LIVE | 24 killed in Israeli strike on school in Iran's Minab; US-Israel strikes on Iran trigger massive Iranian retaliation
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
