LIVE | US-Israel strike on Iran kills 40 female students; Iran retaliates with missiles on Israel and Dubai, attacks US military bases in Qatar and UAE
Israel and US launch strikes on multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, prompting Iran to fire around 400 missiles at Israel and target US military bases in Qatar, Bahrain, and UAE; regional flights suspended
Feb 28, 2026 06:01 PM
Dubai airport suspends all flight operations
Feb 28, 2026 05:59 PM
Israel bans public gatherings, closes schools and offices amid security alert
Feb 28, 2026 05:44 PM
Russia urges US and Israel to halt strikes on Iran
Amid ongoing US and Israeli attacks on Iran, Russia has called for an immediate cessation of military action. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the situation should be steered back toward a political and diplomatic resolution.
The ministry described the strikes as “irresponsible actions” that could further destabilise the region and urged the international community to assess the events impartially.
Russia also reaffirmed its readiness to cooperate in efforts to seek a peaceful resolution, based on international law, mutual respect and the balance of interests.
Feb 28, 2026 05:44 PM
Shashi Tharoor urges people to stay away from US military bases
Amid the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has urged people to avoid US and allied military bases in the Middle East. He emphasised that, given the current situation, this precautionary step is necessary.
Tharoor also referenced the missile attack in Abu Dhabi, which reportedly claimed the life of an Asian national.
Feb 28, 2026 05:43 PM
Iran’s military has announced that it carried out a large-scale drone attack on Israel for the first time, deploying several attack drones. The strike comes in response to recent actions by the United States and Israel.
Feb 28, 2026 05:41 PM
EU leaders call for restraint, emphasise nuclear safety amid rising Middle East tensions
European Union leaders on Saturday urged all parties in the Middle East to exercise restraint and engage in renewed diplomatic efforts, highlighting the critical importance of nuclear safety.
In a joint statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa stressed that protecting civilians, avoiding further escalation and upholding the global non-proliferation regime are paramount.
"Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing actions that could heighten tensions or weaken the international non-proliferation framework is vital. We call on all sides to exercise maximum restraint, safeguard civilians, and fully respect international law," the statement read.
Feb 28, 2026 05:40 PM
Satellite image shows massive damage near Khamenei's house in Tehran
Feb 28, 2026 05:32 PM
Flights disrupted across Middle East
The US and Israel’s attack on Iran has caused major disruptions to air travel across the region. On Saturday, the United Arab Emirates, home to long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, along with Israel, closed their airspace. Qatar Airways temporarily cancelled flights to and from Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
Planes en route to Israel were diverted to alternate airports, while passengers at Ben Gurion International Airport were escorted back from the terminals.
Feb 28, 2026 05:31 PM
Death toll in US-Israeli strike on girls’ school in Southern Iran rises to 40
The death toll from the US-Israeli strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran has risen to 40, according to reports by the state-run IRNA news agency.
Feb 28, 2026 04:54 PM
24 killed in Israeli strike on school in Iran's Minab
As many as 24 were killed in Israeli strike on school in Iran's southern county of Minab, says Governor to Tasnim.
Feb 28, 2026 04:53 PM
US names its operation against Iran 'Epic Fury'
The United States has named its strike against Iran as Operation Epic Fury. The term "Epic Fury" means "extremely intense and violent anger."
Feb 28, 2026 04:53 PM
12 airlines, including Air India, suspend flights to war zone
Due to the Iran-Israel conflict, several airlines have canceled flights to the affected region.
Affected airlines include:
Air France
Air India
Iberia Express
IndiGo
Japan Airlines
LOT Airlines
Lufthansa
Norwegian Air
Turkish Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
Qatar Airways
Air Algérie
Feb 28, 2026 04:46 PM
UK says Iran must never develop nuclear weapons, urges de-escalation
On Saturday, the British government clarified that it did not take part in the joint strikes carried out by the US and Israel on Iran, emphasising the need for a negotiated solution to prevent the conflict from spreading across the region.
Downing Street announced that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will chair an emergency COBRA (Cabinet Office Briefing Room A) meeting to review and strengthen the UK’s defensive capabilities in the region. A government spokesperson stressed that the immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals, who will receive 24/7 consular support.
“Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, which is why we have consistently backed efforts to achieve a negotiated solution,” the spokesperson added.
Feb 28, 2026 04:45 PM
British Airways suspends flights to Tel Aviv
British Airways announced that it is canceling all flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3.
The airline stated that safety is the top priority and is informing its customers about alternative travel options.
Feb 28, 2026 04:44 PM
Iran urges people to leave Tehran
Iran's National Security Council has advised people to leave the capital, Tehran.
Feb 28, 2026 04:26 PM
International reactions to Iran-Israel Conflict
India: The Indian Embassy has advised its citizens to exercise extreme caution, avoid non-essential travel and stay updated on the situation.
European Union: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the situation is dangerous and emphasised that the safety of civilians and adherence to international law must be prioritized.
Switzerland: The Swiss Foreign Ministry called on all parties to exercise restraint and ensure the protection of civilians.
Malaysia: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the attacks are pushing the Middle East to the brink of crisis and urged the US and Iran to pursue dialogue.
Slovenia: President Nataša Pirc Musar said the rising tensions pose a threat to peace and stability.
Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country supports US actions aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Feb 28, 2026 04:14 PM
Iran issues warning: Bases supporting the US will be targeted
The Iranian General Staff stated that any base supporting the United States and Israel will be a target for their military forces.
Feb 28, 2026 04:13 PM
Five students killed in Israeli attack in Iran
Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that an Israeli strike targeted a school in the city of Minab. The attack resulted in the deaths of five female students.
Feb 28, 2026 03:57 PM
Israel is conducting 'Magen Yehuda' operation in Iran.
According to media reports, Israel has named its ongoing operation in Iran “Magen Yehuda.”
The term is Hebrew: Magen means shield or protective armor, and Yehuda refers to the Jewish people. Together, “Magen Yehuda” translates to “Shield of Judah” or “Shield protecting the Jewish people.”
Feb 28, 2026 03:46 PM
Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad has made an appeal to Iranians through its official Persian-language Telegram channel.
In its statement, Mossad said, “Our Iranian brothers and sisters, you are not alone. We have created a secure Telegram channel specifically for you.”
Mossad also urged Iranians to share photos and videos of their struggles through this channel.
Feb 28, 2026 03:45 PM
A US official told Al Jazeera that the strikes on Iran were part of a joint military operation by the United States and Israel.
The attack targeted areas near the office of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei.
Feb 28, 2026 03:45 PM
Oman claims: Iran agreed not to possess nuclear material
Shortly before the attacks, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi claimed that Iran had agreed never to possess nuclear material capable of making a bomb.
He described this as a historic achievement, stating that a US-Iran peace agreement is now “within our reach.”
Feb 28, 2026 03:44 PM
Qatar asks employees to stay in safe locations
Feb 28, 2026 03:44 PM
Israel closes its airspace
The Transport Minister announced that due to security developments, the country’s airspace has been shut to civilian flights.
The minister said, “Passenger safety is our top priority. We request the public to avoid traveling to airports until further notice. Passengers abroad should contact the media and airlines for flight updates once the airspace reopens.”
The airspace will be reopened as soon as the security situation stabilises, and flights to and from Israel will resume. Authorities will announce the restart of flights 24 hours in advance.
Feb 28, 2026 03:43 PM
Turkey has canceled flights to Iran until March 2. Turkish Airlines has also suspended flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan until March 2.
Feb 28, 2026 03:42 PM
'Stay indoors': Indian Embassy in Iran issues advisory to its nationals
Feb 28, 2026 03:41 PM
A loud bang was heard in Dubai’s Marina neighbourhood, as per witnesses
Feb 28, 2026 03:41 PM
Iran carries out two attacks in Abu Dhabi
PTC Web Desk: Israel launched airstrikes on multiple Iranian cities, including capital Tehran, on Saturday morning (IST), targeting key military and intelligence installations. In response, Iran began massive retaliatory attacks, firing approximately 400 missiles at Israel. Iranian missiles also targeted US military bases in Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE.
The Israeli strikes specifically targeted Iran’s Intelligence Ministry, Defense Ministry, Supreme Leader Khamenei’s office, and the country’s nuclear energy organisation. Reports indicate that Supreme Leader Khamenei has been moved to a secure location following the attacks.
Israel has named its new military campaign against Iran “Lions Roar”, while sources quoted by Al Jazeera confirmed it is a joint US-Israel military operation. This escalation occurs amid ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, with ballistic missile programmes being a key point of contention.
US President Donald Trump had earlier warned of military action against Iran, citing the protection of American citizens and interests. The US military is actively seeking to neutralise Iran’s missile capabilities.
Iranian Retaliation
Iran has not only retaliated against Israel but also launched missile attacks on US military bases in the Middle East. The targets include:
Qatar: Al-Udeid Air Base
Bahrain: Fifth US military base
UAE: Al-Dhafra Air Base
Kuwait: Al-Salem Air Base
According to Iranian media, the operation has been named “Epic Fury”, signifying the country’s strong response. Saudi Arabia also reported an explosion in Riyadh amid regional tensions.
In Israel, authorities reported that missile debris fell in several locations, though no casualties have been confirmed. Citizens in Tel Aviv and other cities have sought shelter in bunkers as a precaution.
Regional impact and flight disruptions
Multiple international flights across the Middle East have been canceled due to security concerns. Airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Vis Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Oman Air, and Russia have suspended flights to Iran, Israel, UAE, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Jordan until early March. Israel has also closed its airspace for civil flights.
Concerns for Indian students
Indian students studying in Iran have raised alarms over their safety. Mohammad Momin, President of the All India Medical Students Association, urged the Indian government to evacuate citizens promptly. Many students had submitted passports to extend their stay, which now need urgent retrieval.
Houthi involvement
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have announced preparations to launch missile and drone attacks on Israel and maritime routes. Senior Houthi leaders indicated that the first attacks could occur tonight, resuming operations halted during previous US negotiations.