Iran launches third ballistic missile salvo of the day as United States Ambassador advises citizens to evacuate Israel

Iran targets Tel Aviv with fresh ballistic missiles while US Ambassador Mike Huckabee advises Americans to evacuate via Egypt following IRGC leadership changes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 1:06 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Times of Israel

Escalating ballistic missile barrages

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) detected a third major launch of ballistic missiles from Iran on Tuesday afternoon, March 3, 2026. Sirens sounded across central and northern Israel, including Tel Aviv, as the military worked to intercept the incoming projectiles. Civilians were instructed to remain in bomb shelters until further notice. This latest escalation follows two previous salvos earlier in the day, marking a significant intensification of Iran's direct military involvement in the regional conflict. The IDF has confirmed it is actively engaging the threats but has warned that additional launches are expected as the "Iranian terror regime" continues its offensive.

U.S. evacuation orders and diplomatic shifts

United States Ambassador Mike Huckabee has issued an urgent advisory to American citizens currently in Israel, recommending immediate evacuation. Due to the closure of much of Israel's northern and central airspace and the ongoing missile threat, the Ambassador has advised citizens to seek passage out of the country through Egypt. This advisory comes as the U.S. State Department continues to draw down diplomatic personnel across the Middle East. The evacuation notice highlights the severity of the current security situation, with the U.S. mission prioritizing the safety of its nationals as the conflict enters a more volatile phase.

Leadership changes in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Following the deaths of senior Iranian leaders in joint U.S.-Israeli strikes over the weekend, Tehran has appointed Ahmad Vahidi as the new chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Vahidi, a senior military officer and former head of the Quds Force, replaces Mohammad Pakpour, who was killed on Saturday. Vahidi is currently wanted by Interpol for his alleged role in the 1990s bombings of the Israeli embassy and the AMIA Jewish community center in Argentina. His appointment is seen by regional analysts as a defiant move by Tehran, signaling a commitment to its "terrorist state" status as recently designated by Argentine courts.