Feb. 28: Hailing death of ‘evil’ Khamenei, Trump says strikes on Iran to persist until peace secured

IDF says it downed drone from Iran that triggered sirens in north

After suspected drone infiltration sirens sounded earlier in Lebanon border towns in the north, the IDF says one drone launched from Iran was intercepted.

Iranian state media confirms Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes

Iranian state media confirms that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the US-Israeli strikes in Iran.

US President Donald Trump and a senior Israeli official said earlier that Khamenei was killed, but Tehran until now resisted confirming this.

Settlers filmed raiding northern West Bank village under apparent IDF protection, reportedly hurling stones at homes

Settlers are filmed raiding the northern West Bank Palestinian village of Huwara under the apparent protection of the IDF.

Palestinian media claims that the settlers are hurling stones at houses and terrorizing locals, without any intervention by the army.

Footage shows the settlers dancing in apparent celebration of the ongoing strikes in Iran.

Several settler attacks have been reported over the past day, with no arrests made.

BREAKING: While Israel and the West Bank are under Iranian missile attacks, dozens of Israeli settlers, protected and escorted by the Israeli army, stormed the village of Huwara.

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They attacked Palestinian homes by throwing stones and terrorizing the community. pic.twitter.com/Zmpu6HN4om

— Ihab Hassan (@IhabHassane) March 1, 2026

مستوطنون يهاجمون منازل الفلسطينيين بالحجارة على الشارع الرئيسي لبلدة حوارة جنوب #نابلس، بحماية قوات الاحتلال. pic.twitter.com/HfxuFtgYIj

— المركز الفلسطيني للإعلام (@PalinfoAr) February 28, 2026

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Saudi leader lobbied Trump to strike Iran, despite outwardly favoring diplomacy — report

US President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran came after Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader lobbied him repeatedly to make the move, the Washington Post reports.

“Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made multiple private phone calls to Trump over the past month advocating a US attack, despite his public support for a diplomatic solution,” the outlet reports, citing four unnamed people familiar with the matter.

IDF launches new round of strikes targeting Iran’s missiles, air defenses

The IDF says it is conducting a new series of airstrikes on Iran, targeting its ballistic missile array and air defenses.

Iranian state media reports an explosion in Tehran.

Israel, US launched strikes as Iranian supreme leader met with inner circle — sources

Israel and the US timed their attack on Iran on Saturday to coincide with a meeting the country’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was holding with top aides, according to two US sources and a US official familiar with the matter.

Israeli officials have said Khamenei was killed along with top lieutenants, including Ali Shamkhani, the powerful former National Security Council secretary, and Mohammad Pakpour, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander.

Two Iranian sources tell Reuters that Khamenei was meeting with Shamkhani and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani at a secure location shortly before the strikes started.

Iranian state media: Khamenei’s daughter, grandchild killed; no confirmation of supreme leader’s death

Iran’s state media says Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes.

There is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself, whom US President Donald Trump and a senior Israeli official have declared dead.

Hegseth says attack on Iran sends message to enemies: ‘We will kill you’

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says a massive US-Israeli attack on Iran — which Washington says killed the country’s supreme leader — shows that those who harm Americans must pay a price.

“If you kill or threaten Americans anywhere in the world — as Iran has — then we will hunt you down, and we will kill you,” Hegseth writes on X.

‘Desperate, floundering’ Iran wrong to claim Israel dragged US into conflict — Trump official

After Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested that Israel dragged the US into the current conflict with Tehran, a US official vehemently denies that this is the case.

“Israel did not drag the US into Operation Epic Fury. [US] President [Donald] Trump acted out of the national interest of the United States,” the US official tells The Times of Israel on condition of anonymity.

“Any claim to the contrary by a desperate and floundering Iran is false,” the official adds.

Medics say no injuries reported in latest Iranian barrage; shrapnel starts several fires

No injuries have yet been reported in the latest missile barrage from Iran, the Magen David Adom ambulance service says.

The Fire and Rescue Service says its forces are heading to several sites in Jerusalem and the West Bank where fires broke out, after missile shrapnel landed in the area.

Arab diplomat: Khamenei’s death would be massive blow, but regime prepared for withstanding the scenario

A senior Arab diplomat tells The Times of Israel that while the apparent killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is a massive blow to the Islamic Republic, the regime in Tehran has prepared for how to withstand that scenario.

The New York Times reported earlier this month that Khamenei put in place detailed plans for his succession and emergency chains of command should he, or other top leaders, be killed in potential US or Israeli strikes, elevating longtime loyalist Ali Larijani to manage the crisis.

“Iran knows that the US wants this military campaign to end as quickly as possible and will seek to drag it out,” the senior Arab diplomat says.

“Mere survival, at this point, would be considered a victory” for the regime, the diplomat adds, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Iran’s retaliatory strikes on neighboring Arab states have further damaged its regional standing, but Tehran is hoping they will lead the countries hit to intensify their pressure on Washington to wrap up its military campaign sooner, the diplomat speculates.

Sirens sound in central, northern Israel and Jerusalem area

Sirens sound in Jerusalem and its environs, as well as the central Gush Dan and Shfela areas and in the Galilee in the north, as Iran continues to launch ballistic missiles.

The IDF says it is working to intercept the projectiles.

IDF detects fresh Iranian missile salvo; sirens expected in central Israel

The IDF says it has detected a new ballistic missile barrage from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in central and northern Israel shortly.

IDF says 3 drones launched from Iran downed over northern, southern Israel

Three drones launched from Iran were intercepted over northern and southern Israel a short while ago, the military says.

Sirens had sounded in several communities near the Lebanon border amid the incident. Earlier, an alarm sounded in Eilat.

Suspected drone infiltration alerts sound in north

Suspected drone infiltration alerts sound in several towns in the Upper Galilee and the northern Golan, including Kiryat Shmona, Metula and Majdal Shams.

A short while later, the Home Front Command says the incident has concluded, without providing further details.

Israel’s UN envoy: ‘We acted to stop an existential threat before it became irreversible’

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon tells an emergency meeting of the Security Council that Iranian chants of “Death to Israel, Death to America” and the burning of both countries’ flags are acts of “state-sanctioned hatred” and preparation for action.

“But today, alongside our ally the United States, we acted to stop… an existential threat before it became irreversible,” he says, stressing that Israel didn’t act on impulse or for aggression.

“We acted out of necessity,” he says.

Danon says, “Diplomacy was exhausted.”

Addressing the Iranian people, he says the operation is directed “at a regime that has silenced you,” and Israel stands “with you.”

Iran’s UN envoy claims Israel, US targeted civilians, slams ‘atrocious crimes’

Amir Saeid Iravani, Iranian ambassador to the UN, says hundreds of civilians have been killed or injured on the first day of the United States and Israel’s “unprovoked and premeditated aggression against Iran,” alleging that the strikes targeted civilian infrastructure and killed more than 100 children at a school.

“The aggression and atrocious crimes of the United States regime and the Israeli regime, and their deliberate and persistent targeting of civilian infrastructure, are ongoing,” he says during the emergency Security Council session. “The number of innocent civilians continues to rise. This is not only an act of aggression; it is a war crime and a crime against humanity.”

Son of Iran’s last shah: After Khamenei’s death, Islamic Republic to soon be ‘consigned to the dustbin of history’

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Iranian Shah who was ousted in 1979, celebrates the apparent death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, predicts that the Islamic Republic will “very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history,” and adds that any attempt to tap a successor “is doomed to fail from the outset.”

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

US envoy to Security Council: Strikes aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile program, navy, machinery arming proxies

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz says Operation Epic Fury, authorized by US President Donald Trump against Iran, is aimed at dismantling the Islamic Republic’s missile capabilities, degrading its naval assets, disrupting the machinery that arms proxy militias, and ensuring that the regime can never obtain a nuclear weapon.

Notably, the goals Waltz lists in his statement at the UN Security Council emergency session on the ongoing Iran crisis do not include regime change.

Trump earlier said that Iranians should take over their government once the strikes subside.

“No responsible nation can ignore persistent aggression and violence,” Waltz says of Iran.

“Peace is not preserved by appeasing those who threaten it. Peace is preserved through strength in the face of terror,” he continues. “History has taught us that the cost of inaction is far greater than the burden of decisive action.”

Israel and US will ‘regret their actions,’ says head of Iran’s National Security Council

Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, says that Israel and the United States will “regret their actions” after Jerusalem and Washington said the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes.

“The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will deliver an unforgettable lesson to the hellish international oppressors,” Larijani posts on X.

UAE says 137 missiles, 209 drones fired at its territory, most were intercepted

The UAE says the vast majority of the 137 missiles and 209 drones fired at its territory by Iran were destroyed or intercepted, its defense ministry says, after Tehran launched a barrage of projectiles at Gulf states after being attacked by the US and Israel.

“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,” the ministry says a statement posted on X.

IDF says it has struck another series of missile launcher sites in Iran

The Israeli Air Force has completed another wave of airstrikes in Iran, targeting Iranian ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems, the military says.

According to the IDF, the missile launchers and air defenses were struck in western and central Iran. The military also says it “attacked several launch sites in central Iran that had not yet been targeted.”

One of the targeted missile launch sites, in the Qom area, was utilized by Iran to store “H-1” Ghadr missiles, capable of carrying warheads with hundreds of kilograms of explosives, the military says.

The IDF says the strikes on the launchers and other infrastructure at the sites “thwarted dozens of launches toward the territory of the State of Israel and dealt a severe blow to the regime’s most central offensive capability.”

The military publishes footage showing some of the strikes.

🔴 ارتش اسرائیل ده‌ها پرتابه موشکی را خنثی کرد: موج جدیدی از حملات برای ضربه به سامانه موشک‌های بالستیک و پدافند هوایی رژیم تروریستی ایران در مناطق دیگری از مرکز ایران به پایان رسید

نیروی هوایی مدتی پیش موج دیگری از حملات را با هدف ضربه به سامانه موشک‌های بالستیک و سامانه‌های… pic.twitter.com/yRiLwRygjK

— ارتش دفاعی اسرائیل | IDF Farsi (@IDFFarsi) February 28, 2026

Some Iranians celebrate after Trump says Khamenei was killed, witnesses say

Some Iranians celebrate in the streets of Tehran and several other cities after US President Donald Trump says Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israel strikes on the Islamic Republic, witnesses say.

Iran has yet to comment on Trump’s statement.

Witnesses contacted inside Iran say the celebrations have taken place in Tehran, the nearby city of Karaj and the central city of Isfahan.

Videos posted on social media, which are not immediately verified by Reuters, also show celebrations in other places, such as Shiraz and Abdanan, with cars honking horns and carrying pictures of protesters killed in the crackdown on the January anti-government demonstrations.

Fireworks and celebrations on the streets of Tehran to mark the killing of Khamenei … while leftists in the West seethe and cry

The West is on the side of justice, completely vindicated by history

Total and complete victory pic.twitter.com/dgjNcBkgnM

— Drew Pavlou 🇦🇺🇺🇸🇺🇦🇹🇼 (@DrewPavlou) February 28, 2026

This is Karaj tonight.

Please join the people of Iran in celebrating the downfall of the tyrant Khamenei, and the imminent fall of the rotten islamic regime.

After 47 long years, Iran can breathe again.

pic.twitter.com/bxdxwuufIr

— 𝐍𝐢𝐨𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠 🇮🇷 ✡︎ (@NiohBerg) February 28, 2026

Iranians have poured into the street to celebrate the news of Ali Khamenei’s death.pic.twitter.com/wLTMqQWVIa

— The Iran Watcher 🇮🇷 (@TheIranWatcher) February 28, 2026

Trump official: US carried out 900 strikes during first 12 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran

The US military carried out nearly 900 strikes during the first 12 hours of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, Fox News reports, citing an unnamed US official.

The strikes were launched from the land, air and sea and included drones, all while defending against hundreds of incoming Iranian ballistic missiles, the US official says.

Iran fired about 300 missiles in the first 12 hours of fighting, which was sparked by a joint US-Israeli operation at around 9:30 a.m. local time in Tehran, the US official says.

Iran has around 2,000 long-range missiles in its arsenal and another 2,000 shorter-range missiles — both were replenished after last summer’s US and Israeli strikes, the US official tells Fox News.

The official claims Iran struck “empty warehouses” in strikes that targeted the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, adding that none of the Iranian counterstrikes have impacted US aims in Operation Epic Fury.

The official says that the goal of the operation is to ensure that Iran no longer has the “capability to attack its neighbors: no drones, no missiles, no navy.”

The US official claims that Washington knows where Iran is stockpiling its highly enriched uranium, but that it is difficult to reach.

The official expects that the operation against Iran will last “a couple of weeks,” but that US President Donald Trump could decide to wrap it up sooner.

There are still a number of Iranian air defenses left for the US and Israel to suppress before they’ll be able to operate more freely from the Iranian skies, the US official adds.

Rubio cancels this week’s trip to Israel amid Iran strikes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has canceled his trip to Israel, which was scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, the State Department announces.

“Due to current circumstances, Secretary Rubio will no longer travel to Israel on March 2,” Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson tweets.

Suspected drone infiltration alert sounds in Eilat

Sirens warning of a suspected drone infiltration sound in Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat.

Earlier, the IDF reported downing over a dozen drones launched from Iran at Israel.

A short while later, the Home Front Command says the incident has concluded, without providing further details.

UAE authorities confirm Dubai airport hit by Iran counterstrikes; 4 staffers wounded

Emirati authorities confirm that the Dubai International Airport was hit during Iran’s retaliatory strikes against the US and Israel.

Footage shows significant damage to one of the terminals.

The Government of Dubai Media Office tweets that four airport staffers were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment.

The government office claims that the airport only incurred “minor damage” in the incident, which has been contained.

More from the airport in Dubai pic.twitter.com/9My9uu6Zwv

— Jeronimo (@Jeronim77706053) February 28, 2026

Medics: Woman injured in Tel Aviv missile strike dies of her wounds

A woman in her 40s who was critically wounded by the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Tel Aviv has died, first responders say.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service, meanwhile, says it is taking to hospitals a man in his 40s in serious condition, a man in his 30s in moderate condition, a woman in her 90s in moderate condition, and 17 others who are lightly hurt.

Trump says ‘evil’ Khamenei is dead; strikes will continue ‘uninterrupted’ until peace is secured

US President Donald Trump declares that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in today’s joint American and Israeli strikes against the Islamic Republic, which he says will continue “uninterrupted” throughout the week or as long as necessary until peace is secured.

“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump writes on Truth Social.

There is no confirmation from Iran and a tweet is posted from Khamenei’s X account purports to demonstrate that the supreme leader is still alive.

به نام نامی حیدر علیه‌السلام pic.twitter.com/n848j6KASq

— KHAMENEI.IR | فارسی (@Khamenei_fa) February 28, 2026

But Trump writes that Khamenei’s death is “not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans, and those people from many countries throughout the world [who] have been killed or mutilated by [him] and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.”

"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…" – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/oXZTFGg5pS

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2026

While Israel was reportedly behind the specific strike that took out Khamenei, Trump indicates the US played a major role, while coordinating with Jerusalem.

Khamenei “was unable to avoid our intelligence and highly sophisticated tracking systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders [who] have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump writes.

“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country. We are hearing that many of their [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps], military, and other security and police forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for immunity from us,” Trump claims.

Such capitulations have not been verified.

Trump has called on Iranian security personnel to surrender in exchange for immunity or face imminent death.

“Hopefully, the IRGC and police will peacefully merge with the Iranian patriots and work together as a unit to bring back the country to the greatness it deserves,” Trump says.

“That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated,” he claims.

“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 writes.

Medics say at least 20 hurt in Tel Aviv missile strike, 1 woman critical

Some 20 people were wounded by the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Tel Aviv, according to first responders.

Among them is a woman in her 40s in critical condition who is unconscious and is being treated at the scene, the Magen David Adom ambulance service says.

MDA says it is taking to hospitals a man in his 40s in serious condition, a man in his 30s in moderate condition, a woman in her 90s in moderate condition, and 17 others who are lightly hurt.

Sirens sounding across central Israel

Sirens sound across central Israel as Iran continues to launch ballistic missiles.

The IDF says it is working to intercept the projectiles.

IDF detects new launch from Iran, sirens expected

The IDF detects missile launches from Iran.

Sirens are expected across central Israel.

US official: We offered Iran ‘free nuclear fuel forever’ but they refused; they wanted enrichment for a nuclear bomb

A senior US official briefing reporters asserts that the Iranians demonstrated “no seriousness to achieve a real deal,” even though Washington offered “free nuclear fuel forever.”

“They basically said that didn’t work for them. And we basically said, ‘Well, that makes absolutely no sense,'” the senior US official recalls, accusing Iran of trying to “buy time,” rather than negotiating in good faith.

“They were in the throes of rebuilding everything that had been destroyed” in the US and Israeli strikes last June, the official also says.

In the last three rounds of talks, Iran adamantly refused to negotiate over its ballistic missile program, the official notes. “They won’t talk about it with us. They won’t talk about it with our regional partners. They will not talk about those missiles at all. And for us, that was also an unacceptable situation to be in. So the president, frankly, had no choice,” the US official says.

“It was very clear that the intent for them was to preserve their ability to do enrichment, so that over time, they could use it for a nuclear bomb,” the official continues. “If they wanted to have a civil, peaceful nuclear program, we offered them many, many ways to do that. But, instead, that was met with games, tricks and stall tactics.”

At least one person seriously injured in Tel Aviv missile strike

At least one person is seriously wounded by the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Tel Aviv, according to the Magen David Adom ambulance service.

The man in his 40s is being taken to a hospital.

MDA says it is continuing to scan for other possible injuries at the scene.

IDF troops from the Home Front Command’s Search and Rescue Brigade were dispatched to the site of the ballistic missile impact in Tel Aviv. The military says the forces are carrying out “extensive rescue and rescue efforts.”

Senior US official: Trump had no choice but to act amid intel that Iran planned to preemptively use missiles

US President Donald Trump authorized Operation Epic Fury against Iran after Washington received intelligence indicating that the Islamic Republic would deploy its ballistic missiles either preemptively or simultaneously with any American action against Tehran, a senior US official says.

“The president decided he was not going to sit back and allow American forces in the region to absorb attacks from conventional missiles,” the senior US official says in a briefing with reporters.

“We had analysis that basically told us [that] if we sat back and waited to get hit first, the amount of casualties and damage would be substantially higher than if we acted in a preemptive, defensive way to prevent those launches from occurring,” the senior US official claims.

“We cannot continue to live in a world where these people not only possess missiles but the ability to make 100 of them a month in perpetuity, to overwhelm any potential defenses,” the US official continues.

“We are not going to be held hostage by them, and we are not going to let them hit us first because it would have substantially increased the risk to our troops in the region and to our allies,” he adds.

The senior US official says the Trump administration viewed Iran’s “ambition” of nuclear weapons as a longer-term threat and Tehran’s existing stockpile of missiles that can reach US military bases across the region as a “short-term” threat posing “an intolerable risk to the US.”

Trump says he feels reports that Iran’s Khamenei is dead are correct

US President Donald Trump tells NBC News in an interview that he believes reports of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death are correct.

“We feel that that is a correct story,” Trump tells NBC News in a phone interview, according to a report on its website.

NBC's Kristen Welker: "I asked President Trump if he had confirmation that Ayatollah Khamenei has, in fact, been killed. He said to me, 'I've spoken to a lot of people. We feel that is a correct story… A large number of their leaders have also been killed.'" pic.twitter.com/LFhAct4OVC

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 28, 2026

Medics, security forces respond to report of missile impact in central Israel

Medics and security forces are responding to reports of a ballistic missile impact in central Israel.

There are no immediate reports of injuries.

Sirens continue to sound amid Iran’s missile attack.

IDF confirms killing top Iranian leaders, including top defense official Ali Shamkhani

The IDF confirms killing several members of Iran’s security leadership, including top defense official Ali Shamkhani and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Israel’s opening strikes in Iran this morning began with a “surprise attack after the Military Intelligence Directorate identified two locations in Tehran where senior figures of the Iranian security leadership had convened,” the military says.

The IDF says it can confirm the deaths of the following officials in the strikes:

Ali Shamkhani, a former IRGC Navy chief and Iranian army chief, and a top adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel targeted him in last June’s war, and initially believed it had killed him.

Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the IRGC. The IDF says Pakpour led Iran’s “plan to destroy Israel,” and he was responsible for missile and drone attacks on Israel, supporting Iran’s proxy groups, and ” effectively commanded the violent suppression of Iranian protesters during the internal protests last month.”

Salah Asadi, the chief of intelligence in Iran’s military emergency headquarters, and the senior intelligence officer of Iran’s armed forces’ general staff. The IDF says he was also involved in Iran’s “plan to destroy Israel.”

Mohammad Shirazi, the chief of Khamenei’s military bureau since 1989. The IDF says he was responsible for “the liaison between the senior commanders of the armed forces and the leader, and was a central figure in the top ranks of the Iranian terror regime.”

Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran’s minister of defense, and a former chief of the Iranian air force and deputy chief of staff. The IDF says he was responsible for “industries producing long-range missiles and weapons transferred to regime proxies, as well as for the SPND organization, which advanced projects in the fields of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.”

Hossein Jabal-Amelian, chairman of SPND. The IDF says he was responsible for “developing advanced technologies and weapons for the regime” and advanced “projects for years in the fields of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.”

Reza Mozafari-Nia, a former chairman of SPND. The IDF says he “advanced efforts to develop nuclear weapons.”

Sirens sound in central, northern Israel

Sirens sound across central and northern Israel amid a fresh ballistic missile attack from Iran.

The IDF says it is working to intercept the projectiles.

Since this morning, Iran has launched around 170 ballistic missiles, dozens of them toward Israel and dozens toward American military sites in the Middle East, according to military assessments.

IDF says launch detected in Iran, sirens expected to sound

The IDF says it has detected a launch of missiles from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in central and northern Israel.

‘A lot’ of Iranian leaders killed in strikes, Trump tells ABC News

US President Donald Trump tells a US broadcaster that several members of Iran’s top leadership were killed in US-Israeli strikes that “incapacitated” the Islamic Republic, and the identities of the country’s next leaders were becoming clear.

Asked by ABC News whether Washington believes people in Iran’s leadership were now dead, Trump said “a lot of it is,” adding he and the administration “have a very good idea” of who will fill the positions of power in Tehran.

White House published photos of Trump at Mar-a-Lago war room during Iran strikes

The White House publishes photos of the makeshift situation room that it has set up for US President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

It also publishes a photo of the actual Situation Room at the White House where US Vice President JD Vance has been huddling with top security officials who are not with Trump in Florida.

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

‘Hands off Iran’: Hundreds back Tehran at Times Square protest

Several hundred protesters gather at Times Square in New York City to protest against the strikes on Iran.

The demonstrators, from socialist and anti-Zionist activist groups, chant, “Hands off Iran now,” and link the attack on Iran to Israel’s campaign in Gaza.

“This attack on Iran comes in the context of this brutal, unending genocide that has been made possible and carried out by the US and Israel,” a speaker tells the crowd.

“We understand this war and this attack for what it is — an extension of this genocide and an aid to advance imperialist Zionist interests,” she says, to shouts of “shame” from the crowd.

Signs in the crowd say, “Defend Palestine,” “For Iran’s right to a nuclear deterrent,” “Free Iran from imperialism, theocracy,” and, “White men ruin everything.”

Several signs link the Iran strikes to Jeffrey Epstein. Other speakers and signs blame the conflict for health care issues and inequality in the US.

Top Israeli official: Khamenei’s death makes Middle East peace possible

Killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “will finally make true peace possible and bring prosperity to the Middle East and beyond,” a senior Israeli official tells The Times of Israel.

In addition to Khamenei being targeted, says the official, “so were scores of senior IRGC commanders.”

“Ballistic missile facilities were taken out. And the regime is being crippled.”

The official says that Israel “will continue to strike them until the existential threat posed by the Ayatollah regime is removed.”

Cheers, celebrations heard on Tehran streets after reports of Khamenei death: witnesses

Witnesses say that loud cheers echoed across parts of Tehran and residents took to their windows to applaud and play celebratory music after reports of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death.

The celebrations began shortly after 11 p.m. (1930 GMT), according to multiple witnesses and audio recordings.

Joy and celebration in Tehran. pic.twitter.com/IGfv3ku0YO

— The Truth Hurts (@hurts9104) February 28, 2026

Top Khamenei aide pledges revenge against ‘Zionist criminals’ after supreme leader said killed

After Channel 12 reported that he was among the top Iranian officials targeted in US and Israeli strikes, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s top aide Ali Larijani publishes a statement on his X account vowing revenge.

An Israeli official said tonight that Khamenei was killed in Israel’s initial strikes this morning, and Netanyahu is reported to have been shown a photograph of Khamenei’s body retrieved from his compound.

“We will make the Zionist criminals and the shameless Americans regret their actions. The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will deliver an unforgettable lesson to the hellish international oppressors,” Larijani tweets.

Khamenei reportedly put in place detailed plans for his succession and emergency chains of command should he, or other top leaders, be killed in potential US or Israeli strikes, elevating longtime loyalist Larijani to manage the crisis.

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

Netanyahu, Trump said shown picture of Khamenei’s body retrieved from compound

Channel 12 news reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump were shown an image of the body of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, after it was recovered by Iranian authorities from his compound in Tehran.

Israel carried out a massive strike on Khamenei’s compound in the opening salvo of attacks on Iran this morning.

Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter updated American officials that Israel had succeeded in killing Khamenei, a source familiar with the matter tells The Times of Israel, confirming reporting in the Axios news site.

Trump speaks to leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE amid ongoing Iran strkes

US President Donald Trump held phone calls earlier Saturday with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and NATO, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tweets.

The Gulf countries had been among those most intensely urging Trump against striking Iran due to fears of a regional escalation.

Iran carried out strikes against several Gulf nations today.

IDF says several Iranian drones intercepted

The IDF says it has intercepted several more drones launched from Iran, after sirens sounded in Israeli border communities in the north and south.

The alerts were activated in towns near the Lebanon and Jordan borders, “according to protocol,” the military says.

Israeli official: Khamenei was killed in Israeli airstrike

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Iran this morning, an Israeli official tells Israeli media.

US official says envoys felt Iranian counterproposal in nuclear talks was ‘bullshit,’ leading Trump to strike — report

US President Donald Trump decided on Friday to attack Iran after hearing from top US envoys that the latest Iranian counterproposal in the US-Iran nuclear talks was “bullshit” and intended only to buy Tehran time, a senior US official tells Channel 12.

Trump’s envoys for the nuclear talks, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, had conducted “serious negotiations” with the Iranians, hoping in earnest to reach a deal, but felt ultimately that the Iranians were not willing to compromise on US demands, according to the official.

After the latest round of talks in Geneva on Thursday, Kushner and Witkoff told US Vice President JD Vance over the phone that talks “aren’t going anywhere…we’re very disappointed.”

Vance then updated Trump during the president’s flight to Texas on Friday, leading him to ultimately decide on the strike, the official tells Channel 12.

Netanyahu says increasing signs that Khamenei ‘is no more’; op will last until Iranians are freed from dictatorship

The signs are growing that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei “is no more,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says in a video statement to the Israeli public.

He says that this morning Israel eliminated IRGC commanders, senior Iranian regime officials, senior nuclear officials, and that in the coming days, “we will hit thousands of targets of the terror regime.”

He says that Israel will create the conditions for the Iranian people to “free itself from the chains of dictatorship.”

The operation against Iran “will continue as long as is necessary,” says Netanyahu, “and stamina is necessary.”

He thanks US President Donald Trump for his “historic leadership.”

“He is a leader who keeps his word,” says Netanyahu.

The premier says the operation will “lead to peace, true peace.”

Netanyahu says Israel went to war to “fundamentally change” the situation in which Iran was on its way to a nuclear weapon that would enable it to drastically increase its threats against its neighbors.

Trump tells Israeli reporter attack could last 2-3 days or much longer, will take Iran years to recover

US President Donald Trump says that it will take Iran “several years” to recover from the joint US-Israeli attack on the country, in a phone conversation with reporter Barak Ravid from Israel’s Channel 12 news.

The president says that he can choose to make the campaign as long as he likes or finish within a matter of days, with a warning that he would attack again if Iran attempts to rebuild.

“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],” Trump says in a five-minute phone interview from Mar-a-Lago with Ravid, who publishes the English quotes on Axios.

However, he stresses that, “In any case, it will take them several years to recover from this attack.”

Trump cites two main reasons for launching the strikes, Ravid reports, with the first being the failure of negotiations this week led by his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The president accuses Iran of backing away from reaching a nuclear deal, saying he recognized that Tehran wasn’t seeking an agreement in earnest. “The Iranians got close and then pulled back — close and then pulled back. I understood from that that they don’t really want a deal,” he says.

His second reason — Iran’s decades of bad behavior. Ravid says Trump told him that when writing his speech Friday announcing the attack, “he asked his team to compile every Iranian-linked attack around the world over the past 25 years.”

Trump tells Ravid: “I saw that every month they did something bad, blew something up or killed someone.”

Ravid says Trump also claimed in their conversation that Iran had begun rebuilding some of the nuclear facilities that the US and Israel struck during last June’s 12-day war.  And the president also told Ravid that if the US had not bombed three key nuclear facilities in June, Iran could have developed a nuclear weapon by now, rendering the current attack impossible.

Trump also describes his conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening as a positive one, Ravid tells Channel 12.

‘Help has arrived’: Netanyahu calls on Iranians to take to streets to bring down regime

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls on the Iranian people to unite and rise up against the Iranian regime.

“Don’t miss the opportunity,” he says in a Hebrew-language video statement, “this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

“Soon your moment will come,” he says, “the moment when you must take to the streets in your masses, to take to the streets to complete the work to bring down the regime of horrors that embitters your lives.”

“Help has arrived,” Netanyahu says in English, calling on Iranians to join forces in toppling the regime.

Some 170 missiles, dozens of drones fired from Iran today

Since this morning, Iran has launched around 170 ballistic missiles, dozens of them toward Israel, according to military assessments.

Dozens of missiles were also launched at American military facilities in other countries in the Middle East.

Iran’s salvos at Israel today have mostly consisted of a small number of missiles.

Air defense systems intercepted several of the projectiles, while others struck open areas. There were also reports of missile and interceptor fragments landing across the country.

In addition, dozens of attack drones were launched from Iran, with the IDF reporting that it has intercepted more than a dozen of them.

Gaza crossings closed amid Iran strikes

Crossings with the Gaza Strip, including Rafah Crossing with Egypt, will remain closed amid the joint Israeli-American operation against Iran, Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories says.

“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,” COGAT says in a statement.

COGAT says that “it should be emphasized that the closure of the crossings will have no impact on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.”

“The substantial quantities of food that have entered since the beginning of the ceasefire amount to four times the nutritional needs of the population, according to the UN methodology,” the Defense Ministry body claims. “Therefore, the existing stock is expected to suffice for an extended period. COGAT will continue to maintain continuous contact with the international community and will provide updates on any developments.”

Initial Israeli strikes targeted some 30 key Iranian leaders; 30 bombs said dropped on Khamenei’s compound

Israel’s initial strikes on Iran this morning reportedly targeted some 30 key Iranian regime leaders and military chiefs, headed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Israeli officials have been widely quoted asserting that Khamenei was likely killed — in what is believed to be the first time Israel has directly sought to kill a serving head of a sovereign state — but there has been no official Israeli comment on this. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has said Khamenei is alive “as far as I know.”

An unsourced Channel 12 news report says Israel, having coordinated with the US, dropped some 30 bombs on Khamenei’s compound, and that Khamenei was underground at the location, but not in one of the two deepest bunkers that only US bombs could have penetrated. This report also claims Khamenei’s military secretary was killed, and unspecified members of Khamenei’s family. Satellite imagery has shown the compound largely destroyed.

Hezbollah had previously threatened to enter the fighting if Khamenei were to be targeted.

Israel’s Kan state broadcaster reports that there are indications that Khamenei’s son Mojtaba Khamenei — who was expected by many to succeed his father — has also been killed.

As previously reported, Israeli sources say the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, and Iranian defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed in the strikes. President Masoud Pezeshkian was also targeted, as were key Iranian intelligence chiefs.

In addition, Channel 12 news now says that the Iranian army chief, Sayyid Abdolrahim Mousavi, was targeted, as was a leading potential successor to Khamenei, Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Ali Shamkhani, a former IRGC Navy chief and Iranian army chief, was also targeted, and, according to unconfirmed reports by Iran International, killed. Israel targeted him in last June’s war, and initially believed it had killed him.

Also targeted was Esmail Qaani, head of the IRGC’s al-Quds force, and the IRGC’s Air Force chief Majid Mousavi, who oversees Iran’s ballistic missile attacks.

In all, some 30 key regime leaders and military commanders were targeted in the initial Israeli strikes, Channel 12 says, perhaps hyperbolically reporting that “30 were targeted in 30 seconds.”

US military published footage showing its strikes against Iran

The US Central Command publishes footage showing its strikes against Iran today.

The footage shows missiles being launched from a warship, fighter jets taking off from an aircraft carrier and strikes on Iranian assets, including a drone on the ground.

“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,” CENTCOM says.

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

Arkia extends flight suspension through Monday

Israeli carrier Arkia updates that it will extend the suspension of flights through Monday following the closure of the country’s airspace amid US-Israel strikes on Iran.

Earlier today, Arkia cancelled all flights through Sunday after the airspace closure cut off Israelis from international travel, leaving thousands stranded abroad.

For now, Arkia has stopped ticket sales until March 15. Meanwhile, the airline says it has prepared a repatriation flight schedule to help bring Israelis back home.

The repatriation schedule “will go into effect as soon as the skies reopen and will include hundreds of flights to city centers around the world,” Arkia says.

Throughout the day, Israel’s three major airlines El Al, Arkia, and Israir moved their fleets parked at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport out of the country to prevent them from being targeted in an Iranian attack.

Sirens warn of drone infiltration on northern border

Sirens warning of a suspected drone infiltration sound in several northern Israeli communities next to the Lebanese border.

It is not immediately clear if the suspected drone or drones were launched from Lebanon or Iran.

The IDF says it has intercepted more than a dozen drones launched from Iran at Israel today.

Iran operation planned to last ‘about a week,’ ministers tell outlet

Cabinet ministers were told that the US-Israeli operation against Iran is designed to last for about a week, according to the Kan public broadcaster.

However, if Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed, says Kan, that could shorten the operation, if it causes Iranians to rise up against the regime.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior officials were home with their families for the Sabbath meals last night in order to avoid giving any indications to Iranian intelligence that an attack was about to take place, according to the outlet.

US military says damage caused, but no casualties in Iranian retaliation

The US Central Command confirms damage was caused to American military sites in the Middle East by Iran’s missile and drone attacks, but says no troops were hurt.

“US and partner forces began striking targets at 1:15 am ET to dismantle the Iranian regime’s security apparatus, prioritizing locations that posed an imminent threat,” CENTCOM says in its first statement on the joint strikes with Israel.

It says that targets included “Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.”

“The first hours of the operation included precision munitions launched from air, land and sea. Additionally, CENTCOM’s Task Force Scorpion Strike employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat,” the statement continues.

CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper says US President Donald Trump “ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call.”

Following the initial wave of airstrikes carried out by the US and Israel, CENTCOM says it “successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.”

“There have been no reports of US casualties or combat-related injuries. Damage to US installations was minimal and has not impacted operations,” it adds.

https://t.co/oX9vFjlC2a

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 28, 2026

Sirens warn of drone infiltration in communities near Jordan border

Sirens warning of a suspected drone infiltration sound in several southern Israeli communities next to the Jordan border.

The IDF says it has intercepted more than a dozen drones launched from Iran at Israel today.

New York Police Department ups patrols at ‘sensitive locations’ amid Iran strikes

“Out of an abundance of caution, we will be enhancing patrols to sensitive locations throughout the city, including diplomatic, cultural, religious and other relevant sites,” NYPD says in a post to social media.

The force says it “is closely monitoring events in Iran and the Middle East” and coordinating with federal and international partners.

It asks the public to remain vigilant and notify police of any suspicious activity.

IDF publishes footage of interception of Iranian drone

The IDF publishes footage showing the interception of an Iranian drone that was launched toward Israel earlier today.

According to the military, the Israeli Air Force has intercepted more than a dozen drones launched from Iran since this morning.

The IDF publishes footage showing the interception of an Iranian drone that was launched toward Israel earlier today.

According to the military, the Israeli Air Force has intercepted more than a dozen drones launched from Iran since this morning. pic.twitter.com/G3o5mBg3sG

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 28, 2026

Earlier, Iran’s army claimed to have launched dozens of attack drones at Israel.

Iranian Red Crescent says more than 200 killed in US-Israeli strikes

The Iranian Red Crescent reports this evening that at least 201 people were killed and 747 wounded in strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.

The organization said “24 (of Iran’s 31) provinces were affected and the Red Crescent is in a state of alert,” in a statement published by the ISNA news agency. This is the first official Iranian toll from the strikes.

The IDF says it carried out hundreds of attacks on military targets.

Kuwait says 3 soldiers injured by Iran missile strike

Kuwait’s defense ministry confirms that Iran targeted its Ali al-Salem Air Base earlier today, resulting in “minor injuries” to three soldiers and minimal material damage, according to an Arabic-language post on X.

The ministry stresses that “this has not affected operational readiness or combat capability.”

Lebanon’s president: Israel sent message through US that it won’t strike if it isn’t attacked from Lebanon

Israel sends a message of de-escalation to the Lebanese government through the United States, the Lebanese Presidency announces.

According to his office, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun received from US Ambassador Michel Issa a message “confirming that the Israeli side has no intention of undertaking any escalation against Lebanon, as long as there are no hostile actions from the Lebanese side.”

Aoun’s government is hostile to Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, and to Iranian meddling in Lebanon. The very public announcement of the Israeli missive on Aoun’s official X channel is likely a means of pressuring Hezbollah to avoid dragging the country into war by hitting Israel.

Syria condemns ‘brutal’ Iran attacks, reaches out to Saudi, UAE

Syria condemns “brutal attacks” from Iran on Arab countries, as its foreign minister holds calls with counterparts in the region.

Syria was a close Iranian ally until the Bashar Assad regime was toppled in late 2024. The new government, which is led by many former jihadists, has prioritized showing Western countries that it is committed to a future of moderation, but Israel has treated it with suspicion.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shabani calls Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to express solidarity, according to Damascus.

He also calls his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Abdullah, and the two affirm “the Kingdom’s right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its territory,” according to the Saudi readout.

Knesset committee to get briefing on Iran strikes, approve ‘special situation’ on home front

The Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee will hold a special closed session on Monday to receive an operational intelligence review of Operation Roaring Lion as well as to hold a vote approving the the declaration of a “special situation” on the home front,” the Knesset announces.

IDF issues urgent evacuation order for Iranians near Isfahan industrial area

The IDF issues an “urgent warning” to Iranians located in an industrial zone in the Isfahan area, ahead of an Israeli airstrike.

“In the coming minutes, the Israeli army will attack military infrastructure in this area,” says the IDF’s Persian-language spokesman, Lt. Col. Kamal Penhasi, in a statement.

“Citizens, immediately move away from this area,” he says.

هشدار فوری به کلیه افراد مستقر در ناحیه صنعتی «جی» در منطقه اصفهان، بر اساس ناحیه مشخص شده بر روی نقشه ضمیمه.
تا دقایقی دیگر ارتش اسرائیل زیرساخت های نظامی در این ناحیه را مورد حمله قرار خواهد داد.
شهروندان گرامی، فورا از این منطقه دور شوید.
ساکنین روستای مزرعه لطفا داخل خانه… pic.twitter.com/XLJHRjnUDY

— ارتش دفاعی اسرائیل | IDF Farsi (@IDFFarsi) February 28, 2026

Palestinian Authority condemns Iran, offers support to Arab states

The Palestinian Authority condemns Iran’s retaliatory attacks on US-allied Arab states in the region following the US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic.

The PA “affirms the solidarity of our people and their steadfastness alongside the sister Arab nations,” and expresses support for “whatever measures these countries take to preserve their security, stability and sovereignty,” according to a statement carried by official PA news outlet WAFA.

Bahrain condemns ‘treacherous’ Iran attacks on Arab states, acknowledges strikes in country

Bahrain condemns “the treacherous Iranian missile attacks” on Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan.

Bahrain’s foreign ministry calls the attacks “a flagrant violation of their sovereignty, security and stability, and a threat to the security, safety and lives of civilians and residents on their territories, and a disregard for all international laws, norms and principles of good neighborliness.”

Bahrain praises “sister countries” that intercepted Iranian missiles, acknowledging that “some of them hit sites and facilities.”

The Iranian regime just hit a multistory building in Bahrain. It is out of control. pic.twitter.com/rmbmmTk6Eb

— Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) February 28, 2026

Fresh sirens sound across central Israel

Fresh sirens sound across central Israel, as Iran continues to launch ballistic missiles.

The IDF says it is working to intercept the projectiles.

Iran’s salvos today have mostly consisted of a small number of missiles.

IDF publishes footage of jets taking off for Iran attack

Footage published by the military shows Israeli Air Force fighter jets taking off this morning for extensive strikes in Iran.

According to the IDF, 200 fighter jets hit over 500 Iranian military targets, including ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems, in Iran this morning as part of the strikes.

“This was the most significant sortie so far, which allows me to tell you at this moment, we have started off on the right foot,” IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar says to officers in a recording published by the military.

Israeli Air Force fighter jets take off from airbases in Israel for strikes in Iran, February 28, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

Netanyahu to give statement on war this evening

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will give a statement by video later this evening, says his office.

Netanyahu issued a video statement at 10 a.m. earlier today, hours after the initial Israeli-US strikes on Iran.

IDF detects new launch from Iran

A new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran has been detected by the IDF.

Sirens are expected to sound across central Israel in the coming minutes.

Schools to be closed at least until Monday evening

Israeli schools will be closed in the wake of today’s joint US-Israel attack, with all education activities halted until Monday at 8 p.m., announces Education Minister Yoav Kisch.

“Please strictly adhere to all directives and follow official updates. This is a critical moment, and every instruction saves lives,” he says. “The education system has prepared in advance for emergency and war scenarios, and will continue to operate with responsibility and full readiness in accordance with developments.”

Meanwhile, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana announces that all parliamentary activities will be halted tomorrow in light of the security situation. This includes all committee discussions and the planned plenum session.

UK foreign secretary condemns ‘indiscriminate strikes’ by ‘abhorrent’ Iran regime

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says she has spoken to allies in the region “to condemn indiscriminate strikes by the abhorrent Iranian regime and to express UK solidarity.”

“We want to see prevention of escalation and protection of civilian lives,” says Cooper on X.

Merz: Germany is committed to Israel’s security, did not take part in strikes on Iran

Germany is committed to Israel’s security, says German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, adding that it is “coordinating closely” with the United States, Israel and partners in the region.

“We remain committed to peace and security in the region and to Israel’s security,” he writes on X.

“Germany calls on Iran to cease military strikes against Israel and other partners in the region,” says Merz. “The leadership in Tehran must end the violence against its own people and return to a negotiated solution.”

Merz says Germany has not participated in the strikes against Iranian targets.

Arab-majority Hadash party condemns strikes on Iran, could lead to global war

The Arab-majority Hadash party condemns the joint Israeli-American attack on Iran, warning in a statement that it “could lead to the ignition of a large-scale, regional and global war.”

The party alleges that “Israel is not only a tool in the hands of global American imperialism, but also a full partner in it and in its ambitions to tighten American imperialist control over the world, its natural and economic resources and wealth, and to subordinate all regimes to the American will and its economic calculations.”

The party also slams “the danger of the almost complete consensus in the government and the main Israeli opposition” regarding the operation and “warns against exploiting public opinion’s preoccupation with this war, in order to increase the massacres and crimes of ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.”

Hadash calls on members of the public “to raise their voices against Israeli-American aggression” and the removal of American bases and nuclear weapons from the Middle East.

IDF says 200 jets involved in Air Force’s largest-ever attack sortie

With some 200 fighter jets, the Israeli Air Force says it carried out its largest-ever strike sortie in Iran today.

The extensive strikes targeted Iranian ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems, according to the military.

The IDF says the fighter jets dropped hundreds of munitions on some 500 Iranian military targets in western and central Iran, near-simultaneously, in the morning hours as part of the sortie.

“This is the largest strike sortie in the history of the Israeli Air Force, executed after close planning with high-quality intelligence, synchronizing hundreds of aircraft simultaneously,” the military says in a statement.

The IDF says that the strikes on Iran’s air defense systems “enabled the expansion of air superiority over Iranian skies and caused a severe blow to the regime’s central offensive capability, the launch sites in western Iran.”

One of the sites that was struck in the Tabriz area served Iran’s ballistic missile unit, “and from there it planned to launch dozens of missiles toward Israel,” the IDF says.

El Al to launch rescue flights for Israelis stranded abroad when airspace opens

Israeli carrier El Al says it is preparing for a rescue operation to help bring Israelis stranded abroad back home.

“When air traffic resumes and approval is received to operate rescue flights to Israel, customers holding an El Al ticket will be the first to be assigned to the rescue flights,” El Al says in a statement.

El Al flight ticket sales have been halted until March 21 or until all El Al customers holding a flight ticket have been assigned, the airline says.

“The closure of the sale is intended to allow priority to the company’s customers whose tickets were issued before the escalation,” El Al says.

Customers holding an El Al ticket will be automatically assigned and directly notified by the airline once new flight details are available. El Al is asking stranded customers to refrain from transferring to other destinations.

As of now, all El Al flights have been suspended through tomorrow at the earliest, amid the closure of Israel’s airspace. Passengers whose flights were cancelled due to the security situation are entitled to a cash refund or voucher.

IDF launches new wave of strikes against Iranian missile launchers

The Israeli Air Force is conducting a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems in central Iran, the IDF announces.

Opposition leader Lapid says country united in war against Iran

Israelis are united behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s troops in the war against Iran, states Opposition Leader Yair Lapid.

In a video statement, the former premier states that he told multiple foreign media outlets this evening that “there were no political implications” of Israel’s war against Iran and that “we are all united on the operation.”

“We are united behind the pilots, fighters and security forces in the most justified operation there is,” Lapid states.

Speaking with Sky News earlier this evening, Lapid said that Israel was “forced into this war, and we’re going to win it.”

IDF detects new launch from Iran, sirens expected in north

A new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran has been detected by the IDF.

Sirens are expected to sound in northern Israel shortly.

This comes after sirens sounded across central Israel a short while ago.

Medics treat 89 people during Iranian strikes, most lightly hurt running for shelter

The Magen David Adom ambulance service says it has treated a total of 89 people who were lightly injured as a result of Iran’s ballistic missile attacks, the vast majority of them indirectly.

MDA says a 16-year-old was hurt by shrapnel in Kfar Qasim, a man in his 50s was injured by a blast shockwave in Ka’abiyye-Tabbash-Hajajrem, and a 53-year-old was wounded after falling from a height following a missile fragment impact in Tirat Carmel.

The other 86 were injured after falling over while running to shelters, MDA says. Six others were treated for acute anxiety.

Top Democrat on intel committee accuses Trump admin of ‘misrepresenting intelligence’ to justify war against Iran

The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee suggests that US President Donald Trump’s administration “misrepresented intelligence” to justify launching a war against Iran.

“The American people have seen this playbook before – claims of urgency, misrepresented intelligence, and military action that pulls the United States into regime change and prolonged, costly nation-building,” Sen. Mark Warner says in a statement.

“The Constitution is clear: the decision to take this nation to war rests with Congress, and launching large-scale military operations – particularly in the absence of an imminent threat to the United States – raises serious legal and constitutional concerns,” Warner adds.

“Congress must be fully briefed, and the administration must come forward with a clear legal justification, a defined end state, and a plan that avoids dragging the United States into yet another costly and unnecessary war,” he says

Overnight, the president conducted expansive U.S. strikes – not limited to nuclear or missile infrastructure but extending to a broad set of targets, including senior Iranian leadership – marking a deeply consequential decision that risks pulling the United States into another…

— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) February 28, 2026

Netanyahu rival Bennett expresses ‘full support’ for PM in Iran attack

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett, a leading rival to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming elections, expresses his “full support for the IDF, the Israeli government and the prime minister for Operation Roaring Lion.”

“The entire nation of Israel stands behind you until the destruction of the Iranian threat,” Bennett writes on X as the Jewish sabbath ends.

He says that the Iranian people have a “historic opportunity to free themselves from a violent, disconnected, corrupt and failed terrorist regime.”

He thanks US President Donald Trump, “who time and again demonstrates rare courage and determination.”

“The entire nation of Israel thanks you.”

IDF says Iran may have used missile with cluster warhead in strikes on Israel

The IDF says that Iran may have launched ballistic missiles carrying cluster bomb warheads at Israel today.

The warhead of such missiles, which Iran also fired at Israel in the June 2025 war, opens up while descending and spreads around 20 smaller munitions with around 2.5 kilograms of explosives, in a radius of around 8 kilometers (5 miles).

The IDF reiterates that there is no change to the Home Front Command’s guidelines for civilians when it comes to cluster bomb attacks.

IDF publishes video of strike on Iranian missile launcher

The IDF publishes a new video showing an airstrike against Iranian soldiers who it says were arming a ballistic missile launcher in preparation for an attack on Israel.

The launcher itself was also struck, the footage shows.

The military says it has struck hundreds of Iranian military targets in Iran today, including primed missile launchers.

הותקפו חיילים של משטר הטרור האיראני בעודם מחמשים משגרים לשיגור טילים לעבר מדינת ישראל* pic.twitter.com/iiqeIs6g6a

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) February 28, 2026

White House: Trump monitoring Iran developments from Mar-a-Lago; Rubio gave Congressional leaders heads-up on strikes

US President Donald Trump monitored the situation in Iran overnight with members of his national security team at his Mar-a-Lago golf resort, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says in a statement.

She confirms that Trump also spoke recently with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone, though doesn’t give any other information on the call.

Prior to the attacks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the Congressional leadership known as the “Gang of Eight” to provide Congressional notification of the strike, Leavitt says.

Rubio was able to reach and brief seven of the eight members, she adds.

Trump and his national security team will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout the day, Leavitt says.

Missile fragments reported across central Israel and West Bank

Police say they have received reports of missile fragment impacts in several areas of central Israel, following Iran’s latest ballistic missile attack.

There are no reports of injuries, but damage was caused, police say.

The Palestinian Authority police also report shrapnel falling in four different locations in the West Bank since this morning, adding that there have been no reports of injuries.

The shrapnel fell in the areas of Hebron and Bethlehem in the southern West Bank, Ramallah in the central West Bank and Nablus in the northern West Bank, the police say, calling on Palestinians to avoid public gatherings, stay in safe areas, keep their distance from suspicious objects and report them to authorities.

Separately, PA Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has declared a state of “maximum alert” in Palestinian hospitals and directed schools in the West Bank to move to online teaching until at least Monday, according to WAFA, the PA’s official news agency.

Four injured in apparent Iran strike on Dubai’s landmark The Palm

Two witnesses tell AFP they heard an explosion and saw a plume of smoke rising from Dubai’s famed man-made island The Palm as authorities reported four injured.

The attack came as Iran carried out retaliatory strikes in the oil-rich Gulf following US and Israeli attacks — rattling a region long seen as a haven of peace and security.

One of the witnesses says he saw thick black smoke rising from a hotel on the Palm and heard ambulances rushing towards the scene.

The Dubai media office later confirmed an “incident” in a building in the Palm Jumeirah area that resulted in a fire and four people injured.

“Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control. Four individuals sustained injuries and have been transferred to medical facilities,” it adds.

The incident targeting a Dubai landmark shocked residents, and was followed by several bangs heard by Dubai residents and AFP correspondents in the city.

Actually this footage making the rounds on Telegram shows what looks like a Shahed drone strike on the Dubai Palm. The small warhead explains the limited damage. https://t.co/gDHeAx8MOE pic.twitter.com/lBOxEZTGgk

— Yaroslav Trofimov (@yarotrof) February 28, 2026

Missile sirens sounding in central Israel

Sirens sound in Tel Aviv and across central Israel amid Iran’s latest ballistic missile attack.

Civilians in areas where sirens are sounding are instructed to enter bomb shelters until further notice, as the IDF says it is working to shoot down the projectiles.

Sirens sounding in north, Beersheba area and Jerusalem

Sirens again sound across northern Israel and the Jerusalem area following a fresh missile attack from Iran.

A short while before, sirens sounded in Beersheba and the surrounding area.

The IDF says it has been working to shoot down the projectiles.

Hezbollah condemns strikes on Iran but stops short of pledging to attack Israel

Breaking its silence on the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran’s Lebanese proxy Hezbollah condemns the “American-Israeli hostilities against the Islamic Republic,” but stops short of pledging to retaliate against Israel.

“We call on countries and people of the region to stand strong in the face of these hostile designs,” Hezbollah says in a statement, warning that “its dire consequences will affect everyone without exception if left unchecked.”

“We’re certain that the American-Israeli enemy will be dealt a major blow, and reap nothing but failure from its criminal, tyrannical aggression,” Hezbollah says.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem was scheduled to make a televised speech later today, but it was subsequently postponed.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards tell ships passage through Strait of Hormuz ‘not allowed’

An official from the European Union’s naval mission Aspides says that vessels have been receiving VHF transmission from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards saying “no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz.”

The strait is the world’s most vital oil export route, which connects the biggest Gulf oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The official, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, says Iran had not formally confirmed any such order. Tehran has for years threatened to block the narrow waterway in retaliation for any attack on the Islamic Republic.

Sirens sound in central and northern Israel

Sirens sound across central and northern Israel amid an Iranian ballistic missile attack, and an early warning is issued in southern Israel as more projectiles are fired.

The IDF says it is working to shoot down the missiles.

IDF chief: Israel faces ‘fateful, unprecedented campaign’ to remove existential threat from Iran

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, in a video statement, says that Israel is ahead of a “significant, fateful and unprecedented campaign to destroy the capabilities of the Iranian terror regime.”

“The IDF, together with the United States military, has begun striking strategic targets in Iran. We are prepared with high operational readiness, both in defense and offense. Ahead of us is a significant, fateful and unprecedented campaign to destroy the capabilities of the Iranian terrorist regime — capabilities that constitute an ongoing existential threat to the security of the State of Israel,” Zamir says.

He says that the operation “will ensure our existence and our future here.”

Zamir says that during the 12-day war against Iran in June 2025, the military “set back and pushed back the nuclear project, struck the ballistic missile array, and undermined the plan conceived and led by the Iranian regime with its regional partners to destroy the State of Israel.”

He says the June operation “proved that this regime is vulnerable. We cracked its internal stability and, for the first time, created historic cooperation together with the US military in Operation Midnight Hammer, in which American aircraft delivered a lethal blow to Iran’s nuclear facilities.”

“Since then, we have been monitoring developments in Iran. Despite the severe blow it sustained, the radical Iranian terror regime has not abandoned its vision and its malicious intentions to advance the plan to destroy Israel, including continuing to advance the nuclear project, restoring and increasing the pace of ballistic missile production, and destabilizing the region by arming and financing terrorist proxies,” Zamir says.

Zamir says that in recent months he led, in coordination with his American counterparts, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commander of CENTCOM, “a joint and in-depth battle plan.”

“This is close and unprecedented cooperation between the IDF and the US military. The IDF is competent and prepared for a range of scenarios. At this very moment, Israeli Air Force pilots are striking hundreds of targets across Iran, at great risk and in coordination with American strikes,” he says.

Zamir says air defense systems and the Israeli Navy are “deployed to defend the country’s skies and shores against missile barrages and aerial and maritime threats,” and ground troops “are deploying along the borders in order to thwart and repel any attempt to infiltrate the territory of the State of Israel.”

“As we all know, there is no hermetic defense. We must not underestimate the enemy’s ability to harm us. In the coming period, we will face difficult tests. We surpass our enemies in our courage, in the determination of our troops, and in the justice of our path. Our resilience is our strength. Time and again, our enemies learn that the resilience of the Israeli home front cannot be defeated,” he continues.

Zamir calls on Israeli civilians to adhere to the Home Front Command’s guidelines. “Adhering to these instructions saves lives,” he says.

“We are focused at this time solely on victory. Upon entering my position, I said that before our eyes at all times stand victory and the defeat of the enemy. Every enemy who threatens Israel’s security will pay a heavy price. Trust in us and rely on the power of the IDF to act forcefully and without compromise in all arenas,” Zamir adds.

Netanyahu speaks to Trump

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to US President Donald Trump amid joint strikes by the two nations on Iran, Netanyahu’s office says, releasing a picture of him.

The book “Allies at War: How the Struggles Between the Allied Powers Shaped the War and the World,” a World War II political history by Tim Bouverie, is on the prime minister’s desk, along with a large regional map

No further details are immediately released.

Loud explosion heard, plume of smoke rising over Dubai

AFP correspondents heard a loud explosion in Dubai on Saturday and one of them saw a plume of smoke rising from the city.

The explosions came in the wake of wide-ranging Iranian attacks on the Gulf, in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Dubai pic.twitter.com/OlP6jYlhF0

— tom (@tom_bullock_) February 28, 2026

IDF launches new wave of strikes against Iranian missile launchers

The Israeli Air Force is conducting a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian ballistic missile launchers, the IDF announces.

“The air force has begun a sortie and is currently striking missile launchers in Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” the military says in a statement.

Ahead of strikes, Trump was told Iran attack is high risk, high reward

Ahead of the US attack on Iran, US President Donald Trump received briefings that not only delivered blunt assessments about the risk of major US casualties but also touted the prospect of a generational shift in the Middle East in favor of US interests, a US official tells Reuters.

The launch of what the Pentagon called “Operation Epic Fury” plunged the Middle East into a new and unpredictable conflict. The US and Israeli militaries struck sites across Iran, triggering retaliatory Iranian attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf Arab countries.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says the briefers described the operation to the president as a high-risk, high-reward scenario.

The briefings from Trump’s national security team help explain how the president decided to pursue arguably the riskiest US military operation since the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Ahead of the strikes, Trump received multiple briefings from officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, US General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

On Thursday, Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads US forces in the Middle East as the head of Central Command, flew to Washington to join discussions in the White House Situation Room.

A second US official says that prior to the strikes, the White House had been briefed on a number of risks associated with operations against Iran, including retaliatory strikes on multiple US bases in the region by Iranian missiles that could overwhelm defenses, as well as Iranian proxies attacking US troops in Iraq and Syria.

UN calls emergency Security Council meeting after strikes on Iran

The UN Security Council called an emergency meeting after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes by Tehran.

The session, due to start at 4 p.m. (2100 GMT), will address “the situation in the Middle East,” the United Nations said. The meeting was urged by France and Bahrain, according to the Israeli delegation to the world body.

Drone infiltration alert near Dead Sea

Sirens warning of a suspected drone infiltration again sound near the Dead Sea.

The military says it is working to intercept the potential threat.

Earlier, Iran claimed to have launched dozens of attack drones at Israel.

Boy, 17, wounded by shrapnel in central Israel

A 17-year-old boy was lightly injured by shrapnel following Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on central Israel, medics say.

Magen David Adom says it is taking the teenager to a hospital.

In all, two people have been directly wounded by Iran’s missile attacks since this morning, according to medics.

In Persian message, IDF says war with regime, not Iranian people

In a message in Persian, the IDF says Israel’s war is not with the Iranian people, but only with the regime.

“The Islamic Republic dragged the region into this campaign, but this is not our war with the Iranian people. The regime is responsible for squandering the people’s resources on terror organizations, missiles, and a murderous nuclear program against Israel and the region,” says Persian-language spokesman Lt. Col. Kamal Penhasi in a video.

“The regime will continue to threaten and tell you lies through its various channels, but we urge you to listen only to our official Persian-language channels,” he says.

“Israel is acting in coordination with the United States solely against the regime as part of our right to defend ourselves. We are not enemies of the Iranian people, but enemies of the dictatorship that oppresses them,” Penhasi adds.

پیام ما به مردم ایران. نبرد ما با این رژیم ترویستی است و نه با شما. pic.twitter.com/snBOIqcazh

— ارتش دفاعی اسرائیل | IDF Farsi (@IDFFarsi) February 28, 2026

Germany’s Merz speaks to Netanyahu

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone, a German official says.

No injuries reported in missile fragment impact in central Israel

No injuries were caused following the missile fragment impact in central Israel, medics say.

Footage published by the Magen David Adom ambulance service shows a flaming car after a missile fragment landed in a residential area.

Iran has launched several waves of missiles at central Israel in the past hour.

No injuries were caused following the missile fragment impact in central Israel, medics say. pic.twitter.com/ptieNu6vlf

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 28, 2026

Missile sirens sound in central Israel

Sirens again sound across central Israel amid a new Iranian ballistic missile attack.

Civilians in areas where sirens are sounding are instructed to enter bomb shelters until further notice, as the IDF says it is working to shoot down the projectiles.

UK PM says British planes involved in ‘defensive’ Mideast actions

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says that British forces and planes were participating in coordinated defensive efforts to protect the country’s interests and allies.

Starmer says in a televised statement that Iran should refrain from further strikes and cease violence and oppression against its people, and stresses the importance of preventing further escalation and of returning to a diplomatic process.

Medics scanning area after missile fragment impact reported in central Israel

Medics and security forces are responding to reports of a missile fragment impact in central Israel.

No injuries have been reported thus far, but damage was caused to property, according to the police.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service says its medics are scanning the area.

Missile sirens in central Israel, drone alert near Dead Sea

Sirens sound across central Israel amid an Iranian ballistic missile attack.

Simultaneously, a siren warning of a suspected drone infiltration sounds near the Dead Sea.

The IDF says it is working to intercept the threats.

Mossad calls on Iranians to send pictures of strike sites

Amid the joint Israeli and US strikes on Iran, the Mossad spy agency on its official Persian-language Telegram channel calls on Iranians to send photos of the attacks.

“Dear people of Iran, did you see the attacks on regime buildings? The attacks on the headquarters and bases of the security forces? Residents fleeing, destruction, protests? The presence of security forces? Continue taking photos and sending them to us,” the statement says.

Iran’s FM: Khamenei is still alive ‘as far as I know’

Iran’s foreign minister says the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is still alive “as far as I know.”

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is speaking in an interview with NBC News, after Israel’s Channel 12 news reported in the last hour that Israel’s assessment of Khamenei was “likely killed” in Israeli airstrikes earlier today.

Speaking live, Araghchi also says two commanders have died in the strikes, but senior officials in the regime have survived.

“All high-ranking officials are alive,” he says. “So everybody is now in its position [sic], and we are handling this situation, and everything is fine.”

Minutes after all clear, new missile warnings in central Israel

Shortly after telling civilians in central Israel that they can leave bomb shelters, the IDF says it has detected a new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in the coming minutes.

Saudi Arabia confirms Iran strikes on its territory, reserves right to respond

Saudi Arabia confirms it was targeted in an Iranian missile strike earlier today.

The Saudi foreign ministry says the kingdom was able to repel attacks on its capital, Riyadh, and on the country’s east.

The attack was unjustified and came despite “Iranian authorities’ knowledge of the kingdom’s confirmation that it won’t let its airspace or territory be used for an attack on Iran,” the ministry says.

“In light of this unjustified aggression, the Kingdom affirms that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens and residents, including with the option of responding to the aggression,” it says.

🇸🇦|| Footage of attack on King Fahd Air Base in Saudi Arabia.#IranRevolution2026 pic.twitter.com/uMlPAhzqDm

— Abhimanyu Manjhi (@AbhimanyuManjh5) February 28, 2026

Iran tells residents to evacuate Tehran; those who stay stocking up on supplies

Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, reports that officials converted a key highway linking the capital to northern Iran into a one-way route to accommodate the heavy outbound traffic.

The agency reports heavy traffic heading north out of the capital.

Iran’s top national security body had earlier told residents they should consider leaving Tehran for their safety.

In northern Tehran, supermarkets are seeing a surge of customers seeking bread and bottled water. However, supply has been limited, and some of the items most in demand — including bread, eggs, bottled water and milk — are currently unavailable in certain stores.

Long queues have also been observed at gas stations across the city.

State television shows footage from one of Tehran’s highways, Soleimani highway, where extremely heavy traffic was visible on west-to-east routes.

⚡️Residents of Tehran are massively leaving the city, — Media. pic.twitter.com/Z64PEFTjBm

— Rolex (@rolex18082) February 28, 2026

IDF says it completed wave of strikes targeting strategic Iranian air defenses

The IDF says it has completed an extensive wave of airstrikes targeting “strategic” Iranian air defense systems.

One of the targets was an “advanced SA-65 air defense system” deployed in the Kermanshah area, according to the military.

“The IDF continues at this time to strike infrastructure of the Iranian terror regime in order to cause a blow to the regime and thwart threats to the Israeli home front,” the military adds.

More explosions heard in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha

Residents and AFP correspondents in the Emirati, Qatari and Bahraini capitals hear more explosions, as Iran launches waves of retaliatory strikes in the Gulf following US and Israeli attacks.

An AFP correspondent in Manama heard at least two blasts, with journalists in Qatar reporting a new wave of explosions. Residents in Abu Dhabi also heard explosions.

Two witnesses tell AFP they saw smoke rising from Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra base, which hosts US troops.

Two flydubai flights from Ben Gurion said to have landed safely earlier today in Saudi Arabia

Two flydubai flights that took off from Ben Gurion Airport earlier today landed in Saudi Arabia, Channel 12 reports. The two planes landed safely, it adds. At least one of the two planes is still on the ground there, it says.

The Israel Airports Authority declines to comment. flydubai has yet to respond to a request for comment.

IRGC chief, defense minister killed in opening strikes sources say

The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour and Iranian defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed in Israeli strikes in Iran this morning, three sources familiar with the matter tell Reuters.

Earlier, Israeli officials assessed that Pakpour, Nasirzadeh, and the chief of Iran’s intelligence were likely killed in the strikes.

Several top Iranian regime and military commanders were targeted in this morning’s strikes, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The results of the strikes remain unclear.

Iranian FM slams ‘illegal’ strikes, says Trump acting in Israel’s interests

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the US and Israeli strikes on his country are “unprovoked, illegal and illegitimate,” castigating US President Donald Trump for becoming “Israel first.”

In his first public comments following the joint US-Israeli military strikes that struck targets across Iran, Araghchi says on X: “[Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and Trump’s war on Iran is wholly unprovoked, illegal and illegitimate.”

“Trump has turned ‘America First’ into ‘Israel First, ‘which always means ‘America Last’,” he says, sharing a social media post Trump made in 2012, in which he slammed then-president Barack Obama for looking to launch a military operation on Libya or Iran due to bad polling numbers.

Netanyahu and Trump's war on Iran is wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate.

Trump has turned 'America First' into 'Israel First'—which always means 'America Last'.

Our Powerful Armed Forces are prepared for this day and will teach the aggressors the lesson they deserve pic.twitter.com/xhiWydMyXy

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) February 28, 2026

“Our Powerful Armed Forces are prepared for this day and will teach the aggressors the lesson they deserve,” Iran’s top diplomat adds.

In a second post, Araghchi blasted the US and Israel for a reported strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran, which killed at least 40 people, including students, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

Posting a photo he says shows the aftermath of the strike, Araghchi says: “The destroyed building is a primary school for girls in the south of Iran. It was bombed in broad daylight, when packed with young pupils.”

“Dozens of innocent children have been murdered at this site alone,” he adds. “These crimes against the Iranian People will not go unanswered.”

The destroyed building is a primary school for girls in the south of Iran. It was bombed in broad daylight, when packed with young pupils.

Dozens of innocent children have been murdered at this site alone.

These crimes against the Iranian People will not go unanswered. pic.twitter.com/AVqiuolgWm

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) February 28, 2026

Neither Israel nor the US issued a comment on the reported strike, and no further information is currently available.

Sirens sound in central Israel, IDF working to intercept missiles

Sirens sound in Tel Aviv and across central Israel amid Iran’s latest ballistic missile attack.

The IDF says it is working to shoot down the missiles.

Israeli TV report, citing unnamed Israeli sources: Growing indications that Khamenei killed

Israel “assesses” that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was likely killed in an Israeli strike earlier today, Channel 12 says, citing unnamed Israeli sources. It says there are “growing indications” to this effect.

There is no official confirmation of the report.

The TV station had minutes earlier said the Israeli assessment was that Khamenei was “hurt at the very least, ” and that this was not an assessment based on satellite imagery showing Khamenei’s presidential compound being flattened, but rather on information from unnamed sources.

Khamenei is reportedly expected to deliver an address shortly. The TV report suggests that, if so, it was recorded in advance.

Channel 12 also reports that the strikes today have caused “very significant harm” to the leadership of the Iranian regime and its military commanders.

Israel’s Kan state TV says “there is no contact” with Khamenei and his condition is not known.

We obtained the first known satellite image of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound in Tehran. There are several destroyed buildings. While the current whereabouts of Iran's supreme leader are unknown, the compound is generally used as his official residence. 🛰️📸: @Airbus pic.twitter.com/48krjclMBL

— Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) February 28, 2026

IDF detects new launches from Iran, sirens expected in center

A new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran has been detected by the IDF.

Sirens are expected to sound in central Israel shortly.

Ahead of strikes, IDF chief told pilots they are ‘making history’

Ahead of the joint Israeli and US strikes on Iran, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told Israeli Air Force pilots this morning that they are “making history.”

“Saturday dawn, Operation Roaring Lion begins — you are authorized to carry out (the mission), strike your targets — you are making history. I trust you. Good luck to us all,” Zamir writes in a note that was delivered to the pilots ahead of the strikes.

Zamir oversaw the strikes from the IAF’s underground command center with IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar and other top commanders.

Saudi, UAE leaders condemn ‘dangerous’ Iran escalation in first call since rift

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed discuss Iran’s retaliatory strikes on the Gulf and express solidarity and sympathy in their first call since a public row in late December.

The Saudi de facto ruler calls the Emirati president, and “they discussed regional developments and the blatant Iranian attacks targeting the UAE and several other brotherly nations,” the UAE’s official WAM agency said.

They condemn a “dangerous escalation that threatens the region’s security and undermines its stability.”

The crown prince expresses Saudi Arabia’s “full solidarity with the UAE, offering all its resources to support any measures the UAE takes,” while the Emirati leader “expressed his gratitude and appreciation.”

https://twitter.com/modgovae/status/2027719133706785098

Trump says he wants ‘freedom’ for the Iranian people

US President Donald Trump tells The Washington Post he wants “freedom” for Iranians, as American and Israeli forces strike the Islamic regime.

“All I want is freedom for the people,” he tells the paper.

“I want a safe nation,” he says, rather ambiguously, “and that’s what we’re going to have.”

New launch of ballistic missiles targets Israel’s north

A new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran has been detected by the IDF.

Sirens are expected to sound in northern Israel shortly.

Mediator Oman ‘dismayed’ by conflict, urges US to pull back

Oman’s foreign minister, who had been mediating US-Iran talks, laments a wave of US and Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic.

“I am dismayed. Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined,” Badr Albusaidi says in a statement on X.

“I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war,” he adds.

IDF footage shows strikes on Iranian soldiers preparing missiles

The IDF publishes new footage showing strikes against Iranian soldiers preparing missiles and against a primed launcher in western Iran.

The military says it has neutralized “many” ballistic missile launchers that were ready for immediate attacks on Israel.

In addition, the Israeli Air Force struck soldiers in Iran’s ballistic missile unit as they were arming a launcher in western Iran, the military says.

תיעוד נוסף ממבצע "שאגת הארי"

צה"ל פועל בריכוז מאמץ לסיכול איומים לעבר עורף מדינת ישראל וכן סיכל משגרים רבים שהיו מוכנים לשיגור מיידי לעבר אזרחי מדינת ישראל.

במסגרת תקיפות חיל האוויר במערב איראן, זוהו פעילים מיחידת טילי הקרקע-קרקע של משטר הטרור האיראני מחמשים משגר במערב איראן… pic.twitter.com/X3HUAxcFYH

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) February 28, 2026

Israeli hospitals move critical operations underground amid conflict

Medical centers around Israel have switched to emergency mode according to Health Ministry directives and have moved critical patients and operations to underground complexes or are operating in protected spaces, hospitals say.

Dr. Oshrat Fono at Petah Tikva’s Beilinson issues a video from the hospital’s fortified ward, saying patients able to go home have been released, while most others have been moved there.

ד"ר אשרת פונו, סגנית מנהלת בילינסון, ואחראית על בית החולים בחירום שנפרס החל משעות הבוקר:
במתחם הממוגן של בית החולים, כפי שאתם רואים, זאת מחלקת טיפול נמרץ שלנו.
כ-60% מהמאושפזים שוחררו לביתם, חלקם לאשפוז ביתי.
40% מהנותרים: 70% כבר ירדו למתחמים המוגנים
ובמהלך השעות הקרובות… pic.twitter.com/0jiin4QXVp

— בית חולים בילינסון (@Beilinson_Heb) February 28, 2026

Children hospitalized in various departments at Schneider Children’s Medical Center were moved to a protected area.

At the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, all inpatient departments have been evacuated to the underground fortified hospitalization complex.

“All of our Medical Center staff reported promptly and in record numbers,” says Prof. Masad Barhoum, the hospital director. “We are prepared for every scenario and are taking all necessary measures to safeguard our patients and our teams.”

Hospitals say that only emergency patients should visit.

Air traffic in the Middle East seen keeping clear of the conflict zone

This screenshot from flightradar24.com shows air traffic in the Middle East on February 28, 2026, at 12:45 UTC — 14.45 Israel time — as planes keep clear of the Israel-Iran conflict zone.

Syrian state media: 4 killed in Iranian missile impact in Sweida

Syrian state media reports at least four people killed and several people wounded after an Iranian missile hit an industrial area of southern Syria’s Sweida.

وكالة الأنباء السورية: 4 قتلى وعدد من الجرحى جراء سقوط صاروخ إيراني على مبنى في مدينة السويداء pic.twitter.com/3m1zc7odlN

— الجزيرة مباشر (@ajmubasher) February 28, 2026

Minister orders temporary suspension of activity at some off-shore gas rigs

Energy Minister Eli Cohen orders a “temporary suspension” of activity at “some of the natural gas wells” in the Mediterranean Sea.

He says alternative fossil fuels will be used to keep power functioning.

During the early days of the Gaza war, sparked by the deadly attack on southern Israel in October 2023, the Tamar gas platform was temporarily closed.

During the previous war with Iran in June, Israel’s other two gas platforms, Leviathan and Karish, temporarily stopped operating.

Sirens sound in central Israel amid Iran’s latest missile attack

Sirens sound across central Israel amid Iran’s latest ballistic missile attack.

The IDF says it is working to intercept the missiles.

Since this morning, some 40 ballistic missiles have been launched from Iran at Israel, according to preliminary military assessments.

UN urges all parties to ‘see reason’ as Iran-US conflict flares

The United Nations’ rights chief deplores Saturday’s strikes in the Middle East and urges all parties to return to negotiations, saying attacks will only result in “death, destruction and human misery.”

“I deplore the military strikes across Iran this morning by Israel and the United States of America, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran,” Volker Turk says in a statement.

“As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price.”

Sirens expected across central Israel amid new Iranian missile attack

Sirens are expected to sound across central Israel in the coming minutes amid a new Iranian missile attack.

The IDF says it is working to intercept the projectiles.

France seeks UN Security Council meeting on Iran conflict

French President Emmanuel Macron calls for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation, saying the escalation “must stop.”

“France is calling for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council,” Macron writes on X.

“The ongoing escalation is dangerous for everyone. It must stop,” he adds, warning that the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran carries “grave consequences for international peace and security.”

The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security.

At this decisive moment, every measure is being taken to ensure the security of our national territory, our citizens,…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 28, 2026

“France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners, should they request it,” he says. “I am in close contact with our European partners and friends in the Middle East.”

France hosts several military bases in the Middle East, notably in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, all countries which have been targeted by Iranian missiles on Saturday.

Hamas condemns strikes on Iran, calls for Muslim-Arab unity

Hamas condemns the “Zionist-American hostilities on the Islamic Republic,” while calling for unity in the Muslim world, after Iran struck Arab US allies in the region, including Hamas benefactor Qatar.

“While we affirm our solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran in the face of the hostilities, we call for unity and solidarity in the Arab and Muslim nation to thwart these hostilities,” Hamas says.

It accuses the US and Israel of seeking to redraw the map of the region “to establish ‘Greater Israel’ at the expense of Arab and Muslim lands.”

Meanwhile, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which analysts describe as a more whole-hearted ally of Iran, says Iran has the right “to defend itself and deter opponents” in response to the US-Israeli attacks.

“These hostilities target not only Iran, but all countries and people of our nation, and seek to impose domination by war criminals,” PIJ says. “We call on the peoples of our Arab and Muslim nation, and to the sons of our Palestinian people, to unite against these hostile designs.”

Red Crescent: 4 Palestinians hospitalized following separate settler attacks in West Bank

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society says a 39-year-old man was shot in a settler attack on the Palestinian community of Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron in the southern West Bank.

WAFA, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency, cites local activist Osama Mukhamra as saying the wounded man was shot in the hand and hospitalized in moderate condition, while other people were beaten by the attackers and received treatment in the field. The network says IDF forces were present.

Another five Palestinian were injured, three of whom had to be hospitalized, in a settler attack near the shepherding community of Ras al-Ahmar in the northern West Bank’s Jordan Valley, the Red Crescent says.

WAFA reports that the shepherds were taking livestock out to graze when a group of settlers pepper-sprayed them and banished them from the area.

The IDF does not immediately respond to a request for comment on either incident.

Iran launches ballistic missiles toward Israel’s north

A new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran has been detected by the IDF.

Sirens are expected to sound in northern Israel in the coming minutes.

US-led coalition intercepts drones, missiles over Iraq’s Erbil

The US-led coalition in Iraq downs several missiles and explosive-laden drones over the city of Erbil, Kurdish security forces say.

“The international coalition forces successfully intercepted and downed several missiles and explosive-laden drones over Erbil,” counter-terrorism forces in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region say in a statement.

No casualties or material damage were reported.

UAE says it intercepted second round of Iranian missile attacks

The United Arab Emirates says it intercepted a second wave of Iranian strikes, reporting that missile fragments fell across the capital Abu Dhabi, without causing injuries, after a first wave killed one civilian.

“The Ministry of Defence announced that UAE air defences successfully intercepted a new wave of Iranian missiles,” it says in a statement.

“Fragments of the intercepted missiles fell in various areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Bani Yas, Mohamed bin Zayed City and Al Falah,” it adds, confirming “there were no injuries in these locations.”

IDF says it hit several sites in Tehran as senior officials gathered, planned campaign over months

The IDF provides new details on its simultaneous airstrikes this morning. It says it hit several sites in Tehran, “where senior officials in Iran’s political-security echelon had gathered.”

The military says it developed the plan over months, and it included a major intelligence effort led by the Intelligence Directorate to “identify an operational opportunity at the moment when senior regime officials would convene.”

The IDF says a decision was made to carry out the strike in the morning, rather than at night, despite Iranian preparedness. The IDF says it succeeded in “achieving tactical surprise for the second time,” referring to its opening strikes during June 2025’s 12-day war.

Intelligence officers spent thousands of hours putting together targets for the operation, with the IDF saying that it has “increased the number of targets by hundreds of percent, so that Israel is prepared to strike in Iran as long as required.”

The IDF says that the target research was conducted “in parallel with precise location tracking of Iranian commanders and senior leadership.”

According to the IDF, a “significant factor” in the United States’ decision to join Israel in the operation against Iran is confidence in the IDF’s “intelligence and operational capabilities,” along with achievements in June’s war.

Three Palestinian shepherds said hospitalized after settlers pepper-spray them

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society says five Palestinians were injured, three of whom were hospitalized, in a settler attack near the shepherding community of Ras al-Ahmar in the northern West Bank’s Jordan Valley.

WAFA, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency, says the shepherds were taking livestock out to graze when a group of settlers pepper-sprayed them and banished them from the area.

The IDF does not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Iran says it launched ‘dozens of attack drones’ at Israel

The Iranian army announces that it has launched “dozens of attack drones” at Israel.

In a statement, the Islamic Republic of Iran Army says it carried out a “first extensive drone offensive operation against specific targets in the occupied territories and all interests of the Zionist regime.”

The drones will take several hours to reach Israel, and in past similar attacks, the vast majority were intercepted by fighter jets before reaching Israel’s borders.

US, Israeli strikes on Iran ‘totally irresponsible,’ anti-nuclear proliferation group says

The US and Israeli strikes on Iran are “totally irresponsible,” and risk provoking further escalation, the head of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons says.

“These attacks are totally irresponsible and risk provoking further escalation as well as increasing the danger of nuclear proliferation and the use of nuclear weapons,” ICAN’s executive director Melissa Parke says in a statement.

“Military action is not a viable or long-term solution to prevent nuclear proliferation. All military action must stop immediately.”

Geneva-based ICAN won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its key role in drafting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which took effect in 2021.

Iranian governor claims 40 killed in strike on girls’ school

At least 40 people have been killed in a strike on a girls’ school in Iran’s southern county of Minab, the local governor tells Tasnim.

No further information is currently available.

Riyadh vows to support Arab states targeted by Iran ‘in any measures they take’

Saudi Arabia condemns Iran’s attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan and vows to “provide all its resources to assist them in any measures they take.”

The statement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry does not address reports of an explosion in Riyadh amid Iran’s strikes on the US-allied Arab states.

IDF says it struck hundreds of targets in western Iran, including missile launchers

The IDF publishes footage showing its strikes against Iranian missile launchers in western Iran this morning.

According to the military, hundreds of Iranian military targets were struck in western Iran, including missile launchers.

תיעודים ראשונים ממבצע "שאגת הארי": צה"ל במבצע תקיפות רחב היקף בו הותקפו מאות מטרות במערב איראן

במסגרת מבצע "שאגת הארי", חיל האוויר תקף מאות מטרות צבאיות, בהן משגרים של משטר הטרור האיראני במערב איראן.

במקביל לתקיפות חיל האוויר באיראן, מערך ההגנה האווירית פועל ליירט איומים ששוגרו… pic.twitter.com/vEitjUZLC6

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) February 28, 2026

Israeli officials believe IRGC chief killed in strike

Israeli officials assess that the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, was likely killed in this morning’s strikes in Iran.

Pakpour became head of the IRGC after Israel killed his predecessor, Hossein Salami, at the start of the June 2025 war.

In addition, the officials assess that Iran’s minister of defense and chief of intelligence were also likely killed.

The assessments have yet to be confirmed by Iran or by the IDF.

Several top Iranian regime and military commanders were targeted in this morning’s strikes, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. However, the results of the strikes currently remain unclear.

Iraqi militia accuses US of bombing it, vows response

Pro-Iran Iraqi militia accuses US of bombing it, vows response against American bases

Kataeb Hezbollah blames the US for a strike that targeted an Iraqi military base that houses the pro-Iran militia.

The Iraqi group says it will “soon start assaulting American bases in response to their attacks.”

National Security Council tells Israelis abroad to take precautions

Israel’s National Security Council calls on Israelis abroad to exercise heightened awareness amid the outbreak of war with Iran, and to take precautionary measures.

“The escalation with Iran increases the likelihood that the Iranian regime will intensify efforts to carry out terrorist attacks abroad against Israeli/Jewish targets, starting immediately,” it says. “In addition, and based on past experience, the motivation to harm Israelis abroad may also increase among other terrorist elements, alongside local initiatives (including lone attackers).”

It urges Israelis to avoid shring real-time travel details on social media, avoid events identified with Israel or Judaism that are not secured, pay close attention to surroundings when in areas identified with Israel or Judaism, report any threat or attack to local security forces and avoid areas known for hostility toward Israelis and Jews.

It notes that there are detailed NSC recommendations for each country on its website.

Norway says Israeli strikes on Iran breach international law

Norway’s foreign minister argues that the strikes on Iran broke international law, calling for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

“The attack is described by Israel as a pre-emptive strike, but it is not in accordance with international law. A pre-emptive attack would require the existence of an imminent threat,” Espen Barth Eide says in an email sent to AFP by his office.

He does not mention US strikes.

Satellite image shows destruction of Khamenei’s compound

Satellite imagery published by the New York Times shows the destruction of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s compound in Tehran following an Israeli airstrike.

Khamenei was among several senior Iranian leaders targeted in IDF strikes this morning, according to an Israeli official, though the results are unclear.

We obtained the first known satellite image of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound in Tehran. There are several destroyed buildings. While the current whereabouts of Iran's supreme leader are unknown, the compound is generally used as his official residence. 🛰️📸: @Airbus pic.twitter.com/48krjclMBL

— Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) February 28, 2026

Sirens sound across central Israel amid new Iranian missile barrage

Sirens sound across central Israel amid a new Iranian ballistic missile barrage.

The IDF says air defense systems are working to intercept the projectiles.

Son of Iran’s late shah says ‘final victory’ near

The son of Iran’s last shah voices confidence in victory against the Islamic Republic after the United States and Israel launched an attack.

Reza Pahlavi releases a video message online shortly after the strikes, suggesting coordination after he repeatedly urged President Donald Trump to intervene.

“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,” says Pahlavi, who lives in the Washington area.

My dear compatriots,

Decisive moments lie before us.

The assistance that the President of the United States had promised to the brave people of Iran has now arrived. This is a humanitarian intervention, and its target is the Islamic Republic, its apparatus of repression, and… https://t.co/YAq3rJLzdd pic.twitter.com/VVQ17mvhJ9

— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) February 28, 2026

Pahlavi, who has called for a secular democracy in Iran but does not enjoy universal support among the Islamic Republic’s critics, calls on Iranians to wait but eventually take to the streets.

“In these sensitive hours and days, more than ever we must stay focused on our ultimate goal: reclaiming Iran,” he says. “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.”

The Islamic Republic last month killed many thousands of people as it crushed a mass uprising in one of the greatest threats to its rule since the 1979 revolution overthrew the late pro-Western shah.

Sirens expected as Iran launches more ballistic missiles at Israel

A new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran has been detected by the IDF.

Sirens are expected to sound in central Israel in the coming minutes.

World warns against Mideast war as US, Israel strike Iran

Countries in the Middle East and around the world voice fear of a regional conflagration after the United States and Israel launch long-feared strikes on Iran.

Russia calls on its citizens to leave Iran, with former president Dmitry Medvedev saying that talks with the United States had just been a “cover.”

The European Union warns the situation in the region is “perilous” and calls for civilians to be protected in any conflict.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, on X, urges “all parties to exercise restraint,” stressing it is “critical” to “ensure nuclear safety” after the US indicated Iran’s nuclear sites were in its crosshairs.

The EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas announces the withdrawal of the bloc’s non-essential personnel from the region.

The UK government fears the strikes could blow up into a broader Middle East conflict, and urges its citizens in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE to find shelter.

“We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict,” a government spokesperson says, adding that the UK’s “immediate priority” is the safety of its citizens in the region.

Jordan’s military says its air force is at work to protect the kingdom and its people while the strikes are ongoing. A military official says that two ballistic missiles targeting the kingdom’s territory “were successfully intercepted by Jordanian air defence systems”.

Ukraine argues that the Iranian government’s “violence against its own people and other countries” triggered the US and Israeli attacks.

“The reason for the current events is precisely the violence and arbitrariness of the Iranian regime, in particular the murders and repressions against peaceful protesters, which have become particularly large-scale in recent months,” the foreign ministry says in a statement.

France, which has several military bases in the Middle East, notably in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, said, “Obviously our priority in these sort of cases is the protection of our nationals, the protection of our forces in the region and the monitoring of the situation in real time, which we are doing,” Alice Rufo, a deputy defence minister, tells France 2 television.

The African Union calls “for restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue” after the strikes, warning that conflict could risk harming people on the continent.

“Further escalation risks worsening global instability, with serious implications for energy markets, food security, and economic resilience — particularly in Africa, where conflict and economic pressures remain acute,” says the pan-African body’s head, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

Report: Khamenei’s palace completely destroyed in strikes

Channel 12, quoting unnamed Israeli sources, says the palace of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei has been completely destroyed. It says it is not clear whether Khamenei was present. It also says all of Iran’s key leaders were targeted in the strikes so far today.

Iranian missile said to hit home in Jordanian capital Amman

An Iranian missile has fallen on a home in Jordan’s capital Amman, state media reports.

Footage published by Arabic media shows flames and smoke rising from the wreckage.

مقطع يوثق سقوط شظايا صاروخ في منطقة مرج الحمام بالعاصمة الأردنية عمّان#اخبار_المشهد #الاردن pic.twitter.com/lOI85d85V4

— Al Mashhad المشهد (@almashhadmedia) February 28, 2026

Some 35 ballistic missiles launched at Israel since morning

Since this morning, some 35 ballistic missiles have been launched from Iran at Israel, according to preliminary military assessments.

Some of the missiles were intercepted by air defenses, and others struck open areas.

There have also been reports of missile and interceptor fragments landing across Israel, with one person lightly hurt, according to medics.

Sirens sound as Iranian ballistic missile barrage targets central and southern Israel

Fresh sirens sound across central and southern Israel amid a new Iranian ballistic missile barrage.

The IDF says air defense systems are working to shoot down the projectiles.

Lufthansa cancels all flights to and from Israel and across Middle East through March 7

The Lufthansa group of carriers suspends all flight services to and from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport through March 7, citing the “current situation in the Middle East.”

The German group, whose carriers also include SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, says it cancels flights across the Middle East, including Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, and Tehran through March 7.

Affected passengers can rebook to a later travel date free of charge or, alternatively, receive a full refund of the ticket price, Lufthansa says.

“The Lufthansa group is continuously monitoring and assessing the security situation in the Middle East and is in close contact with the authorities,” the group says.

New Iran missile launch detected; sirens set to sound in south

The IDF says it has detected a new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran.

Sirens are expected to sound in southern Israel in the coming minutes.

Israelis who get an alert are instructed to enter bomb shelters.

Bazan oil refinery complex in Haifa shuts some facilities

The Bazan oil refinery complex in the northern city of Haifa announces that flaring is expected, with an increase in polluting emissions, following the shutdown of some of the group’s facilities.

The company says the flare is a safety tool used to burn excess gas.

During the 12-day war with Iran last year, all of Bazan’s facilities were temporarily shut down after an Iranian missile strike that killed three people on site.

Anti-government protest groups cancel tonight’s demonstrations

Anti-government protest groups announce they are canceling weekly demonstrations planned to take place tonight, as Israel and the US exchange blows with Iran.

“We support the fighters and all security forces in protecting the State of Israel,” protest group Hofshi Be’Artzenu (Free in our Land) says, calling on all Israelis to obey IDF Home Front Command directives.

Ben Gurion Airport said set to stay closed until Monday at least

Israel’s Channel 12 says Ben Gurion Airport will remain closed until Monday at least.

Israeli carrier Israir says all of its flights to and from Israel, as well as domestic flights, are canceled through Monday morning. Passengers booked on flights scheduled to depart between February 28 and March 3, 2026, will be entitled to a cash refund. Passengers who made their reservation through a travel agent will need to contact the agent.

Israeli strikes targeted Khamenei and Pezeshkian, Israeli official says; results currently unclear

Israeli strikes this morning in Iran targeted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, an Israeli official says.

Other top regime and military commanders were also targeted, according to the official.

The results of the strikes are currently unclear, the official says.

Earlier, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Pezeshkian was “in full health.”

A few minutes ago, quoting unnamed Israeli sources, Israel’s Channel 12 said Israel assesses that the strikes on Iran thus far have achieved “very high success” in the goal of eliminating the Iranian leadership.

The report said the assessment related to senior commanders, and to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. It further said that “it is not clear that [Iran’s Supreme leader Ali] Khamenei did not undergo a dramatic event.”

Israelis told they can exit bomb shelters after several waves of Iranian ballistic missile attacks

The IDF Home Front Command says civilians can exit bomb shelters following several waves of Iranian ballistic missile attacks.

Civilians are still instructed to remain close to shelters.

Man lightly hurt in north amid missile attack

A man in his 50s has been lightly injured in northern Israel amid Iran’s ballistic missile attacks, medics say.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service says the man was lightly hurt after falling down a hole caused by missile fragments.

Others have been treated by MDA after falling over while running to shelter and experiencing acute anxiety, the service adds.

Sheba hospital moves patients, services underground

Israel’s Sheba Medical Center says it is moving patients and services underground into protected areas as Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran.

“As of this morning, Sheba Medical Center has switched to advanced preparedness mode in preparation for the strike in Iran,” says Prof. Itai Pessach, Deputy Director General, Sheba Medical Center. “We are in the process of moving all our Department of Services into protected areas.”

“However, all the medical services continue as usual, and we provide the care needed for citizens and people here in Israel,” says Pessach.

Syria shutters airspace

Syria announces that it is closing its airspace for 12 hours as Israel and the US exchange blows with Iran.

IDF begins ‘large-scale reinforcement’ of troop presence at borders, boosts IAF, Navy, Home Front search and rescue

The IDF says it is bolstering ground troops on Israel’s borders amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Following a fresh assessment, the military says it has begun a “large-scale reinforcement of ground forces in all sectors and regional commands, as well as the mobilization of special forces alongside extensive reservist mobilization, as part of strengthening readiness for various attack and defense scenarios.”

Additionally, the military says it is sending significant reinforcements to the Israeli Air Force and Israeli Navy, and has also deployed dozens of battalions from the Home Front Command’s Search and Rescue Brigade across the country to respond to missile impacts.

Blasts reported in Riyadh amid Iranian strikes

Two AFP correspondents in the Saudi capital Riyadh report hearing a loud bang and several explosions, as Iran strikes Gulf states hosting US military bases in the region in the wake of US-Israel strikes on the Islamic Republic.

Air strike hits Iraqi base hosting pro-Iran militia, sources say

A bombing that targeted an Iraqi military base housing a pro-Iran militia caused casualties, a security official and sources in the former paramilitary coalition Hashed al-Shaabi tell AFP.

The Jurf al-Sakher base in southern Iraq belongs to Hashed al-Shaabi or the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) but mostly hosts the powerful pro-Iran group Kataeb Hezbollah.

“The bombing targeted the 47th brigade of Kataeb Hezbollah,” a source in the Hashed al-Shaabi tells AFP. A security official and another Hashed source confirm that the base was targeted.

Hezbollah-aligned Lebanese outlet al-Mayadeen says at least two people were killed and five wounded in the strike. The report does not specify who carried out the attack.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.

Israeli TV report: Strikes have achieved ‘high success’ in targeting Iran’s president and senior commanders

Quoting unnamed Israeli sources, Israel’s Channel 12 says Israel assesses that the strikes on Iran thus far have achieved “very high success” in the goal of eliminating the Iranian leadership.

The report, which is not officially confirmed and which the channel says is broadcast within the limitations of military censorship, says the assessment relates to senior commanders, and to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Hebrew media reported earlier that a presidential facility was targeted in the initial strikes.

Israel is said to be “very satisfied” with the results of the strikes, the TV report says.

The carefully worded report further says that “it is not clear that [Iran’s Supreme leader Ali] Khamenei did not undergo a dramatic event.”

Channel 12 notes that it has previously reported that Khamenei was a potential target for attack.

Iran in ‘near-total internet blackout’ amid strikes, monitor says

Internet access was slashed in Iran on Saturday as Israel and the United States launched strikes against the Islamic Republic, monitor Netblocks says.

“Network data show Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout,” Netblocks says on social media, adding the move “matches measures used during last year’s war with Israel.”

⚠️ Confirmed: Network data show #Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout with national connectivity at 4% or ordinary levels. The incident comes amid US and Israeli combat operations and matches measures used during last year's war with Israel. pic.twitter.com/1XunOr4Q19

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 28, 2026

IDF urgently warns all Iranians inside or near military sites to evacuate; ‘your presence in these areas puts your life at risk’

The IDF issues an “urgent warning” to Iranians near military infrastructure in Iran.

“Urgent warning to everyone inside or near facilities belonging to the Iranian military industries and military infrastructure across Iran,” says Persian-language spokesman Lt. Col. Kamal Penhasi.

“You are near dangerous facilities and interests. For your safety and security, we ask you to evacuate these areas immediately and stay away until further notice. Your presence in these areas puts your life at risk,” he adds.

Missile fragments have fallen in several places in Israel; no injuries

Police say they have received reports of fragments falling in several areas in Israel amid Iran’s ballistic missile attacks.

There have been no reports of direct missile impacts or injuries thus far.

Qatar says it shot down all incoming Iranian missiles

Following air-raid sirens in the country, Qatar’s defense ministry says it successfully shot down all the missiles Iran fired at the Gulf state before they entered its airspace.

“We possess the full ability to protect the country and fend off any external threat,” the Qatari ministry says, adding that the situation in Qatar is “secure and stable.”

Qatar’s aviation authority has announced a temporary closure of the country’s airspace.

Israel calls up 20,000 reservists, in addition to the 50,000 reservists currently on duty