Iran attack RECAP: Tehran vows to strike back with 'unforeseen weapons' in WW3 threat

We're ending our live coverage on this blog. You can find the latest updates on the conflict here.

In a nationally televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes had targeted Khamenei’s compound and "there are growing signs that the tyrant is no longer alive", though he didn't elaborate on what the signs are.

Iran has insisted the Supreme Leader, as well as the President of the country, are alive and well.

US Central Command says there have been no reports of American casualities related to its operation in Iran on Friday.

In a press release it said: "Following the initial wave of U.S. and partner strikes, CENTCOM forces successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.

"There have been no reports of U.S. casualties or combat-related injuries. Damage to U.S. installations was minimal and has not impacted operations.

"The first hours of the operation included precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea.

"Additionally, CENTCOM’s Task Force Scorpion Strike employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat."

Iran has dismissed reports that Ali Khamenei was set to make a speech earlier as mystery surrounds Supreme Leader's whereabouts.

Iranian media had reported that he was set to address the public in the wake of the US-Israeli attacks, but this didn't happen.

In a short update to local media, Iran's ministry of culture media channels that reports he had been set to address the public earlier were not correct.

It said only news from Iran's official channel or state broadcaster IRIB should be followed, Sky News reports.

A short while ago the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an urgent alert on its Farsi page on X, urging "all personnel" in an industrial zone of Iran's Isfahan region to evacuate "immediately".

Isfahan is home to key nuclear and military-industrial sites.

A translation of the altert reads: "In a few minutes, the Israeli army will attack military infrastructures in this zone", BBC News reports.

Residents in Mazraeh, a village in the province, were warned to remain inside their homes until the morning, and to avoid approaching the industrial zone following the attack.

Irandian media says 201 people killed in the strikes on Friday, citing the Red Crescent.

According to Iranian media, which cites the Red Crescent, 201 people have been killed as a result of the US-Israeli attacks.

Reports say those strikes occurred across 24 provinces.

747 people are reported to have been injured so far.

Iran's foreign ministry, says Ali Khamenei is alive and "safe", following claims that the Iranian dictator was likely to have been killed amid a wave of US-Israeli strikes.

A spokesperson said the country's president is also alive, saying: "They are all safe and sound."

"Yes, we have had some more some commanders who have been martyred as the result of this terrorist act of aggression.

"But what matters is that the Iranian nation, our armed forces, our brave armed forces are taking necessary measures to defend Iran in the most strongest way possible," he added.

It comes after satellite images showed Khamenei's compound in Tehran badly damaged by strikes.

Ealier today, Israeli media reported that the 86-year-old is likely dead", citing a source, though his location and condition are unknown at this time.

The Israeli Defence Force claims its air force have carried out the largest military flyover in Iran on record.

In a new statement on the strikes it has been carrying out on Iran, the IDF said: "Since this morning, approximately 200 fighter jets with the direction of IDF intelligence and the Israeli Air Force completed an extensive attack against the missile array and the defence systems of the Iranian terror regime in western and central Iran."

The IDF said planes dropped "hundreds of munitions" on some 500 objectives.

These included aerial defence systems and missile launchers simultaneously, a move which "severely degraded" the Iranian regime's defensive capabilities, it added.

The claims could not be independently verified.

It also said it had prevented "numerous threats" to its aircraft and Israeli civilians, with the air force continuing to operate in Iran, as per Sky News.

The IDF said it will "continue operating to significantly degrade every aspect of the Iranian regime".

The US embassy in Beirut has called on citizens to "depart Lebanon now while commercial options remain available".

US citizens have also been told not to travel to the country.

"The US embassy strongly encourages US citizens in southern Lebanon, near the borders with Syria, in refugee settlements, and in the Dahiyeh neighborhood of Beirut to depart those areas immediately," the embassy said in a statement, as per Sky News.

"Americans who choose not to depart at this time should prepare contingency plans should the situation deteriorate."

The US has urged commercial vessels to stay away from the Gulf amid the fall out from the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

The US Transportation Department's Maritime Administration has warned that the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea are subject to “significant military activity”.

It therefore recommends that vessels “keep clear of this area if possible".

In a statement, the department urged US-flagged, owned or crewed ships to stay 30 nautical miles from any US military vessel so as not to be being mistaken as a threat.

Iran has told vessels to stay away from the Strait of Hormuz, an EU official told Reuters.

The shipping lane is one of the most important oil export routes in the world, connecting the great oil producers across the Middle East.

The official, who spoke to the news agency on condition of anonymity says Tehran has not formally confirmed that it has made this order.

The US's attack on Iran is a "moment of extreme peril" for the world, including Britain, a leading security expert says.

Professor Anthony Glees from the University of Buckingham suggested the Islamic Republic knows retaliatory strikes on US bases in the Middle East will lead to "all-out war" and the destruction of the regime.

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A CNN reporter was forced to seek shelter in the middle of a broadcast after alarms went off following the US and Israel's attack on Iran.

As she spoke to camera the loud warnings could be heard going off. Remaining calm she said: "I'm Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi with the alarms going off here, suggesting we should seek immediate shelter in the closest source. So we'll do that," she said reassuring viewers:

"Our breaking news coverage continues after this short break. Stay with us."

Abu Dhabi along with Dubai has been rocked by explosions following the February 28 US strikes on Iran, which have sparked fears of the outbreak of World War III.

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Donald Trump the joint US-Israeli military operation in Iran from his Florida mansion, Mar-a-Lago, "alongside members of his national security team", White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a post on X.

She added that the US President spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu by phone.

"Prior to the attacks, Secretary Rubio called all members of the gang of eight to provide congressional notification, and he was able to reach and brief seven of the eight members," Ms Leavitt continued.

"The President and his national security team will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout the day."

Reform UK has thanked the US and Israel for its attacks against Iran.

Richard Tice, the party's deputy leader wrote in a post on X: "We at @reformparty_uk stand with and thank Israel and the US.

Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz have called for "regional stability" and condemned Iran's strikes in the Middle East, but stopped short of backing the action taken by the US and Israel.

The statement issued by three leaders read: "France, Germany and the United Kingdom have consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran’s nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from its destabilising activity in the region and our homelands, and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.

"We did not participate in these strikes, but are in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel and partners in the region.

"We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life.

"We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes.

"We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future."

A satellite photo appears to show extensive damage at Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound in the Iranian capital, Tehran.

New York Times journalist Christiaan Triebert shared an Airbus-source picture purported to be the "first known satellite image of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound in Tehran".

"There are several destroyed buildings," he wrote on X.

"While the current whereabouts of Iran's supreme leader are unknown, the compound is generally used as his official residence."

Israeli media has reported that Khamenei is "likely dead", though it only cited one source, and it has not been confirmed that the dictator was hurt or killed in the wave of US-Israeli air strikes.

The deatholl from a strike on Minab Girls' Primary School in Iran's Hormozgan province has risen to 60, Tehran says.

Iranian health ministry spokesperson Hossein Kermanpour said in a post on X that 60 children had been killed, with 80 injured and unknown number in the rubble.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a new wave of strikes targeting US bases in the Middle East, as per the AFP news agency reported in the past few minutes, citing Iranian state media.

A number of employees at Kuwait International Airport have sustained minor injuries after the travel hub was targeted by a drone, according to the country's Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

In a post on X, the government department said damage was also caused to the airport's Terminal 1 in the attack.

The post added: "The authority confirmed that the situation is under complete control by the relevant authorities in the country", and that the safety of passengers and staff is a "top priority".

It didn't say who it believes was responsible for the attack.

A fire broke out at a luxury hotel in Dubai during a missile attack by Iran.

The blaze reportedly occurred close to the entrance of The Palm hotel on Palm Jumeirah.

The fire reportedly started after debris fell on the area amid retaliatory attacks by Tehran on US bases across the Middle East.

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NATO ⁠spokesperson Allison Hart ⁠said that the NATO ⁠is closely ⁠following developments in Iran ‌and the region.

The UK PM said: "Earlier this morning, the United States and Israel struck targets in Iran. Iran has since launched indiscriminate strikes across the region.

"I know the British people and communities across our country will be deeply concerned about what this means for security and stability, and for the fate of innocent people across the region, which for so many of us includes friends and family members. So whilst the situation is evolving very quickly, I want to set out our response.

"The United Kingdom played no role in these strikes, but we have long been clear the regime in Iran is utterly abhorrent. They have murdered thousands of their own people, brutally crushed dissent and sought to destabilize the region. Even in the United Kingdom, the Iranian regime poses a direct threat to dissidents and to the Jewish community.

"Over the last year alone, they have backed more than 20 potentially lethal attacks on UK soil. So it is clear they must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. That remains the primary aim of the United Kingdom and our allies, including the US.

"I condemn Iran's attacks today on partners across the region, many of which are not parties to this conflict. We extend our support and solidarity to them as part of our commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East. We have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we've recently strengthened.

"Our forces are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests and our allies. As Britain has done before, in line with international law, we've stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level. We are also reaching out to UK nationals in the region and doing everything we can to support them.

"I've been speaking with leaders today from the E3 and across the region. It is vital that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process. We want to see peace and security and the protection of civilian life.

"Iran can end this now. They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programs, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people who deserve the right to determine their own future.

"In line with our long standing position, this is the route to de-escalation and back to the negotiating table. Thank you."

Keir Starmer says that British planes "are in the sky today" in the Middle East "as part of co-ordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests and our values".

Iranian dictator Ali Khamenei "is likely dead", Israeli media has reported, citing a source, as mystery surrounds the fate of the Ayatollah following US strikes on the country.

Read full report here

The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Colonel Staff Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, stated: "Ali Al-Salem Air Base came under attack by a number of ballistic missiles. This morning, the Kuwaiti Air Defense Force successfully intercepted them, resulting in fragments and debris from the interception operation falling in the vicinity of the base.

"The General Staff of the Army affirms that the armed forces continue to carry out their missions and duties in defending the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and confronting any threat to the country's security and stability.

"The General Staff urges citizens and residents to stay away from any objects or parts that may result from the interception operation or the fall of missile debris, and not to approach or touch them, while immediately notifying the competent authorities.

"It calls on everyone to obtain information from official sources and not to be swayed by rumors or circulate unverified information."

The leaders of the UK, France and Germany have released a statement after US striked Iran, and Tehran's regime fired back at Israel.

Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz have called for "regional stability" and condemned Iran's strikes in the Middle East.

The statement issued by three leaders read: "France, Germany and the United Kingdom have consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran’s nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from its destabilising activity in the region and our homelands, and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.

"We did not participate in these strikes, but are in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel and partners in the region.

"We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life.

"We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes.

"We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future."

The IRGC general issued a stark warning to the US hours after the several missiles strikes many parts of Iran.

IRGC General Ibraheem Jabbari said: "Trump! We have fired missiles from our old stockpile. Soon we will unveil weapons that you have never seen before”

President Masoud Pezeshkian is safe, his executive deputy, Mohammad Jafar Qaempanah says in a post on X, external. The president's son, Youssef Pezeshkian, writes on Telegram, external that "this time their assassination attempts have not succeeded".

The army has denied the death of its commander Maj Gen Amir Hatami, and the hardline Fars News Agency says Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and the head of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani remain unharmed.

US Senator Edward J. Markey has called Trump’s military attack on Iran “illegal and unconstitutional”.

In a statement, Mr Markey said: "It was not approved by Congress and holds dangers for all Americans. Trump’s illegal actions raise the threat of escalation into a wider regional war with grave risks for U.S. troops and civilians in the region. Trump has consistently exaggerated the imminence of Iran’s nuclear threat, even after insisting the United States ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear program during his illegal Operation Midnight Hammer attack

"Even Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted Iran is not enriching uranium. There was time for diplomacy before this attack, and there still is.

"This is a crisis of Trump’s creation. Americans do not want another endless war in the Middle East. They do not want to see young men and women sent overseas for endless warfare while families at home cannot afford health care. If Trump does not stop this war now, Congress must. No more war with Iran."

Latest images indicate that strikes have occurred across Iran, Israel, and Bahrain, capturing scenes of explosions, damaged infrastructure, and active military responses in all three locations.

The visuals highlight the breadth of the confrontation, showing impact sites in Iranian cities, areas hit inside Israel, and locations in Bahrain affected by retaliatory fire.

According to the latest reports, Dubai airport has suspended all flight operations until further notice.

Footage circulating online shows an intercepted Iranian ballistic missile falling into a residential neighbourhood in Qatar, where it crashes and explodes after being struck by air‑defence systems.

Reports indicate that Qatar’s military intercepted incoming Iranian missiles targeting its territory, and debris from those interceptions landed in civilian areas, damaging homes and vehicles and prompting government compensation measures.

The death toll from the strike on a girls’ elementary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab has risen to 51, with 60 others injured, according to state‑run IRNA.

Local official Mohammad Radmehr said the school was “directly attacked” in the morning and noted that 170 students were inside at the time, raising fears that the number of casualties could climb further as rescue efforts continue.

Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman has been mediating between the US and Iran. He met yesterday with VP Vance in Washington.

He wrote on X: "I am dismayed. Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined.

"Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer.

"I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war."

The French President Emmanuel Macron issued a statement on X as he expressed grave concern about the ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel and the US.

In the post, the French leader said: "The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security.

"In this decisive moment, all measures are being taken to ensure the security of the national territory and that of our compatriots, as well as our interests in the Middle East.

"France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners at their request.

"The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop. The Iranian regime must understand that it no longer has any option but to engage in good-faith negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its actions of regional destabilization. This is absolutely essential to the security of all in the Middle East.

"The Iranian people must also be able to build their future freely. The massacres perpetrated by the Islamic regime disqualify it and require that the voice be given back to the people. The sooner, the better.

"True to its principles and aware of its international responsibilities, France is calling for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. I am in close contact with our European partners and our friends in the Middle East."

Iran’s military has announced that it has launched a wave of attack drones toward Israel, according to the Tasnim news agency.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns and denounces the blatant Iranian aggression and violations of the sovereignty of both the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

"The Kingdom affirms its full solidarity and standing alongside its sister countries and places all its capabilities at their disposal in any measures they take. It warns of the grave consequences of the continued violation of state sovereignty and the principles of international law.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia calls on the international community to condemn these blatant attacks and to take all necessary and firm measures to confront Iranian violations that undermine the security and stability of the region."

A widely circulated clip is described as showing an Iranian missile strike in Abu Dhabi, capturing the moment of impact and the chaos that followed.

Reports indicate that Iranian ballistic missiles were launched toward the UAE amid a broader regional escalation, with debris from intercepted missiles falling into residential areas and causing at least one fatality.

Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry said President Prabowo Subianto is prepared to mediate between Washington and Tehran.

The Foreign Ministry wrote on X: "Indonesia deeply regrets the failure of negotiations between US and Iran, which has resulted in military escalation in the Middle East. Indonesia calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy

"The Government of Indonesia, particularly the President of the Republic of Indonesia, expresses his readiness to facilitate dialogue to re-establish a conducive security condition and if agreed by both parties, the President of Indonesia is willing to travel to Tehran to conduct mediation,” the post read, adding that tensions had the potential to disrupt the region and “world peace and security".

Vladimir Putin’s foreign ministry today condemned the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, warning of a threat of “humanitarian, economic and, possibly, radiological catastrophe”.

Israeli Air Force posted on X: "A short time ago, alerts were activated in several areas across the country following the detection of missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel.

"The public is requested to heed the instructions of the Home Front Command.

"At this hour, the Air Force is operating to intercept and strike wherever required to remove the threat.

"The defense is not hermetic, and therefore it is essential to continue heeding the instructions of the Home Front Command."

Around 35 ballistic missiles were launched from Iran to Israel since morning, reports N12 News.

A video shows departure of Air Force aircraft for a strike in Iran.

In an update on X, the IDF said: "The IDF identified that a short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel.

"Defense systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command issued a preliminary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.

"The public is requested to exercise responsibility and act in accordance with the directives - they save lives.

"One must enter protected spaces upon receiving the alert and remain in them until a new announcement.

"Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive; continue to act in accordance with Home Front Command directives."

Donald Trump has announced that the United States has begun what he described as “major combat operations” against Iran.

Earlier, Israel said it had launched a “preventative” military strike on Iranian territory.

Explosions and smoke were observed over Tehran and several other cities in Iran.

Trump and Israeli officials have presented the operation as an effort to neutralise security threats, including ballistic missiles and potential nuclear capabilities.

Trump also urged people in Iran to rise up against their government.

Defence and security editor Deborah Haynes said the US president’s video address indicates a clear push toward regime change.

Iran as stated that it has begun a “counterattack,” launching drones and missiles toward Israel, with air‑raid sirens sounding in Tel Aviv.

An Iranian official told NBC that Iran is also striking multiple US military sites across the Middle East.

Bahrain’s state news agency BNA reported that the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters came under missile attack.

Internet access in Iran has been severely restricted, with widespread disruption to civilian communications.

Officials told NBC that US military action is being carried out by air and sea and could continue for several days.

Satellite imagery cited by a major news outlet and relayed through the New York Times reportedly indicates “extensive damage” to the compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran. The reports do not yet include independent confirmation or detailed assessments of the extent of the destruction.

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that an Israeli strike hit a girls’ elementary school in the southern city of Minab, located in Hormozgan province, and said five students were killed in the attack.

In a statement on X, the Ministry posted: "The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that the UAE today was subjected to a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles, noting that UAE air defence systems dealt with the missiles with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of missiles.

"Authorities in the UAE also handled the fall of some missile debris in a residential area which resulted in some material damage.

"The fallen debris also resulted in one civilian death of an asian nationality. The authorities confirmed that the security situation in the UAE remains stable and that all concerned entities are monitoring developments around the clock.

"The Ministry strongly condemned the attack, affirming the UAE's categorical rejection of any targeting of civilian objects, facilities and national institutions. It stressed that such acts constitute a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability.

"The Ministry further stated that the targeting represents a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law, affirming that the UAE reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents, and to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability.

"The Ministry affirmed its full readiness and preparedness to deal with any threats, stressing that all necessary measures are being taken to firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country's security and stability. It added that the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority that cannot be compromised.

"The Ministry urged the public to rely on official sources for information and to avoid spreading rumors or unverified reports. The Ministry also urged the public to obtain information from official sources within the UAE and to avoid spreading rumors or unverified information."

Sir Keir Starmer has called a meeting of the Government’s emergency Cobra committee as missile strikes continue to shake the Middle East.

A Government spokesperson said the UK did not want to see “further escalation into a wider regional conflict” and reiterated Britain’s support for a negotiated solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

In a statement, Australian PM Anthony Albanese said: "Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression. For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation.

"Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024. These appalling acts targeting Australia’s Jewish community were intended to create fear, divide our society and challenge our sovereignty. In response, Australia took the unprecedented steps of expelling Iran’s Ambassador, suspending operations at our embassy in Tehran, and listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism.

"Our Government has sanctioned more than 200 Iranian-linked individuals, including more than 100 linked to the IRGC. With international partners, including the United States and the G7, we have called for the Iranian regime to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iran’s citizens.

"These calls have gone unheeded. Instead, the regime has instigated a brutal crackdown on its own people leaving thousands of Iranian civilians dead. A regime that relies on the repression and murder of its own people to retain power is without legitimacy.

"It has long been recognised that Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to global peace and security. The international community has been clear that the Iranian regime can never beallowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The United Nations Security Council has reimposed sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the International Atomic Energy Agency Board has formally declared Iran in non-compliance with its non-proliferation safeguards obligations.

"We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security.

"Australian officials are closely monitoring this evolving situation. We continue to advise Australians do not travel to Iran and leave Iran as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited.

"Given our concerns around security in the region, we have also upgraded Australia’s travel advice for Israel and Lebanon to Do Not Travel. Australians should leave now if it is safe to do so.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.

"Australians requiring urgent consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre 24/7 on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 from outside Australia."

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Manama, Bahrain

Kuwait

Qatar

Juffair, Bahrain

Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Qatar’s Defense Ministry says “it has successfully thwarted a number of attacks targeting the country’s territory.

“The Ministry of Defense confirms that the threat was dealt with immediately upon detection, in accordance with the pre-approved security plan, and that all missiles were intercepted before reaching Qatari territory.”

Multiple powerful blasts were reported across Doha shortly after Qatar’s defence ministry announced that all Iranian missiles had been successfully intercepted.

Air Arabia has cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq and other parts of the region

Air France has cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel and Beirut in Lebanon

Air India has suspended flights to all destinations in the Middle East

Bulgaria Air has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel until 2 March

Lufthansa is suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon, and Oman

Norwegian Air is suspending all flights to and from Dubai

Oman Air has suspended flights to Baghdad

Qatar Airways has suspended flights temporarily due to the closure of Qatari airspace

Russian carriers flying to Israel and Iran are suspended, according to the Russian transport ministry

Turkish Airlines has cancelled flights to Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Qatar, and the UAE until 2 March

Virgin Atlantic is rerouting flights to avoid Iraqi airspace and cancelled its London to Dubai service

Wizz Air is suspending all flights to and from ​Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman, ​with immediate effect until 7 March

Explosions have been reported Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, reports Al Jazeera.

A UK Government spokesperson said: "Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution.

"Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7.

"As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.

"We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict."

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said the operation against Iran has been designated “Roaring Lion,” continuing the naming pattern established with last year’s June strike on Iran’s major nuclear sites and senior military figures, known as “Rising Lion.” The repeated use of the lion motif underscores a deliberate symbolic continuity in Israel’s operational branding.

The image shared by Israel Defence Forces (IDF) below show the places where sirens were heard across Israel.

There are reports of multiple explosions in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, all of which have US bases.

An official from Qatar told Sky News that a missile over the country has been intercepted by air defences.

Explosions have been reported from northern Israel as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles after launching a nationwide attack with the US on Iran.

In the latest update on X, Israel issued an indirect threat to Iran.

Israel Defence Forces posted on X: "Israel has the right to defend itself."

The US Department of Defense has named the US and Israel campaign against Iran “Operation Epic Fury,” after they carried out a joint operation on Saturday morning.

“OPERATION EPIC FURY,” the Pentagon posted on X along a US flag.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it is launching a counterattack, according to a statement posted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency on Telegram.

In a statement, the agency said: "In an answer to the hostile and criminal enemy assault to the Islamic Republic of Iran, the first broad wave of missile and drone attacks of the Islamic Republic of Iran toward the occupied land has begun."

Loud blasts were head in Tehran this morning as Israel announced it had launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran

According to several reports, the internet has been almost completely cut off in Iran.

According to the reports, the US is launching the military operation in Iran from air and sea, two US officials quoted by our US partner network NBC News have said.

Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel and the US have carried out an operation "to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran".

In a statement, he said: "My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short time ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran.

"I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership.

"For 47 years, the ayatollah regime has been shouting 'Death to Israel,' 'Death to America.' It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people.

"This murderous terrorist regime must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity.

"Our joint action will create the conditions for the courageous Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.

"The time has come for all segments of the Iranian people - the Persians, the Kurds, the Azeris, the Baluchis, and the Ahwazis - to throw off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran.

"I appeal to you, the citizens of Israel, to listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command. In the coming days, in Operation 'The Roar of the Lion,' we will all be required to have endurance and fortitude.

"Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel."

The IDF said in a statement: "A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat.

"In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.

"The public is asked to act responsibly and follow the instructions - they save lives.

"Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice. Leaving a protected space is permitted only after receiving explicit instructions.

"The public is requested to continue acting in accordance with the Home Front Command’s guidelines."

Concludibng his address, the US President said: "No Oresident was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want.

"So let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now it is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future. that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action.

"Do not let it pass. May God bless the brave men and women of America's armed forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all. Thank you."

President Trump says there MAY be US casualties in the operation in Iran. “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost and we may have casualties. That often happens in war.”

While addresing the world on his social media platform, Truth Social, the US President warned that "bombs will be dropping everywhere" as he continued talking about the attack on Iran.

He said: "The only forces, and all of the police, I say tonight, that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death.

"So, lay down your arms, you will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death. Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand.

"They sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."

The office of Iran’s Supreme Leader in downtown Tehran was targeted in an Israeli attack on Saturday, reports The Caspian Post. 

Issuing a grim warning, the US President said: "We sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried."

He added that "we are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally ... obliterated."

Donald Trump references the US embassy crisis from 1979 and 1981, where 66 hostages were held for 444 days.

He said: "It's been mass terror, and we're not going to take it any longer."

Iran is preparing to retaliate after this morning's strikes, a Tehran official has told the Reuters news agency.

US President Donald Trump has posted an eight-minute video on his social media platform, Truth Social and confirms that the US was involved in the attack on Iran, reports BBC. 

He said Tehran's "menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world".

"For 47 years," Trump adds, "the Iranian regime has chanted 'Death to America' and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed."

Israel has called the strikes a "pre-emptive attack" against Iran.

In a statement this morning, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has declared a "special and permanent state of emergency" across Israel, the BBC reported.

Israel has closed its airspace to civilian flights, Israeli media reported.

It has been reported that Iran has closed its airspace.

The US Embassy in Qatar has implemented a shelter-in-place for all personnel, the embassy wrote in a post on X.

It has recommend all Americans do the same until further notice.

Officials have confirmed that US-Israeli joint airstrikes underway in Tehran, Iran, the New York Times reported.

Israel launched a daylight attack on Iran’s capital Tehran on Saturday, February 28.

A cloud of smoke has been reported rising from the city’s downtown.

The first apparent strike happened near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, The Associated Press reported.