Shibley Telhami

No rally 'round the flag effect except among Republicans: Americans oppose Trump ordering airstrikes on Iran by 52 percent to 39 percent; 9 percent say they are unsure. Note that opposition before strikes was at 49% but 30% said they didn't know.
wapo.st/4u2Q8aP

Attacks in Qatar, Saudi Arabia Drag Energy Sector Into Mideast Conflict Qatar has halted production of liquefied natural gas and tanker traffic has virtually stopped at the Strait of Hormuz, as Iranian attacks raise the risks for the global economy.

"Natural-gas prices in Europe, a big customer of Qatari LNG, shot up by around 40%."
www.wsj.com/world/middle... via @WSJ

A great country of 340 million, with some of the most talented and innovative people on earth - and we are led by this one👇

He wings it as he goes, even when the lives of American troops are on the line

www.nytimes.com/2026/03/01/u...

US-Israel war on Iran live: conflict spreads to Lebanon and wider region, as Kuwait reports ‘several’ US warplanes crashing Israeli military says fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah could take ‘many’ more days; US crew bailed out safely after crash-landing, says Kuwait

Kuwait says 'several' US warplanes have crashed in the country, with all the crew surviving
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...

Now they tell us!

Dubai's image as a safe, tax-free haven is rocked by blasts from Iranian airstrikes Iranian missiles and drones have hit the United Arab Emirates, shaking Dubai’s image as a safe, tax-free haven for foreigners.

The Trump-Netanyahu war has severely undermined one of their key Arab allies: “This is Dubai’s ultimate nightmare, as its very essence depended on being a safe oasis in a troubled region. There might be a way to be resilient, but there is no going back.” apnews.com/article/iran...

Analysis by my colleague @suzannemaloney.bsky.social before the killing of Khamenei has turned out to be right:

RAF base in Cyprus 'hit by Iranian drone': Sources confirm blast Strong explosions were heard at the British RAF Akrotiri base in Limassol at around midnight local time after a 'security threat' was reportedly declared.

"British RAF base in Cyprus 'hit by Iranian drone': Sources confirm blast"
mol.im/a/15604741 via @DailyMail

Now the Israeli report is adjusted to say only 3 missiles were fired, one of which was intercepted while the others left no damage or casualties.

That's the report from Israel radio, but it doesn't mean it's accurate; there are other Lebanese groups capable of firing missiles. It's also a bit strange that Hezbollah would start by firing only six missiles, given that it would face strong Israeli reaction whether they fire 6 or 60.

Israel radio now reports Hezbollah missiles fired at Northern Israel from Lebanon

New: For first time since start of Iran war, reported fire from Lebanon toward Haifa

I take the WP report with grain of salt. Saudis are of course worried about Iranian influence, but they are also worried about growing Israeli regional influence. And they are not so stupid as to miss the huge economic/strategic risks entailed in war. The WP recently decimated its regional staff.

In any case, it was the president of the USA who took 'credit' for it and bragged about the killing of Khamenei.

In any case, it was the president of the USA who took 'credit' for it and bragged about it.

👇

This loss is made more tragic given that this is a war choice with no urgency or defendable aims and without Congressional approval - backed by only 1 in 5 Americans, costing billions and counting, and has already killed dozens of innocent civilians, including 153 at a girls' school.

Tragically, death toll has reportedly risen to at least 153.

This loss is made more tragic given that this is a war choice with no urgency or defendable aims and without Congressional approval - backed by only 1 in 5 Americans, costing billions and counting, and has already killed dozens of innocent civilians. www.axios.com/2026/03/01/u...

"Exquisitely manipulable" is the way former Trump White House aide, Fiona Hill described her former boss. He has been proving her right ever since.

Asked about Iranian targets outside US airbases, he claims that the US had moved some personnel from bases to 'hotels.' He says that Iran's military has pre-set targets that they are implementing, claiming that he has little influence even as he tries to give input.

In important interview, Iranian Foreign Minister tells AJArabic that Iran has not closed the Straight of Hormuz and has no plan to do so. Also says Iran can defend itself alone and does not expect its regional allies to join fight.

MIDDLE EAST LIVE: UN Security Council meeting in emergency session over Iran The UN Security Council is in emergency session in the aftermath of major airstrikes across Iran by the United States and Israel. In retaliation, Tehran has launched its own attacks throughout the Mid...

UN Secretary-General warns of 'grave threat', following US-Israel attack on Iran
news.un.org/en/story/202...

We don't have fresh polls yet, but I am not picking up noticeable rally 'round the flag effect that one might expect upon a declaration of war. Is it just me?

Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels to resume attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor, 2 rebel officials tell AP - WTOP News CAIRO (AP) — Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels to resume attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor, 2 rebel officials tell AP.

Yemen’s Houthis to resume attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor, two Houthi officials tell AP
wtop.com/world/2026/0...

Israeli eyes are on Turkey even on the first day of war on Iran:

The death toll has risen significantly since the early reports from the Iranian girls school struck by US/Israeli attack

Iran moves to close Strait of Hormuz after strikes Iran's move to close the Strait of Hormuz heightens tensions in the Gulf, impacting global energy markets as the strategic waterway is crucial for oil exports. Discover the implications of this develo...

Big: Iran moves to close Strait of Hormuz after strikes gulfnews.com/world/mena/i...

U.S. and Israel launch a major attack on Iran. Trump urges Iranians to ‘take over’ The strikes killed at least 57 people at a girls' school, says state media. Iran has retaliated against Israel and U.S. military installations.

U.S. and Israeli strikes "killed at least 57 people at a girls’ school, says state media."
www.thestar.com/news/world/m... via @torontostar