US-Israel Attacks Iran Live News Updates: Trump claims Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is dead, even as Tehran denies

US-Israel Attacks Iran Live News Updates: The Middle East has entered a state of unprecedented escalation following the confirmed killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israeli airstrikes. As “Operation Epic Fury” moves into a critical new phase, the conflict has spilled over into neighbouring nations, sparking deadly unrest and regional retaliation. ## Here are latest developments: • Arafi to lead temporarily: Ayatollah Arafi has been named to lead Iran temporarily, Khaleej Times reported. Arafi, a seasoned cleric and close associate of Khamenei, Arafi currently serves as deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts. • Violence in Pakistan: At least six people have been killed in Karachi after protesters stormed the US Consulate in response to the killing of Khamenei. Local authorities report the situation is currently under “control” but remains volatile. • Leadership vacuum in Tehran: In addition to the Supreme Leader, CNN reports the deaths of Iran’s Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi. • Regional retaliation: Iran has launched a massive wave of drone and missile strikes. Explosions have been reported for a second consecutive day in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. • Trump’s warning: President Donald Trump has confirmed the death of Khamenei, warning Tehran that any further retaliation will be met with “a force that has never been seen before”. • Humanitarian toll: The Iranian Red Crescent reports over 201 fatalities nationwide, including a strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran with at least 85 feared dead. • Airport Disruptions in Gulf: Major flight cancellations reported at Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai airports due to ongoing drone activity and interceptions by Saudi and Jordanian defences. Our analysis: The targeting of Iran’s highest political and military symbols marks the total collapse of nuclear diplomacy. Our team is verifying reports in real-time. Stay with The Indian Express for live maps, official reactions from the UN Security Council, and breaking updates on the ground. Amid escalating tensions in Middle East, Israel has closed Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt. “Several necessary security adjustments have been implemented, including the closure of the crossings into the Gaza Strip, among them the Rafah Crossing, until further notice,” Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera citing a statement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has termed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death a cynical murder in violation of all standards of human morality and international law, TASS reported. Reuters inputs Ayatollah Arafi has been named to lead Iran temporarily, Khaleej Times reported. Arafi, a seasoned cleric and close associate of Khamenei, Arafi currently serves as deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts. He has also been a member of the influential Guardian Council, the body responsible for vetting election candidates and reviewing legislation passed by parliament. He heads Iran’s seminary system as well. Although well established religiously, he is not widely regarded as a major political force and is not known for strong ties to the security establishment. Panic gripped students of IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi as air strikes hit parts of the country. About an hour and a half from the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus lies the Al Dhafra Air Base, situated south of the UAE capital and shared with the UAE Air Force. The base hosts the US’s 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, which comprises 10 aircraft squadrons and drones such as the MQ-9 Reapers. Al Dhafra houses the Gulf Air Warfare Center, which offers region-specific training for about 2,000 participants annually, and routinely hosts rotations of combat aircraft units. “We are all currently in the hostel only, living normally, ” said a doctoral student of IIT Delhi currently at the Abu Dhabi campus, speaking on condition of anonymity. “But there is a male prayer room in the building which contains no glass windows. So that’s a safe room, also on the ground floor.” By Saturday, the campus administration had activated emergency protocols. Executive Director of the IIT Delhi- Abu campus Shantanu Roy said in a statement, “In light of the ongoing regional developments and the emergency alerts issued across Abu Dhabi today, the safety of our community is my highest priority...Following the guidance of the UAE authorities, I am advising all members of the IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi community to shelter in place immediately until further notice.” The advisory detailed specific instructions: “Stay Indoors: If you are currently in campus, remain inside your building. If you are outdoors, move to the nearest permanent structure immediately. Seek interior space: Move to an interior room, hallway, or stairwell. Avoid areas with windows, glass doors, or external walls." Avoid Travel: Do not attempt to leave the campus or travel by vehicle. Local authorities have advised against any unnecessary movement at this time.” Roy added. Vidheesha Kuntamalla reports The video released by Israel Defence Forces shows air strikes hitting parts of Iran's capital Tehran. A huge plume of smoke can be seen emitting as strikes hit the buildings. Watch video > צפו בתיעוד ראשון מהמטס הרחב של חיל האוויר בלב טהראןמצורף תיעוד מהדקות האחרונות של השמדת מפקדה של משטר הטרור האיראני בלב טהראן pic.twitter.com/jGSpx0oo2Y— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) March 1, 2026 צפו בתיעוד ראשון מהמטס הרחב של חיל האוויר בלב טהראןמצורף תיעוד מהדקות האחרונות של השמדת מפקדה של משטר הטרור האיראני בלב טהראן pic.twitter.com/jGSpx0oo2Y Iran’s Cabinet promised that this “great crime will never go unanswered” and the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its “most intense offensive operation” ever, targeting Israeli and American bases. “You have crossed our red line and must pay the price,” Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address Sunday. “We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg. " A powerful explosion rocked Iran's capital Tehran as the Israeli military said it was targeting the "heart" of the city. A huge plume of smoke appeared in the sky and shook the ground. The blast seemed centered in an area next to the nation's police headquarters and Iranian state television. The Israeli military said it was striking targets in central Tehran. It said that on the first day of the war, the military cleared the path to Tehran, and on the second day, it was striking central Tehran. With AP inputs At least six people have been killed in Karachi after protesters stormed the US Consulate in response to the killing of Khamenei. Local authorities report the situation is currently under “control” but remains volatile. Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the last shah of Iran, vowed to protect Iran and the people in the country and urged citizens to exercise caution. remain in their homes. In a post on X Pahlavi wrote, "My dear compatriots, Moments of destiny lie ahead of us. The aid that the President of the United States promised to the brave people of Iran has now arrived. This is a humanitarian intervention; and its target is the Islamic Republic, its repressive apparatus, and its machinery of slaughter—not the country and great nation of Iran. But, even with the arrival of this aid, the final victory will still be forged by our hands. It is we, the people of Iran, who will finish the job in this final battle. The time to return to the streets is near. Now that the Islamic Republic is collapsing, my message to the country's military, police, and security forces is clear: You have sworn an oath to protect Iran and the Iranian people—not the Islamic Republic and its leaders. Your duty is to defend the people, not a regime that has taken our homeland hostage through repression and crime. Join the people and help bring about a stable and secure transition. Otherwise, you will go down with Khamenei's sinking ship and his regime. And my message to the President of the United States, President Trump, is this: The noble people of Iran, despite the savage repression and massacres of this regime, stood firm with courage for nearly two months. I now ask you to exercise the utmost caution to preserve the lives of civilians and my compatriots. The people of Iran are your natural allies and those of the free world, and they will never forget your support in the most difficult period in contemporary Iranian history. And to you, my dear compatriots in Iran: In these sensitive hours and days, more than ever, we must stay focused on our ultimate goal: reclaiming Iran. I ask you to remain in your homes for now and preserve your safety and security. Stay vigilant and ready so that, at the appropriate time—which I will announce to you precisely—you can return to the streets for the final action. Follow my messages through social media and satellite media. If there are disruptions to the internet and satellite, I will stay in touch with you via radio waves. We are very close to final victory. I want to be by your side as soon as possible so that together we can take back and rebuild Iran. Long live Iran, Reza Pahlavi." One expat worker was wounded in targeting of Duqm port in Oman, says state news agency With Reuters input Iran's defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and army chief Abdolrahim Mousavi were killed in the US-Israel joint attacks following the death of Tehran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Credit: Abhishek Mitra) Iran has suffered a major setback with the reported killing of its defence minister and the chief of staff for its armed forces, following the killing of its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the joint US-Israeli strikes. Lt. Gen Abdolrahim Mousavi, who has led the armed force since his predecesor was killed during the 12-day conflict last June, died in Saturday’s strikes, Tasnim news reported. Following the reported death its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran launched a fresh wave of attacks across the region, with Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Israel reporting incoming Iranian strikes, CNN reported. Iran's ⁠armed forces ‌chief of ⁠staff ⁠Abdolrahim ⁠Mousavi ‌was killed ​in the strikes launched by Israel, Iranian media reported. Reuters inputs Citing Iranian media, Reuters said several loud explosions were heard in Tehran a while ago. Stay tuned here for the latest updates on the Middle Eastern conflict. Israel said it launched another wave of strikes on Iran on Sunday, as Iranians grappled with uncertainty after the killing of their supreme leader in US and Israeli strikes that threaten to destabilize the wider Middle East. Hours after both nations said an air strike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the military campaign to overthrow the government of the Islamic Republic, its state media confirmed the 86-year-old leader's death on Saturday. Several loud blasts were heard for a second day on Sunday in the area of regional business hub Dubai and over Qatar's capital of Doha, witnesses said, after Iran launched retaliatory strikes on the neighbouring Gulf states in response to the strikes. -Reuters Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a martyr and vowed revenge for his killing in a US-Israel military offensive. Pezeshkian praised Khamenei's 37-year leadership, saying he led the Islamic Revolution with wisdom and courage. A 40-day nationwide mourning period has been announced. Pezeshkian warned that those responsible for Khamenei's death will regret their actions, stating that the crime will create a new chapter in Islamic and Shia history. -NBC News Airports Company South Africa says UAE airspace closure affecting Emirates, Qatar airways flights. -Reuters Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that the US and Israel have crossed a red line and will face consequences for their actions. In a video played on state TV, Ghalibaf said Iran has prepared for "all scenarios" and will deliver "devastating blows" to the US and Israel . The IRGC has announced that it has hit a US-bound ammunition ship at Jebel Ali anchorage with four drones, and the American naval base in Kuwait's Abdullah Mubarak area with four ballistic missiles and 12 drones, causing significant damage and casualties. Additionally, an MST-class combat support ship carrying fuel for US vessels in the Indian Ocean was hit by Iranian Qadr 380 missiles. > ♦️ IRGC Announcement No. 4🔹In the fifth wave of Operation True Promise4 in the Indian Ocean, the MSP ship, which was carrying ammunition for American vessels, was hit by four drones at the Jebel Ali anchorage and was completely disabled with damage and explosions.🔹The…— Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) March 1, 2026 ♦️ IRGC Announcement No. 4🔹In the fifth wave of Operation True Promise4 in the Indian Ocean, the MSP ship, which was carrying ammunition for American vessels, was hit by four drones at the Jebel Ali anchorage and was completely disabled with damage and explosions.🔹The… Trump has just issued a new statement on his Truth Social media app, warning Iran against hitting back. “Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before,” the US president wrote. “They better not do that, however, because if they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before!” Iran managed to hit Dubai International Airport. > Iran managed to hit Dubai International Airport. pic.twitter.com/UdcpOzf6sr— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026 Iran managed to hit Dubai International Airport. pic.twitter.com/UdcpOzf6sr India on Sunday issued an advisory for the foreign nationals in the country to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in order to extend or regularise their stay due to a developing situation in West Asia. “All foreign nationals in India, who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularize their stay, are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office. The FRRO concerned will help with necessary formalities.” the government said in a new advisory. Read the full copy here. Sirens are sounding in Kuwait as Iran continues its retaliatory attacks following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Aljazeera) At least 11 explosions have been heard in the sky above Qatar's capital, Doha, as residents report loud blasts and plumes of smoke rising from central areas, as reported by Aljazeera. Israel’s Channel 12 news reports that air attack alarms are expected across Israel due to missile launches from Iran. Protesters in Baghdad's Green Zone have clashed with government security forces, attempting to mobilize towards the US embassy in anger over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protesters, waving flags and shouting slogans, also blocked road vehicles at a roundabout near a gate leading to the Green Zone, according to videos verified by Al Jazeera's Sanad. > اشتباك بالايدي بين قوات حفظ القانون ومتظاهرين قرب المنطقة الخضراء في العاصمة بغداد مع بدأ تحشيد لاقتحام السفارة الامريكية pic.twitter.com/xyRerI6F4D— حيدر (@Hydikm) March 1, 2026 اشتباك بالايدي بين قوات حفظ القانون ومتظاهرين قرب المنطقة الخضراء في العاصمة بغداد مع بدأ تحشيد لاقتحام السفارة الامريكية pic.twitter.com/xyRerI6F4D Iran’s Fars news agency has published videos of people taking to the streets to mourn slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. > 🎥 خروش زنجانی‌ها درپی شهادت حضرت آیت‌الله خامنه‌ای https://t.co/wzZh5pHCpY pic.twitter.com/I1dwGwWuAk— خبرگزاری فارس (@FarsNews_Agency) March 1, 2026 🎥 خروش زنجانی‌ها درپی شهادت حضرت آیت‌الله خامنه‌ای https://t.co/wzZh5pHCpY pic.twitter.com/I1dwGwWuAk > 🎥 تجمع بجنوردی‌ها در میدان مرکزی شهر pic.twitter.com/bk6FhdObQJ— خبرگزاری فارس (@FarsNews_Agency) March 1, 2026 🎥 تجمع بجنوردی‌ها در میدان مرکزی شهر pic.twitter.com/bk6FhdObQJ Several loud bangs were heard in the Dubai area for ⁠a ​second day on Sunday, ​witnesses said, after ​Iran ⁠launched retaliatory strikes on ‌the neighbouring Gulf states in response to US and ⁠Israeli ⁠strikes on the ⁠Islamic Republic. Iran ‌has said ​it ‌would target US bases ‌in ​the ​region. ​It has hit a ​range of ⁠other targets. (With inputs from Reuters) Government supporters mourn and chant slogans in a gathering after state TV officially announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo) Government supporters mourn during a gathering after state TV officially announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, shown in the poster, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) The Iranian Embassy in Delhi has lowered its flag to half-mast following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israel strike. The 86-year-old leader's death has been confirmed by Iranian state media, with reports indicating that his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were also killed in the attack. > #watch | The Iranian Embassy in Delhi has lowered its flag to half-mast following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali KhameneiHe has been killed in Israeli and US strikes. pic.twitter.com/zWwDQI8dSj— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026 #watch | The Iranian Embassy in Delhi has lowered its flag to half-mast following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali KhameneiHe has been killed in Israeli and US strikes. pic.twitter.com/zWwDQI8dSj Budgam, J&K: People gather in large numbers to mourn the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a major strike by US and Israel. > VIDEO | Budgam, J&K: People gather in large numbers to mourn the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a major strike by US and Israel.(Full video available on PTI Videos: https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/lMwO4X0n4e— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 1, 2026 VIDEO | Budgam, J&K: People gather in large numbers to mourn the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a major strike by US and Israel.(Full video available on PTI Videos: https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/lMwO4X0n4e Qatar's Ministry of Interior reports that eight more people have been injured, bringing the total to 16, following Iranian strikes on the country. The ministry also notes that there has been limited material damage in various areas. _Al-Jazeera Israel said it had launched another wave of strikes on Iran on Sunday, as Iranians faced uncertainty after the killing of their supreme leader in US and Israeli attacks that threatened to destabilize the wider Middle East. Hours after the United States and Israel said that an air strike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as part of the most ambitious series of attacks on Iran in decades, Iranian state media confirmed the 86-year-old leader's death on Saturday. Inputs from Reuters. China's ministry of foreign affairs has expressed concern over US-Israeli strikes against Iran and called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all sides to avoid escalation and to resume dialogue and negotiation. In a statement on Saturday, the ministry said Iran's sovereignty, security ⁠and ​territorial integrity should be respected. On Sunday, China's embassy in Israel issued a notice advising Chinese citizens in Israel to evacuate to safer areas within the country ​as soon ​as possible or to ⁠leave for Egypt via the Taba border crossing.-Reuters The Shia leader expressed his “sadness and sorrow” in a statement on X. He also declared three days of public mourning in Iraq. > pic.twitter.com/MA62E554Y7— مقتدى السيد محمد الصدر (@Mu_AlSadr) March 1, 2026 pic.twitter.com/MA62E554Y7 Khamenei was a long-time opponent of the United States and Israel. He supported armed groups across the region and backed Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, which Tehran described as "defensive tools." He introduced the idea of “heroic flexibility” in 2013, allowing limited compromise when needed. This approach helped clear the way for Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Trump withdrew the United States from the agreement in 2018 during his first term and reimposed sanctions. Iran later reduced its compliance with the deal. Read the full copy here. A Chinese organization is registering citizens in Iran for evacuation to neighboring countries, according to a Chinese media report. More than 200 Chinese are scattered across Iran, Tan Kai, the president of the Iran Federation of Chinese Organizations, told the Global Times newspaper. The group is making evacuation preparations at the instruction of the Chinese Embassy, Tan said. An embassy statement said the land borders with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkey were open for individuals wishing to depart on their own. In Israel, the Chinese Embassy advised citizens to move to safe areas away from the centers of Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem and airports, power stations and similar sites. It said it would begin registering citizens on Sunday who wish to evacuate to Egypt and cannot do so on their own. Inputs from AP Iran’s Press TV has posted footage of Khamenei’s supporters mourning his death at the shrine of Imam Reza in the city of Mashhad. Several people are heard crying wailing as others appear collapsed on the floor in grief. > Grief and sorrow fill the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad as Iranians hear about the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei.Follow: https://t.co/mLGcUTS2ei pic.twitter.com/UV16DkQqhX— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) March 1, 2026 Grief and sorrow fill the holy shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad as Iranians hear about the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei.Follow: https://t.co/mLGcUTS2ei pic.twitter.com/UV16DkQqhX The head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and a top security adviser to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were killed in American-Israel airstrikes on the country, state media reported Sunday. The state-run IRNA news agency announced the death of Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, who took over as the Guard’s top commander after Israel killed its past commander in the 12-day June war. Also killed was Ali Shamkhani, long a figurehead within Iran’s security establishment, IRNA said. Shamkhani was wounded in the June war. -AP Protests have erupted in Srinagar's Saida Kadal area, with people condemning the US-Israel strike that reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have also voiced their condemnation of the attack, with some calling for the safe evacuation of Kashmiris stranded in Iran. > VIDEO | Srinagar, J&K: People in the Saida Kadal area protest against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a major strike by US and Israel.(Full video available on PTI Videos: https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/WZj1fCbyUb— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 1, 2026 VIDEO | Srinagar, J&K: People in the Saida Kadal area protest against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a major strike by US and Israel.(Full video available on PTI Videos: https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/WZj1fCbyUb United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has cautioned that military action in the Middle East risks triggering an uncontrollable chain of events, emphasizing that lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means. Guterres made the remarks while briefing the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation. > "Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control."Briefing the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, @antonioguterres stresses:“Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means.”https://t.co/UWmLu0ptWb pic.twitter.com/Bb43LaLDoy— United Nations (@UN) March 1, 2026 "Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control."Briefing the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, @antonioguterres stresses:“Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means.”https://t.co/UWmLu0ptWb pic.twitter.com/Bb43LaLDoy Government supporters have gathered in Tehran, Iran, to mourn the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israel strike on Saturday. Government supporters gather in mourning after state TV officially announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, Feb. 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) US President Donald Trump on Saturday celebrated US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran's leader, but warned attacks would continue. The strikes, which Trump said were aimed at destroying Iranian missiles and annihilating its navy, follow repeated US-Israeli warnings that they would strike Iran again if it pressed ahead with its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Trump, who is monitoring the operation from his Mar-a-Lago oceanfront resort in Florida, posted on Saturday afternoon that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had died in the strikes. A senior Israeli official earlier told Reuters that Khamenei's body had been found, and Trump concurred in a post on Truth Social. A South Korean protester wearing a mask of U.S. President Donald Trump attends a press conference denouncing the US and Israel's attack on Iran, near the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo) Mourners raised a black mourning flag over the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city and a major pilgrimage site for Shiite Muslims. Iran's state TV reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country's Supreme Leader, was killed early Saturday morning at his office in Tehran while carrying out his duties. The attack has caused significant damage to the Leadership House compound, according to BBC Verify's satellite imagery analysis. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has denied earlier reports that Khamenei was hiding, stating that his death is proof of the enemy's psychological warfare. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the start of "the most devastating offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran", targeting "occupied territories and American terrorist bases" in the region, according to Fars news agency. This comes after US and Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that it's taking swift and decisive action against the Iranian regime, following warnings. The operation is part of a joint US-Israel effort targeting key Iranian military sites, including areas near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's offices. > The Iranian regime was warned. CENTCOM is now delivering swift and decisive action as directed. pic.twitter.com/nNDoDexH6g— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026 The Iranian regime was warned. CENTCOM is now delivering swift and decisive action as directed. pic.twitter.com/nNDoDexH6g In a post on X, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s deposed Shah, has thanked Trump for the military operation launched against Iran, saying “their hour of liberation is at hand”. “The courageous Iranian people have paid a heavy price for freedom,” he added. Pahlavi, who is seeking to lead Iran, said that he has laid out his plan “for an orderly, transparent transition to a democratic Iran”. > The courageous Iranian people have paid a heavy price for freedom. Thanks to President @realDonaldTrump, their hour of liberation is at hand. In the @washingtonpost I lay out my plan for an orderly, transparent transition to a democratic Iran.https://t.co/HU7oNWRGcj— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) March 1, 2026 The courageous Iranian people have paid a heavy price for freedom. Thanks to President @realDonaldTrump, their hour of liberation is at hand. In the @washingtonpost I lay out my plan for an orderly, transparent transition to a democratic Iran.https://t.co/HU7oNWRGcj Ayatollah Ali Khamenei took over as Iran's Supreme Leader in 1989, following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Islamic Revolution. Khamenei played a crucial role in shaping Iran's military and paramilitary forces, which not only defended the country but also extended its influence globally. Before becoming Supreme Leader, he served as Iran's President during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, an experience that deepened his distrust of the West, particularly the US, due to their support for Iraq's Saddam Hussein. This sentiment shaped his decades-long rule, reinforcing Iran's stance of constant defense against external and internal threats. Read the full copy here. Here are the key things you need to know since US-Israel launched a military campaign across Iran: • A new era: The Middle East has now entered a volatile new era as the United States and Israel launched a massive, coordinated military campaign across Iran Saturday, February 28. • Trump's appeal to Iranians: In an early message, US President Donald Trump confirmed "major combat operations" are underway, explicitly calling for the Iranian public to "seize control of your destiny" and overthrow the Islamic leadership that has held power since 1979. • More than 200 Iranians killed, over 747 injured: At least 108 children were killed in an attack on an Iranian girls’ elementary school in Minab, southern Iran, according to The Guardian. • Israel Air Force kills 7 Iranian officials: These officials include Ali Shamkhani, adviser for security affairs; Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps; and Aziz Nasirzadeh, minister of defence. • Khamenei dead: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that there are “many signs” that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is no longer alive. Trump too followed suit, and Iranian media has now confirmed Khamenei's death. • Iran launches retaliatory strikes: Iran has launched missiles and drones at US bases, namely, at the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, Israeli residential areas, and targets in many Gulf countries. Attacks were reported on the Fairmont hotel in Dubai, a naval base in Bahrain, Kuwait’s main airport, and Qatar. • Deaths: So far, one person died, and more than 21 have been injured following Iranian strikes on a residential building in Tel Aviv. • Flights disrupted: Flights across the Middle East have been disrupted as countries across the region closed their airspaces, leaving travellers stranded. Damage was reported at Dubai’s international airport, while one person was killed and seven were injured at Abu Dhabi’s international airport. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for over three decades and shaped its confrontation with the United States and Israel, was killed on Saturday in US-Israeli airstrikes, Iranian media confirmed early Sunday. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Khamenei had died during strikes targeting Iran’s leadership. A senior Israeli official also told Reuters that his body was found following the attacks. Satellite images showed heavy damage to his compound in Tehran, which was among the first sites hit. Read the full story here. US defence chief Pete Hegseth has declared that the “Iranian navy will be destroyed”, adding that the country’s military forces “are fully unleashed to achieve” the objectives set by President Donald Trump. In a post on X, Hegseth said that Washington DC “will not tolerate powerful missiles” targeting Americans, after Iran launched a counter-strike following the joint US and Israel attacks. “Those missiles will be destroyed, along with Iran’s missile production. The Iranian navy will be destroyed,” he said. > Overnight, on President Trump’s orders, the Department of War commenced OPERATION EPIC FURY — the most lethal, most complex, and most-precision aerial operation in history.The Iranian regime had their chance, yet refused to make a deal — and now they are suffering the…— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) February 28, 2026 Overnight, on President Trump’s orders, the Department of War commenced OPERATION EPIC FURY — the most lethal, most complex, and most-precision aerial operation in history.The Iranian regime had their chance, yet refused to make a deal — and now they are suffering the… The fars agency has reported that the government has declared 40 days of public mourning in the wake of Khamenei’s killing. It also announced seven days of public holidays. As we announced earlier, Khamenei’s killing was announced on Iran’s state media, but no details surrounding his killing were announced. Iranian state TV has just confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Late on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that there are “many signs” that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was no longer alive following Israeli-US strikes on Tehran. Israel claimed that senior Revolutionary Guards and nuclear officials were also eliminated, as Netanyahu called on Iranians to rise against the regime. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s daughter and grandson were killed in the US-Israeli strikes on Sunday, Iranian media reported. However, there's still no confirmation on Khamenei's death. New Zealand Sunday said that the US and Israeli attacks were designed to prevent the Iranian regime from threatening international peace and security. In a joint statement, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, said: “New Zealand has consistently condemned Iran’s nuclear program, its destabilising activities in the region and elsewhere, and its repression of its own people." “Iran has, for decades, defied the will and expectations of the international community. The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people,” they added. “The Iranian regime has long since lost that support. In this context, we acknowledge that the actions taken overnight by the U.S. and Israel were designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.” > pic.twitter.com/PYBu4JOgCO— Christopher Luxon (@chrisluxonmp) February 28, 2026 pic.twitter.com/PYBu4JOgCO White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared early Sunday that US President Donald Trump plans to continue with his social schedule for the evening, even as missiles and drones continue to rain down on parts of the Middle East, The Guardian reported. Speaking to pool reporters at Mar-a-Lago, Leavitt said, “President Trump still intends to stop by the fundraiser being held at Mar-a-Lago this evening for the Republican Party, which is more important than ever." (The Guardian) A drone attack inflicted damage on Bahrain International Airport early Sunday, news agency AP reported quoting the country’s Interior Ministry. The strike, which caused no fatalities, was at least the fourth on a commercial airport in the region since Israel and the United States launched the military capaign against Iran on Saturday. (AP) Maged Abdelaziz, the 22-nation league’s UN observer, Saturday accused Israel of using war against Iran to evade ending its occupation of Palestinian territories and prevent the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, adding that it was doing so to impose its “hegemony on the Middle East by using military means," the Associated Press reported. Despite the announcement of some progress in US-Iran talks in Geneva two days ago, he told the emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Israel launched “a wanton military attack” claiming it “was intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.” “At the same time, Israel itself refuses to join the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty,” he said, and that it refuses to subject its nuclear facilities to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s nuclear safeguards regime. Abdelaziz, a former Egyptian ambassador to the UN, said Israel has also refused to attend UN conferences on establishing the Middle East as a zone free of nuclear weapons. (AP) The fighter jets of the Israeli Air Force struck military targets across Iran, killing its seven senior officials, between Saturday and early Sunday. The officials are: Ali Shamkhani, Mohammad Pakpour, Saleh Asadi, Mohammad Shirazi, Aziz Nasirzadeh, Hossein Jabal Amelian, Reza Mozaffari-Nia. Taking over X, the Israeli Air Force wrote: "IAF fighter jets precisely struck military targets across Iran, eliminating 7 senior officials of the Iranian Defense Leadership: Ali Shamkhani, Mohammad Pakpour, Saleh Asadi, Mohammad Shirazi, Aziz Nasirzadeh, Hossein Jabal Amelian, Reza Mozaffari-Nia. The world is a better place without them." > 🔴ELIMINATED:IAF fighter jets precisely struck military targets across Iran, eliminating 7 senior officials of the Iranian Defense Leadership:Ali Shamkhani, Mohammad Pakpour, Saleh Asadi, Mohammad Shirazi, Aziz Nasirzadeh, Hossein Jabal Amelian, Reza Mozaffari-Nia.The world… pic.twitter.com/747uf7kJ4J— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) February 28, 2026 🔴ELIMINATED:IAF fighter jets precisely struck military targets across Iran, eliminating 7 senior officials of the Iranian Defense Leadership:Ali Shamkhani, Mohammad Pakpour, Saleh Asadi, Mohammad Shirazi, Aziz Nasirzadeh, Hossein Jabal Amelian, Reza Mozaffari-Nia.The world… pic.twitter.com/747uf7kJ4J The United Arab Emirates Sunday said in a statement that it had intercepted the vast majority of the 137 missiles and 209 drones fired at its territory by Iran following US and Israel's attacks on the Islamic Republic. According to the statement posted online by the UAE’s defense ministry, 132 missiles and 195 drones were successfully intercepted. Over a post on Instagram, the ministry stated: “The ministry expressed that it is on high alert and readiness to deal with any threats, and that it is taking all necessary measures to firmly confront everything that targets the disruption of the country’s security and stability, and affirmed that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors represents an utmost priority that cannot be compromised." Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi Sunday morning said that one person was killed and seven others were injured in a drone strike, the second attack on an Emirati commercial airport in the past 24 hours, the Associated Press reported. The airport wrote on X: "The competent authorities in Abu Dhabi are dealing with an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport, where the interception operation led to the fall of shrapnel, resulting in one death of Asian nationality and 7 injuries." It said the individual killed was a national of an unnamed Asian country, AP noted. > تتعامل الجهات المختصة في أبوظبي مع حادثة نتيجة اعتراض طائرة مسيرة استهدفت مطار زايد الدولي حيث أسفرت عملية الاعتراض عن سقوط شظايا نجم عنها حالة وفاة واحدة من الجنسية الآسيوية و7 إصابات.— Zayed International Airport مطار زايد الدولي (@AUH) February 28, 2026 تتعامل الجهات المختصة في أبوظبي مع حادثة نتيجة اعتراض طائرة مسيرة استهدفت مطار زايد الدولي حيث أسفرت عملية الاعتراض عن سقوط شظايا نجم عنها حالة وفاة واحدة من الجنسية الآسيوية و7 إصابات. The International Atomic Energy Agency Sunday said that its 35-nation board of governors will hold an emergency meeting at 9 am (0800 GMT) on Monday, an hour before its scheduled meeting on Russia's request, news agency Reuters reported. Russia has requested a "special session of the IAEA Board of Governors on matters related to military strikes of the United States and Israel against the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the IAEA stated. (Reuters) The Israeli military on Sunday said that it completed another wave of strikes targeting ballistic missile array and aerial defense systems of Iran in its western and central regions, Reuters quoted. The military said that the strike on array and missile launch infrastructure thwarted dozens of launches towards Israel, the report stated. Syria’s Foreign Ministry Sunday said in a statement that it “strongly condemns the Iranian attacks that targeted the sovereignty and security” of Gulf monarchies hit by barrages of Iranian missiles. However, the statement made no mention of the Israeli or US strikes, reflecting Syria's new government efforts to rebuild ties with regional economic heavyweights and the United States, the Associated Press highlighted. (AP) Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Iranian chants of “Death to Israel, Death to America” and the burning of both countries’ flags were acts of “state-sanctioned hatred” and preparation for action, the Associated Press quoted. “But today, alongside our ally the United States, we acted to stop … an existential threat before it, became irreversible,” he said, stressing that Israel didn’t act on impulse or for aggression. “We acted out of necessity,” he said. Danon said “diplomacy was exhausted.” Addressing the Iranian people, he said the operation is directed “at a regime that has silenced you” and Israel stands “with you.” Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Iravani Saturday announced that all bases, facilities, and assets of 'hostile force' would be regarded as "legitimate military targets," Reuters quoted. Iravani also targeted the UN and the UNSC for not heeding Tehran’s warnings about the “warmongering statements and interfering actions” by the US in past several weeks, even as he called for the council to act, AP reported. A missile strike by Iran hit a building in Tel Aviv, resulting in one death and 22 injuries. The building partially collapsed, and a fire broke out, prompting rescue efforts. Eight people were rescued, and search operations are ongoing, according to reports from Haaretz and other media outlets. Iranian diplomat told the UN Security Council on Saturday that hundreds of civilians have been killed and injured in US-Israel strikes on Iran, news agency AP quoted. Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, took to X on Saturday to appeal to the military, law enforcement, and security forces to join the nation to "stable transition to a free and prosperous future." Calling Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the "bloodthirsty despot of our time," Pahlavi wrote: "With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history." He said Khamenei's death may "serve as a balm for the wounded hearts of the grieving fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, and the families of those who gave their lives in Iran’s Lion and Sun National Revolution." Read his full post here: > My fellow compatriots,Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran’s bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be… https://t.co/pm3ZXY9IYZ— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) February 28, 2026 My fellow compatriots,Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran’s bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be… https://t.co/pm3ZXY9IYZ According to Tel Aviv Medical Centre, 20 injured people have been evacuated from an area near Tel Aviv to the Emergency Medicine Department at Ichilov. Four of them are in "moderate condition" and are being treated in the trauma room. "Twenty injured individuals from the Tel Aviv impact site have been evacuated so far to the Emergency Medicine Department at Ichilov. Four are in moderate condition and are currently being treated in the trauma room, and the rest of the injured are in mild condition. We note that 7 of the injured are children and their condition is mild. An information center for families has been opened at Ichilov and is available at the number - 1255133," the Centre shared over a post on X. > למחלקה לרפואה דחופה באיכילוב פונו עד כה 20 פצועים מזירת הנפילה בתל אביב. ארבעה במצב בינוני שמטופלים כעת בחדר הטראומה ושאר הפצועים במצב קל. נציין כי 7 מהפצועים הם ילדים ומצבם קל. נפתח באיכילוב מרכז מידע למשפחות שזמין במספר- 1255133— המרכז הרפואי ת״א - איכילוב (@tasmc1) February 28, 2026 למחלקה לרפואה דחופה באיכילוב פונו עד כה 20 פצועים מזירת הנפילה בתל אביב. ארבעה במצב בינוני שמטופלים כעת בחדר הטראומה ושאר הפצועים במצב קל. נציין כי 7 מהפצועים הם ילדים ומצבם קל. נפתח באיכילוב מרכז מידע למשפחות שזמין במספר- 1255133 Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, Saturday shared over a post on X that Israel and America will “regret their actions.” "The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will deliver an unforgettable lesson to the hellish international oppressors," he wrote. > تبهکاران صهیونیست و آمریکائیان بی‌صفت را پشیمان می‌کنیم.سربازان سلحشور و ملت بزرگ ایران درسی فراموش نشدنی به دوزخیانِ ستمکار بین المللی خواهند داد.— Ali Larijani | علی لاریجانی (@alilarijani_ir) February 28, 2026 تبهکاران صهیونیست و آمریکائیان بی‌صفت را پشیمان می‌کنیم.سربازان سلحشور و ملت بزرگ ایران درسی فراموش نشدنی به دوزخیانِ ستمکار بین المللی خواهند داد. Israel’s rescue service Magen David Adom late Saturday night claimed that a woman in the Tel Aviv area had died after being injured in an Iranian missile attack, news agency AP reported. It was the first death announced in Israel since the exchange of missiles began this morning. The death comes after a heavy barrage of Iranian projectiles targeted central Israel, damaging buildings and setting fires. (AP) The White House earlier called a lid on President Donald Trump’s public schedule, according to an update shared by The Guardian. Therefore, it is unlikely Trump would make an official public appearance for the rest of the day. (The Guardian) Soon after four people were injured in a “blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles," on the Dubai International Airport, the UAE condemned the attack, the Associated Press reported. Four people were injured after an incident occurred at ⁠Dubai ​International Airport, the Dubai media office ​said ​on Saturday, ⁠as Iran continued to ‌launch strikes on US bases in the region. “Dubai ⁠Airports ⁠confirms that a concourse ⁠at ‌Dubai International (DXB) ​sustained minor ‌damage in an ‌incident, ​which was ​quickly ​contained,” the media ​office said on ⁠X, without giving further details. The US State Department has announced that its Secretary Marco Rubio will not be travelling to Israel on March 2, given "current circumstances," Reuters reported. One person was killed after succumbing to wounds sustained from Iran's attack on Tel Aviv, Reuters reported quoting Israeli media. (Reuters) United States Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council late Saturday on the US and Israeli airstrikes, said that “Everything must be done to prevent a further escalation.” “The alternative,” he said, “is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability," AP quoted. Guterres once again condemned the US and Israeli airstrikes for violating Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and international law, including the UN Charter. He also condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. (AP) US President Donald Trump, in his social media post, said that the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would not bring an end to the joint airstrikes by the US and Israel. “The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!” Trump wrote. The president stressed that his hope was for the Iranian government to join with the opposition. People gathered outside the White House to protest against the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday. (Pictures from the Associated Press) Iran Revolutionary Guards hit Iraq's Al-Harir air base, news agency Reuters reported quoting Iran’s state media. Iran Revolutionary Guards hit Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan air base by missiles and drones, news agency Reuters reported quoting Iran's state media. United States President Donald Trump Saturday took to TruthSocial to share that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was dead. This comes even as Tehran had denied earlier reports of Khamenei's death. Trump wrote: "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS." Here's his full post: Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service has said that rocket shrapnel from the latest Iranian missile attack has seriously injured a man in the Tel Aviv area, the Associated Press reported. The injury marks the first serious case to be reported in Israel since the exchange of missiles began. Magen David Adom said it has also treated 90 casualties -- all mildly injured. No one has been killed in Israel so far. (AP) The White House Saturday shared a visual of President Donald Trump monitoring the US military operations in Iran. > President Donald J. Trump Monitors U.S. Military Operations in Iran: Operation Epic Fury, February 28, 2026 pic.twitter.com/OfnMkmBZ8G— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2026 President Donald J. Trump Monitors U.S. Military Operations in Iran: Operation Epic Fury, February 28, 2026 pic.twitter.com/OfnMkmBZ8G United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, addressing the UN Security Council at an emergency meeting a few moments ago, said he is “not in a position to confirm” Israeli media reports that Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed, The Guardian reported. Guterres also said he “deeply regrets” that the opportunity for diplomacy has been “squandered” over Iran. (The Guardian) Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon said ahead of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Iran is responsible for escalating actions by its proxies and its nuclear and missile programs, the Associated Press reported. Now, he said, “Israel and the US act to prevent an irreversible and immediate threat.” “We will continue to target the leadership of the radical regime and we will do whatever necessary to enable the right conditions for the people of Iran and stability for the region," Danon said. Commenting on the duration of the attacks, Danon replied: “As long as it will take to achieve the goals." Everyone is watching the situation on the ground, he said, and “the time for the Iranian people to take control of the future is very soon. He, however, did not respond to a question on the death of Iran's Supreme Leader. (AP) White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump “just spoke” with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Kuwait and Turkey. > President Trump just spoke with the leaders of the UK, Kuwait, and Turkey.— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 28, 2026 President Trump just spoke with the leaders of the UK, Kuwait, and Turkey. Contradicting Israeli reports that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim and Mehr news agencies are reporting that the supreme leader is “steadfast and firm in commanding the field," The Guardian quoted. Israeli military Saturday stated that strikes have killed Iran’s defense minister Amir Nasirzadeh and ⁠Revolutionary ​Guards commander ​Mohammed ​Pakpour, news agency Associated Press reported. In a brief phone interview with NBC News, US President Donald Trump was asked about reports that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in airstrikes, to which he responded: “We feel that that is a correct story.” Trump said “a large amount of leadership” of Iran had been killed, noting, “I don’t mean like two people.” He also said “most” of Iran’s senior leadership is “gone,” including many people who make decisions. Asked who might now become Iran’s new supreme leader, Trump joked, “I don’t know. But at some point they’ll be calling me to ask who I’d like,” before noting he was being “only being a little sarcastic” in suggesting the same. (AP quoting NBC News) Iran -- facing what is possibly an existential attack on its current regime -- shares a border with seven countries. Except for two, its ties with all its neighbours are remarkably complicated. This isolation was reflected as the world reacted to the attack on Iran and its retaliation. While the US, Israel, and the Gulf countries caught in the crossfire received multiple messages of support, only China and Russia were the prominent voices to condemn the violation of Iran’s sovereignty, my colleague Yashee explains. Here’s who Iran’s seven neighbours are, and a brief status check of its relationship with each. United States President Donald Trump, speaking to ABC News, expressed optimism about the US-Israel joint attack on Iran saying that it's going "very well." Asked about its duration, Trump said, "As long as we wanted to, actually. But it’s done such damage already. It’s like — they are incapacitated, essentially -- as long as we wanted to." When enquired about Iranian leadership and whether the US believed they were killed in strikes, Trump told ABC News, "A lot of it is, yeah. But we don’t know all, but a lot of it is. Was a very powerful strike." Asked about the next leadership and if a leader has been identified, Trump said "Yes. We have a very good idea." (ABC News) A senior official from the US administration told the Associated Press said that Iran’s conventional missile capability presented an “intolerable” risk to the US. The official told AP that reality has since been demonstrated by Tehran’s strikes around the region after the US-Israeli attack. On a call with reporters, the official said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had briefed top leaders in Congress, and that Rubio made it clear then that Iran was ready to use conventional missiles against U.S. forces in the Middle East, the official told the reporters. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Iran’s unwillingness to discuss ballistic missiles in previous negotiations left Trump no option but to proceed militarily. (AP) United States President Donald Trump-led administration officials told the Associated Press on a phone call that they had offered Iran many ways to have a peaceful nuclear program that could be used for civilian purposes. But the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said it was clear to them that Iran wanted enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. The Trump administration officials said that Iran met their offers with “games, tricks, stall tactics.” (AP) Iran was rebuilding infrastructure for its nuclear program that was destroyed in last year’s strikes, a senior US official told reporters, the Associated Press reported. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the official also told AP that intelligence showed Iran had developed the capability to produce its own high-quality centrifuges, an important step in developing the highly enriched uranium needed for weapons. (AP) According to a senior Israeli official, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran since 1989, is dead and his body has been found, The Guardian reported quoting Axios. Axios also reported that the Israeli ambassador to the US has informed US officials that Khamenei was killed. Video footage shared by the US Central Command on Saturday over X showed US munitions striking multiple targets using drones towards buildings in Iran. While CENTCOM didn’t provide more details about the video, it wrote that it was “delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow." > As the President stated, our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.The President ordered bold action. CENTCOM forces are delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow. pic.twitter.com/B0k5gV4YnU— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 28, 2026 As the President stated, our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.The President ordered bold action. CENTCOM forces are delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow. pic.twitter.com/B0k5gV4YnU The Guardian has quoted the head of public relations at the Iranian supreme leader’s office on Saturday accusing the country’s enemies of “mental warfare” after Israeli reports Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed, Iranian state media reported. “The enemy is resorting to mental warfare, all should be aware,” the public relations official was quoted as saying. (The Guardian) Former US Vice President Kamala Harris, over a post on Bluesky, firmly stated that President Donald Trump is dragging the United States into a war the American people do not want. "Let me be clear: I am opposed to a regime-change war in Iran, and our troops are being put in harm’s way for the sake of Trump’s war of choice," she wrote in her statement. “This is a dangerous and unnecessary gamble with American lives that also jeopardizes stability in the region and our standing in the world,” Harris added. “I know the threat that Iran poses, and they must never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon, but this is not the way to dismantle that threat.” Read the full statement here. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who shaped the country in its present form, maintained a fierce rivalry with the US, and ruled with an iron fist, was killed in Israeli and US strikes, a senior Israeli official told Reuters on Saturday. Iran has not confirmed this. Here’s a look at the man, his politics, and the nation that he has led for the past three-and-a-half decades. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who turned the country into an anti-US force, extending its military influence across the Middle East, was killed in Israeli and US strikes, a senior Israeli official told Reuters on Saturday. However, there was no immediate Iranian confirmation of his fate. Watch this space to stay updated on latest developments! Foreign ministers from across the 27-nation bloc will meet virtually on Sunday to discuss the conflict in the Middle East, the EU’s top diplomat stated over a post on X. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas that she would hold a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council to work towards de-escalation. “It is essential that the war does not spread any further,” Kallas said. “The Iranian regime has choices to make.” “The Iranian regime’s indiscriminate attacks against its neighbors carry the risk of dragging the region into a broader war and we condemn this,” she stated. > I will convene an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council via video link on Sunday to address Iran and the rapidly unfolding events across the Middle East.I have been in contact with our partners in the Gulf countries. The Iranian regime’s indiscriminate attacks against its…— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) February 28, 2026 I will convene an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council via video link on Sunday to address Iran and the rapidly unfolding events across the Middle East.I have been in contact with our partners in the Gulf countries. The Iranian regime’s indiscriminate attacks against its… The Israeli agency responsible for administering aid to Gaza announced it has closed all crossings into the Palestinian territory, the Associated Press reported. COGAT’s move effectively prevents the entry of aid, materials and humanitarian workers. According to the agency, the crossings were closed for security reasons because of the current missile exchange with Iran. (AP) Calling Iranians “courageous," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video statement, said that the strikes will help them “unshackle themselves from tyranny”. They have a “once in a generation chance” to overthrow the Iranian regime, he said. He also urged Iranians to “take to the streets en masse” and “get the job done”. It is “high time you come together” and “unite for a historic mission”, he asserted. "This is an opportunity to do something. Do not sit with your arms crossed, because this moment will come and you will be demanded to go out of the streets in the masses, because you have to complete this work, and you have to bring down and eradicate this regime." In a five-minute phone interview from Mar-a-Lago, US president Donald Trump told Axios that he has several “off ramps” for his conflict with Iran, The Guardian reported. He said, "I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days and tell the Iranians: ‘See you again in a few years if you start rebuilding [your nuclear and missile programs]. In any case, it will take them several years to recover from this attack." Trump also claimed that the Iranians “got close and then pulled back” on talks - which were being held in Geneva last week. “I understood from that that they don’t really want a deal,” he said. The US president told Axios he had a “great” conversation with Benjamin Netanyahu after the strikes, and said he and the Israeli PM were “on the same wavelength”. (The Guardian) United States President Donald Trump spoke with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. > President Trump has spoken with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 28, 2026 President Trump has spoken with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. "There ⁠are many ‌signs that ​this tyrant is ‌no longer. This morning we eliminated senior officials ‌in the ​ayatollahs' regime, ​Revolutionary ​Guards commanders, senior figures in the nuclear ​programme - and we will ⁠continue. In the next few days, we will hit ‌thousands ⁠more targets of the terror regime," Israeli PM Netanyahu said in a video statement. "This morning we destroyed the compound of ​the ​tyrant Khamenei," Netanyahu said ⁠in a video statement, adding that for more ‌than 30 years Khamenei had "dispatched terrorism across the world, made his own people miserable, and worked constantly and tirelessly on ⁠a ⁠program to annihilate the state of Israel". There are signs that Khamenei is dead, says Israeli PM Netanyahu while addressing a press conference. He says that attacks will last "as long as necessary." US forces striking Iran focused on locations “that posed an imminent threat,” US Central Command said in its statement. The strikes, which began shortly before 10 am in Tehran, included “precision munitions launched from air, land and sea". CENTCOM said that the American military also employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat. The operation, dubbed Epic Fury, is the “largest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation,” CENTCOM said. French President Emmanuel Macron said France was “neither warned nor involved” in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Macron spoke as he chaired an emergency security meeting in the presidential palace Saturday evening. He called for intensified efforts for a negotiated solution, saying “no one can think that the questions of Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic activity, regional destabilisation will be settled by strikes alone.” The leader of the Houthi rebels in Yemen said they were ready for “any necessary development” following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s counterattacks against Israel and US interests in the region. In a pre-recorded speech, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said the rebels “will take action in various activities” in solidarity with Iran. He didn’t elaborate further details. “The Islamic Republic is waging the battle of the entire Islamic nation against American-Israeli-Zionist tyranny,” he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to speak to the media in the next few minutes, said his press coordinator, David Baker. The US military said it has recorded no American casualties and only minimal damage so far despite what it described as “hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.” Officials said assessments are ongoing as the situation continues to evolve. (With input from AP) Iran is a formidable force in the Middle East, notwithstanding its technological and air defence disadvantages compared with the US and Israel. Its arsenal already hosts a wide range of ballistic missiles—with ranges of up to 2,000 km—and the Shahed drones, a series of economical ‘suicide drones’ with similar ranges. This puts a majority of US regional bases within range. Read the full report here Iran’s Red Crescent Society said US and Israeli attacks have struck 24 provinces across the country, killing 201 people and injuring 747, according to a spokesperson quoted by Mehr News Agency. The official said more than 220 Red Crescent teams have been deployed to the targeted sites, with rescue operations still underway. (AL Jazeera) Amid a massive clash between Israel and Iran, a fire incident at a residential building in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah caused a stir on Saturday evening. Although officials are yet to confirm the actual cause of fire, multiple reports claimed it broke out after a missile debris fell at Palm Jumeirah. The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions, with UAE air defence systems intercepting incoming projectiles, fragments of which landed in parts of the city, according to reports. Read the full report here Air India Saturday announced the cancellation of multiple international flights scheduled for March 1, 2026, citing the evolving security situation in the Middle East and passenger safety concerns. In a travel advisory posted on X, the airline said it had cancelled services on key routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar with London, New York, Newark, Chicago, Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris. The affected flights include Delhi–London (Heathrow) AI161/AI162 and AI111/AI112; Mumbai–London (Heathrow) AI129/AI128; Amritsar–London (Gatwick) AI169/AI170; Delhi–New York (JFK) AI101/AI102; Mumbai–New York (JFK) AI119/AI116; Mumbai–Newark AI191/AI144; Delhi–Chicago (via Vienna) AI127/AI126; Delhi–Toronto (via Vienna) AI187/AI188 and AI189/AI190; Delhi–Frankfurt AI2025/AI2026; Mumbai–Frankfurt AI2027/AI2028; and Delhi–Paris AI143/AI142 and AI147/AI148. “As part of our continuing assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East, in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and staff, Air India has cancelled the following flights scheduled on 01 March 2026,” an Air India spokesperson said. > #traveladvisory “As part of our continuing assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East, in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and staff, Air India has cancelled the following flights scheduled on 01 March 2026:•AI161/AI162 and AI111/AI112:…— Air India (@airindia) February 28, 2026 #traveladvisory “As part of our continuing assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East, in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and staff, Air India has cancelled the following flights scheduled on 01 March 2026:•AI161/AI162 and AI111/AI112:… The airline said affected passengers are being informed and offered alternative travel options to minimise disruption. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our valued guests… We will continue to closely monitor the situation and share further updates based on our risk assessments,” the spokesperson added. Several tanker owners, oil majors and trading houses have suspended crude oil, fuel and liquefied natural gas shipments via the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Israel attacked Iran and Tehran said it had closed navigation, trading sources said on Saturday. "Our ships will stay put for several days," one ⁠top executive ​at a major trading desk said. Satellite images from tanker trackers showed vessels piling up next to big ports, such as Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, and not moving ​through Hormuz. Multiple ​vessels in the area have received ⁠VHF transmission from Iran's Revolutionary Guards that "no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz", ‌an official with the EU naval mission Aspides told Reuters. The UK Navy said Iran's orders were not legally binding and advised vessels to transit with caution. The tanker association INTERTANKO said the U.S. Navy had warned against navigation in the area - the whole of the Gulf, Gulf ⁠of Oman, North ⁠Arabian Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz - saying it could not guarantee the safety of ⁠shipping. At least three flights from Manila to the UAE and Saudi Arabia have returned to their airport of origin Saturday, following escalating airstrikes between US-Israel and Iran that resulted in the temporary and partial closure of airspace in the region, reported the Khaleej Times. The account Defence Matrix (@Defencematrix1) claimed that an Iranian missile struck the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai, triggering a fire at the property. It also alleged that US military personnel were present at the site, though there has been no official confirmation of the claims. > BREAKING 🚨: An Iranian missile has struck the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai, setting the building on fire. Some sources claim that U.S. military personnel were also present at the site. pic.twitter.com/15mnWIQFl1— Defence Matrix (@Defencematrix1) February 28, 2026 BREAKING 🚨: An Iranian missile has struck the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai, setting the building on fire. Some sources claim that U.S. military personnel were also present at the site. pic.twitter.com/15mnWIQFl1 Authorities in Dubai said an incident at a building in the Palm Jumeirah area left four people injured. Emergency teams rushed to the spot and secured the site, while Dubai Civil Defence brought the resulting fire under control, the Dubai Media Office said. The injured were taken to medical facilities for treatment. Officials added that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure public safety. > Dubai authorities confirm that an incident occurred in a building in the Palm Jumeirah area. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately and the site has been secured. Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control. Four individuals…— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 28, 2026 Dubai authorities confirm that an incident occurred in a building in the Palm Jumeirah area. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately and the site has been secured. Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control. Four individuals… The UN Security Council will meet Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, plunging the Middle East into a new conflict. UN diplomats said the 15-member body would meet at 4 pm local time in ⁠New ​York (2100 GMT). The meeting will be chaired by Britain, which holds the monthly council presidency. Russia's UN mission said Russia and China requested an emergency meeting "in connection ​with ​the unprovoked act of armed aggression ⁠by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran." It said ‌the meeting was also called for by France, Bahrain, and Colombia. Germany's foreign ministry issued travel warnings for Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, ⁠Jordan, ​Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia ​and the ​United Arab ⁠Emirates after US and Israeli ‌strikes against Iran Saturday raised the prospect of ⁠a ⁠wider regional conflict. The ministry ⁠also ‌said ​it had ‌issued an additional order ‌to leave ​Lebanon ​and ​that German missions ​were in contact ⁠with German nationals in the ‌region. Iran's Supreme Leader ⁠Ayatollah ​Ali Khamenei ​will speak ​within ⁠minutes, Iran's ‌Al-Alam TV ⁠reported, hours ⁠after ⁠US, ‌Israeli strikes ​targeted ‌top ‌Iranian ​leaders ​Saturday. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is still alive “as far as I know,” in an interview with NBC News. His remarks came after Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Israel assesses Khamenei was “likely killed” in Israeli airstrikes earlier in the day. Speaking live, Araghchi said two commanders had died in the strikes but senior regime officials had survived. “All high-ranking officials are alive,” he said. “So everybody is now in its position [sic], and we are handling this situation, and everything is fine.” Iran woke up this morning at war with Israel for the second time in less than a year. This also marked at least the third time in the last two-and-a-half decades that the United States has been prodded on to join a skirmish in west Asia, presumably at the coaxing of Israel. Read the story here Dubai Airports has suspended all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) until further notice, according to a statement posted by the Dubai Media Office. “Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights. We appreciate the cooperation of our guests. Further updates will be provided as we continue to monitor the situation,” the statement said. The suspension comes amid heightened security concerns in the region, with authorities yet to specify when operations will resume. > Understandable chaos at Dubai airport as all the passengers alight and await instructions pic.twitter.com/vc9K1pXe13— george koshy (@georgekoshy) February 28, 2026 Understandable chaos at Dubai airport as all the passengers alight and await instructions pic.twitter.com/vc9K1pXe13 In its first official reaction, India Saturday expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region, calling on all sides to avoid further escalation. “India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected, the MEA said. "Our Missions in the region are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in contact with the Missions, and follow local security guidance,” the statement said. The remarks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia following recent military developments involving Iran and its regional adversaries. A very loud bang was heard in Abu Dhabi, a Reuters witness reported Saturday, amid rising regional tensions. > Habibi… we landed in Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪🔥Desert vibes & skyline nights! pic.twitter.com/UkrmJyIgNs— Iran News (@Tehraan12) February 28, 2026 Habibi… we landed in Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪🔥Desert vibes & skyline nights! pic.twitter.com/UkrmJyIgNs Separately, Iran’s state media said an explosion was heard in the southeastern port city of Chabahar. There were no immediate details on the cause of the blast or reports of casualties in either location. The White House said that reports ⁠US ​President Donald ​Trump would ​give ⁠another address to the ‌nation Saturday morning ⁠were ⁠inaccurate and ⁠that ‌it has not ​given ‌any guidance ‌on ​a ​presidential ​address or ​remarks. The Pakistani Embassy in Abu Dhabi has urged its nationals in the UAE to remain calm amid recent developments and avoid speculation. Officials stressed relying only on verified information from the UAE government and cautioned against circulating or acting on unconfirmed news or social media reports. Pakistani residents are advised to exercise caution, remain vigilant, and minimise non-essential travel. Those with planned trips should check flight schedules and confirm status with airlines before heading to the airport. The embassy and consulate remain available for assistance- Embassy of Pakistan, Abu Dhabi +971 2 4447800 (landline) +971 50 254 8975 (mobile) Pakistan Consulate General, Dubai +971 56 647 2721 (mobile) Air defence fire was seen over Dubai, the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates, according to an Associated Press report. Reuters witnesses also reported hearing at least three loud blasts across the Dubai area, though the cause of the explosions was not immediately clear. There was no immediate statement from authorities. The developments come amid heightened regional tensions, with several countries on alert over the possibility of further escalation. Video circulating online showed dramatic scenes after falling rocket debris struck the outskirts of Qatar’s capital, Doha, triggering panic among residents. The footage captured people screaming and running for safety as the object plunged from the sky before exploding in a ball of red flames and thick black smoke. “It is right next to my room,” one person is heard saying in the video, moments before adding, “Oh my God! May Allah protect us.” > From Qatar pic.twitter.com/J59oa3VELj— Sleepless in Lahore (@mahobili) February 28, 2026 From Qatar pic.twitter.com/J59oa3VELj At least 51 people were killed after an Israeli strike hit a school in Iran, local officials told Tasnim News Agency Saturday. According to Middle East Eye (MEE), its correspondent in Iran said the attack took place at around 11:30 am local time, striking Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, located in Hormozgan Province in southern Iran. There was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities on the reported strike. The incident comes amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, with fears of further retaliation across the region. Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi paramilitary group, said it would soon begin attacking US bases in response to strikes that targeted the group. The outfit is one of the largest factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), formed in 2014 to halt the rapid territorial advances of Islamic State (ISIS) at the time. Two fighters were killed in air strikes on the Jurf al-Sakher base, also known as Jurf al-Nasr, in southern Iraq, according to the group. (AL Jazeera) The Israeli Army is trying to intercept a new wave of Iranian missiles that were launched “a short while ago”, the military statement said. “A short while ago, sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel,” it said. “At this time, the Israeli Air Force is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat.” “The defense is not hermetic, and therefore it is essential that the public continue to adhere to the Home Front Command’s guidelines. The public is requested to continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command,” the alert said. (AL Jazeera) Death toll in US-Israeli strike on girls' school in the southern town of Iran, Minab, jumped to 40 killed, reported news agency AP, citing state-run IRNA news agency. At least 45 others were wounded in the attack in Minab in Iran's Hormozgan province. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has a base in the city. Neither the US nor Israel has offered any details on the campaign so far. Russia’s Foreign Ministry Saturday condemned the U.-Israeli strikes on Iran as “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state,” demanding an immediate halt to the military campaign and a return to diplomacy. In a statement posted to Telegram, the ministry accused Washington and Tel Aviv of “hiding behind” concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme while pursuing regime change. It warned the attacks risked triggering a “humanitarian, economic and possibly radiological catastrophe” in the region and accusing the US and Israel of “plunging the Middle East into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation.” Moscow called the bombing of nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards “unacceptable” and said it stood ready to help broker a peaceful resolution, while placing full responsibility for the escalation on the United States and Israel. According to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) report from July 2024, the US Department of Defense (DOD) manages or operates at least 128 overseas bases in at least 51 countries. These bases were identified as... Read the full report here Airlines which have cancelled flights to the region: Air France British Airways Iberia Express Japan Airlines LOT Airlines Norwegian Air Turkish Airlines Virgin Atlantic Qatar Airways Air Algerie Scandavian Airlines Emirates Airline Two ballistic missiles have been shot down above Jordan, according to the country’s military. It was not clear who launched the missiles. (AL Jazeera) An Israeli official said Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian were both targeted in the strikes, though the outcome remained unclear. Earlier, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Khamenei was not in Tehran and had been moved to a secure location. Several senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and political officials were killed in the US-Israel strikes on Iran, an Iranian source close to the establishment said. The source did not provide names or specific details about the positions held by those killed. There was no immediate official confirmation from Tehran. Meanwhile, an Israeli military official said the assessment of the initial wave of strikes was still underway. “We are still determining the success of the initial strikes on Iran,” the official said, indicating that battle damage assessments were ongoing. At least one person was killed in the UAE's Abu Dhabi after several missiles launched from Iran were intercepted, according to the country’s state news agency. The UAE said “this attack is a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and international law”. It added that “it reserves its full right to respond to this escalation. (AL Jazeera) Explosions were heard in Qatar as Iran launched counterattack over the Israel-US assault on the Islamic Republic, reported news agency AP. Explosions were heard in Kuwait, reported Al Jazeera Arabic. Sirens have been activated, the report added. Loud booms were heard in parts of Abu Dhabi on Saturday, ⁠according ​to five witnesses, including two Reuters ​correspondents, after ​the US ⁠and Israel launched attacks against ‌Iran. One witness told Reuters she heard five booms in ⁠rapid succession ⁠that caused windows in ⁠a ‌house ​near Abu ‌Dhabi's Corniche to vibrate. Other ‌witnesses ​in ​the ​Al Dhafra and Bateen areas ​heard loud ⁠booms as well. Bahrain Saturday said a missile attack targeted the US Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom. It offered no other immediate information about the attack. Iranian media reported strikes nationwide, and smoke could be seen rising from the capital. In this satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC, the headquarters of the US Navy's 5th Fleet is seen in Manama, Bahrain, Feb. 21, 2026. Ships can be seen at its dock. (Planet Labs PBC via AP) Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it has begun “the first wave of extensive missile and drone attacks” against Israel. In a statement, it said the attacks come “in response to the hostile and criminal enemy’s aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.” In the past hour, several ballistic missiles have been launched from Iran at Israel, with no immediate reports of injuries. Meanwhile, sirens continue to sound across northern and southern Israel. (The Times of Israel) Qatar’s Defence Ministry said that an Iranian missile was intercepted by the Patriot defence system Saturdy. (AL Jazeera) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel and the United States had launched a joint operation against Iran, calling it a step to remove what he described as an “existential threat” posed by the Iranian regime. In a statement posted on X, he thanked US President Donald Trump for his “historic leadership” and said the operation was aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “For 47 years, the Ayatollahs' regime has chanted ‘Death to Israel,’ ‘Death to America.’ It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people,” Netanyahu said, adding that the regime “must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity.” > אחיי ואחיותיי אזרחי ישראל, לפני שעה קלה יצאנו ישראל וארה״ב למבצע להסרת האיום הקיומי מצד משטר הטרור באיראן.אני מודה לידידינו הגדול הנשיא דונלד טראמפ על מנהיגותו ההיסטורית.במשך 47 שנים קורא משטר האייתוללות ״מוות לישראל״, ״מוות לאמריקה״. הוא הקיז את דמינו, רצח אמריקנים רבים וטבח… pic.twitter.com/itTF5b4jB4— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 28, 2026 אחיי ואחיותיי אזרחי ישראל, לפני שעה קלה יצאנו ישראל וארה״ב למבצע להסרת האיום הקיומי מצד משטר הטרור באיראן.אני מודה לידידינו הגדול הנשיא דונלד טראמפ על מנהיגותו ההיסטורית.במשך 47 שנים קורא משטר האייתוללות ״מוות לישראל״, ״מוות לאמריקה״. הוא הקיז את דמינו, רצח אמריקנים רבים וטבח… pic.twitter.com/itTF5b4jB4 Netanyahu also called on Israeli citizens to follow instructions from the Home Front Command, saying that in the coming days, during Operation “Lion’s Roar,” the public would need to show “patience and strength of spirit.” “Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel,” he said. Air India Saturday diverted its Delhi-Tel Aviv flight to Mumbai due to the closure of Israeli airspace. Israel has launched attacks on Iran, following which some airspaces are closed for flight operations. "AI139 operating from Delhi to Tel Aviv on 28 February is returning to India due to closure of airspace in Israel and in the interest of safety of passengers and crew," the airline said in a statement. An airline official said the flight has been diverted to Mumbai. "We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as needed," Air India said. The airline also regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen situation In his first statement since the launch of attacks on Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Saturday said the joint US campaign will let Iranians "take their fate into their own hands". ​The ​Pentagon ​said ⁠Saturday ‌that ⁠US ⁠strikes ⁠against ‌Iran ​were ‌named "OPERATION EPIC ‌FURY". In a post on X, Flightradar24 said Iranian airspace has been closed by NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) until at least 1200 UTC. The closure effectively halts civilian air traffic over the country amid escalating tensions. The platform also reported that flights were diverting away from Tel Aviv and Amman, indicating wider operational impacts across the region as airlines reroute aircraft for safety reasons. There was no immediate official statement from Iranian authorities on the airspace closure. According to Al Jazeera, so far, Israeli attacks on the Iranian capital have targeted- The Ministry of Intelligence The Ministry of Defence Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Parchin military complex Indian carrier IndiGo is closely monitoring developments related to Iran and its airspace and may adjust its operations if required, it posted on X. In a statement shared on social media, the airline said it was tracking regional updates concerning Iran and is prepared to respond as the situation evolves. “The safety and security of our customers and crew remain our highest priority. Our teams stand prepared to implement any necessary adjustments as the situation evolves,” the airline said. > Travel AdvisoryWe are closely monitoring regional updates concerning Iran and its airspace.The safety and security of our customers and crew remain our highest priority. Our teams stand prepared to implement any necessary adjustments as the situation evolves.Customers are…— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) February 28, 2026 Travel AdvisoryWe are closely monitoring regional updates concerning Iran and its airspace.The safety and security of our customers and crew remain our highest priority. Our teams stand prepared to implement any necessary adjustments as the situation evolves.Customers are… The Indian Embassy in Israel has asked all Indians in Israel to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel as the Israel-Iran conflict escalated Saturday. Israel launched a missile attack striking Tehran in what Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz called a pre-emptive attack. A state of emergency has also been declared in Israel. Read the full story here The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel Friday, prompting sirens to sound in several areas across the country. In a post on X, the IDF said it had identified missiles fired from Iran and that its defensive systems were operating to intercept the threat. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) was “operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat,” it added. “A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel,” the military said in an earlier update, noting that defensive systems had been activated. > A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 28, 2026 A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas. The IDF also said the Home Front Command had sent precautionary directives directly to mobile phones in affected areas over the past few minutes, urging residents to follow safety instructions. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Calling the Iranian regime a “vicious group of hard, terrible people,” US President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed Washington's involvement in the attack on Iran, saying that his objective is to “protect the American people by eliminating threats from Iran.” On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, “A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.” Read the full story here The Russian Ministry of Transport said Saturday that Russian air carriers had suspended flights to Iran and Israel. Israel ⁠said ​it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran Saturday, pushing ​the Middle ​East into ⁠a renewed military confrontation and further dimming ‌hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran's long-running nuclear dispute with the West. The ministry said in ⁠connection ⁠with the closure of Iranian and Israeli ⁠airspace, ‌Russian air ​carriers, in cooperation with ‌the ministry and Rosaviatsiya aviation watchdog had ‌worked ​out ​alternative ​flight routes in advance to ensure safe ​flights to the ⁠Persian Gulf countries. Flight times will increase due ‌to ⁠the longer distances, it said. US President Donald Trump appealed to the Iranian people to "take over your government — it will be yours to take." > President Donald J. Trump on the United States military combat operations in Iran: pic.twitter.com/LimJmpLkgZ— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2026 President Donald J. Trump on the United States military combat operations in Iran: pic.twitter.com/LimJmpLkgZ US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran has continued to develop its nuclear programme and plans to develop missiles to reach the US. US President Donald Trump said ⁠Saturday ​that the United ​States had ​begun "major combat ⁠operations" in Iran. "Our ‌objective is to defend the American ⁠people ⁠by eliminating imminent ⁠threats ‌from ​the ‌Iranian regime," Trump said ‌in ​a ​video ​shared on ​social media. Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday. US President Donald Trump says the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran aim at “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime”. “Short time ago, US military began major combat operation in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime,” he said. We have some comments from Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament. “We warned you!” he wrote on social media. “Now you have started down a path which end is no longer in your control,” he added. > We warned you!Now you have started down a path which end is no longer in your control.— ابراهیم عزیزی (@Ebrahimazizi33) February 28, 2026 We warned you!Now you have started down a path which end is no longer in your control. ⁠US ​strikes ​on Iran ​are focused ⁠on ‌military ⁠targets, ⁠CNN ⁠reported ‌on Saturday, ​citing ‌a US ‌official. ⁠Iran ⁠is preparing ⁠for retaliation following the attacks, with the ⁠response set ⁠to be ⁠crushing, an ⁠Iranian ⁠official has told Reuters. Cellphone communications have been disrupted across several areas of Iran’s capital Tehran. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has issued a high-priority security advisory urging nationals to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times due to the prevailing security situation in the region. Indian nationals are strongly advised to strictly adhere to safety guidelines and instructions issued by Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command. It's recommended to stay close to designated shelters, avoid non-essential travel, and monitor local news and emergency alerts. > ADVISORYIn view of the prevailing security situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times.2. Indian nationals are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the safety guidelines and instructions… pic.twitter.com/SBWmNLgIsS— India in Israel (@indemtel) February 28, 2026 ADVISORYIn view of the prevailing security situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times.2. Indian nationals are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the safety guidelines and instructions… pic.twitter.com/SBWmNLgIsS Thousands of members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have been killed or wounded following attacks on several military centers and positions, the semi-official ISNA reported. A US official has told Al Jazeera that joint US-Israeli air strikes aim to dismantle Iran’s security apparatus. Iranian media are reporting two huge explosions in the holy city of Qom, home to the world's biggest Shia seminary. Cellphone communications are down in several areas of Tehran, Iran's capital, with no calls possible at present. There's a possibility internet services might also be disrupted soon, according to reports. This disruption comes after Israel launched a pre-emptive attack on Iran, with explosions heard in Tehran and Israel declaring a state of emergency. Iran's airspace closed for six hours, official says The US Embassy in Qatar has issued a shelter-in-place order for all personnel and is advising American citizens to do the same until further notice, following Israel's attack on Iran on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera. Videos circulating on Iran International show the aftermath of air strikes in Tehran, following Israel's announcement of a pre-emptive attack against Iran. > Videos sent to Iran International showed the aftermath of air strikes following Israel's announcement that it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/BSkmUnZejX— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) February 28, 2026 Videos sent to Iran International showed the aftermath of air strikes following Israel's announcement that it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/BSkmUnZejX The office of Iran's Supreme Leader, the main headquarters of Ali Khamenei in downtown Tehran, has been targeted in an attack on Saturday. Israel launched a daylight attack Saturday on Iran's capital, with a cloud of smoke rising from the city's downtown. The apparent strike happened near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei had been in his offices at the time. > 🚨BREAKING: IRAN RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/wkYUQE4Ttb— Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) February 28, 2026 🚨BREAKING: IRAN RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/wkYUQE4Ttb Witnesses say more explosions rock Iran's capital, Tehran. > BREAKING: War on Iran starts.Israel has just hit Tehran. pic.twitter.com/oPSTBapXYi— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 28, 2026 BREAKING: War on Iran starts.Israel has just hit Tehran. pic.twitter.com/oPSTBapXYi Iran shuts down its airspace as Israel launches attack on country. An apparent strike in Iran’s capital Saturday happened near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.State television acknowledged an explosion in the area of the offices.It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei had been in his offices at the time. He hasn’t been seen publicly in days as tensions with the United States have grown. (AP) Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday, with the country’s defense minister declaring a state of emergency across the country. Israel Katz made the announcement as thick smoke rose from an explosion in downtown Tehran, Iran’s capital.Iranian state television acknowledged the blast, without providing more details. Sirens sounded across Israel at the same time. The Israeli military said that the “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel. With inputs from AP. An explosion rang out Saturday in Iran’s capital, Tehran, witnesses said.There was no immediate comment from the government about the blast. The explosion came as tensions are high between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program.Meanwhile, sirens sounded across Israel. It wasn’t immediately clear if both were connected. The Israeli military said that the “proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel.” With inputs from AP An explosion rang out Saturday in Iran’s capital, Tehran, witnesses said.There was no immediate comment from the government about the blast. The explosion came as tensions are high between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program.-AP Asked about the possible impact of US strikes against Iran on oil prices, President Donald Trump told reporters in Texas, "I'm not concerned. I'm concerned about people's lives. I'm concerned about long term health for this country. That's what I'm concerned." President Trump speaking in Texas on Friday said the US faces a major decision on Iran amid ongoing nuclear talks, emphasizing the need for a "meaningful" deal rather than a weak one. "We have a very big decision to make," Trump said. "We have a country that's in 47 years blowing people's legs off, arms off the face. They've been knocking out ships, killing people, lots of people, not only Americans, lots of people been terrible. 32,000 people killed over the last two, three months, protesters, 32,000." > PRESIDENT TRUMP on IRAN: We have a big decision to make that’s not easy. I’d rather do it the peaceful way, but I want to tell you that these are very dangerous and difficult people. pic.twitter.com/QeeNeq6EFQ— Department of State (@StateDept) February 27, 2026 PRESIDENT TRUMP on IRAN: We have a big decision to make that’s not easy. I’d rather do it the peaceful way, but I want to tell you that these are very dangerous and difficult people. pic.twitter.com/QeeNeq6EFQ Senator Jim Risch, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman on Friday welcomed Secretary Rubio's designation of Iran as the first State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention, highlighting its deserved status. "Iran is the first ever country to be designated a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention — and no nation is more deserving of that grim title," Risch said. "Too many Americans have suffered at the hands of the regime, and I'm glad to see the Administration use the authorities given to them by my Countering Wrongful Detention Act." > Iran is the first ever country to be designated a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention — and no nation is more deserving of that grim title. Too many Americans have suffered at the hands of the regime, and I'm glad to see the Administration use the authorities given to them by my… https://t.co/bgNm326aNU— Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman (@SenateForeign) February 27, 2026 Iran is the first ever country to be designated a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention — and no nation is more deserving of that grim title. Too many Americans have suffered at the hands of the regime, and I'm glad to see the Administration use the authorities given to them by my… https://t.co/bgNm326aNU Across Israel, hospitals have been conducting emergency drills while neighbors share locations of bomb shelters in WhatsApp groups. The national mood is wavering somewhere between anxiety, resignation and anticipation as President Donald Trump deliberates over whether to attack Iran. If he orders a strike, it will most likely bring Israel into its second war with Iran in less than a year, following a 12-day conflict in June. Ruth Bahaj of Jerusalem, 38, said she was trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy, including by heading on a vacation this week. But she and her wife also made preparations, such as cleaning and organizing the fortified shelter in their apartment building. Read the full story here. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Israel on Monday to discuss US policy priorities including Iran, Lebanon, and efforts to implement President Donald Trump’s 20 Point Plan in Gaza, the United States Department of State spokesperson said on Friday. > .@SecRubio will travel to Israel from March 2-3 to discuss a range of U.S. policy priorities including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement the President’s 20 Point Plan in Gaza.— Tommy Pigott (@StateDeputySpox) February 27, 2026 .@SecRubio will travel to Israel from March 2-3 to discuss a range of U.S. policy priorities including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement the President’s 20 Point Plan in Gaza. The FBI said on Friday it is coordinating with federal and international partners to return Americans held in Iran and prosecute their captors, following the United States’ designation of Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. "Today, the U.S. has designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. The FBI remains committed to working with our federal and international partners to return Americans who are being held captive home and bring their captors to justice. The Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell (HRFC) coordinates efforts dedicated to recovering Americans held hostage abroad and supporting the hostages and their families during and after release," FBI official account posted on X. > Today, the U.S. has designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. The #fbi remains committed to working with our federal and international partners to return Americans who are being held captive home and bring their captors to justice. The Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell… pic.twitter.com/fRCnyXutsA— FBI (@FBI) February 27, 2026 Today, the U.S. has designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. The #fbi remains committed to working with our federal and international partners to return Americans who are being held captive home and bring their captors to justice. The Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell… pic.twitter.com/fRCnyXutsA US President Donald Trump said Friday he's “not happy” with the latest talks over Iran's nuclear program but indicated he would give negotiators more time to reach a deal to avert another war in the Middle East. He spoke a day after US envoys held another inconclusive round of indirect talks with Iran in Geneva. As American forces gather in the region, Trump has threatened military action if Iran does not agree to a far-reaching deal on its nuclear program, while Iran insists it has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and denies seeking a nuclear weapon. “I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have. I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens.