Israel and the United States have launched coordinated military strikes on Iran, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East and pushing the region closer to a wider conflict. The operation marks one of the most direct confrontations between the longtime adversaries, with Washington and Tel Aviv framing the strikes as a move to neutralize security threats and curb Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities.
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According to Iranian state media, explosions were reported in several major cities, including Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, and Tabriz, while the port city of Bushehr – home to Iran’s nuclear power plant – was also reportedly targeted.
In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched waves of missiles and drones toward Israel. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency confirmed the first round of retaliatory attacks. Israel activated its air defense systems to intercept incoming projectiles as sirens sounded across multiple cities.
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Reports indicated that missiles struck near the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet service center in Bahrain, with witnesses in the Juffair district seeing smoke near a U.S. naval base. Explosions were also heard in Abu Dhabi. Iranian officials claimed that seven missiles hit areas near the presidential palace and the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, further intensifying fears of a widening regional conflict.
Reza Pahlavi Says He Has ‘Ironclad Plan’ for Iran
Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah ousted in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, said he is prepared to lead a transitional process in Iran.
Speaking on Sunday Morning Futures, Pahlavi said: “This is time now for a very strong, stable transition. I am leading this transition.”
He added that he has an “absolutely ironclad plan” and has been working with a broad coalition of Iranians from across the political, ethnic and religious spectrum. Pahlavi also said he had spoken with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.
According to Pahlavi, the transition should not last more than a couple of years, with the first 100 days being critical to stabilizing the country.
Crew Member Killed in Strike on Tanker off Oman
A crew member was killed after a suspected projectile struck the Marshall Islands–flagged tanker MKD VYOM off the coast of Muscat, Oman.
Ship manager V.Ships Asia said the vessel suffered an explosion and fire following the strike on March 1. The crew member who died was in the engine room at the time of the incident.
Explosions Reported in Tehran
Iranian state media reported that explosions were heard in Tehran late Sunday, though further details were not immediately available.
Russia Warns Over Potential Strait of Hormuz Closure
Russia’s foreign ministry warned that any closure of the Strait of Hormuz could cause major imbalances in global oil and gas markets.
Trading sources said several tanker owners and energy companies have suspended shipments through the strait. Moscow also condemned the killing of Ali Khamenei, calling political assassinations of sovereign leaders a violation of international law.
Investors Brace for Market Volatility
Investors are increasingly concerned that escalating tensions could trigger prolonged regional conflict and disrupt global trade and energy markets.
Analysts warn that oil prices — already rising in recent weeks — could become more volatile depending on how oil-producing nations respond and whether shipping routes remain secure.
Hackers Target Iranian Apps and Websites
Cybersecurity experts reported a wave of hacking incidents targeting Iranian news websites and apps early Saturday.
One of the affected platforms was BadeSaba, a religious calendar app with millions of downloads, which briefly displayed messages urging armed forces to lay down weapons.
Interim Leadership Council Officially Starts Duties: Masoud Pezeshkian
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that the interim Leadership Council has officially started its duties following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Speaking on state television, Pezeshkian said the council will “continue the path of our dear leader”, referring to Khamenei.
The three-member council is tasked with fulfilling the responsibilities of the supreme leader until the Assembly of Experts elects a new leader.
Eyewitness Video Shows Monument Toppled
Video verified by Reuters showed crowds in the Iranian town of Galleh Dar toppling a monument dedicated to Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic.
The footage showed flames rising from a roundabout as onlookers cheered. While the location was verified, the exact filming date could not be independently confirmed.
Deadliest Strike in Iran’s Retaliation Hits Beit Shemesh
Sunday’s missile strike on the Israeli town of Beit Shemesh marked Iran’s deadliest attack so far in its regional retaliation against an air assault by Israel and the United States.
Medics reported that eight people were killed and more than 20 injured in the attack. The missile struck a public bomb shelter in the town, located just west of Jerusalem.
At the scene, dozens of rescue personnel worked through debris and twisted metal, pulling bodies from a large crater caused by the blast.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, visited a Tel Aviv neighbourhood hit by another Iranian attack overnight.
He said Israel was aiming to usher in a “new era” for the region.
“This is a historic effort to change the trajectory in the Middle East to a different future. A future of peace,” Herzog stated.
Beit Shemesh Missile Strike: Eight Dead, Dozens Injured
A powerful ballistic missile struck a residential area in Beit Shemesh, hitting buildings and a public bomb shelter. Emergency responders from Israel’s Magen David Adom ambulance service were on the scene, treating the wounded and recovering bodies amid the rubble.
Local authorities reported that at least eight to nine people were killed and dozens more were injured, with search‑and‑rescue teams operating alongside fire and medical crews.
Advisory for Pakistanis in Middle East, Gulf
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its Crisis Management Unit (CMU) in response to the ongoing situation in the Middle East and Gulf region. The CMU is closely monitoring developments and providing assistance to Pakistani citizens.
The CMU operates 24/7. For information or emergency support, Pakistani citizens can contact: +92-51-9207887.
All Pakistanis residing in the Gulf are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution. Citizens should:
- Remain indoors whenever possible
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Follow all instructions and advisories issued by local authorities
Iran vows retaliation after death of Khamenei
Iran has pledged retaliation after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.
Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 36 years, transformed the country into a strong anti-U.S. power, extending its military influence across the Middle East while firmly suppressing domestic unrest.
According to Iranian state media, the 86-year-old leader was killed on Saturday when strikes by the United States and Israel destroyed his central compound in Tehran.
The attack followed decades of unsuccessful diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes over Iran’s nuclear program. After confirming the supreme leader’s death, Iranian officials vowed to take revenge against the United States and Israel.
North Korea Condemns U.S.-Israeli Strikes
North Korea has denounced the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran as “illegal aggression” and a violation of national sovereignty.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry said U.S. involvement was “within the range of expectations,” calling it an inevitable result of what was described as Washington’s “hegemonic and gangster-like” nature.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s government concluded that the “war of aggression” by the U.S. and Israel is unacceptable under any circumstances.
Vladimir Putin Calls Killing ‘Cynical Murder’
Russian President Vladimir Putin described Khamenei’s death as a “cynical murder” that violated moral principles and international law.
In a message released by the Kremlin to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin offered condolences and condemned the killing as a breach of international norms.
Russia, however, continues to face accusations from many countries of violating international law over its invasion of Ukraine.
OPEC+ Considers Oil Output Increase
The OPEC+ alliance is set to debate a larger-than-expected oil production increase at a meeting on Sunday, according to two sources.
Oil prices surged to $73 per barrel on Friday — the highest since July — amid fears of broader conflict disrupting supply routes. Analysts noted that spare production capacity within the group is limited, with meaningful increases possible mainly from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Sunday’s meeting will include eight members: Saudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria, and Oman.
Alireza Arafi Appointed to Iran’s Leadership Council
Cleric Alireza Arafi has been appointed as the jurist member of Iran’s temporary Leadership Council, according to the Iranian Students News Agency.
The council is tasked with performing the supreme leader’s duties until the Assembly of Experts selects a new leader. Arafi will serve alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.
Iran Warns of Stronger Retaliation
Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, warned that Iran would strike the U.S. and Israel “with a force they have never experienced before.”
His remarks followed statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who cautioned Iran against escalating attacks, saying the U.S. would respond with unprecedented force if provoked.
Flights Suspended Across the Region
Airlines across the Middle East have canceled flights as regional airspace closures continue.
Emirates announced the suspension of all operations to and from Dubai until 1100 GMT on Monday.
Dubai International Airport reportedly sustained damage during retaliatory strikes, while airports in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait were also affected.
Oil Tanker Attacked Near Oman
An oil tanker sailing under the Palau flag, Skylight, was attacked about five nautical miles off Oman’s Musandam coast, according to Oman’s maritime security centre.
Four people were injured, and the 20-member crew was evacuated. The incident follows earlier drone attacks targeting the port of Duqm, injuring a foreign worker.
Khamenei is Dead; says Netanyahu: Reuters
A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has been killed and that his body has been found following Israeli-U.S. strikes. There has been no confirmation from Iranian authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were “many signs” indicating Khamenei may have been killed. In a video statement, Netanyahu said, “This morning we destroyed the compound of the tyrant Khamenei,” adding that senior officials in what he called the “ayatollahs’ regime,” including Revolutionary Guards commanders and key nuclear program figures, had been eliminated.
Netanyahu also vowed that operations would continue, stating that Israel would strike “thousands more targets” in the coming days.
Iranian Red Crescent Says More Than 200 Killed in U.S.-Israeli Strikes
The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that at least 201 people have been killed and 747 wounded in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
In a statement published by Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA), the organization said 24 of Iran’s 31 provinces were affected and that the Red Crescent remains on high alert. This marks the first official Iranian casualty toll since the strikes began.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Warn Ships Against Passing Through Strait of Hormuz
An official from the European Union’s naval mission EUNAVFOR Aspides said vessels have received VHF radio transmissions from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stating that “no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz.”
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil export route, linking major Gulf producers — including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates — to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
The EU official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, said Iran has not formally confirmed any such directive. Tehran has long warned it could block the narrow waterway in response to military action against the Islamic Republic.
Travel in Chaos as Airlines Cancel Flights
Air travel across the Middle East has been thrown into disarray after Israel struck Iran and the U.S. launched a series of attacks. Flight tracking data showed airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain virtually empty, according to monitoring site Flightradar24.
The closure of major Gulf aviation hubs has disrupted one of the world’s busiest east-west transit corridors, stranding crews, aircraft, and passengers worldwide. A source at a Gulf airline described the situation as a “massive logistical nightmare.”
Airports across the region — spanning from Iran and Iraq to the Mediterranean — serve as critical connection points between Europe and Asia, meaning the shutdown has ripple effects across global aviation networks.
Bahrain Says Residential Buildings Struck in Capital
Bahrain reported that several residential buildings were struck in the capital, Manama.
Several residential buildings in Manama were targeted. Civil Defence continues with firefighting and rescue operations at the affected sites. Further details will be released later.
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) February 28, 2026
The Interior Ministry said on X that Civil Defence teams are continuing firefighting and rescue operations at the affected sites. No immediate details were provided regarding casualties or the cause of the strikes.
CIA Assessed Who Would Replace Khamenei if killed
Ahead of Saturday’s U.S. and Israeli strikes, the Central Intelligence Agency assessed that if Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei were killed, he would likely be replaced by hardline figures from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Reuters, citing two sources briefed on the intelligence.
The assessments, compiled over the past two weeks, explored potential internal outcomes in Iran following U.S. military intervention, including whether such action could lead to regime change — now described as an explicit objective for Washington. The reports did not identify any outcome as certain, and the CIA declined to comment on the findings.
“Will Continue Strikes Until Aggression Fully Ceases,” Iran Tells UN
Iran informed the United Nations that all U.S. and Israeli bases, facilities, and assets in the region are considered “legitimate military targets.”
In the letter, Iran stated it will continue to exercise its right to self-defense “until the aggression ceases fully and unequivocally,” signaling ongoing military operations in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes.
Death Toll from School Strike in Southern Iran Rises to 85
The judiciary reported that the death toll from Saturday’s attack on a girls’ school in Minab County, southern Iran, has risen to 85. According to Mizan Online, the area’s prosecutor’s office confirmed the updated casualty figures following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Khamenei Alive; Iran Seeks De-escalation, Says Foreign Minister
Abbas Araqchi told international media that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and all high-ranking officials are alive.
Araqchi added that Iran has communicated with Gulf states to clarify that its attacks are directed at U.S. bases in self-defense, not at the Gulf countries. He also said that while there is currently no communication with Washington, the U.S. knows how to contact him, and Iran remains interested in de-escalation.
UN Calls Emergency Security Council Meeting
The United Nations Security Council announced an emergency meeting after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation. Scheduled for 4:00 PM local time (2100 GMT), the session will address “the situation in the Middle East.” France and Bahrain urged the meeting, according to Israel’s delegation to the UN.
Drone Strike Hits Kuwait International Airport
A drone strike on Saturday caused minor injuries to several workers and limited material damage at Kuwait International Airport, according to the state news agency.
Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred amid rising regional tensions following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions.
Germany, France, and UK Urge Iran to Stop Regional Attacks
Germany, France, and the United Kingdom condemned Iran’s recent attacks across the region, calling on Tehran to cease indiscriminate military strikes and return to negotiations.
In a joint statement, Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, and Keir Starmer said: “We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. We call for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Comments on Loss of Commanders
Abbas Araqchi acknowledged on Saturday that “we may have lost a few commanders, but that’s not such a big problem,” according to an NBC News reporter on X.
The statement follows reports that Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour were believed to have been killed in Israeli attacks, highlighting Tehran’s resolve to continue its operations despite leadership losses.
U.S. Pledges to Retrieve Funds Moved Out of Iran
Scott Bessent said on X that the U.S. Treasury Department is reaffirming its commitment to tracking all illicit funds being moved out of Iran and recovering the money for the Iranian people.
Bessent previously described recent financial transfers by Iranian officials as “rats leaving the ship” and vowed to continue efforts to trace and reclaim the funds amid the ongoing regional crisis.
Iran’s Defence Minister, IRGC Commander Killed: Reuters
Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in Israeli attacks on Iran, Reuters reports.
The reported deaths mark one of the most significant blows to Iran’s military leadership since the current conflict began, though official confirmation from Tehran has not yet been released.
China Calls for “Immediate Halt” to Middle East Escalation
China urged an immediate stop to violence after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Iranian missile retaliation. Beijing’s Foreign Ministry called for avoiding further escalation and resuming dialogue to maintain peace and stability in the region. It emphasized that Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity must be respected.
20 of Iran’s 31 Provinces Affected, Red Crescent Says
Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that more than 20 of Iran’s 31 provinces have been impacted by the U.S. and Israeli strikes. Spokesman Mojtaba Khaledi confirmed the widespread effects to state media.
Iraq Condemns Strikes, Warns Against Involvement
Iraqi authorities denounced the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and cautioned against drawing Iraq into the conflict. Two people were killed in southern Iraq in attacks on a military base housing the pro-Iran group Kataeb Hezbollah.
Baghdad closed its airspace after witnessing warplanes and missiles cross its territory. Military spokesman Sabah Al-Numan warned against using Iraq as a corridor for attacks on Iran and called for an immediate halt to military operations.
Jordan Condemns Iran’s Attacks on Gulf States
Jordan strongly condemned Iranian missile attacks on its territory, as well as strikes on the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. The foreign ministry stressed the need for restraint and the adoption of diplomatic solutions and dialogue.
Qatar and Saudi Leaders Call for Immediate Halt
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Mohammed bin Salman urged an immediate halt to escalation and a return to dialogue to preserve regional security and prevent wider confrontation, according to the Qatari ruler’s office.
Death Toll from Southern Iran School Strike Rises to 51
State TV reported that a girls’ elementary school in Minab County, southern Iran, was hit in an Israeli missile strike. Officials confirmed that 51 students have been killed and 60 wounded, marking a sharp rise in casualties from earlier reports.
PIA Suspends Flights to Gulf Countries Amid Middle East Tensions
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended flights to the UAE, Bahrain, Doha, and Kuwait due to the changing situation in the Middle East.
⚠️⛔️⚠️
— PIA (@Official_PIA) February 28, 2026
In view of the developing situation in the Middle East, #PIA is suspending its flights to #UAE 🇦🇪, #Bahrain🇧🇭, #Kuwait🇰🇼 and #Doha 🇶🇦 till tomorrow evening, or till opening of respective airspaces.
Flights to #KSA 🇸🇦 have been rerouted, avoiding conflict hit zones.…
Flights will remain suspended initially until tomorrow evening or until airspace is restored. PIA’s flights to Saudi Arabia will continue but on revised routes.
Operations have been shifted to Boeing 777 aircraft, which will take longer routes to reach their destinations.
Passengers are advised to contact the PIA call center at 111 786 786 for updated flight information or to make booking changes.
Iran launches “Operation Wada Sadiq 4” against U.S. – Israel
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it has targeted multiple U.S. military bases in the region, including the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
According to Iranian state media, the strikes also hit American installations in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as military bases in central Israel.
The IRGC stated that “Operation Promise of Truth 4” is directed against the U.S. military and the Israeli government, which it called “killers of children,” targeting enemy regional objectives.
The Iranian military vowed that missile and drone attacks will continue as part of ongoing operations.
“Not to Get Sucked In Further,” Omani FM urges U.S.
Badr Albusaidi, who has been mediating recent indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran, expressed dismay over the latest attacks.
I am dismayed. Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined. Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer. I urge the United States not to get sucked in further.…
— Badr Albusaidi – بدر البوسعيدي (@badralbusaidi) February 28, 2026
In a social media post, Albusaidi said the strikes have undermined ongoing negotiations. “Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined.
Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer,” he added, urging restraint to prevent further escalation.
Israeli Opposition Responds to Iran Strikes
Arab-Israeli opposition MK Ayman Odeh condemned the government’s decision to carry out joint strikes with the United States, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of steering the country toward perpetual conflict.
He said the current leadership has chosen a reality in which Israel will “live by the sword,” urging citizens to protect themselves because, in his view, the government will not. Odeh stressed that military force is not the only option and called for a broader regional approach aimed at achieving justice, peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
Other opposition lawmakers offered more measured reactions, with some refraining from openly criticizing the military operation that began Saturday.
Officials Confirm 40 Dead in Strike on Iranian Girls’ School
The death toll from an Israeli strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab County, Hormozgan Province, has risen to 40, according to local officials.
The Epstein regime has murdered 24 girls at their elementary school in Minab city. pic.twitter.com/oYg4Fm3MVq
— Seyed Mohammad Marandi (@s_m_marandi) February 28, 2026
The political, security, and social deputy governor of Hormozgan told Tasnim News Agency that the school was directly hit during the latest round of attacks. Authorities confirmed that 40 students have so far been killed in the incident.
U.S. Issues Shelter-in-Place Advisory
The US State Department advised its citizens in Iran, Qatar, and the UAE to shelter in place until further notice, while the US Embassy in Jerusalem issued similar guidance.
The embassy in Qatar warned of an imminent Iranian missile strike, urging all Americans to remain in secure locations with adequate food, water, and medicine.
Iran has maintained that it never sought nuclear weapons but warned that it would defend itself against attacks.
Neighboring countries hosting US troops were cautioned that any strikes could provoke retaliatory action.
US President Donald Trump addressed the situation in a video, saying, “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating immediate threats from the Iranian regime.”
Airstrikes Hit Khamenei’s Compound
A photo published by The New York Times shows damage to the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, following American and Israeli airstrikes in Tehran.
The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran Saturday, escalating tensions across the Middle East. President Donald Trump said the operation aims to eliminate security threats and prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Oil-producing Gulf states are on high alert amid fears of regional escalation. Israel reports that Iran has responded by launching missiles toward Israeli territory.
Supreme Leader Khamenei has reportedly been moved to a secure location, and President Masoud Pezeshkian is “safe,” according to state media.
He warned Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to “lay down their arms…You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death.”
He added, “We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground…we’re going to annihilate their navy…Americans may be lost, and we may have casualties.”
Israeli Assassination Attempt Failed
Israeli assessments indicate that an attempt to assassinate Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has failed, according to Channel 15.
The Pentagon confirmed the first wave of strikes, named “OPERATION EPIC FURY,” primarily targeted senior Iranian officials.
Earlier reports suggested both leaders were targeted. However, Reuters sources indicated Khamenei was not in Tehran and had been relocated to a secure location.
Pakistan Issues Travel Advisory
Pakistan responded by directing air traffic controllers to closely monitor the country’s airspace, especially near Iran and Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory, urging Pakistani nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Iran.
🔊PR No.5️⃣7️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 28, 2026
Travel Advisory for Pakistani Nationals Regarding Iranhttps://t.co/ON0V0mPmlM
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Z2bIessIfP
Pakistani airlines have also been instructed to avoid Iranian airspace.
Reactions of Pakistani Politicians
Pakistani political figures reacted strongly. Allama Baqir Zaidi of the Jafaria Alliance condemned Israel’s attack, saying, “Israel has initiated war and put the region at risk. The people of Pakistan stand with the Iranian people.”
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, called the joint US-Israel strike “open terrorism” and criticized the US for using diplomacy as a cover.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples Party described the attack as “alarming for peace in the region” and urged international bodies to intervene.
Russia Reacts: Medvedev Says U.S. Talks Were ‘a Cover’
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, criticized President Trump, claiming U.S. negotiations with Iran were merely a cover for military action.
Medvedev sarcastically questioned Trump’s image as a peacemaker and contrasted the 249-year history of the United States with the 2,500-year legacy of the Persian Empire, suggesting history would determine which nation endures longer.
Israeli Strike Hits Elementary School; 5 Killed
Iran’s Press TV reports that a girls’ elementary school in Minab County, Hormozgan Province, was directly hit in Israeli strikes. Five students were killed, according to local officials.
Blasts Heard in Doha
Explosions were reported in Doha, according to a Reuters witness. The cause remains unclear.
Iran’s foreign minister warned that Tehran would target all U.S. military bases in the region. Iran’s Fars news agency reported attacks on U.S. bases in Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Explosions Reported Across Gulf Region
Iranian media reports missile strikes targeting:
- Al-Udeid Air Base (Qatar)
- Al-Salem Air Base (Kuwait)
- Al-Dhafra Air Base (UAE)
- U.S. Fifth Fleet base (Bahrain)
AFP also reported explosions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Israelis Seek Shelter
Sirens sounded across Israel as missiles launched from Iran prompted civilians to move into protected shelters.
Iran Reaffirms Denial of Nuclear Weapons Ambitions
President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, rejecting prior accusations from President Trump.
Earlier this week, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister addressed the UN Conference on Disarmament, stating Iran would “never seek nuclear weapons” and advocating peaceful nuclear energy use.
Iran’s Interior Ministry Urges Calm
Iran’s Interior Ministry condemned the strikes as violations of international law and urged provincial governors to mobilize emergency resources and maintain public calm.
Pentagon Confirms ‘OPERATION EPIC FURY’
The Pentagon confirmed the strikes are part of “OPERATION EPIC FURY.”
President Donald Trump stated that the United States has launched extensive military operations inside Iran.
He said the mission is aimed at protecting the American people and eliminating threats posed by the Iranian regime. He emphasized that Iran will never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump added that U.S. forces intend to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, dismantle its missile production infrastructure, and eliminate its naval forces.
Iranian Missiles Intercepted
The Israel Defense Forces reported additional missile volleys launched toward Israel and urged citizens to remain in protected areas.
The military stated air defense systems are actively intercepting incoming threats and warned against sharing images or impact locations online.
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Iranian officials vowed a harsh response targeting Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East.
Explosions Rock Northern Israel
Explosions were heard in northern Israel as air defense systems intercepted incoming Iranian missiles. No immediate reports of casualties or significant damage.
Israel Confirms Missile Launch from Iran
The Israeli army confirmed missiles were detected heading toward Israel, triggering sirens nationwide. The Israeli Air Force is actively intercepting threats.
Key Targets in Tehran Identified
Israeli strikes reportedly targeted:
- Ministry of Intelligence
- Ministry of Defence
- Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran
- Parchin military complex
Iranian President Unharmed
Iranian media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian was unharmed during the strikes.
Trump Announces Military Operation
President Donald Trump stated:
“We have started an extensive military operation in Iran; we will destroy the threat from the cruel Iranian regime.”
Iran Promises ‘Crushing’ Response
An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is preparing retaliation and that its response “will be crushing.”
Assault Expected to Last Four Days
The New York Times reported that the initial phase of strikes on Tehran is expected to continue for four days.
Multiple Cities Targeted
According to the Tehran Times, strikes occurred in Qom, Khoramabad, Esfahan, and Tehran.
Civilians Hit in Tehran
Reports indicate civilian casualties following Israeli strikes in Tehran.
U.S. Participation Confirmed
The United States participated directly in the strikes, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing a U.S. official.
Khamenei Not in Tehran During Strikes
Reuters reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was not in Tehran at the time of the attacks.
