TEHRAN, IRAN March 2, 2026 – The Iranian Red Crescent Society has announced that at least 555 people have been killed across Iran since joint US and Israeli airstrikes began two days ago.
The humanitarian organisation stated that the attacks — which it described as “Zionist-American terrorist attacks” — have affected 131 cities to date. “Regrettably, 555 of our compatriots have been killed,” the Red Crescent said in a statement posted on Telegram.
The update was first highlighted in a breaking “JUST IN” post by the geopolitics account @BRICSinfo on X (formerly Twitter), which read: “JUST IN: 🇮🇷 Iran says at least 555 people have been killed so far.” The post, linked here — https://x.com/i/status/2028388830588358965 — quickly drew international attention as the conflict enters its third day.
The strikes are reported to have also claimed the life of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military and political figures. Earlier casualty figures released by Iranian authorities stood at around 200 killed; the new toll reflects the continued intensity of the campaign.
In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone strikes targeting US assets in Gulf countries including Dubai, Bahrain, and Doha, as well as sites in Israel. The US military has confirmed three American service members were killed in the exchanges.
Additional regional fallout includes Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon and reports of explosions near US-linked facilities. At least 35 people were killed in Iran’s southern Fars province alone, according to local officials.
An internet blackout lasting more than 48 hours has been reported inside Iran, hindering rescue and communication efforts.
The rapidly rising death toll has triggered urgent international calls for de-escalation. US President Donald Trump has stated that operations will continue until all objectives are achieved, while world leaders warn of the risk of a wider Middle East war.
Casualty figures in active conflict zones are difficult to verify independently in real time. Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information emerges from official and humanitarian sources.
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