Iran attacks; European stance; Medicaid mandates

Your afternoon news update

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser | APNews DONATE View in Browser | APNews DONATE AP Afternoon Wire Advancing the Power of Facts Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Amy Langfield March 02, 2026 By Amy Langfield March 02, 2026 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, U.S. President Trump says Iran operations are likely to last 4 to 5 weeks; Europe defends its military bases as it is drawn into the war on Iran; and U.S. states face an immense task and high costs to prepare for upcoming Medicaid work mandates. UP FIRST Rescue workers carry a dead body in a plastic bag from a building that was hit by an Israeli strike in Jnah neighborhood, south of Beirut, Lebanon, Monday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Live updates: Trump says Iran operations likely to last 4 to 5 weeks, but he's prepared 'to go far longer' As the war in the Middle East spirals further, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the U.S. has "the capability to go far longer" than its projected four to five week time frame for its military operations against Iran. The intensity of the attacks and the lack of any apparent exit plan set the stage for a prolonged conflict with far-reaching consequences. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ A look at some of the contenders to be Iran's supreme leader after the killing of Khamenei Congress will debate an Iran conflict that is well underway US and Israeli attacks on Iran put further strain on international law Russia condemns US-Israel strikes on Iran as 'unprovoked act of armed aggression' US says Kuwait mistakenly downed 3 American jets during Iranian attacks Hegseth insists the Iran conflict is 'not endless' while warning more casualties are likely WATCH: Hegseth won't rule out ground troops in Iran How the US-Israeli strikes on Iran unfolded, moment by moment Pakistan deploys troops and imposes curfew after deadly protests over US-Israeli strikes on Iran Gulf airlines restart some UAE flights as governments work to extract citizens from Middle East Melania Trump will preside at UN Security Council meeting on children in conflict as US attacks Iran TOP STORIES Europe defends military bases and struggles to evacuate citizens as it is drawn into the war on Iran The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory strikes across the Middle East are quickly dragging Europe in, forcing the continent into defensive action to protect military bases and evacuate citizens caught up in the conflict. While refusing to directly join the war, Britain, France and Germany have said they would work with the United States to help stop Iran's attacks. The U.K. will allow U.S. forces to use British bases to attack Iran's missiles and launch sites. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Britain says it's not at war after a drone strikes its Akrotiri base in Cyprus Macron says France will allow temporary deployment of nuclear-armed jets to European allies As Macron sets out his nuclear doctrine, a look at France's capability by the numbers Trump's Medicaid work mandates are meant to save money. But first states will have to spend millions New Medicaid work requirements signed into law by President Donald Trump are meant to save money. But states first will have to spend millions of dollars to implement them. An Associated Press analysis finds that states are projected to spend over $1 billion on technology improvements and additional staff needed to carry out the requirements. The Medicaid changes were included in Trump's big tax-cut law passed by Congress last year. States are still waiting on federal rules to provide further guidance. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Trump expects his Fed pick and AI to deliver a replay of the '90s boom. Economists have doubts Retail customers file lawsuits over tariffs against FedEx and Ray-Bans maker New York City's tab for police misconduct settlements: Nearly $800 million since 2019 Trump awards the Medal of Honor to 3 US Army service members in a White House ceremony Major historical documents start journey across US as part of nation's 250th anniversary celebration AP Decision Notes: What to expect in the Texas state primaries AP Decision Notes: What to expect in North Carolina's state primaries AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Arkansas' state primaries ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS Alysa Liu of the United States competes during the women's figure skating free program at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Feb. 19. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) AP Photos: Major global news moments of February Teetering on the verge of full-blown civil war: 169 people killed after insurgents raid a village in South Sudan Oil reserves dwindle: Cuba's president pushes for 'urgent' changes to island's economic and business model South Africa: At least 6 people killed in a building collapse Simultaneous attacks: Gunmen kill at least 15 people in Nigeria, Amnesty says Amazon rainforest: With only 3 women left, a tribe faced extinction. An unexpected birth now brings hope Health: What to know before asking an AI chatbot for health advice WATCH: Trends, buzzwords and fresh starts at Milan Fashion Week TRENDING Director Taco Dibbits of the Rijksmuseum unveiled the work "Vision of Zacharias in the Temple" in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Monday, and said two years of analysis has confirmed it was painted by Rembrandt. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)  Dutch museum makes 'needle in a haystack' confirmation of Rembrandt painting A painting that was once rejected as a work by Rembrandt van Rijn has now been acknowledged as a work by the Dutch master. "Vision of Zacharias in the Temple" hadn't been on public display in decades after being bought by a private collector in 1961. "We always hope to find a new Rembrandt, but this happens rarely," Rijksmuseum Director Taco Dibbits told The Associated Press. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Amy Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Amy SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe   *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT