Israel, Iran and US war LIVE updates: Supreme leader Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes, confirms Iran; 40-day mourning declared
In response to the US and Israeli strikes, Iran carried out a wave of drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and several countries across the Middle East.
According to reports, Iran fired nearly 400 missiles toward Israel. It also targeted American military installations in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
In a significant escalation, Iran reportedly launched strikes toward Dubai, the UAE’s most populous city. Drone attacks were said to have occurred near the Palm Hotel and Resort and in the vicinity of the Burj Khalifa.
Additionally, several residential buildings in Bahrain were reportedly hit during the retaliatory strikes.
The cross-border attacks mark one of the most extensive regional escalations in recent years, raising concerns of a broader conflict engulfing multiple Gulf states.
More than 200 persons have been killed and over 740 injured in the wake of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, according to figures released by the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
The attacks began late Saturday night, with multiple locations in and around the capital, Tehran, coming under fire. Iranian state media confirmed several explosions across the city.
In one of the deadliest incidents, a missile reportedly struck a school in Iran, killing 85 students and leaving 45 others injured. The strike has drawn widespread concern as civilian casualties continue to mount.
According to Iranian officials, at least 10 major cities were targeted in the coordinated assault carried out by the United States and Israel.
The escalating violence has intensified tensions across the region, with fears that the conflict could widen further in the coming days.
Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a close adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been killed in an Israeli strike, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
Shamkhani was considered a key figure within Iran’s defence and security establishment, playing a central role in shaping strategic policy.
Earlier, reports had also confirmed the death of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour in the same wave of attacks.
The developments mark a significant blow to Iran’s senior leadership amid escalating regional tensions.
Israel Defense Forces says strikes are ongoing; "30 plus targets so far, in western and central Iran, including aerial defense systems, missile launchers, regime targets and military command centres."
Here is how pilgrims reacted to the news of Ayatollah Khamenei's martyrdom at Imam Hussein holy shrine in Karbala.
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Iranian media outlets Tasnim and Fars News Agency have confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to the reports, Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and daughter-in-law were also killed in the Israeli strikes.
The Iranian government has announced 40 days of official state mourning along with seven days of public holidays across the country.
Following Khamenei’s death, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) expressed deep grief. Quoting Fars News Agency, the IRGC said, “We have lost a great leader, and the entire nation is mourning his passing.”
The Iranian military has announced the launch of what it described as a “dangerous operation.” In a statement, the army said the attack would commence shortly and would target occupied territories in the region as well as American military installations.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had claimed that Khamenei had been killed. Posting on Truth Social, Trump described Khamenei as “one of the most brutal figures in history” and said his death represented justice for the Iranian people, the United States, and countries around the world.
The developments come after Israel and the United States carried out strikes on multiple cities in Iran, including the capital Tehran, on Saturday. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks targeting Israel.
Israel’s Channel 12 has reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump were shown an image purportedly depicting the body of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after it was recovered from his compound in Tehran.
According to the report, Israel launched a large-scale strike targeting Khamenei’s residence during the initial phase of coordinated attacks on Iran early Sunday.
Meanwhile, The Times of Israel stated that Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter briefed American officials, claiming that Israel had successfully eliminated Khamenei, corroborating earlier reporting by Axios.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As many as 24 were killed in Israeli strike on school in Iran's southern county of Minab, says Governor to Tasnim.
The United States has named its strike against Iran as Operation Epic Fury. The term "Epic Fury" means "extremely intense and violent anger."
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
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.
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.
Iran's National Security Council has advised people to leave the capital, Tehran.
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.
The Iranian General Staff stated that any base supporting the United States and Israel will be a target for their military forces.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
A loud bang was heard in Dubai’s Marina neighbourhood, as per witnesses
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.
- With inputs from agencies
