as US and Israeli forces launched fresh airstrikes on Tehran and other cities, marking the fifth consecutive day of intense fighting. Israel said it targeted senior Iranian leaders and security installations, while Iran responded with waves of ballistic missiles and drone attacks against Israel and regional targets. Residents in Tehran reported powerful explosions at dawn, with state television broadcasting footage of heavily damaged buildings in the city center. The religious city of Qom and several other locations were also struck, reports Al-Jazeera daily. The Israeli military stated that one of its F-35 fighter jets shot down a piloted Iranian Air Force YAK-130 aircraft over Tehran. It added that air defense systems were activated to intercept Iranian missiles, with blasts heard around Jerusalem. The scale of the bombardment forced Iranian authorities to postpone a planned mourning ceremony for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed earlier in the conflict, according to state media. Regionally, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkish airspace. Off the coast of Sri Lanka, an Iranian naval frigate identified as the Iris Dena sank under unclear circumstances. Sri Lankan officials confirmed that 32 crew members were rescued, while others died. The US military previously said it had destroyed 17 Iranian vessels and declared its objective was to cripple Iran’s navy. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz — the strategic waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass — have rattled energy markets. Brent crude surged to $84 per barrel, up more than 15% since the conflict began and its highest level since July 2024. Global stock markets have declined amid fears that higher oil prices could slow economic growth. Iran has also targeted regional energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia said its Ras Tanura oil refinery was struck again, though authorities confirmed there was no damage and oil supplies remain unaffected. Drone attacks also targeted the American Embassy in Saudi Arabia and the US Consulate in the United Arab Emirates. The US State Department has authorised the departure of non-emergency government personnel from Saudi Arabia. US Navy Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, said Iran has launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones since the conflict began. In response, US forces have struck nearly 2,000 targets, severely degrading Iran’s air defenses and destroying hundreds of missiles, launchers and drones.