Israel-Iran War News: Air raid sirens sound in Jerusalem; Trump claims Khamenei is dead

At least 108 students have been killed in a strike on a girls’ school in the southern city of Minab, Iranian state media IRIB reported on Sunday, citing the city’s prosecutor.

The attack, attributed to a US‑Israeli military operation, struck the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school during class hours, officials said. Dozens more were reported injured, and rescue teams continue to search through the rubble for survivors.

Video footage released by IRIB showed body bags stacked inside the school building, underscoring the scale of the tragedy.

In response, the local governor declared a day of public mourning in the province for Sunday, while authorities urged citizens to remain vigilant and support emergency efforts.

The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for Iranians in an industrial area of the Isfahan region in the centre of the country, saying it would imminently attack "military infrastructure" there.

"Urgent alert to all people located in the 'Gey' industrial zone in the Isfahan region... in a few minutes, the Israeli army will attack military infrastructure in this zone," the military posted on its Persian-language X account, along with a map showing the targeted area, warning people to "immediately evacuate this area".

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

The organisation 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.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday spoke with his counterparts in Israel and Iran amid the escalating tensions in West Asia and reiterated India's stance of de-escalating tensions through dialogue and diplomacy.

"Spoke with Israeli FM Gideon Sa'ar this afternoon. Reiterate India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions," Jaishankar posted on X about his call with FM Gideon Sa'ar.

In a separate post on X, he said that during his call with FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi, he shared India's "deep concern at the recent developments".

"Had a telecon with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening. Shared India's deep concern at the recent developments in Iran and the region. @araghchi," Jaishankar posted on X.

Iran Guards radioed ships to say Hormuz Strait is closed, says EU naval mission

The Israeli military said it launched a new wave of strikes on Saturday targeting Iran's missile launchers and aerial defence systems in the centre of the country.

"The IDF has begun an additional wave of strikes targeting the Iranian terror regime's missile launchers and aerial defense systems in central Iran," the military said.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will speak within minutes, Iran's Al-Alam TV reported, hours after U.S., Israeli strikes targeted top Iranian leaders on Saturday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephone call with US President Donald Trump on Saturday, the Israeli leader's office said, after the two countries launched attacks on Iran.

"Netanyahu in conversation with US President Donald Trump," the premier's office said, releasing a photograph of him speaking on the phone.

An Israeli military official said several senior Iranian figures were "eliminated" on Saturday in strikes targeting gatherings of top officials of the Islamic republic.

"Three sites where gatherings of the Iranian terror regime were taking place were struck simultaneously, and several senior figures essential to the management of the campaign and the regime's governance were eliminated," the Israeli military official said in a statement.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have launched a new wave of missiles against US bases in the Gulf, state TV reported Saturday, in response to the Israeli and US strikes on the Islamic republic.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps "has started a new wave of missile attacks against American bases", state TV reported, citing the IRGC.

A drone struck Kuwait's international airport on Saturday, the civil aviation authority said, causing minor injuries as Iran retaliated across the Gulf for US and Israeli strikes.

"A drone targeted Kuwait International Airport, resulting in minor injuries to a number of employees, in addition to limited material damage to the passenger terminal," the authority said in a statement.

After joint US-Israel military strikes on Iran triggered wider tensions across the Middle East, US President Donald Trump defended the operation as a push for “freedom” for the Iranian people. Speaking to The Washington Post in a phone interview on Saturday, Trump said, “All I want is freedom for the people,” adding, “I want a safe nation, and that’s what we’re going to have.” His remarks frame the strikes not just as a security move, but as part of a broader political objective. The comments come as the region braces for possible retaliation and further escalation.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, an IRGC commander has claimed that Iran has so far fired only its “scrap missiles” in the ongoing confrontation. Commander Jabari said more advanced and “unforeseen weapons” could be unveiled if the conflict deepens. The remarks appear aimed at signaling that Tehran’s core military capabilities remain untouched. With rhetoric hardening on both sides, the statement raises fresh concerns about how far the standoff could escalate.

Saudi Arabia reported that Iran attacked its capital, Riyadh, and the eastern region on Saturday. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the attacks were dealt with but did not provide further details. The ministry condemned the Iranian strikes, noting they occurred despite Riyadh's warning that its airspace would not be used against Iran.

Iran's Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to two sources familiar with Israel's military operations and one regional source. - Reuters

Oil majors and traders suspend shipments via Strait of Hormuz

Several oil companies and top trading houses have halted crude and fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory strikes, according to a Reuters. The strait, located between Oman and Iran, connects the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and about a fifth of global oil consumption passes through it.

One trading executive said, "Our ships will stay put for several days." The EU maritime mission Eunavfor Aspides advised the shipping industry to remain vigilant, warning that attacks on ships could not be ruled out following the strikes on Iran. Aspides also noted that Yemen's Houthis have threatened new attacks against Israeli and US vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and the mission is ready to help protect lives at sea.

Russia's Foreign Ministry criticized the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, calling them a "dangerous adventure" that could lead to catastrophe in the region. The ministry stated that the actions are "rapidly bringing the region to the brink of a humanitarian, economic, and - this cannot be ruled out - radiological catastrophe."

We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected. Our Missions in the region are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in contact with the Missions, and follow local security guidance.

Trump has no plans to address nation Saturday after attacks on Iran: White House

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada supports US actions to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and from further threatening international peace and security. Carney said, "Canada's position remains clear: the Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East, has one of the world's worst human rights records, and must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons." He added that Canada will take all possible measures to protect its citizens and diplomatic missions in the region.

An Israeli Air Force aircraft, 4X-ISR, previously used by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, departed Beersheba and is now traveling westbound over the Mediterranean Sea.

Iran's Energy Minister Eli Cohen has ordered a "temporary suspension" of operations at some natural gas wells in the Mediterranean Sea, saying alternative fossil fuels will be used to maintain power supply. Previously, during the early days of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Tamar gas platform was temporarily closed, and during the June conflict with Iran, Israel's Leviathan and Karish gas platforms also paused operations.

The US embassy in Bahrain said it will close on Sunday after Iranian missiles targeted Manama, as Tehran launched broad retaliatory strikes in the Gulf following American and Israeli attacks. "In light of ongoing missile strikes against Bahrain on February 28, the US Embassy in Bahrain will be closed on Sunday, March 1, 2026," the embassy said in a statement on X. "We have cancelled all regular and emergency consular appointments for Sunday, March 1, 2026. We will communicate when the embassy returns to normal operations," it added. - AFP

Axios now reports that there won't be any address to nation by Trump. Previously, the US news site had reported that US President Donald Trump is likely to address nation on Saturday. So far, Trump has issued a video message confirming American involvement in the strikes against Iran.

AFP correspondents in Dubai heard a fresh wave of explosions in the city, following Iran's retaliatory strikes across the Gulf against US and Israeli targets. A first wave of explosions had occurred earlier in the day.

A source told Reuters that members of the US Congress' Gang of Eight-including Republican and Democratic leaders and intelligence committee heads-were briefed by the Trump administration about the recent action against Iran.

An Israeli military official told the Washington Post that Saturday's attack on Iran was a "coordinated operation", involving "many weeks" of planning with the United States.

BBC Persia posted a video showing dust and smoke rising near the office of Iran's Supreme Leader, known as the "Leadership Residence," in the Pasteur area of southern Tehran. BBC Persian identified the location as the intersection of Khadem and Ravannahr streets in northern Pasteur. The United States and Israel announced the start of a large-scale combat operation against Iran, and Iranian media have confirmed explosions in Tehran and other cities, including Kermanshah, Qom, Lorestan, Karaj, and Tabriz.

The United Nations' rights chief deplored Saturday's strikes in the Middle East and urged all parties to return to negotiations, saying attacks would 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 said in a statement. "As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price. - AFP

The local governor of Minab, in southern Iran, told Tasnim that at least 40 people have been killed in a strike on a girls' school. No further details are currently available.

Macron says 'dangerous' escalation after Iran strikes 'must stop'

Emirates Airlines announced that flights from Dubai airport are temporarily suspended due to the airspace closure in the region.

An Iranian missile attack on Saturday caused "significant damage" to the runway of a Kuwait air base hosting Italian air force personnel, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was quoted by the ANSA news agency as saying. "There was significant damage to the runway but no Italian personnel were injured," Tajani told reporters. "The Italian air force members at the Kuwait base that was attacked with missles from Iran are all safe. They were all in the bunker," he said. - AFP

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the treacherous Iranian aggression and the blatant violation of the sovereignty of each of the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, affirming its full solidarity and standing by the side of the sister states, and placing all its capabilities at their disposal to support them in all measures they take, and warning of the grave consequences of the continued violation of the sovereignty of states and the principles of international law.

Israel launched the attack on Muslim-majority Iran during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed from dawn to sunset. The strike also occurred just before the Jewish holiday of Purim, which begins on Monday and traditionally commemorates the salvation of Jews from ancient Persia.

Bahrain begins evacuation near US naval base in Juffair Bahrain's Interior Ministry announced that it has started evacuating residents in the Juffair area, home to a US naval base. Smoke was previously seen rising over the area, and the ministry urged residents to cooperate with the relevant authorities.

Reuters witnesses reported hearing fresh waves of explosions in Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, UAE. Iran stated that it was targeting U.S. military bases in the region.

The rapidly escalating hostilities between US-Israel and Iran are deeply concerning. The safety and security of every Indian citizen across the Middle East must be our highest priority. I urge the Government of India to take immediate and proactive measures to safeguard our people. - Rahul Gandhi on X

Israel claims that Mohammad Pakpour, a commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in Saturday's strikes. Pakpour, considered one of the most powerful figures in Iran, had served as IRGC commander for 260 days.

Earlier reports stated that an Israeli strike hit an elementary girls' school in Minab, a city in Hormozgan province in southern Iran, killing five students. Iran's Fars news agency now reports that the number of students killed has risen to 24.

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Israeli media say that the palace of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been completely destroyed, though it is unclear whether Khamenei was present. Reports also indicate that all of Iran's top leaders have been targeted in today's strikes.

The IDF reports that air defense systems are actively working to intercept incoming ballistic missiles following a new barrage launched by Iran.

Trump expected to address nation again Saturday morning A US official told Axios that Trump is expected to speak to the nation again on Saturday morning, in addition to the video released overnight.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that an Israeli attack struck an elementary girls' school in Minab, a city in Hormozgan province in southern Iran. The report added that five students were killed.

A senior American official says that US strikes are concentrated on Iran's missile program and missile launchers, while Israeli strikes are aimed at eliminating senior Iranian officials and hitting Iran's missile infrastructure, according to an Axios report.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States had launched "major combat operations" in Iran, cautioning that there could be US casualties. The strikes, which Trump said targeted Iranian missiles and naval assets, follow repeated U.S.-Israeli warnings of further action if Iran continued its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. "My administration has taken every possible step to minimise the risk to U.S. personnel in the region. Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill," Trump said in a video shared on Truth Social. He added, "The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties - that often happens in war - but we're doing this not for now. We're doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission."

The UK is understood not to have participated in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, a BBC report said. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to chair a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee on Saturday.

At least two Iraqi Hashid Shaabi fighters have been killed and three others seriously wounded in air strikes in Jurf al-Sakhar, south of Baghdad, a spokesperson for the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) told Reuters. The PMF, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi in Arabic, is an umbrella organization of mostly Shia paramilitary groups, including several factions aligned with Iran.

Jordan's military reported that it successfully intercepted and shot down two ballistic missiles over the country.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its air force is carrying out "a broad strike on a number of military targets" in western Iran. Earlier today, explosions were reported in the western Iranian cities of Kermanshah and Tabriz.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council has advised citizens, while maintaining calm, to travel to other cities where possible to remain safe amid ongoing security concerns. The council emphasized that people should stay composed even as they relocate to areas perceived to be safer

Air India has canceled flights to the following cities:

Abu Dhabi, UAE (AUH)

Dammam, Saudi Arabia (DMM)

Doha, Qatar (DOH)

Dubai, UAE (DXB)

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (JED)

Muscat, Oman (MCT)

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH)

Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV)

Turkish Airlines has canceled flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan.

According to Iran's Fars news agency, Iranian missiles have targeted Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, and a fifth US base in Bahrain.

Multiple reports indicate explosions are occurring in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This comes after an earlier attack on Abu Dhabi, which has already led to the closure of its airspace.

According to CNN, Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, criticised the Trump administration for failing to provide Congress with substantive briefings or intelligence ahead of the strikes on Iran. In a statement on Saturday, the Rhode Island Democrat said the president had offered little clarity on the rationale for military action. "The president barely mentioned Iran during the longest State of the Union speech in history. He failed to define the objective. Congress has received no real briefings or intelligence, and it is hard to justify action without rationale," Reed said.

Explosions heard across Doha: AFP journalists

Months of "close and joint planning" took place between the United States and Israel before launching their coordinated strike campaign against Iran, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The coordination enabled both militaries to carry out what the IDF described as a "broad strike in full synchronization and coordination."

The campaign aims to "thoroughly degrade" the Iranian regime and "remove existential threats to Israel." Earlier reports indicated that Iranian ballistic missiles and missile launchers were among Israel's initial targets.

"Even at this hour, Israeli Air Force fighter jets continue to strike targets across Iran based on precise intelligence," the IDF said, adding that operations will continue as required.

Statement of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran Regarding the Brutal Aggression of the Zionist Regime Against the Islamic Republic of Iran In the Name of God, the Breaker of Tyrants. In response to the aggression of the hostile and criminal enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the first wave of extensive missile and drone strikes by the Islamic Republic of Iran toward the occupied territories has commenced. Further details will be announced in due course. - Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India

AFP correspondents in Bahrain report hearing explosions in the capital, Manama, which is home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet. The developments came shortly after Bahrain's interior ministry issued a series of alerts on X, announcing that emergency sirens had been activated. "The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," the ministry said, advising people to seek shelter as a precaution.

Qatar has issued a mobile alert urging all residents to stay indoors, whether at home or in other locations, and to avoid areas near military bases.

The advisory comes amid heightened regional tensions, with authorities calling for precautionary measures to ensure public safety.

Several international carriers have suspended services and multiple countries have shut their airspace amid escalating regional tensions.

Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Israel, the UAE's Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as Jordan's Amman with immediate effect until March 7.

Lufthansa has cancelled its Saturday and Sunday flights to and from Dubai, Tel Aviv, Lebanon's Beirut and Oman's Muscat.

KLM has scrapped flights from Amsterdam to Tel Aviv.

Oman Air has suspended all flights to Iraq's capital, Baghdad.

Russia has halted all flights to Iran and Israel, while Kuwait has suspended all flights to Iran until further notice.

Iraq has cancelled all inbound and outbound flights and closed its airspace. Israel has also cancelled all civilian flights and shut its airspace.

Iran is facing a near-total internet shutdown, according to online freedom monitor NetBlocks.

"Confirmed: Network data show #Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout with national connectivity at 4% of ordinary levels," NetBlocks said in a post on its Telegram channel.

The organisation added that the disruption comes amid ongoing US and Israeli combat operations and mirrors measures imposed during last year's conflict with Israel.

The blackout follows previous instances of sweeping connectivity restrictions. For much of January, Iranians were unable to access the internet as authorities blocked online communications during a crackdown on anti-government protests.

Due to the evolving political situation in the Middle East region, westbound international flights may experience disruptions or schedule adjustments. Passengers are strongly advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates before leaving for the airport. For flight updates you may refer to our website www.newdelhiairport.in. Your patience and cooperation are sincerely appreciated. Please rely only on official channels for verified updates on the situation.

The US has named its mission against Iran as 'Operation Epic Fury'.

Iran's Tasnim news agency reported that "two or more" explosions were heard in Tehran, signalling a fresh wave of strikes or aerial activity over the capital. State-run IRNA also said blasts were reported in the western and southern parts of Ilam city. According to Tasnim, Iranian air defence systems were actively confronting "hostile targets" in central Tehran and other areas of the capital, indicating ongoing aerial engagements.

'US, Israel operation will create conditions for Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands' - Netanyahu breaks silence

A short while ago, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel.

Defensive systems are currently operating to intercept the incoming threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command issued precautionary alerts directly to mobile phones in affected areas.

Sirens were sounded in several locations across the country following the detection of the missile launches.

At this time, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) is working to intercept and strike threats where necessary to neutralise the danger, the IDF said.

Israel has announced that its latest military operation against Iran will be called "Roaring Lion," according to the Prime Minister's Office. The name comes after the 12-day conflict in June, which Israel had designated as "Rising Lion."

So where is US President right now? CNN reports Donald Trump is spending the weekend at his private club in Mar-a-Lago, even as the United States and Israel carry out strikes on Iran. The president traveled to Palm Beach, Florida, from Port of Corpus Christi, where he had delivered remarks earlier in the day. According to reporters accompanying him, Trump arrived at Mar-a-Lago at 9:01 p.m. His public schedule indicates that he is set to attend a meeting and dinner with MAGA Inc., a super PAC aligned with him, with events listed for 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Donald Trump said the United States has launched "major combat operations" in Iran, describing the military campaign as "massive and ongoing" in a video posted on Truth Social.

In the video message, Trump said Washington had repeatedly attempted to reach a deal with Tehran. "We sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried," he said, adding that those efforts were unsuccessful.

The US president stated that the objective of the operation is to eliminate Iran's missile capabilities. "We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground," he said, warning that it would be "totally obliterated."

Trump framed the campaign as a defensive measure aimed at protecting American lives and core national security interests. He accused Iran of attempting to rebuild its nuclear programme following a US bombing run in June targeting its nuclear facilities.

"They rejected every opportunity to reach their nuclear ambitions, and we can't take it anymore," Trump said, asserting that the military action was necessary to prevent further threats.

Donald Trump has confirmed that the United States was involved in the strikes on Iran, posting an eight-minute video statement on his social media platform, Truth Social.

In his first public remarks following the attacks, Trump said the objective of the operation was to defend the American people. He added that the US would move to destroy Iran's missile capabilities, framing the action as a measure to counter security threats.

Explosions have been heard in several cities across Iran, the BBC reported, citing Iranian media outlets.

According to the Fars news agency, blasts were reported in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah. The agency also said that several missiles struck University Street and the Republic area in the capital, Tehran.

The Islamic Republic News Agency separately reported explosions at two locations in Tehran, adding that smoke was visible in the city centre, the BBC said.

In view of the prevailing security situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times. Indian nationals are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the safety guidelines and instructions issued by the Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command: Embassy of India in Israel

Iran closes airspace until further notice: civil aviation

United States is participating in Israeli strikes against Iran, AP sources say

Under the revised measures, educational activities, public gatherings and non-essential workplace operations have been suspended. Only sectors classified as essential will be permitted to function. Authorities said detailed updates would be available on the National Emergency Portal and through the Home Front Command app.

Following a fresh security assessment, the IDF announced that updated Home Front Command directives would take effect from 08:00 on Saturday. All areas of the country have been shifted from "Full Activity" to "Essential Activity" status.

The military described the alerts as a precaution taken in anticipation of possible missile launches toward Israel. It urged residents to remain near secure spaces and strictly follow safety instructions until further notice.

In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces reported that air-raid sirens were activated across the country. Advance warning notifications were also sent to mobile phones, directing civilians to remain close to protected areas and shelters.

Israel Katz said on Saturday that Israel had initiated what he termed a preventive strike on Iran, marking a sharp escalation in tensions.