Live Updates: Trump's US, Israel Launch Attacks on Iran, "Surrender or Die"
Iran confirms death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The death of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been confirmed. He was killed at his office early Saturday, February 28, while “performing his assigned duties.”
Iran confirms death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
The death of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been confirmed. He was killed at his office early Saturday, February 28, while “performing his assigned duties.”
Is Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Dead?
Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says there are "growing signs" that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is "gone" after US and Israeli strikes, according to Reuters and BBC.
Netanyahu, however, did not specifically state whether he is dead or not.
BBC reports further that satellite images earlier showed damage to Khamenei's compound in Tehran. It adds that unconfirmed reports in Israel and the US say he was killed.
President Donald Trump also stated in a Truth Social post that Khamenei was killed.
Israel strikes 2 schools in Iran, over 80 people killed
An Israeli strike has hit an elementary girls’ school in Minab, a city in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran, according to Al Jazeera.
Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim News Agency cited the Judiciary of Minab as saying that the death toll had risen to 85 after Saturday’s strike on the school.
US vs Iran: Nigeria issues travel advisory
The Nigerian government has advised Nigerians living in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and surrounding Gulf nations, to take extra security precautions following rising military tensions in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely watching developments involving military operations reportedly carried out by Israel and the US against targets in Iran, as well as subsequent retaliatory actions affecting parts of the Gulf.
The advisory recommended limiting non-essential movement and avoiding public gatherings or demonstrations until the security environment improves.
The government reiterated that the safety of Nigerians abroad remains a priority and pledged to continue monitoring the situation while providing updates as developments unfold.
It also appealed to parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate hostilities and return to negotiations in the interest of global peace and stability. Read more here.
US and Israel attack Iran: List of airlines, flights affected so far
International air travels have been affected across the Middle East due to the escalation, with global airlines suspending or diverting flights.
Here is a list of those we have tracked so far:
Countries that have closed airspace:
- Israel
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
International airlines that have cancelled or suspended services
- Air India
- British Airways
- Iberia Express
- IndiGo
- Japan Airlines
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- Turkish Airlines
- VirginAtlantic
- Air Algérie
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Pegasus Airlines
- ITA Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
Death toll rises to 40 after Israel attacked Iran's school
The death toll from an Israeli strike on a school in southern Iran has risen to 40, according to Iran’s state media.
The attack reportedly hit an elementary girls’ school in Minab, a city in Hormozgan Province. Earlier reports had put the number of those killed at 24 before it was revised upwards.
Iran’s state-run news agency, IRNA, said the updated figure reflects fatalities recorded after emergency teams accessed the site and nearby areas. Read more here.
Iran sends message to Gulf states
Iran has said it will use all its military means under its right of self-defence to protect itself.
A statement released by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he made phone calls with counterparts in countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq, telling them Iran will use "all its defensive and military capabilities under legitimate right of self-defence" to protect the integrity of Iran.
The statement added that Araghchi also "reminds" these countries of "their responsibility to prevent the misuse of their facilities and territories" by the US and Israel to attack.
US/Israel-Iran conflict: How world leaders are reacting
The UK government said it does "not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict".
The British government added that it stands ready to protect its interests.
Russia’s foreign ministry said the attacks by the US and Israel are "reckless", adding that they violate international law. It, therefore, calls for a return to political and diplomatic solutions.
Italy expresses solidarity with Iran’s civilian population, saying it continues to demand respect for civil and political rights.
Australia says it "stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression" and supports the US in efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.
US-Iran-Israel conflict: What we know so far
What's happened in Iran?
Explosions struck Tehran early Saturday morning, with smoke seen over key squares. Blasts were also reported in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah, while casualties remain unclear. Iran has closed its airspace.
What have the US and Israel said?
Donald Trump confirmed US military action, saying it aims to remove threats and stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed the move, urged Iranians to seek change, and Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency.
How has Iran responded?
Israel says Iran fired missiles towards its territory, with explosions heard in Haifa.
In Bahrain, the US Navy 5th Fleet service centre was reportedly hit, while Israel has closed its airspace and restricted public activities.
US-Iran crisis: List of the key players
Here is a list of the global leaders at the centre of the current tension in Iran:
- President Donald Trump of the United States
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
- Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
- Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman - He's said to be interested in a weakened Iran but fears a full-blown chaos could affect the region
- Reza Pahlavi, the shah’s son - He's said to have positioned himself as a potential leader for a democratic transition in Iran.
Iran ready to fight back
According to Al Jazeera, a senior Iranian official said the country is prepared to strike back at the US and Israel.
The official said they have told Israel to “prepare for what is coming, and our response will be public, and there are no red lines”.
“All American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East have become a legitimate target. There are no red lines after this aggression, and everything is possible, including scenarios that were not previously considered,” the official said.
Iran reacts to attacks
Iran’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has confirmed the Israeli attacks, saying they have targeted the country’s “territorial integrity and national sovereignty, including defensive infrastructure and non-military locations in various cities across the country.”
The ministry said the renewed military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran constitutes a violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran considers this aggression a clear breach of international peace and security and emphasises that it reserves its legitimate right to respond decisively,” the ministry said in a statement.
Trump releases video statement
Source: Getty Images
President Donald J. Trump warns the Iranian regime that its forces face “certain death” if they do not lay down their weapons.
In a broadcast released on X, Trump outlined what he described as the threat posed by Iran to the United States and its allies.
President Trump said the operation aims to defend American lives and interests by neutralising imminent threats from the Iranian regime
Full details here.
