Iran, media confirm: Khamenei is dead. Explosions in Dubai and Doha

The Iranian Revolutionary Guardians claimed attacks on American ships and bases in the Middle East. According to a statement reported in the official media, the Pasdaran claimed to have hit the Prince Sultan base in Saudi Arabia with drones and missiles; the Abdullah Al-Mubarak airbase in Kuwait with four ballistic missiles and 12 drones; and a combat support ship at Jebel Ali port in the United Arab Emirates with Iranian Qadr 380 missiles.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will no longer visit Israel on Monday, as had been planned. "Due to current circumstances, Secretary Rubio will no longer be visiting Israel on 2 March," Dylan Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs, wrote on X. Instead, Rubio will make a point about the attack on Iran with G7 partners in a phone call. The State Department reports. Meanwhile, the White House reports that Donald Trump has spoken with leaders of Britain, Kuwait and Turkey.

With the death of Ayatollah Khamenei announced by US President Donald Trump 'the Islamic Republic has effectively come to an end and will soon be relegated to the dustbin of history'. Stating this in a post on 'X' is the son of the former Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi.

Further reading

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled prince at the centre of the ambiguities of Iran's future

11 January 2026

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that they had targeted the Ministry of Defence and Israeli military bases, among other targets, in a new wave of attacks late today evening. "The Israeli army's naval base in Haifa port, the regime's naval pier in Haifa, the Ramat David air base, the regime's War Ministry in the Hakeryat area, the Beit Shams military-industrial complex and the Ishtod military-industrial complex are among the targets of the third and fourth waves," the Guards said in a statement on Telegram.

Arab Emirates authorities, 'seek shelter in safe buildings, away from windows and outdoor areas'

"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead. This is not just justice for the Iranian people, but for all great Americans and those people in many countries around the world who were killed or maimed by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty criminals." Donald Trump writes this on Truth.

A group of 204 Italian high school students involved in the World Student Connection association's 'Ambassadors of the Future' project is stranded in Dubai due to the airspace closure linked to the conflict in Iran. Among them - reports the Corriere del Veneto website - are youngsters from Veneto, including a 16-year-old who attends the 'Calvi' technical-commercial institute in Padua. 'My son was supposed to land in Milan on 1 March at nine in the morning,' says his mother, 'but we don't know when he will be back. The boys are being looked after by tutors and that reassures us. But we are worried'. According to reports to the families, the students are being accommodated in a hotel while waiting for their return flights to be rescheduled. The Italia group was supposed to return tomorrow, but the departure has been postponed to 3 March. The Wsc programme involves the diplomatic simulation of UN work and brings together teenagers and university students of different nationalities.

The Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom reported that one person is in serious condition in the Tel Aviv area after Iran fired a barrage of missiles towards Israel. Paramedics are providing medical treatment to "a man in his 40s in serious condition with shrapnel wounds," the same source said in a statement.

The US Congress has split over the attack on Iran announced in the night by Donald Trump from Mar-a-Lago. It is not only the Democrats who accuse the US president of declaring war without the authorisation of Parliament, but also some Republicans. Like Senator Rand Paul or Congressman Thomas Massie, a thorn in the side of the tycoon who with Democrat Ro Khanna pressed for the release of the files on Jeffrey Epstein. "I'm against this war. This is not 'America First'," the Republican attacked on social media. "When Congress convenes, we will bring forward a bipartisan resolution for a Congressional vote on war on Iran, as the Constitution requires," he warned. And New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also called the attack 'a catastrophic escalation of an illegal war and aggression'. Many House Democrats have asked Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the call forward to Monday, but the vote is likely to be held on Wednesday, as scheduled. Several Dem senators are also calling for a floor meeting as soon as possible to immediately vote on a bipartisan resolution on war powers. "Every single senator must publicly declare that this action is dangerous, unnecessary, and idiotic," said Representative Tim Kaine, in a note. While another Dem senator, Rube Gallego, stressed that one can 'support the democratic movement and the Iranians without sending troops'. In contrast, Republican Lindsey Graham expressed support for the military operation, calling the attack 'justified and due'. "The end of the largest state sponsor of terrorism is upon us," wrote the Republican hawk who has long been urging Trump to intervene. "Freedom for the long-suffering Iranian people," the South Carolina senator wrote again. With him all the leading members of the Grand old party. The only one among the Democrats who endorsed the tycoon's initiative was Senator John Fetterman, who had supported US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities last year. "President Trump has been willing to do what is right and necessary to produce real peace in the region. God bless the United States, our great military and Israel," he said in a post on X. The White House justified the commander-in-chief's unilateral action by explaining that shortly before the operation began, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had contacted all members of the bipartisan group known as the 'Gang of Eight' - which includes Republican and Democratic Senate and House leaders, the chairman and vice-chairman of the Senate and House Intelligence Committees - to inform them. Only seven, however, were reached by the Secretary of State, said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. According to Politico, the only one left out would be House Minority Leader, Democrat Hakeem Jeffries. "Iran must be confronted aggressively for its human rights violations, its nuclear ambitions, its support for terrorism, and the threat it poses to our allies like Israel and Jordan in the region," Jeffries said. "However, in the absence of exigent circumstances, the Trump administration must seek authorisation for the pre-emptive use of military force, which constitutes an act of war." The vote could be tight, given the narrow Republican majority in both the House and the Senate.

CNN crews in Doha (Qatar), Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Tel Aviv (Israel) report bomb explosions and air raid sirens.

A producer at the CNN office in Tel Aviv shared video footage of a missile crashing to the ground amid warning sirens. In Dubai, journalists heard 'several loud explosions', while in Doha, the CNN team saw missiles lighting up the night sky and shared a video in which explosions are clearly audible in the distance.

Iranian media affiliated with the Guardians of the Revolution stated that the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is 'firmly in command' and is directly following developments in the conflict, quoting Mehdi Torabiyan, a member of Khamenei's media team.

Israeli officials reported Khamenei's death in the raid on his residence in Tehran at the beginning of the attack launched in Iran.

The IDF reported that among the Iranian regime figures killed in the raids today were Revolutionary Guardians commander Mohammad Pakpour and Ali Khamenei's chief defence advisor Ali Shamkani, former commander of the Revolutionary Guardians navy and commander of the Iranian military forces.

"It appears that the news of Khamenei's death is correct". Donald Trump told Nbc news. "Most" of Iran's top leadership is gone, he added. "The people who make all the decisions, most of them, are gone."

Israel has launched a pre-emptive strike against Iran 'to remove threats' to the state. With these words, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the start of the operation called 'Lion's Roar', conducted together with the United States (which renamed it 'Epic Fury'). The attack hit Iran this morning and not at night as initially thought. After weeks of warnings to the ayatollahs, Donald Trump therefore gave the green light for the military action, explaining that the aim is 'to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very tough and terrible people'.

"We will ensure that terrorists can no longer destabilise the region or the world and we will prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon," the US president added, accusing Tehran of rejecting any agreement. The tycoon warned the Pasdaran: if they lay down their arms, they will be treated 'fairly' with 'total immunity'. If not, they will face 'certain death'. According to Israeli sources, the attack targeted Iranian government and military sites, with the intention of "creating the conditions for the fall of the regime", with Ali Khamenei as the main target, along with President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to sources in Tel Aviv, the Supreme Leader was killed in the raids, which hit Tehran and other cities and sites across the country. However, there is no official confirmation from Tehran. Israeli sources indicate that the decision to launch the attack was taken during Benjamin Netanyahu's last visit to Washington. The Israeli Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, spoke of a 'broader' operation than the one last June, during the '12-day war'. "I can go ahead and take control of the whole operation, or I can end it in two or three days and say to the Iranians 'See you in a few years if you start rebuilding your nuclear and missile programmes'," Trump said, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, where he followed the stages of the raid. "In any case, it will take several years to recover from this attack," he added.

Una foto distribuita dall'Ufficio del Leader Supremo iraniano mostra il leader supremo iraniano Ayatollah Ali Khamenei mentre tiene un discorso durante una cerimonia in occasione del 36° anniversario della morte dell'Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, fondatore della Repubblica Islamica dell'Iran, presso il santuario di Khomeini a Teheran, Iran, il 4 giugno 2025. EPA/UFFICIO DEL LEADER SUPREMO DELL'IRAN

Iran has promised a 'crushing response', with the Revolutionary Guardians dubbing the first phase of the retaliation operation 'Truthful Promise 4'. The Pasdaran threatened to use 'unprecedented weapons', targeting such targets as the US Fifth Fleet Command in Bahrain, US bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as well as targets in the Jewish state. The US Command stated that no casualties or injuries were reported among US military personnel and that damage to installations was minimal. The Israel Defence Forces reported that "some 200 fighter jets completed an attack against the regime's missile and defence systems" in what was described as "the largest attack in the history of the air force". "The fighters dropped hundreds of munitions on about 500 targets, including defence systems and missile launchers," the IDF added. There are currently around 90 light injuries in Israel as a result of the ballistic missile attacks from Tehran. The toll in Iran, however, is more serious: according to the Red Crescent, more than 200 people have died and 747 have been injured in 24 Iranian provinces. Agencies in Tehran report 85 dead in the raid that hit a girls' school in Minab, Hormozgan province, in the south of the country.

A mystery surrounds what may be the most excellent casualty of the US-Israel operation. Israel has reported that Khamenei's residential compound has been destroyed. While some of the Supreme Leader's family members, including his daughter-in-law and son-in-law, are reported dead, the fate of Khamenei remains unclear. An Israeli official confirmed the death of the Supreme Leader in this morning's raid and the recovery of the body, after Netanyahu stated that 'there are numerous signs' of the killing. Israeli media reported that the PM was reportedly shown an image of the corpse. Tehran did not confirm the news. During the day, there were rumours of a possible televised speech by Khamenei, which were later denied. Among the victims of the raids were also several high-ranking regime officials, including Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Iranian Defence Council and a close advisor to Khamenei. The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed the death of "two commanders", but assured that senior regime officials, such as the head of the judiciary and the president of parliament, survived.

Further reading

Khamenei, the man who became ayatollah overnight

28 February 2026

A senior Israeli security official confirmed to the national media that Ali Khamenei 'has been eliminated'. Channel 12 reports that pictures of the Supreme Leader's body were shown to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Axios reports, the Israeli Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, also updated several senior officials in Washington that Khamenei had been killed.

'There are many signs that Khamenei is dead'. This was stated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"Thirty bombs were dropped on Khamenei's residential complex in Iran". This was reported by Israeli Channel 12

US President Donald Trump said he had a "good phone call" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding that "we are on the same page". Speaking to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12, Trump explained that he had 'several ways out': prolong the campaign and 'take control of everything', or end it in a few days by warning Tehran not to rebuild, noting that a recovery 'would take them years'.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'are safe and sound'. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman told Sky News. "Yes, we had other commanders who were martyred as a result of this terrorist act of aggression. But what is important is that the Iranian nation, our armed forces, our brave armed forces, are taking the necessary measures to defend Iran in the strongest possible way," he added.

The son-in-law and daughter-in-law of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, were killed in the raids conducted by the US and Israel on Iran. This was reported by the Iranian media, quoting a member of the Tehran city council, who called the two victims 'martyrs'.

The Middle East is a gasoline depot in the middle of summer. And someone has just decided to light a match convinced he can blow it out. It was clear from the State of the Union address that the attack on Iran was only a matter of time: the Geneva negotiations were not diplomacy, but an ultimatum disguised as dialogue. Total halt to uranium enrichment, zeroing of the missile programme. An unconditional surrender that would have handed Donald Trump a plastic victory, but would have amputated Iran of any residual deterrence in the regional chessboard. It was clear that Tehran would not sign its irrelevance. We thus woke up to a combined attack by Israel and the United States, avowedly geared towards regime change.

The question is not whether it was foreseeable. It is why now.

The Pasdaran claim that the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic point located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is no longer safe after the US and Israeli attacks and is closed to maritime transit, local media report. The nightmare of a closure - against the backdrop of the escalation of the war triggered by the US and Israeli attack on Iran - had been evoked shortly before as a now certain prospect even by the British media, awaiting official announcements from Tehran. In fact, concordant information had emerged about the ban already in place reported by the crews of several oil tankers at sea, warned to change course. Sky News Uk recalls how the Strait in question is vital for the exports of the Gulf's main oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, the Emirates and Iraq, as well as Iran itself. And how a closure - never implemented by Tehran in the past, even at times of serious international crisis - could have devastating effects on the global oil market, as well as on the cost of energy.

Further reading

The crisis passes through the Strait of Hormuz: the impact on our bills

28 February 2026

"We are concerned and deeply regret the attacks by the US and Israel against our neighbour Iran. Iran's attacks against our sister countries in the Gulf are also unacceptable." This was stated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "All sides must act to ensure that the war does not escalate and to stop the bloodshed," Erdogan added.

"I have just spoken with Mohamed Bin Zayed, President of the United Arab Emirates. I expressed our full support and condolences for the attacks by Iran and the resulting victims". EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote this on X. "Europe strongly condemns these unjustified attacks. These attacks are a blatant violation of the UAE's sovereignty and a clear breach of international law. And this is not the first time that the UAE has been subjected to missile and drone attacks by Iran and its allies. Europe expresses its full solidarity with its partners in the region. I will continue to contact important regional partners,' von der Leyen explains.

About 200 fighters, 500 military targets hit. These are some of the numbers provided by the IDF for the operation against Iran conducted together with the United States, "the largest" Israeli attack ever against the Islamic Republic. The military points out that the attacks targeted Iranian ballistic missile launchers and air defence systems, with fighter jets dropping hundreds of munitions "on some 500 Iranian military targets in western and central Iran, almost simultaneously, in the early hours of the morning". "This is the largest attack sortie in the history of the Israeli Air Force, executed after careful planning and with high quality intelligence, synchronising hundreds of aircraft simultaneously," the army says in a note. The IDF says that the attacks on Iran's air defence systems "enabled the expansion of air superiority over Iranian skies and caused a major blow to the regime's main offensive capability, the launch sites in western Iran". One of the sites hit in the Tabriz area served Iran's ballistic missile unit, and 'planned to launch dozens of missiles towards Israel from there'.

"I don't think there will be US military on the ground". General David Petraeus, discussing the possibility of a US ground operation in Iran, told CNN. "Certainly we may have some limited presence on the ground or other assets, but it would be very limited and in secure areas," the former CIA director added.

Dubai authorities have confirmed that a fire broke out in a building in Palm Jumeirah, with emergency teams immediately on the scene. According to the Dubai Civil Defence, the fire is now under control. Four people were injured in the incident and have been transferred to medical facilities to receive medical treatment. Authorities stated that the area has been secured and stressed that the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors remains the top priority, urging people to remain calm and to rely 'solely on verified information from official sources and to refrain from sharing unverified videos or images on social media

Explosions were heard in the centre of Tel Aviv. This was reported by Ansa. In the city, alarm sirens continue to ring out incessantly over continued missile launches from Iran.

An emergency meeting of the ambassadors of the 27 EU countries (Coreper) will be held in Brussels on Sunday, 1 March, following the attacks on Iran by the US and Israel and Tehran's response. This was reported by a spokesman for the Cypriot rotating presidency of the EU, quoted by Politico.

The US urged commercial ships to avoid the Gulf after the US and Israeli attack on Iran.

The Iranian government has called for an urgent convocation of a special session of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), following what it called 'illegal military attacks' conducted by the US and Israel. In a letter, Tehran's diplomatic representation to the IEA said that the military actions follow more than eight months of 'explicit threats' to intervene against Iran's nuclear programme by senior US officials, including the president, and Israeli authorities. According to Iran, such actions are a 'blatant violation' of the UN Charter and international norms enshrining the inviolability of nuclear facilities under its control. "In accordance with its charter, the Agency has an urgent responsibility to address these threats to nuclear facilities under safeguards and to defend the integrity, credibility and effectiveness of the IEA safeguards system," Tehran added. "Given the extraordinary gravity of the circumstances, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran urges the Director-General to immediately convene a special session of the Board of Governors.

The death toll of the attack on a girls' school in Minab, southern Iran, continues to rise. There are now 85 dead, the prosecutor's office in the region has announced.

The Israeli Air Force is conducting a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian ballistic missile launchers, the IDF announces. "The air force began a sortie and is currently striking missile launchers in Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel," the army said in a note, according to the Times of Israel newspaper.

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said in a note that Israel is facing "a significant and unprecedented campaign to destroy the capabilities of the Iranian terrorist regime". "This is a campaign that will ensure our existence," he added, stating that the operation is "broader" than the one carried out last June.

After the bloody attack on 7 October 2023,Benjamin Netanyahu had unleashed the war on Gaza, indicating an unattainable goal: to eradicate Hamas from the Strip, without explaining who and what would take its place. Some two and a half years later, the Palestinian Islamic movement is still in full control of the part of Gaza not occupied by the Israelis.

Establishing a military and even more so a political objective before starting a war is crucial for those who want to try to eliminate the causes that triggered it. What does the attack on Iran by the Israelis and Americans (the two protagonists are listed in order of their willingness to pursue this war) want to achieve?

"All staff and families are reminded to remain vigilant. While there are currently no specific, credible threats, vigilance remains critical to your safety." This is what is stated in a post from the US military base Nas in Sigonella.

"Be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile and be careful if you find yourself unexpectedly near large gatherings," it reads. "For real-time updates, turn on notifications on AtHoc and follow NASSIG's official Facebook and Instagram pages. If you see anything suspicious, report it. Stay safe, Sigonella'.

Donald Trump and Benyamin Netanyahu have been in touch in recent hours. This was reported by Israeli broadcaster channel 12 after the joint attack on Iran.

The US used kamikaze drones for the first time against Iran. This was reported by Fox citing sources, according to which the US also used Tomahawk missiles in the attack.

Argentina today raised the national security alert level to 'high' in response to attacks by the United States and Israel on military targets in Iran and growing tension in the Middle East. This was announced in a communiqué from the presidency of Javier Milei released on its official social networks, specifying that the measure also affects foreign diplomatic offices, 'sensitive targets' and the Jewish community in the country. According to the official text, border controls will be strengthened and surveillance increased in areas considered at risk, to guarantee the security of citizens and strategic infrastructures. The Argentinean government emphasises the need for utmost caution and invites the population to follow the instructions of the authorities, constantly monitoring the evolution of the international situation and the possible repercussions on Argentinean territory.

The Iranian government is urging the inhabitants of Tehran to leave the city, through text messages delivered to mobile phones. "Taking into account the joint operations conducted by the US and the Zionist regime (Israel) against Tehran and some major cities, head, if possible and keeping calm, to other locations," the message reads.

According to reports by the Iranian Al-Alam TV station, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is expected to deliver a speech soon. The news from the Arabic-language regime broadcaster is also relayed by Al Jazeera.

The UN Security Council has been convened for 4 p.m. in New York, 10 p.m. in Italia, on the crisis in the Middle East triggered by the US and Israeli attack on Iran. This was announced by the UN spokesman's office.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that 'one or two' military commanders were killed during the US and Israeli attack on the country this morning. "Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are in good health," he added, after reports speculating their deaths. Unofficial reports claim that Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme Defence Council, was killed during this morning's attacks. He was secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (2013-2023). Other unofficial reports claim that in an attack on the area of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's residence, three of his bodyguards were killed. According to Iranian Red Crescent spokesman Mojtaba Khaledi, quoted by Irna, more than 20 of Iran's 31 provinces were affected by Saturday's attacks.

In connection with the developments in the Middle East, an extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Representatives of the 27 in the EU (Coreper II) will be held tomorrow late afternoon. This was announced by a spokesperson of the Cypriot presidency. The Presidency will also convene a virtual meeting of the Consular Affairs Working Group to examine the situation of EU citizens in the region. The meeting will take place tomorrow, before the Coreper meeting,

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed in a brief address to the country to update it on the war situation triggered by the US and Israeli attacks on Iran that the UK did not participate in the raids, but announced that Raf planes had been deployed in the air in recent hours "in the skies over the Middle East" in operations to defend Arab countries allied with London, targeted by Tehran's response because they host American military bases. Starmer then reiterated his government's appeal, already shared with France and Germany, against any further 'escalation' in the region.

"As far as he knows", Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is still alive, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with Nbc News. Araghchi himself, the US broadcaster adds, reported that "two commanders" died in the US and Israeli attacks, while senior members of the Iranian leadership reportedly survived. Nbc News points out that it has not been able to independently verify this information so far.

"It is right to give the Iranian people the opportunity to rid themselves of a terrorist regime and provide security for all nations that have suffered terror from Iran": so says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on X, commenting on the situation in the Middle East. The Kiev leader recalls how "although the Ukrainians have never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime has chosen to become an accomplice" of Vladimir Putin's Russia "by supplying it with 'Shahed' drones" and other weapons. Zelensky therefore argues that it is 'important to preserve as many lives as possible', as well as to 'prevent the expansion of war' and for 'the United States to act decisively', because 'where there is American determination, global criminals are weakened'.

A senior Israeli official told Channel 1: 'We would be shocked if Khamenei appeared live. According to our assessment, he is no longer with us, but we are waiting for final confirmation'. According to another Israeli source to N12, the Iranian supreme leader 'most likely did not survive the attacks'.

"We condemn in the strongest terms Iranian attacks against countries in the region. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military attacks. We call for the resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution,' the French President, Emmanuel Macron, the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and the German Chancellor, Friederich Merz, wrote in a joint statement, according to the Elysée Palace.

"The destroyed building is a girls' primary school in southern Iran. It was bombed in broad daylight, when it was full of young pupils'. This is how Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi commented on the US-Israeli raid that killed at least 51 people. 'Dozens of innocent children were killed at this site alone,' Araghchi denounced on X. 'These crimes against the Iranian people will not go unanswered,' he said.

The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Education updated the death toll in the girls' school hit during the US-Israeli raid, specifying that the death toll had risen to 53.

"So far, the number of martyrs of the brutal attack by the United States and the Zionist regime on the girls' school in Minab has reached 53," the spokesman noted, according to Iranian news agency Irna.

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref speaks. "Everything is under government control," he says, in statements reported by the Iranian media and relayed by the Israeli media after the start of US and Israeli operations against the Islamic Republic.

New explosions were heard in Dubai, where Iranian missiles had already been intercepted this morning. This was reported by witnesses on the spot.

Alarm sirens are sounding again in Tel Aviv. This was noted by ANSA on the spot.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a telephone conversation with his Iranian colleague, Abbas Araghchi, during which he emphasised 'the need to immediately end the attacks' by the US and Israel against Iran and 'to bring the situation back to a political and diplomatic solution'.

Israel estimates "with high probability" that Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Defence Council and political advisor to Iran's Supreme Guide Ali Khamenei, was eliminated in the air raids on Tehran. This was reported by Channel 12, which describes Shamkhani as "the strong man behind the Pasdaran's nuclear programme" and "among the most extremist figures in the regime".

"True to its principles and aware of its international responsibilities, France is calling for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council". This was stated on X by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, referring to the latest developments in the Middle East. The French president, after the outbreak of hostilities 'held separate talks with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan and the president of the autonomous region of Kurdistan'. This was learned from an Elysée source.

An exodus from Tehran is reportedly underway following the attack by Isreal and the US on Iran. According to qualified sources who are following the development of the situation, traffic is very heavy on several arteries of the capital as many are trying to leave the city to head north. According to the sources, communications by Iranians have also been disrupted: neither landlines nor mobile phones are working and communication is only through Starlink.

The United Arab Emirates announced that it had 'successfully' intercepted a second wave of missiles launched from Iran, with some fragments falling on Abu Dhabi, this time without causing casualties, after a civilian was killed this morning. This was announced by the Emirates Ministry of Defence.

The death toll in the Israeli attack on a girls' primary school in Minab in the southern Iranian province of Hormozgan has risen to at least 40. This was reported by the international media citing the Irna agency. At least 45 people were injured, the agency reports. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps is reportedly based in Minab.

The IDF announced in a post on X that it had hit hundreds of targets in western Iran. The army press office posted pictures of some of the raids.

Iranian missiles reportedly hit the Mufaq al-Salti base in Jordan, where US forces are present, as part of wider attacks against US installations in West Asia. This was reported by the Iranian broadcaster Press TV.

The United States and Israel have launched a large-scale strike against Iran, following up on threats by Trump, who had warned Tehran of possible raids in the absence of concessions, particularly on the nuclear programme. The Pentagon called the offensive "Operation Epic Fury"this second US attack in less than a year: last June Washington had bombed three Iranian nuclear sites.

Targets: nuclear power and regime change

An Israeli attack hit a school in southern Iran, leaving 24 dead. This was reported by local officials, updating an initial death toll of five students.

"The first positive news is that there is not a single Italian involved in the multiple attacks that took place in Iran and in the countries of the Gulf area". This was said by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, meeting the press at the Farnesina. "Even the Italian Air Force soldiers who are in the base in Kuwait that was attacked with missiles by Iran are all unharmed, they were all in the bunker," he added. "There has been extensive damage to the runway but there are no injured Italian soldiers. There was also an attack on the Fifth Fleet command post but there are no Italians involved in the whole area, neither civilians nor military'.

Il ministro degli Affari Esteri Antonio Tajani alla Farnesina durante il vertice sull'attacco in Iran con gli ambasciatori italiani in Medio Oriente, Roma,28 Febbraio 2026. ANSA/GIUSEPPE LAMI

Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia for four years, justifies the attack unleashed in recent hours by the US of Donald Trump and the Israeli government of Benyamin Netanyahu on Iran, blaming the leadership in Tehran. "The reason for the events of the last few hours," reads a note from the Kiev Foreign Ministry taken up by the British media, "is to be found in the violence and arbitrariness of the Iranian regime, in particular in the killings and repression of peaceful protesters. Ukraine then echoes Washington's accusation that Tehran has rejected 'all opportunities to prevent a violent scenario', while vowing to 'support the Iranian people and their legitimate desire for security, freedom, prosperity'.

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the US and Israeli attacks on Iran as 'a planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent member state of the United Nations, in violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law'.

"The developments in Iran are very worrying. We remain in close contact with our partners in the region. We reaffirm our firm commitment to safeguarding regional security and stability." Ursula Von der Leyen wrote this in a post on X after the joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran, calling on "all parties to exercise utmost restraint, protect civilians and fully respect international law". "It is of paramount importance to ensure nuclear security and to prevent any action that could further escalate tensions or weaken the global non-proliferation regime," Von der Leyen reiterated. "The European Union has adopted extensive sanctions in response to the actions of the murderous Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guards and has consistently promoted diplomatic efforts to address the nuclear and ballistic missile programmes through a negotiated solution. In close coordination with EU Member States," he concluded, "we will take all necessary measures to ensure that EU citizens in the region can count on our full support".

The IDF is intercepting a new ballistic missile launch from Iran as sirens sound in southern Israel.

Unofficial news reported the death of Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Pakpour and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh following the raids in Iran.

The Revolutionary Guards in Iran announced that Operation 'Truth Promise 4' was launched 'in response to the American-Zionist aggression against Iranian territory'. According to the announcement, the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain was attacked with missiles and drones, as well as American bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, "as well as military and security centres in the heart of Israel". It was reported that 'missile attacks by Iranian forces continue and detailed information will be published later'.

Opec+ is considering a larger increase in oil production after the joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran, according to two sources close to the issue told international agencies. The meeting of eight members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries group and their allies, scheduled for tomorrow, could address the issue. The delegates earlier said they were willing to agree to a modest 137,000 barrels per day increase in oil production for April to prepare for summer demand. Meanwhile, crude oil prices rose on expectations of a US attack on Iran. The extent of any larger increase has yet to be discussed, one of the sources said.

A man was killed in Abu Dhabi in the Iranian attacks. This was reported by the UAE state media.

Explosions were heard in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, in the context of the Iranian retaliation that also targeted several US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Two Afp journalists in Riyadh heard a roar and several explosions.

The attacks conducted against Iran by Israel and the US represent a 'renewed aggression', to which Tehran's armed forces 'will respond with full force', reads a Farsi note from the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The note stressed that the attacks were launched while Washington and Tehran were 'engaged in a diplomatic process'. "Just as we were ready for negotiations, we are also more than ready to defend Iran at all times," the statement said.

"The latest developments in the Middle East are dangerous. The Iranian regime has killed thousands of people. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, together with its support for terrorist groups, pose a serious threat to global security'. This is what EU High Representative Kaja Kallas writes on X. "I have spoken with Israeli Foreign Minister Saar and other ministers in the region. The EU is also working closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic avenues. The protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority," explains Kallas.

A raid targeted a base hosting pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, causing casualties. This was reported to Afp by a security official, pointing out that the base in Jurf al-Sakher, in southern Iraq, which houses mainly militiamen of the Kataeb Hezbollah group, was hit. "The shelling targeted the 47th brigade of Kataeb Hezbollah," said a source from the Popular Mobilisation Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi). At the moment, according to local sources, the death toll is at least two.

The US Navy's Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain has been hit by 'a missile attack'. This was reported by a US official to CNN, describing the situation as still 'active'.

Explosions are heard in Doha. This was noted by an Afp journalist on the spot.

Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and alarms went off again. This was noted by ANSA on the spot.

Bahrain confirms that the country is under attack, as Arab media report that smoke is rising from the Juffair area, where a US base is located. An explosion was reported in Abu Dhabi.

At the moment, at least 30 loud explosions have been recorded in four cities in Iran following the attack by Israel and the USA. An attack that - we learn from qualified sources who are following the evolution of the situation - is defined as "highly selective" and allegedly aimed at the country's political, military and religious leaders. Among the targets hit in Tehran, besides the Khamenei and Pezeshkian residences, were the headquarters of the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, the Supreme Court building, the Mehrabad air base and the Qom area. Other explosions were felt in Isfahan, Kermanshah and Karaj.

Lunga fila di auto durante un blocco del traffico, dopo che Israele e gli Stati Uniti hanno lanciato attacchi contro l’Iran, a Teheran, Iran, 28 febbraio 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) tramite REUTERS

A loud explosion was heard in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, according to witnesses quoted by the Reuters news agency.

Several airlines are cancelling flights to the Middle East due to security concerns related to the situation in the Middle East after the US attack on Iran. In detail, Germany's Lufthansa has cancelled flights to and from Dubai, Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon and Muscat in Oman this weekend. Hungary's Wizz Air, according to a statement, has also suspended all flights to and from Israel, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and Amman in Jordan, with immediate effect until 7 March. Stop flights to Tel Aviv for KLM and Air France, which also cancelled flights to Beirut in Lebanon, while Oman Air and planes departing from Kwait will also no longer fly to Israel and Iran. More generally, Israel has cancelled all civil flights and closed its airspace. The Russian Ministry of Transport, on the other hand, has worked out alternative routes to avoid Iranian and Israeli airspace, and ensure the safety of flights to the Persian Gulf countries.

Israeli media report that the Bahraini Ministry of Interior announced the activation of missile launch warnings in the country, residents were ordered to remain in protected areas. The United Arab Emirates announced the 'temporary and partial' closure of its airspace. Meanwhile, the US embassies in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain have asked their staff and US citizens in these countries to 'get to safety'. A lockdown has been ordered for diplomatic officials in these locations.

Air defence systems intercepted several missiles launched from Iran towards Israel. Magen relief spokesman David Adom (Mda) said that there were no reports of missile attacks being fired on Israeli soil. Rescue teams were dispatched because several people were injured while seeking refuge in protected areas and others suffered anxiety attacks.

The ongoing operation against Iran has officially been named 'Operation Epic Fury', as reported in a post published by the US War Department. This was reported by the New York Times. Earlier, the Israeli news site Ynet explained that 'Lion Roar' is the name chosen by Israel for the operation in the Islamic Republic.

A round of attacks has begun on Tehran, ANSA reports on the spot. Meanwhile, Iran also initiated missile attacks against Israel, as confirmed by the Israeli armed forces. According to local reports, a base of the Guardians of the Revolution in Kerman was attacked. Attacks on the cities of Andimesh, Dezful and Nahavand are also reported. The government announced the closure of schools and universities. The stock exchange was also closed.

The joint US-Israeli attack on Iran launched on Saturday 'will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands'. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this in a statement. "The time has come for all sections of the Iranian population to throw off the yoke of (the regime's) tyranny and bring a free and peace-loving Iran," the premier said.

The Iranian media reported two large explosions in the city of Qom, south of Tehran. Explosions also occurred in the cities of Isfahan, Karaj, Ilam, Khorramabad, Tabriz and Kermanshah, Fars news agency reported. Internet and telecommunication lines were disrupted in parts of Tehran, while the Mehrabad airport was also attacked. Iranian media also reported 'cyber attacks' against websites and media outlets in the country, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Among the affected media would be the semi-official Tasnim agency and the Isna news agency.

Tajani: very worrying situation in Iran, no Italians injured

Following the worsening of the crisis in the Middle East, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened a telephone meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, and Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, as well as the undersecretaries to the Prime Minister's Office Alfredo Mantovano and Giovanbattista Fazzolari. This was reported by Palazzo Chigi sources.

Iran has launched missiles towards Israel. This was announced by the IDF on X after sending a message to the population of Israel urging them to reach the shelters.

Iran is preparing to respond to attacks by Israel and the US on its territory this morning, a Tehran official told Reuters, quoted by Sky News. This response will be 'overwhelming', this source said. Meanwhile, the leader of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee, Ebrahim Azizi, posted a message on X that seemed to implicitly refer to Israel and the US: 'We warned you! You have now begun a path whose end is no longer under your control'.

Khamenei is not in Tehran. This was reported by Sky News citing an Iranian official to Reuters. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is not in Tehran and has been moved to a safe place, the official reported

The ongoing attacks by the US Armed Forces against Iran are being conducted 'by air and sea', Reuters indicates on its website, quoting a senior US official.

"To members of the Revolutionary Guards, armed forces and police I say: lay down your arms and you will be treated justly with total imunity or face certain death." Donald Trump said this while also sending a message 'to the great and proud Iranian people: the hour of freedom is near. Take cover, do not leave your homes, it is very dangerous out there. There are bombs falling everywhere."

"We will destroy their missiles and make sure Iran is nuclear-free. The regime will learn shortly that the strength of the American military should not be challenged." Donald Trump said this, assuring that he had taken all measures to try to minimise the risks to Americans engaged in this 'noble mission'. The president admitted, however, that there could be casualties.

According to initial reports from Iran, there are serious casualties among the local security forces, with dozens of dead and wounded among the ranks of the Revolutionary Guards, including some key figures. Severe disruptions of the mobile phone network are reported. Israeli TV Channel 12 reports this.

In the crosshairs of US attacks is Iran's military apparatus. Apart from the nuclear sites, Tehran is believed to have 2,000 ballistic missiles scattered all over the country. The New York Times reports this, citing American officials.