Dubai explosion: Airport and flights update as Emirates issues statement

Multiple Dubai residents have taken to social media saying they heard a huge blast in Dubai again.

This stunning footage shows UAE air defenses successfully confronting Iranian missiles and drones.

British Airways has announced it will operate flights from Muscat, Oman, departing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The airline said: “We currently remain unable to operate flights from destinations including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv.

“We’re continuing to do everything we can to support customers and colleagues in the region, and are in regular contact with them.

“We’re aware that a number of our customers are now in Oman, where the airspace is currently open.

“Working with the relevant authorities, we’ve been able to schedule flights from Muscat to London, departing on 5, 6, 7 March.

“Existing customers who are in Oman can let us know they wish to travel on these flights via a dedicated phone line: +44 203 467 3854.”

The UAE's Ministry of Defence said the country's air defences intercepted 12 ballistic missiles and 123 drones on Tuesday. One missile landed, but no one was injured. 

Which? has shared advice to anyone affected on its website.

A spokesperson explained: "Passengers flying on UK or European airlines, or on any airline departing the UK or EU, are legally entitled to choose between rebooking or a refund.

"They also have a duty of care to passengers, providing or reimbursing passengers for food, hotel accommodation and transport costs."

If you are travelling with an airline that is not British or European, such as Etihad or Emirates, and are not flying into or out of Europe, contact the airline or travel agent.

Which? added: "If you are [currently] trying to get home, don't accept a refund. This ends the airlines duty of care and you will be liable for food and hotel costs."

The UAE has said it has scheduled more than 80 flights, transporting over 27,000 passengers stuck in the country.

A Government charter flight will take off from Muscat, Oman, "in the coming days", the Foreign Secretary has said.

Yvette Cooper told the Commons that 130,000 British nationals have now registered their presence with the Foreign Office, allowing them to receive updates from the Government as the situation in the Middle East unfolds.

She told MPs: "Members will know that in many of these countries, the airspace is still closed, but I am in close contact with my counterparts across the region, speaking again yesterday with the UAE on the excellent support that they are providing and some of the departures that they are now securing as this becomes viable.

"We are also working with airlines on increasing capacity out of Muscat for British nationals, with priority for vulnerable nationals, and a Government charter flight will fly from Muscat in the coming days, prioritising vulnerable nationals.

"But British nationals in Oman must wait to be contacted by the Foreign Office regarding these options, and we will continue to work 24/7 on supporting British nationals in the region.

"I would tell the House, this is a very fast-moving situation. We have unprecedented numbers of British nationals in the region, and I will continue to update members and affected British nationals as the situation evolves."

The official spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the country detected 812 Iranian drones and intercepted 755 of them.

Rio Ferdinand has issued an update on life in Dubai, where lives with his wife and kids, amid missiles attacks from Iran.

He said on Rio Ferdinand Presents:  "Been a different week for me, not going to lie. 

"Firstly, I'm in great condition this morning as the whole family did a workout. A bit like in Covid, the whole family is doing things we wouldn't usually be doing together.

"Home-schooling a bit today. It's frightening when you hear missiles, planes and fighter jets - I don't know what it is - going above us, and you're hearing big bombs, and what that is we don't know as we don't know the details of what they are.

"It's telling your kids what it is and helping them navigate through this moment, which is important especially as the dad of the house. You want to try and remain calm and keep everybody as calm as possible.

"I've got to be honest guys, it's been a bit of a scary situation but at the same time weirdly enough I've felt very secure and looked after. My studio has become my bunker.

"We were advised to go into the basement on the first night of all the noise started and we were down here sleeping with duvets and stuff. We are utilising the space wisely."

Dubai Airport issued new guidance for travellers this morning as most flights remain cancelled. 

The airport urged people not to travel unless they have specifically been contacted by their airline to confirm their flight is still going ahead, otherwise they will be turned away.

It said the decision on whether to cancel a flight was down to the airline, and so the latest updates will be on their apps and websites.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism issued a message to hotels to make sure they register their guests who cannot leave due to airspace closures. 

Hotels must let the department know the guests' initial length of stay, details of any stay extensions, whether accommodation costs are being covered by a third party, and any other challenges or concerns.

Teigan McFadden, who remains trapped in Dubai on her own, said she "thought I would die" during the missile attack on Saturday.

The 21-year-old had travelled to the destination to mark her birthday with a friend, who secured a seat on one of the final departing flights on Friday. 

She told BBC Breakfast:  "Saturday and Sunday was terrifying for myself. At one point on Saturday night at 2am I thought I was gonna die. I was phoning my mum, I was in tears and I was like 'I'm gone and you are never seeing me again'."

This morning, five Emirates flights headed all around the world took off from Dubai. They're bound for London, Manchester, Paris, Frankfurt, and Jeddah.

The flights that were meant to leave Abu Dhabi today but have already been cancelled are: 

1.20pm to Kannur 

2pm to Cochin 

2.30pm to Moscow 

4.10pm to Cario 

4.15pm to Islamabad 

4.25pm to Jeddah 

6pm to Amman 

6.35pm to Hyderabad 

8.50pm to Krakow 

9.05pm to Larnaca 

10.15pm to Athens 

10.10 to Mumbai 

10.30pm to Budapest 

11.10pm to Islamabad 

11.30pm to Shanghai 

11.40pm to Hyderabad

11.55pm to Bahrain

The UAE said it is currently dealing with a barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles.

The country's Ministry of Defence wrote on X: "The UAE's air defenses are currently dealing with a barrage of ballistic missiles coming from Iran.

"The Ministry of Defense confirms full readiness to address all threats to ensure the protection of the state's territories and the safety of citizens and residents."

A charter flight has been stuck in Dubai for more than 60 hours, after stopping off for what passengers and crew thought would just be a quick fuel stop. 

Shortly after the flight from Vietnam to Poland landed, the airport closed amid the conflict in the region, leaving everyone stranded in the city.

Qatar Airways has confirmed that its flights are still suspended on Tuesday due to the closure of Qatari airspace. 

It said it will resume flights once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace, and another update will be issued tomorrow.

Etihad Airways urged passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have been specifically contacted by the airline to confirm their flight is still going ahead.

It wrote on X: "Access to the airport will be restricted for those without confirmed travel documentation. All others should check their flight status at http://etihad.com and await further communication from the airline."

Qatar Airways – which usually serves Heathrow and Gatwick from Qatar – said on Tuesday morning that its operations remain suspended because of the closure of Qatari airspace.

British Airways cancelled its timetabled flights to Heathrow from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha and Dubai.

Virgin Atlantic also axed a flight from Dubai to Heathrow.

Most flights from the UAE remain cancelled today, though a very limited number are still due to go ahead to Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester.

Emirates plans to operate two flights to Heathrow and one each to Gatwick and Manchester.

Etihad Airways has scheduled one UK flight on Tuesday, from Abu Dhabi to Heathrow.

Three Aeroflot flights are planned to transport passengers from Abu Dhabi to Moscow today. 

The airline has also requested slots for flights on March 4 and beyond, and is awaiting confirmation from airports and aviation authorities in the UAE.

Regional flights to and from St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Krasnodar have been cancelled until March 8, but passengers can still be transported to their destinations with a connection in Moscow. 

Flights from Glasgow Airport to Dubai remain cancelled, despite limited services resuming amid the conflict. 

According to live air traffic data from Flightradar24, the 1.44pm EK28 Emirates flight from Glasgow to Dubai on March 3 has been cancelled.

Another service is scheduled to depart at 1.35pm on March 4, though it remains unclear at this stage whether it will go ahead.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said Iran targeted its Al Minhad air base near Dubai over the weekend. 

Roughly 18 miles south of the city, the base was hit on the first night of the conflict. All Australian personnel were "safe and accounted for".

Mr Marles said: "It’s very difficult to speculate on how long the conflict will last. We’ve been very clear we support the action, having as a core aim denying Iran the ability to acquire a deployable nuclear weapon, which would obviously be a catastrophe for the world."

Italy is planning to bring home over 200 students and their chaperones currently stranded in the UAE.

They were picked up from their Dubai hotels at 7am local time and transferred to Abu Dhabi for a flight home to Milan, which will arrive this afternoon. 

They were involved in an Ambassadors of the Future event, organised by WSC Italia GL (World Students Connection), and due to fly home on Sunday. 

Australia has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for the UAE, telling people "do not travel" to the country "due to the volatile security situation". 

The update reads: "Due to the volatile security situation in the region and military strikes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we’ve raised our level of advice for the UAE to do not travel.

"The UAE airspace may open or close at short notice, impacting flights at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. Retaliatory strikes are occurring across the Middle East region following military strikes on Iran. Military conflict in the region may result in widespread movement restrictions, and other travel disruptions."

Brits continue to remain stranded throughout the Middle East, with more than 100,000 having registered their presence with the Foreign Office amid evacuation planning.

Large areas of airspace over the region remain closed because of the fighting, and tourism safe spots like Dubai have come under fire in missile attacks.

Some flights have begun to bring people home to the UK. On Monday afternoon, an Etihad Airways flight carrying stranded British nationals arrived at Heathrow airport, according to flight tracking company Flightradar24.

US President Donald Trump delivered a brief four-word message when questioned about how the United States would react to an Iranian drone strike on its embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Responding to a question during an interview on US cable network NewsNation on the evening of Monday, March 2, the US president said: “You’ll find out soon.”

Wealthy holidaymakers are paying up to £100,000 to escape the Middle East via private jet following the closure of major airports.

Thousands of additional flights throughout the region were grounded on Monday, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.

Read more here.

The Cypriot government has confirmed four military planes have now landed on the island on the evening of Monday, March 2 to provide immediate support.

Government spokesperson Letymbiotis Konstantinos said on social media: "Four F-16 aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force have just landed in Cyprus, following an immediate response from the Greek Government, in the context of strengthening preventive measures and close cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Greece."

Some Brits arrived back in the United Kingdom on Monday on the only flight back so far from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since the Iran attacks.

Australia's Minister of Defence Richard Marles told reporters that an Australian air base near Dubai was hit by a drone at the weekend.

He said that no Australians were injured in the attack, the BBC reported.

US President Donald Trump said told NewsNation's Kellie Meyer: "You'll find soon what the retaliation will be for the attack on the US embassy in Riyadh and for the US service members killed."

Mr Trump added that he doesn’t think boots on the ground will be necessary.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson has said the strikes on Iran are "defensive in nature".

"The US struck in a defensive posture," Johnson said.

He added that he believes the current military operation will be "limited in scope" and "short in duration".

Johnson was speaking to journalists after a defence and intelligence briefing of a congressional leadership team comprised of Democrats and Republicans, the BBC reported.

Several news agancies have reported explosions in the diplomatic quarter of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital city.

The agencies say a fire has broken out at the US embassy, which is located in the area.

It has been reported by international news sites that the Israeli military has struck a building housing Al-Manar channel studios in Beirut's southern suburbs after an evacuation warning.

It is understood that Al-Manar is operated by the Lebanese Communication Group on behalf of Hezbollah.

The Israeli military said it targeted "Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities in Beirut."

Spokesman for US Central Command Captain Tim Hawkins said on Monday that 18 American service members seriously wounded in the conflict, AP reported.

Five troops were initially reported as seriously wounded on Sunday morning.

Bahrain's United Nations Ambassador Jamal Alrowaiei told the UN Security Council that Iranian attacks are causing "significant material and psychological damages that threaten the safety and security of residents and citizens," The Associated Press reported.

The Israeli army says it has killed Adham Adnan al‑Othman, identified as Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s commander in Lebanon. The Quds Brigades had earlier announced his death.

Israel claims he spent years directing attacks against it and continued operating from Lebanon, where he allegedly trained fighters, recruited members, and acquired weapons.

Israel's military has issued an evacuation warning for Tehran residents, especially those located near the headquarters of state broadcaster IRIB. 

Iranian state media reported that multiple explosions have been heard in Tehran. According to the reports, the Parliament building in Tehran was targetted. 

Six US service members have been "killed in action" in strikes by Iran, with Central Command (CENTCOM) issuing a new update. The announcement was made by CENTCOM on its official X page.

Read full story here

A number of explosions have been reported at Harir Airport in Erbil.

According to the reports, all personnel evacuated due to threat at US Embassy in Amman, Jordan. 

Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has announced the limited resumption of flight operations at Sharjah International Airport, effective tonight (Monday), under a defined operational schedule and in close coordination with airlines and the relevant authorities.

It said in a statement: "The Authority urged passengers to contact their respective airlines to confirm departure times before proceeding to the airport.

"The SAA also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining smooth operations and delivering services efficiently, in coordination with all concerned entities, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of passengers."

Italy said it has been helping to evacuate hundreds of its citizens from the UAE.

The European country estimated that there are around 30,000 Italian nationals in the middle-eastern country. 

The Turkish president has intervened and promised to help reach a ceasefire between the United States and Israel and Iran.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan told members of his party in Ankara: "We are on the side of peace. We want an end to the bloodbath, for the tears to stop flowing, and that our region finally reach the lasting peace it has cried out for for years."

The UAE's Ministry of Defense confirmed that they successfully intercepted Iranian missiles and drones.

The United States has halted operations at its Consulate General in Peshawar, effective March 2, due to heightened security concerns and ongoing disruptions.

According to official notices, the closure will remain in place until further notice, and all routine as well as emergency consular services for US citizens are now being handled by the US Embassy in Islamabad.

The US has urged its citizens in Iran to remain sheltered where they are and, if conditions allow, to leave the country via land borders, which are currently considered the safest exit routes.

The State Department has repeatedly warned that Americans in the country face heightened risks, including the possibility of detention, and that air travel may be unreliable or unavailable due to cancellations and regional tensions.

Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in a sharply higher casualty count, with the Lebanese government now reporting at least 52 people killed and 154 wounded. This updated figure replaces an earlier toll from the Health Ministry, which had cited 31 dead and 149 injured.

In an update on X, Air Canada said: "Due to the military situation in the Middle East, we have canceled flights between Canada and Israel and Dubai until March 22. Service will resume on March 23. We are monitoring the situation and will adjust our schedule accordingly."

Emirates flight EK500, the first Emirates flight has departed from Dubai International Airport now, since it's operational closure. 

The destination of the flight is Mumbai, India. 

Dubai International Airport has urged the passengers not to 'come to the airport'. 

In an update on X, the airport authorities wrote: "We urge you not to come to the airport unless your airline has contacted you with a confirmed departure time.

"Please get in touch with your airline directly for the latest updates on flight schedules."

Abu Dhabi officials reported that a fire broke out at the Musaffah fuel‑tank terminal after it was struck by a drone.

In a statement, it said: "Abu Dhabi authorities have responded today to a fire resulting from the targeting of a Musaffah fuel tank terminal by a drone. The situation was promptly contained.

"No injuries were reported and there was no impact on operations. The public is urged to avoid circulating rumours and to rely only on official sources."

Qatar’s government says its air force has shot down two Iranian fighter jets as regional tensions continue to spill over following the recent US–Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation.

According to a statement from the Qatari Defence Ministry, the aircraft involved were SU‑24s, and the interceptions were part of a wider defensive response in which Qatar also neutralised seven ballistic missiles and five drones launched by Iran.

The incident adds another layer to the rapidly widening confrontation across the Middle East, where multiple states are being drawn into the fallout from the escalating exchange of attacks.

Emirates said it will resume operating "a limited number of flights" on Monday night after suspending its operations due to the conflict.

It said in a statement: "Emirates will begin operating a limited number of flights commencing on the evening of 2 March.

"We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates.

"Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified. All other flights remain suspended until further notice."

Dubai and Abu Dhabi will cover the hotel costs for stranded tourists as airlines cancel flights to the UAE. 

Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism said: "In light of current circumstances and given that some guests have reached their checkout date but are unable to travel for reasons beyond their control, we kindly requested to extend their stay until they are able to depart. The cost of the extended stay will be covered by DCT Abu Dhabi."

Dubai has put similar provisions in place. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) also said it would cover the cost of meals and accommodation for people stranded in airports.

A couple on their honeymoon in Dubai have described the "mayhem" as missiles were spotted overhead from their hotel room.

The anonymous pair, who also brought their three-year-old son along, said they heard a "massive bang" and got as far away from their hotel as possible in case of further strikes.

They told LBC: "We arrived here on Friday and this is meant to be our honeymoon. The boys were playing football, it was just a normal day, then next minute, we hear a bang we looked at each other and were like, oh, that sounds like a bomb.

"We went upstairs to get ready to go out for food, I'm in the shower, and next minute, this massive bang and I knew that we got hit. We were just in a panic. Let's get out, because smoke everywhere.

"Let's just get out the hotel, run out, literally in a dressing gown into the beach, grab my little boy and we just wanted to stay away as far as possible from the hotel in case it gets hit again. It [was] mayhem.

"People crying, I'm trying to calm my little boy down, the baby was crying, saying, I want to go home. As we speak to you now, there's missiles getting intercepted; it's just continued throughout the night."

A woman from Grimsby currently on holiday in Dubai with her kids says they feel stuck as they're unable to get home.

Posting updates from her TikTok @sallijofficial, the mum has numerous videos where she describes the chaos, frequently interrupted by loud bangs in the background. The group is staying at a five-star hotel in the Al Jaddaf locality.

Salli told Grimsby Live: "Within 24 hours of us getting here, there were explosions. When we got the siren alarms on our phones, the lifts didn't work so we had to run the flights of stairs to the basement."

She said they spent one day "sat in limbo in the lobby" wondering what would happen next. Salli said they were "damned if they do, damned if they don't" because missiles could strike anywhere, so she believed they were not necessarily safer inside the hotel.

The UAE's Ministry of Defence has confirmed a meeting between Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, and Guido Crosetto, the Italian Minister of Defence. 

It said on X: "During the meeting, the two sides discussed the recent Iranian attacks against the UAE, in addition to reviewing ways to strengthen bilateral military cooperation and further develop the defence partnership between the two countries, reflecting the depth of UAE–Italy relations and their shared commitment to security and stability."

The first passenger flight just took off from Abu Dhabi - an Etihad plane to London. 

It took off at 2.39pm local time and is due to land at 6.10pm GMT.

A spokesperson for British Airways said: "We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East. Safety is always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.

"If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv up to and including 15 March you can change your flight date free of charge to travel on or before 29 March.

"Customers travelling up to and including 8 March may also request a full refund. If you would like to do this, please call our contact centres on 0800 727 800 in the UK or 020 3250 0145 where a member of our team will be happy to assist.

"You can also find useful information, including details of your consumer rights, at ba.com/helpme. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you on board soon."

An Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centre in the UAE was reportedly bombed by Iran this morning. 

ME-CENTRAL-1, the company's main data centre in the Middle East, went fully offline earlier today, with damages reported.

About half a million passengers use airports in Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi each day. UK-based aviation consultant John Strickland said the disruption was "pretty unprecedented".

He told the Press Association: "The Gulf carriers are now so fundamental to much of global aviation, not least east-west flows between Europe and Asia.

"I can’t recall a situation – other than the pandemic – where we’ve had these Gulf hubs out of action in this way before. We’ve had other conflicts in the region, but not, I think, really in the scale of military conflict or scale of activity that we have now with the Gulf carriers."

Mr Strickland said "hundreds of thousands of people" in Dubai or other Middle Eastern hub airports "weren’t supposed to be there".

Vicky Pattinson urged people not to believe everything they read about the strikes in Dubai, where she is currently on holiday with her husband Ercan Ramadan.

She said: "We're sorry that we haven't been more proactive on social media but we've been limiting our time spent on here due to a growing amount of misinformation that feels counterproductive to staying calm.

"I'm not an expert in geopolitical matters or international affairs but the narrative that Dubai is being 'bombed' feels like a hyperbolic one.

"Currently what we've been advised through government channels is that they're intercepting missiles competently and what is subsequently causing damage and, tragically, harm is falling debris."

A video being shared on social media purports to show Iranian drones raining down on Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.

Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 11am GMT tomorrow.

Officials are understood to be working on plans for the potential evacuation of more than 100,000 Britons from the Middle East.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper indicated that 102,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the region. She said a total of about 300,000 British citizens are in Gulf countries targeted by Iran.

Ms Cooper told BBC Breakfast: "The latest figure I have from this morning is we have 102,000 people [who] have responded to our proposal to ask people to register their presence so we know where they are, particularly in these Gulf countries that have been targeted so we know where they are and so that we can get them rapid information.

"In many of these countries the airspace is currently closed because of the Iranian attacks. This is deeply stressful obviously for people because we’re talking about a lot of people who are holidaymakers, who were transit passengers just passing through or people on business visits to the region and who we want to make sure can get safely home."

A Scottish teacher living in Dubai has told how she heard “loud bangs” from suspected missile explosions.

Felicity Flanagan has been living in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates since August.

She told BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme: "My experience first started on Saturday, around about midday. My friends and I were having a really nice time down at the beach on the Palm when we heard two or three loud bangs.

"When that went off we had no idea what it was, so there was obviously uncertainty in the air and we didn’t know what to do. Moments later, we actually saw what we believed to be shrapnel from the missile then fall into the water in front of us."

Kate Ferdinand has confirmed she and the family are safe in Dubai after relocating there last year.

She said: "Thank you for all your messages and sorry for the silence, I haven't wanted to worry you all. I just haven't been able to find the words. We are safe.

"The government are doing an amazing job of keeping it that way and despite my nerves I feel we are in very safe hands. We are hoping for a calmer evening tonight, last night was very scary.

"Although Cree and Shae loved it as they couldn't believe we all got a sleepover in the basement. Thank you for all of your prayers, this whole experience is very eye opening and I am praying for anyone affected. Lots of love to everyone."

Cricketer Jonny Bairstow has asked Sir Keir Starmer if he can get him and his family home from Dubai, where they are currently on holiday. 

The Prime Minister posted a video on X of him delivering a statement on Iran, to which Mr Bairstow replied, "Can you get us home???"

In an update on March 28 that is still in place as of March 2, the Foreign Office advised against all but essential travel to the UAE.

It also urged Brits in the country to register their presence, saying: "Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in UAE should immediately shelter in place.

"Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities."

Emirates has confirmed that all flights operating through Dubai have been temporarily suspended following the partial closure of UAE airspace.

The world's largest airline has grounded all services via the major hub until 11am GMT on March 3. A spokesman for the airline said: "Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.

"We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities. We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused, and we are assisting them with rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority."

Explosions have been heard overhead in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. A CNN photojournalist in the Qatari capital filmed what looked to be missiles being intercepted in the skies, while in Dubai, members of the CNN editorial team reported hearing “two back-to-back blasts".AFP reporters said they heard several loud blasts in the Qatari capital of Doha.The CNN team in Abu Dhabi has also reported hearing a "huge" explosion. 

Tourism boards in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have now both directed hotels across the two cities to extend the stay of any guests unable to travel due to the mass flight disruptions impacting the Middle East. 

The move by the two cities will likely come as a welcome relief for many of the 200,000-or-so Brits stranded in the Gulf region. 

Read the full story here. 

Hotels across Dubai have been advised by the UAE's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that all necessary support must be extended to tourists impacted by mass flight cancellations or delays as a result of the Iran crisis. 

A DET email directive was sent to tourism operators across Dubai, as seen by the Khaleej Times, stating that: "no guests are evicted under these circumstances".

A suspected drone strike has hit a UK military base in Cyprus, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed.

The strike hit the RAF Akrotiri base at midnight local time, an MoD spokesperson said. 

The update comes shortly after a "security threat" was announced at the Cyprus bases, with air sirens have reportedly heard at the base as fighter jets were seen scrambling.

Read more on the RAF Cyprus situation here.

At least two RAF aircraft have recently taken off from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, flight tracking data shows, amid unconfirmed reports of explosions being heard at the base.

A Typhoon and a Voyager refuelling tanker have both taken off from the airbase.

Another Typhoon, believed to be from RAF Akrotiri, is also in the skies.

Local media reports a "security threat" has been declared at British bases in Cyprus. 

Cyprus Mail reports that personnel have been instructed to “return to your homes and stay inside until further notice” and told to “move away from windows and take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture”.

The Express has not independently verified these claims and the Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment. 

A "security threat" has been declared at British bases in Cyprus, local media reports. 

Cyprus Mail reports that personnel have been instructed to “return to your homes and stay inside until further notice” and told to “move away from windows and take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture”.

Reports suggest explosions have been heard near RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, with alarms heard at the base. 

These claims have not been independently verified by the Express and the Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.

Top diplomats from six Gulf states have called on Iran to immediately halt its attacks on their territories.

The foreign ministers of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain said the strikes violated their sovereignty and threatened to undermine regional security and stability.

The senior diplomats held an emergency virtual meeting on Sunday.

It comes amid continued Iranian attacks on US bases and other civilian infrastructure, including airports, in the region.

The ministers condemned the attacks and said they have “their legal right to respond and the right to self-defence” under international laws.

We can bring you more details from Donald Trump's new address shared on his Truth Social Platform. 

He again urged the Iranian public to rise up and overthrow the regime.

The US President said: "I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment, to be brave.

"Be bold, be heroic, and take back your country. America is with you."

Mr Trump also defended the joint US-Israeli action as "right" and "necessary" to stop a "bloodthirsty terrorist regime, armed with nuclear weapons".

Tehran has repeatedly insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful.

Donald Trump has described US strikes on Iran as “one of the most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen".

The US President was speaking in a video shared on his Truth Social platform.

He said combat operations against Iran are "in full-force".

"They will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives,” he said.

The President didn't state exactly what these objectives are.

However, he claimed an Iranian regime with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons “would be a dire threat” to every American and that the Iranian leaders had “waged war against civilisation itself.”

Donald Trump has suggested the attacks on Iran could last for around four weeks. 

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “We figured it will be four weeks or so.

“It’s always been about a four-week process, so, as strong as it is — it’s a big country — it’ll take four weeks — or less."

Sir Keir Starmer has accused Iran of "pursuing a scorched earth strategy".

The Prime Minister made the comments as he defended the UK's decision to not join US and Israeli offensive action on Iran.

Sir Keir said "we all remember the mistakes of Iraq" and that "we have learned those lessons".

In a video address shared on social media, he said: “We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran, and we will not join offensive action now.

“But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy.

“So we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region because that is our duty to the British people.

“It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent the situation spiralling further.

“This is the British government protecting British interests and British lives.”

He said the UK will continue with defensive actions in the region and added British and Ukraine counter-drone experts will work together to"help our Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them".

The UK has published a summary of the legal advice supporting its decision to allow the US to use British bases to strike some targets in Iran.

The Government previously reportedly refused American requests to use UK bases for operations against the country.

The summary said Iran’s “reckless and ongoing indiscriminate attacks” demanded “a united response to restore peace and security”.

It said the UK was “defending itself and its position in the region”, and “acting in the collective self-defence of regional allies who have requested support”.

The summary added: “The UK’s actions and related support to its allies is solely focused on ending the threat of air and missile attacks against regional allies unlawfully attacked by Iran and who have not been involved in hostilities from the outset.

“It does not signal the UK having any wider involvement in the broader ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.

“The UK remains of the view that a negotiated solution should be supported, and that further escalation into a wider regional conflict should be avoided.

“The Government will notify the United Nations Security Council of relevant actions taken under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”

Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK "will not join [US-Israeli] offensive action now" but is "supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region".

It comes after a joint statement with the leaders of France and Germany in which they said the nations will "take steps" to defend national interests in the region.

They added: "Potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source."

This was interpreted by many to be a suggestion the UK could launch potentially launch attacks on Iran, however the Prime Minister's latest comments suggest otherwise. 

In a video shared on social media, Sir Keir confirmed the UK has agreed to a US request to use British bases to attack Iranian missile sites.

The Government previously refused American requests to use UK bases for operations against the country, according to reports.

Sir Keir said he had granted the request “to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved”.

The US will use the bases for the “specific and limited defensive purpose” of hitting missile launch sites or storage depots in Iran, he added.

Sir Keir said Britain’s allies in the Gulf had “asked us to do more to defend them”, and accused Iran of putting British lives at risk across the region.

Britain has so far not been involved in the US-Israeli military action, but has shot down two Iranian drones heading towards Iraq and Qatar. 

Sir Keir Starmer has just confirmed the US will now be able to use UK military bases to carry out strikes on Iranian missile facilities. 

The PM said allies in the region have asked the UK to "do more to defend them" as Iran continues retaliatory action.

However, Sir Keir stressed the UK will not be joining the US and Israel in strikes on Iran.

In a video posted on social media, he said: "Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and it’s my duty to protect British lives.

"We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes.

"But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source –in their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles.

"The US has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose.

"We have taken the decision to accept this request - to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk and hitting countries that have not been involved."

Sir Keir Starmer has announced the UK has given permission for the US to use British bases to attack Iranian missile sites. 

More to follow. 

Loud booms and explosions have rocked Jerusalem this evening as another batch of Iranian missiles attempted landfall.

Shelters were full and some Jerusalem residents concurred that the booms were the loudest they’d heard since the start of the war.

It was not immediately clear whether the booms were the sounds of missiles landing or of interceptions.

The UK has suggested it could launch attacks on Iran to help stop retaliatory action from Tehran.

Britain, France and Germay have said they are ready to work with the US and partners to help halt the Iranian attacks.

In a joint statement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said this could include "necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source".

The three leaders said they are “appalled” by Iran’s “reckless” strikes on their allies, which are threatening their service members and citizens in the region.

The statement said: “We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones at their source.

"We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter."

Further details were not provided.

The UK has only carried out defensive action so far, downing two Iranian drones believed to be targeting Iraq and Qatar.

Sounds heard across Dubai in the United Arab Emirates are from interceptions by air defences, authorities have said.

The Dubai Media Office said: "Authorities have confirmed that sounds heard in various areas of Dubai are the result of air defence interception operations.

"Relevant teams continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary measures to ensure public safety. The public is urged to rely solely on official sources for information."

Several Iranian drones and missiles have been intercepted around Dubai since Saturday.

Two famous hotels in the city were earlier struck by falling debris following interceptions.

Donald Trump has said "we expect casualties with something like this" after the US military confirmed three service members had been killed during operations against Iran.

Central Command said five personnel were "seriously wounded", while others had sustained minor injuries but were returning to duty.

The deaths are the first known American fatalities since the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Saturday.

Mr Trump told NBC News: "We have three [deaths], but we expect casualties - but in the end it’s going to be a great deal for the world."

When asked about what outcomes he hopes the military action could bring, the President said: "There are many outcomes that are good.

"Number one is decapitating [Iranian leadership], getting rid of their whole group of killers and thugs. And there are many, many outcomes. We could do the short version or the longer version."

The US military says it has struck more than 1,000 targets in Iran during the first 24 hours of combat operations.

America and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Saturday morning, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran.

US Central Command, which is responsible for operations in the Middle East region, has released a fact sheet of its campaign so far.

It details the assets it has deployed and the "type of targets" it has claimed to have hit.

This includes command and control centres, the joint headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, ballistic missile sites and Iranian warships and submarines.

On Truth Social earlier, Donald Trump said 9 Iranian navy warships had been "destroyed" and sunk, adding: "We are going after the rest. They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also!"

The American President has told CNBC that military action against Iran is "ahead of schedule".

The US has codenamed its attacks against Iran as 'Operation Epic Fury'.

The price of oil is expected to soar on Monday. Global oil markets face turmoil as the US-Israel conflict with Iran escalates and the crucial Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed.

The strait, through which 20% of the world’s oil and $500bn in energy trade passes annually, has halted shipments after Iranian Revolutionary Guards reportedly warned vessels to stay away.

OPEC+ pledged to increase production but US crude is still expected to jump 11% to over $74 a barrel, potentially reaching $80 if supply disruption continues, The Guardian reported. The surge is likely to push petrol prices higher in the UK, compounded by the upcoming reversal of a fuel duty cut. 

Donald Trump has claimed US military operations in Iran are "ahead of schedule".

Joint US-Israeli strikes on Saturday killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has continued to launch mass retaliation attacks on targets across the Middle East, with senior officials vowing to take revenge.

Mr Trump told CNBC that US action is "moving along very, very well".

He said: “It’s a very violent regime, one of the most violent regimes in history.

“We’re doing our job not just for us but for the world. And everything is ahead of schedule.”

The US President earlier said 9 Iranian navy warships had been "destroyed" and sunk.

Writing on Truth Social, he addded: "We are going after the rest. They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also!"

Emmanuel Macron says the attacks across the Middle East has prompted France to bolster its military support in the region.

The French President said Paris also aims to reinforce its defence support for its allies in the Middle East.

Mr Macron did not provide any further details, the Associated Press news agency reported.

It comes after a drone hit a hangar at a French naval base in the UAE on Sunday.

Mr Macron said the incident has shown France needs to ''be able to adapt our posture to the evolution of the last few hours".

France has a number of military bases across the Gulf.

Chairing an emergency defence meeting in Paris, Mr Macron said top security officials would discuss the risks the conflict creates for France, and its economic consequences. 

The Israeli military says it is increasing its attacks on Iranian government targets in Tehran.

Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said at a briefing that 100 fighter jets simultaneously struck government targets in the Iranian capital on Sunday.

The targets included infrastructure belonging to the Iranian air force, its missile command and internal security force, he said.

“Our message to the Iranian regime is clear,” he said. “No one is immune.”

Iraqi security forces have fired teargas at dozens of protesters supporting Iran who are trying to enter the heavily-fortified Green Zone in Baghdad where the US Embassy is located.

Protesters in Iraq earlier marched to mourn the death of Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed Saturday in a series of US. and Israeli airstrikes over the Islamic Republic.

The US Embassy in Iraq is one of the largest globally.

Iran-backed Iraqi militias have claimed responsibility for attacks on US bases in the country in solidarity with Tehran.

The Iraqi government for years has tried to maintain a delicate balance having close ties to both Washington and neighboring Tehran.

A Royal Air Force fighter jet has downed an Iranian drone.

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson said the UAV was travelling towards Qatari airspace.

RAF jets have been flying defensive missions in the region.

This is the first report of a UK aircraft shooting down a missile or drone following the escalation in tensions after huge US-Israel strikes on Iran which prompted retaliatory attacks from Tehran.

It comes after a British counter-drone unit in Iraq destroyed an Iranian drone that was heading towards a coalition base housing UK service personnel. An MoD spokesperson said: “On 1 March 2026, a Royal Air Force Typhoon operating from Qatar as part of the joint UK–Qatar Typhoon Squadron, successfully took out an Iranian drone heading towards Qatari territory.“The Typhoon jet was conducting a defensive air patrol and used an air‑to‑air missile to shoot down the drone, ensuring the security of Qatar’s airspace and British interests in the region."Our Armed Forces are playing a vital role to protect our people, our interests and our Allies.”

The UK has mounted an unprecedented operation to support hundreds of thousands of British nationals in the Gulf as Iranian missile strikes continue to rock the region.

Officials at the Foreign Office are understood to be working on plans for potential evacuation routes should airspace in the Gulf remain closed.

But British nationals are currently being advised to stay where they are and follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor the Foreign Office’s travel advice, which officials expect to change rapidly.

Those in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been urged to register their presence with the Foreign Office online.

Donald Trump has announced on social media that 9 Iranian navy warships have been "destroyed" and sunk.

He claimed some of the ships are "relatively large and important".

The US President added said that the rest of the Iranian navy fleet “will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also!”

Mr Trump said that in a separate attack, Iran’s naval headquarters was “largely destroyed".

B-2 stealth bombers have struck Iran’s ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs, the US military has announced/

Ballistic missiles have been one of the concerns Donald Trump had raised in the lead up to the attacks on Iran.

He has claimed that Iran has been building ballistic missiles that could reach the US homeland.

Iran hasn’t acknowledged that it’s building or seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The US Defense Intelligence Agency, however, said in an unclassified report last year that Iran could develop a militarily viable intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 “should Tehran decide to pursue the capability".

The CIA has spent months tracking the movements of senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, it has emerged.

This was revealead by a person familiar with the operation speaking on condition of anonymity. 

The intelligence was shared with Israeli officials, and the timing of this weekend’s strikes was adjusted in part because of that information, the person said, according to the Associated Press news agency.

Donald Trump has said Iran's new leadership wants to speak to him.

The US President said he has agreed to hold talks with Tehran's new senior officials, less than 24 hours after it was confirmed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed.

Speaking to The Atlantic, Mr Trump confirmed he plans to speak to the new leadership, adding: "They should have done it sooner."

In a phone-call from Mar-a-Lago, Mr Trump said: “They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them.

"They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long."

Top diplomats from Russia and China slammed Israeli and US strikes on Iran as a gross violation of international law.

Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi “condemned the massive military strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian territory, carried out despite Tehran’s openness to dialogue,” according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The ministers said they would coordinate actions at the UN Security Council, the International Atomic Energy Agency and other bodies. They did not specify steps that Moscow and Beijing plan to take.

The exiled son of Iran’s last shah overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, claims he is taking charge of the transition to a new government.

Reza Pahlavi said now is the time for a "very strong, stable transition".

Speaking to Fox News, he said: "I have the support of millions of Iranian people. I have the people inside the country that are joining … the military will side with us.

"We have a plan of action and a transition plan.”

He said this process would ultimately lead to "a democratic outcome" which will let Iranians choose their government.

Mr Pahlavi said he expects a transitional period "that should be longer than a couple of years at the most".

"But what’s critical is the first 100 days,” he added.

Brits in the city of Duqm, Oman, have been told to "immediately shelter in place".

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office added: "Any British nationals currently visiting Salalah, or within 100km, should look to leave as soon as possible if commercial means allow.

"Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities."

Duqm is a port city on Oman's east coast.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says that despite the attacks on his country, “nothing has changed in our … military capability".

He tells ABC’s “This Week” that in only a few hours after Iran was struck, Tehran retaliated against Israeli targets and American bases “and we have continued to do so".

He added: "So, our military is in place. They are capable enough to defend our country.”

Asked whether a diplomatic deal with the Trump administration was still possible, he said: “We negotiated with the United States twice in the past 12 months. And in both cases, they attacked us in the middle of negotiation. And that has become a very bitter experience for us.”

He said “a deal was at our reach, and we left Geneva happily with the understanding that we can reach a deal next time we meet".

The US military has denied claims from Tehran that Iranian missiles have struck the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. 

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly claimed to have hit the warship with four ballistic missiles.

But the US Central Command said this was a "lie".

It added: "The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM’s relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime."

Full story here.

The American military says it has hit an Iranian warship at a port on the Gulf of Oman.

Central Command said in a statement on X that US forces attacked an Iranian Jamaran-class corvette.

The statement said "the ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman” at the southern port of Chahbahar.

There was no immediate comment from Iran.

The US military's Central Command has confirmed three of its personnel have been killed.

Five have also "seriously wounded" and others have sustained "minor shrapnel injuries and concussions".

It said in a statement on X: "As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury.

"Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.

"The situation is fluid, so out of respect for the families, we will withhold additional information, including the identities of our fallen warriors, until 24 hours after next of kin have been notified."

The US military has announced three service members have been killed and five seriously wounded in the Iran operation.

Central Command made the announcement on social media Sunday without providing additional information.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the country may select a new supreme leader “in a day or two” following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, he said the interim leadership announced in Tehran will oversee affairs until the Assembly of Experts chooses a successor.

Araghchi also defended Iran’s ongoing missile and drone strikes, calling them “an act of self-defence and retaliation to the American aggression against us”.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) says it has launched four ballistic missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln, according to state media reports. The US has not yet responded to the claim.

The Abraham Lincoln is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier equipped with F-35 stealth jets and supported by destroyers armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles. It is typically accompanied by a nuclear-powered submarine carrying the same weapons.

A paramedic from Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service has described the scene in Beit Shemesh after the Iranian missile strike, telling the BBC he and his team arrived to “fire and smoke” as rockets were still flying overhead.

Ori Lazarovich, who is working at the site, said medics immediately began pulling people from the rubble. “We arrived at the scene with dozens of medics and we started extracting people of the rubble and treating casualties,” he said.

He added that several buildings were “completely demolished”, and confirmed that some victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

“We saw very severe injuries, crush injuries, smoke inhalation and severe burns,” he said, as emergency crews continue searching the area.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence says its air force has intercepted 97 ballistic missiles and 283 drones since Iran began striking targets across the region, according to the Kuwait News Agency.

The country’s health ministry says one person has been killed and 32 others injured “amid ongoing regional developments”.

At least three people have been killed and 58 wounded in the United Arab Emirates since Iran began launching missiles and drones across the Gulf, the country’s Defence Ministry has confirmed.

Officials say the UAE detected 165 ballistic missiles, destroying 152, and intercepted two cruise missiles.

The ministry also reported that 541 Iranian drones were detected, with 506 shot down. The victims include citizens of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The number of people killed in the missile strike on Beit Shemesh has risen to nine, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom ambulance service.

Emergency teams say dozens of others remain injured after the Iranian ballistic missile hit the town earlier today. Search crews and medical staff are still working at the scene.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has delivered a televised statement, as the country responds to the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In his remarks, Pezeshkian said Iran would continue to follow the path set by the late supreme leader. He told viewers the country’s armed forces would “continue to strike hard” and would keep targeting what he described as enemy military bases.

He added that Khamenei’s death was “the culmination of years of sacrifice”.

The death toll from the Iranian missile strike on Beit Shemesh has risen to eight, according to Israel’s national ambulance service. The update comes shortly after officials confirmed six fatalities in the town, around 30km west of Jerusalem.

Emergency teams say they are still treating the wounded at the scene. A total of 28 people have been taken to hospital, including two in serious condition, two in moderate condition and 24 with mild injuries.

The Middle East remains on high alert after Iran launched waves of missiles and drones at Israel and US-linked sites across the region, following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike. Here is the latest:

Iran has fired more than 25 waves of missiles and drones at targets in Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq, according to Western officials. Several civilian areas have been hit, and both sides report casualties.

Israel says it has struck sites “in the heart of Tehran”, with large explosions seen across the capital. Iranian state media says Tehran has suffered more than 60 attacks in 24 hours.

Heavy damage has been reported in parts of Israel. A missile strike in Beit Shemesh killed at least four people and injured about 20 others. There are also unconfirmed reports of a collapsed structure near Jerusalem.

Across the Gulf, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have faced repeated explosions. Dubai Airport has suspended all flights, and staff have been injured by falling debris. Widespread cancellations continue across the region.

British forces have shot down Iranian drones threatening UK bases, and the Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to several Gulf states. UK nationals are being told to shelter in place.

Russia has condemned the US-Israel strike that killed Khamenei, warning of the risk of a wider catastrophe. President Vladimir Putin has sent a formal letter of condolence to Iran.

Air-raid sirens continue to sound across Israel as interceptions take place. In Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait, authorities report regular missile activity and have warned residents to stay indoors.

At least four people have been killed in Israel’s Beit Shemesh following an Iranian ballistic missile strike, emergency service Magen David Adom says.

Around 20 others have been injured in the attack on the city, which lies about 30km west of Jerusalem.

Sirens have sounded across Israel on Sunday with people forced to leave their vehicles and take cover.

Several Iranian missiles were intercepted in Jerusalem overnight.

Lufthansa has extended its suspension of flights to several Middle Eastern cities. The airline says services to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Dammam and Tehran will now be cancelled until March 8.

There have been a number of explosions in Tehran throughout the day as US-Israeli air strikes continue.

New bangs have been heard across parts of Dubai, according to residents in the United Arab Emirates.

The city has been the target of multiple Iranian missile and drone attacks in the last 24 hours.

There are initial and unconfirmed reports on social media of a direct hit on a structure in the Jerusalem area during the latest wave of Iranian missile fire.

Early information suggests several people may be injured and trapped under the collapsed building.

A ship sailing near the Strait of Hormuz has been hit by an “unknown projectile,” the UK Maritime Trade Organisation (UKMTO) says.

The vessel, located north of Oman and east of the strait, was struck above the waterline. Initial reports suggested a fire in the engine room, but officials now say the blaze has been brought under control.

The incident is the second reported by UKMTO today, following an earlier alert about an event off Oman’s Kumzar.

The Israeli military claims its air force has hit two Iranian fighter jets - an F-5 and an F-4 - at Tabriz airport in western Iran. The army says the jets were preparing to take off “a short while ago” when the strike was carried out.

In a statement, Israel said the operation was intended to disrupt Iran’s air force activity and “further expand the degradation of the regime’s aerial defence”.

The UK Foreign Office has issued new travel advice urging British nationals to avoid all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.

In a statement on X, the government told those already in the countries to shelter in place and register their presence with authorities.

Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis has rejected claims that missiles were fired in the country’s direction.

He said: “There is no indication that there was a threat to the country.”

He added that authorities are monitoring the situation closely. His comments come after UK defence sources earlier suggested two Iranian missiles had been launched toward Cyprus, where British military bases are located.

The US embassy in Bahrain is advising American citizens to leave hotels in Manama after concerns that accommodation sites could be targeted in further Iranian strikes. The warning follows an attack on the Crowne Plaza Hotel. 

The embassy said US government personnel have been relocated as a precaution and urged all US nationals to avoid hotels in the capital, remain alert and follow official guidance as the situation continues to unfold.

Airlines are continuing to cancel and divert flights after the US-Israel strike on Iran triggered widespread retaliatory attacks and airspace closures across the region. All flights from Dubai International Airport and Dubai Al Maktoum Airport remain suspended until further notice.

Emirates says it has halted all operations from Dubai until at least 3pm local time on Monday, while Etihad has suspended departures from Abu Dhabi until 2am on Monday. Officials confirmed that four airport staff at Dubai International were injured during an incident overnight linked to falling debris.

British Airways has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday and warns that services to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Doha and Dubai may be disrupted. Virgin Atlantic has also cancelled flights between London and Dubai and between London and Riyadh for Sunday and Monday.

Singapore Airlines, Air India and several other carriers have adjusted schedules.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry says the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama has been damaged in an attack linked to ongoing Iranian missile activity.

The ministry said the strike caused material damage but no injuries. It comes a day after Bahrain reported that a missile had targeted the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, damaging three buildings in the capital.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has warned shipping operators about “significant military activity” across the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

In its latest advisory, the UKMTO said the security situation remains highly volatile, with the risk of miscalculation at sea increasing as more military units operate in the area.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey says Iran is now “lashing out in an increasingly indiscriminate and widespread way” following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Speaking to Sky News, he said “few people will mourn” the Iranian leader and accused the regime of murdering its own citizens and exporting terror abroad.

Healey warned that Iran’s ongoing strikes risk hitting more than just military sites, adding that civilian locations, including airports and hotels in Kuwait, Dubai and Bahrain, are already being targeted.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a formal letter to Iran’s interim leader Masoud Pezeshkian following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In the message, released by the Kremlin, Putin offered “deepest condolences” and condemned the US-Israeli strike as a violation of international law.

He praised Khamenei as an “outstanding statesman” and said Russia would continue supporting Iran during what he called a time of “national tragedy”.

You can read Putin's letter in full here.

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency says Tehran has been hit by 60 separate attacks in the last 24 hours, leaving 57 people dead, according to the Tehran Province Red Crescent Society.

A Western official says Iran has launched more than 25 separate waves of missiles and drones at targets across the Middle East, following its claim earlier that it had struck 27 US military sites. The attacks have been directed at locations in Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq, triggering a wide defensive response from countries across the region.

British forces are among those mobilising to protect their bases. The UK has already shot down at least one Iranian drone, but continues to stress it is not taking part in offensive operations with the US and Israel. Defence Secretary John Healey said British personnel at a US Navy base in Bahrain were within 200 metres of an Iranian missile and drone strike.

He also confirmed that two missiles were fired toward Cyprus, where the UK has an air base, although it is not believed the island was deliberately targeted.

There are no reports of British military casualties at this stage.

Iran has lowered flags across government buildings as the country begins an official mourning period following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The government has already announced a 40-day mourning period and a seven-day national holiday.

IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin says two Israelis have been killed during Iran’s wave of missile and drone attacks. In a briefing, he warned that although Israel’s air-defence systems are operating on a large scale, “it's still not foolproof,” and urged the public to follow safety instructions and take shelter whenever alerts sound.

Defrin said Israel has “severely damaged” parts of Iran’s defence network and is continuing to coordinate closely with the US military. “We're going to continue with that campaign until we manage to achieve all the goals we have set for ourselves,” he added.

Iran has appointed cleric Alireza Arafi, a member of the Guardian Council, to the country’s temporary Leadership Council. The council is responsible for carrying out the duties of the supreme leader until the Assembly of Experts selects a permanent successor.

Arafi will serve alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei as part of the three-person body formed after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has named Ahmad Vahidi as the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following the death of General Mohammad Pakpour in Saturday’s joint US-Israeli strikes.

State media confirmed the appointment earlier today. Pakpour, one of Iran’s most senior military figures, was among multiple officials killed when strikes hit sites linked to Iran’s leadership.

The IRGC is one of the most powerful institutions in the country, operating separately from the regular army.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that Iran fired missiles in the direction of Cyprus, where British forces are based.

Britain has two military sites on the island. Healey said: “We don’t believe they were targeted at Cyprus, but nevertheless, it’s an example of how there is a very real and rising threat from a regime that is lashing out widely across the region, and that requires us to act.”

You can read more about what's happening in Cyprus here.

Bahrain’s National Communications Centre says the country has intercepted another wave of “hostile Iranian ballistic missiles and drones”.

The latest interceptions took place over the Gulf state as Iran continues launching strikes at US-linked sites across the region.

Iran’s top security official, Ari Larijani, has issued a new warning saying Iran will strike the US and Israel “with a force they have never experienced before”.

In a message posted on X, he said Iranian missiles fired yesterday “did hurt,” and claimed that a much stronger response is imminent.

His comments echo language used earlier by US President Donald Trump, who warned Iran against escalating and said Washington would retaliate “with a force that has never been seen before” if attacked again.

Hamas has issued a statement mourning Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling his killing a “heinous” act carried out by the US and Israel. The group said Khamenei had provided “political, diplomatic and military support” to Palestinians and their resistance.

It claimed Washington and Israel “bear full responsibility” for the strike and warned of serious consequences for regional security.

Hamas added that Arab and Muslim countries now have a “political, legal, and historical responsibility” to take immediate action in response.

Israel’s Channel 12 reports that its air force killed 30 senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, “in just half a minute” during the first strike.

The channel also quotes Israeli political and military sources saying the campaign will continue for several days.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has released a statement insisting the country has a “legitimate duty” to retaliate after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The president called the attack an “open war against Muslims” and said Iran would respond “with all its might”.

He described Khamenei’s death as the “greatest affliction of the Islamic world today”.

The UK has taken “active action” to shoot down Iranian drones in the Middle East, Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed. He did not specify the weapon systems used but said the drones posed a threat to British personnel, bases and allies.

Healey told Sky News that the UK has increased its defensive footprint in the region, deploying aircraft to Cyprus and Qatar along with extra radar and counter-drone equipment. He stressed that British forces are not taking part in offensive strikes against Iran.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey says he is increasingly concerned about what he called “indiscriminate attacks from Iran,” warning they are putting British personnel and civilians abroad at risk.

Speaking to the BBC, Healey said around 300 British personnel were within several hundred yards of a strike on a military base in Bahrain.

He described Iran’s leadership as a regime that “has exported terror including to Britain” and added that “no one” would mourn the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A huge explosion has been seen in the centre of Tehran as reports continue to emerge of strikes across the Iranian capital. The blast follows Israel’s announcement that its air force is hitting targets “in the heart of Tehran”.

According to Reuters, explosions took place near the country’s main broadcasting complex, one of several locations where loud blasts have been heard this morning.

Two people, including a child, have reportedly been injured by debris from a drone at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi.

UAE Government wrote on X: "The competent authorities in Abu Dhabi are dealing with an incident in which fragments of a drone fell as a result of its interception by air defenses onto the facade of one of the Etihad Towers buildings.

"The incident resulted in minor injuries to a woman and her child, and minor material damage."

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency says the country’s air force has carried out strikes on US military bases in Gulf states and in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

According to the report, Iranian pilots conducted the attacks in several phases and returned safely. The army is quoted as saying that all “enemy military centres” in the region are within range of its fighter jets.

Sirens are now sounding across large areas of Tel Aviv, its surrounding suburbs, Jerusalem and parts of the occupied West Bank, according to Israel’s Home Front Command.

Alerts have also been activated in Haifa, Acre and nearby towns as Iran continues launching rounds of missiles and drones toward Israel.

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency says loud “terrible explosions” have been heard in several parts of Tehran, including Seyyed Khandan, Qasr intersections, Vanak Square and Motahari Street.

The reports follow Israel’s claim that it launched a major aerial strike on “the heart of the capital” earlier today.

Footage shared on social media shows the moment Dubai's iconic Burj Al Arab was attacked by, what reports say, was a drone.

The Grand Air Hotel in Bahrain was reportedly targeted in an Iranian drone strike. 

Reports on social media claim that the hotel in Bahrain’s capital Manama housed senior US military officers.

Thousands of Iranians around the world have taken to the streets to celebrate, following the news that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. 

The photos below were taken in Sydney, Australia.

The Israeli military says it has carried out fresh strikes on what it described as “the heart of Tehran,” claiming government sites were targeted for the first time since the joint US-Israel operation began.

In a statement posted on Telegram, the military said the past 24 hours of attacks were aimed at establishing aerial superiority and opening a path toward the capital.

Iran’s first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, has issued a statement through state media saying the country’s response to the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will focus on maintaining stability and unity.

Speaking to IRNA, Aref said: “Today, Islamic Iran is in mourning; but this mourning is not a mourning of passivity.”

He claimed the US and Israel believed they could “shake the soul of a nation” by targeting the supreme leader, but said the Islamic Revolution “becomes more alive and rooted through martyrdom”.

Aref added that the government’s strategy is centred on protecting national stability and internal cohesion.

Officials in Oman say two drones targeted the port of Duqm, injuring one foreign worker. According to the Oman News Agency, one drone struck a mobile accommodation unit used by staff, while debris from a second drone landed near fuel tanks but did not cause damage.

More than 200 people have been moved to hotels in Tel Aviv after Iranian missile strikes damaged at least 40 buildings in the city, according to a report from Haaretz.

The municipality said the affected residents were evacuated as emergency teams assessed structural damage and cleared debris.

Israel has been targeted by multiple waves of missiles and drones since Iran launched its retaliation on Saturday.

Photos below show the aftermath in Tel Aviv.

Iranian state media and security sources say several high-ranking figures were killed in Saturday’s US-Israel strikes on Tehran. The death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was confirmed earlier, and Iranian television now reports that Abdolrahim Mousavi, the armed forces chief of staff, was also killed.

Tehran has additionally confirmed the death of General Mohammad Pakpour, a senior commander in the Revolutionary Guards.

State outlets say members of Khamenei’s family, including one of his daughters, his son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the attack on the leadership compound.

A US intelligence source and a military official told CBS News that around 40 Iranian officials in total died in the strikes, though these figures have not been independently verified.

Pictures taken on the streets of Tehran show thousands of people sobbing following the news of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death.

The United Arab Emirates has released new details about the scale of Iran’s attacks, saying the country was targeted by 137 missiles and 209 drones on Saturday. The UAE’s Defence Ministry said air-defence systems intercepted many of them, but some debris still caused casualties and damage.

Authorities confirmed that at least one person was killed and seven others were injured after what they described as an “incident” at Abu Dhabi Airport during the strikes. Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the world, was also hit.

Authorities in Dubai say two people were hurt when debris from intercepted drones fell into the courtyards of two residential properties.

The city’s media office said explosions heard across the emirate were the result of successful air-defence interceptions as Iran launched further attacks in the region.

Officials did not give details about the extent of the injuries but said emergency teams were deployed to assess damage and assist residents.

Israel’s air force says more than 1,200 munitions were used in strikes on Iran during the past day as part of its joint operation with the United States.

Among the locations reportedly hit was a girls’ elementary school in the southern city of Minab, where Iranian officials now report at least 148 deaths and many more injuries.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said “dozens of innocent children” were killed in the school strike and warned that the attack “will not go unanswered”.

The US State Department has confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold a call with G7 leaders on Sunday to discuss the situation in Iran.

According to CBS, it will be one of several conversations the Trump administration plans to have with international partners and US lawmakers in the coming days.

Pictures show the aftermath of a missile strike in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Emergency services there say one woman has been killed and around 120 people injured, and an apartment building has been destroyed.

Explosions, missile interceptions and air-raid sirens have been reported throughout the Middle East today as Iran launches retaliatory attacks following the joint US–Israel strike that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran says the initial US-Israeli operation hit 24 of the country’s 31 provinces. Satellite images reviewed by analysts show heavy damage to the Leadership House compound in Tehran, where Khamenei’s office was located. Iranian state media later confirmed he was killed in the attack.

Officials inside the country say more than 200 people have died nationwide, including at least 108 in an explosion at a school in southern Iran.

In response, Iran has fired waves of missiles and drones at Israel. Emergency services there say one woman has been killed and around 120 people injured, and an apartment building in Tel Aviv has been destroyed. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has also targeted the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and several American bases across the Gulf.

Missile activity has been recorded in Dubai, Doha and Kuwait. Authorities in Dubai say four people were injured after debris fell near Dubai International Airport, where flight operations have been disrupted.

Latest photos show smoke rising above Dubai, following Iran's overnight strikes.

US President Donald Trump has posted a warning to Iran from his Truth Social account, warning that he will escalate the situation even further.

"Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before," he posted on his social media platform.

"THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!"

Iran fired missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states on Sunday after vowing massive retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel.

Iran’s Cabinet vowed that this “great crime will never go unanswered” and the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its “most intense offensive operation” ever, targeting Israeli and American bases.

Iran immediately launched missiles and drones towards Israel and US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.The Israeli military said Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel, with many intercepted.

Gulf Countries have been dealt a fresh round of retaliatory strikes from Iran, with witnesses in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar reporting explosions and loud blasts, the ABC reports.

In a post on X, Bahrain's Interior Ministry has warned people to seek shelter amid ongoing Iranian attacks in the country."The siren has been sounded," it said. "Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place."

Any Britons stuck in Dubai, Qatar, and the surrounding Middle Eastern regions should shelter in place IMMEDIATELY, with the slamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warning an attack is incoming on Westernised parts of the Middle East.

The IRGC said the incoming offensive about to rain down across the region is the "most devastating offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic”.

Issued about 10 minutes ago (at time of writing) by the state-affiliated Fars News, the attack will begin “in just moments” and will target the “occupied territories and American terrorist bases” across the region.

Emirates has issued advice for travellers trapped in the United Arab Emirates, hours after axing all flights to and from Dubai.  

The carrier is "actively monitoring" the high-stakes situation as authorities scramble to manage the unfolding crisis. While safety remains the "highest priority," the move has sparked travel mayhem for those caught in the crossfire.

READ MORE: When flights will resume out of UAE

Iran’s state broadcaster has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the early hours Sunday local time, hours after US and Israel said he had been killed in airstrikes earlier on Saturday.

In the wake of the confirmation, Iranian cabinet has announced a seven day-long of public holiday and 40 days of national mourning.

The update comes shortly after Emirati authorities confirmed on Saturday that the Dubai International Airport was hit during Iran’s retaliatory strikes against the US and Israel.

Video footage shared online shows significant damage to one of the terminals.

The Media Office of the Government of Dubai tweeted that four airport staffers were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment.

The Foreign Office has issued a new directive to UK citizens in the UAE, or who may be planning on travelling there in the near future.

The missive reads: "The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office now advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates."

If you are already in the UAE, let the UK government know and register your presence for further updates.

Shelter in place

Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place.

Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.

British nationals in the UAE should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances. These include:

- read If you’re affected by a crisis abroad - GOV.UK. This includes guidance on how to prepare for a crisis with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis

- follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to receive information and alerts. Read the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority’s guidance across numerous emergencies

- sign up to FCDO Travel Advice email notifications

The United Arab Emirates has condemned Iran's attacks on its territory, calling it a "violation of national sovereignty and international law".

In a post on X, the UAE calls Iran's retaliatory strikes a dangerous escalation and "cowardly act" that threatens the safety of civilians and undermines stability. 

Unconfirmed reports that Dubai's famous Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel. This has not yet been verified by officials however is being reported on social media.

Statement from Dubai Media office:

Former Love Island contestant Laura Anderson said she and her young daughter are safe after travelling to Dubai shortly before the incident.

She had shared footage from her hotel shortly after arriving in the city, but later posted a message describing the situation as "horrendous" while reassuring followers that both she and her daughter were unharmed. Flights at Dubai International Airport have also been halted amid the disruption.

Speaking on her Instagram story, Vicky Pattison said:

This shocking footage show a close up of the flames from earlier. Officials have reported that the fire is now under control.

Security personnel pictured at the entrance of the Fairmont The Palm Hotel.

In a statement, Dubai Media Office said: 

Firemen and rescue workers are currently inspect the site of the explosion at the Fairmont Hotel.

This image taken in the last half hour from a Brit staying in Al Sufouh shows smoke visible above the cityscape.

The tourist visting from Britain, who wishes to remain anonymous said:

Chris Eubank Jr shares footage appearing to show explosions near Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah amid escalating Middle East tensions.

He posted the clip on social media with the warning: “Explosions going off on the Dubai Palm right now. Please everyone be safe.” The video, which had already been circulating online, showed a missile striking what looked like a hotel or residential area, sending a large plume of black smoke into the sky. He later deleted the post.

The incident comes after Iran launched retaliation strikes across the region following overnight US-Israeli action, with projectiles reported over Dubai and heavy attacks in nearby Abu Dhabi.

UK officials have since advised British nationals in the UAE to shelter indoors and follow instructions from local authorities, while flights across the region have been disrupted.

The hotel describes itself as a beachfront resort on Palm Jumeirah, offering luxury accommodation alongside leisure and wellness facilities.

It features hundreds of guest rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, swimming pools and a spa, and markets itself to families, couples and holidaymakers seeking a resort-style stay overlooking the Dubai skyline.

The venue promotes a mix of relaxation, dining and activities as part of a high-end tourist destination on the island.

British influencer Will Bailey has described his shock on social media at having left the hotel just moments before the explosion erupted.

Posting to his Instagram story during his visit to Dubai, Will said: "This is one of the most effed up situations I've ever been in. I'm literally stood here watching missile fly accross the palm be intercepted. One fell on the Fairmont Hotel just as we were leaving, 30 seconds earlier, I dread to think."

Earlier in the day, the influencer posted the aftermath of a missile being intercepted directly over the Dubai Beach Club

• UAE air-defence systems have intercepted missiles and drones launched toward the country amid wider regional tensions.

• Explosions heard in Dubai are believed to be from aerial interceptions rather than confirmed ground strikes.

• The UAE Ministry of Defence said debris from intercepted weapons fell in parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

• Dubai authorities confirmed an “incident” at a building in the Palm Jumeirah area, where a fire was brought under control.

• Four people were injured and taken to hospital, according to the Dubai Government Media Office.

• Officials have not confirmed that a hotel was directly hit.

• Images circulating online have caused confusion over the exact location, and some widely shared photos appear to show buildings in mainland Dubai rather than Palm Jumeirah.

The situation remains developing and official information is still limited.

The Dubai Government Media Office has added that authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

It added: "Our frontline heroes are taking all necessary measures to protect the public and ensure their safety. May our nation, and all who call it home, remain safe."

View of the intense orange flames at City walk Dubai, very close to Burj Khalifa.

Dubai authorities say four people were injured following an "incident" at a building in the Palm Jumeirah area.

The Dubai Media Office said emergency crews attended the scene and a fire has now been brought under control, with those hurt taken to hospital.

The report came after eyewitnesses shared images of smoke rising from the area amid regional tensions, though officials have not confirmed exactly what the intended target was. Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island development known for its luxury hotels.

This video posted by the Supernova Plus Telegram channel allegedly depicts the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai under attack by what it described as an Iranian Shahed-136 drone.

This footage is claiming to show the missile heading towards the Fairmont Hotel, prompting Russian tourists to search for bomb shelters. 

The moment of impact appears to have been caught in this video footage posted to X. An explosion can be seen and heard in the as the viewer ducks for covers.

One social media user on X claimed the reported targeting of Palm Jumeirah would be significant symbolically, suggesting it would challenge the perception of Gulf countries as a "safe haven" rather than being purely a military objective.

Several early reports have suggested that the fire was caused by falling debris after a missile was intercepted, rather than a direct hit.

We will bring you more on this as official lines come in.

Thick black smoke can currently be seen rising from the luxury building for miles around.

A motorist has captured more footage on the ground of the blaze. 

Windows shaking and a fire reported in the luxury hotel. 

A video posted on X shows a fire burning in Dubai's Palm Jumeirah after a reported Iranian ballistic missile impact. Footage shows the large blaze visible from surrounding high-rises.

A video posted on social media reportedly shows a missile strike near Dubai's Palm Jumeirah.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said Iran “can end this now” by stopping its missile attacks and stepping back from its weapons development programme.

Sir Keir urged Tehran to “refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programme and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people”.

He said this would be “the route back to the negotiating table” and the only way to prevent the conflict from spiralling even further.

Keir Starmer has said the UK has strengthened its defensive capabilities across the Middle East and raised protection levels for British bases and personnel to the highest tier. The prime minister confirmed that the government is also contacting UK nationals in the region and offering support.

Starmer said he has been speaking with European leaders and officials across the Middle East throughout the day. He stressed that the priority now is to stop the conflict from expanding further, saying it is “vital we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process”.

He added that Britain wants to see “peace and security and the protection of civilian life”.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that British aircraft are currently flying in the Middle East as part of what he called “co-ordinated regional defensive operations”.

In a televised statement, Starmer said the mission is aimed at protecting “our people, our interests and our values”.

The Middle East is facing one of its most dangerous escalations in years after the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran early this morning. The attack targeted sites linked to Iran’s leadership, including locations where senior political and security figures were reportedly gathered. Iran has responded with widespread missile fire, striking at Israel and at US military bases across the Gulf.

Explosions have been heard in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Kuwait City, Bahrain, Jordan and Israel, with several countries activating air-defence systems. The UAE confirmed one civilian was killed in Abu Dhabi after debris fell in a neighbourhood, while Qatar and Bahrain reported damage from intercepted missiles. Israel says dozens of missiles have been launched at its territory, triggering repeated nationwide alerts.

Inside Iran, the government says more than 20 provinces have been hit, and it reported a deadly strike on a girls’ school in Minab, though these claims cannot be independently verified. Tehran has ordered millions to leave the capital, with heavy traffic seen heading north. A near-total internet blackout has made information hard to confirm.

Air travel across the region has collapsed, with Dubai Airport suspending all flights and major airlines cancelling routes to the Middle East. Governments around the world have called for restraint, but Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says attacks on Israel and US interests will “continue unabated”.

Air raid alerts have been triggered in several parts of Israel after the military detected more missiles launched from Iran. In a statement on X, the Israel Defense Forces said the air force is “operating to intercept and strike wherever necessary to remove the threat” as incoming fire continues.

In a separate update, the IDF said it had completed a major strike on Iran’s strategic defence systems earlier in the day. The military released an attachment claiming one of the targets was an advanced SA-65 air-defence system located near Kermanshah in western Iran.

Traffic is reported to be extremely heavy on routes out of Tehran after Iran’s Supreme National Security Council advised nearly 10 million residents to leave the capital.

Authorities are helping manage the outflow by delivering fuel directly to major expressways where congestion has brought traffic to a standstill.

Iran’s Red Crescent says at least 20 of the country’s 32 provinces have been hit in the ongoing strikes, and people are being urged to avoid any impact sites.

Officials insist there are sufficient supplies of food and fuel, and border provinces have been given special permission to import essential goods if needed.

Universities and schools have been closed until further notice, with classes expected to move online. Many institutions had already shifted to remote teaching in recent weeks due to widespread student protests.

A video posted on social media shows tourists in Dubai filming missile interceptions overhead.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks on neighbouring countries following today’s joint US-Israel strikes.

In a joint statement issued with France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, Starmer said the three nations had repeatedly urged Iran to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and to end what they described as destabilising actions across the region.

The statement stressed that the UK, France and Germany were not involved in the strikes but were staying in close contact with the US, Israel and regional partners. It reaffirmed their commitment to protecting civilians and supporting stability in the Middle East.

“We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms,” the leaders said, adding that Iran must stop carrying out indiscriminate military strikes.

They urged Tehran to pursue a negotiated solution and said the Iranian people should ultimately be free to decide their own future.

New missile interceptions have been witnessed in Doha, according to reporters in the Qatari capital.

An Al Jazeera correspondent counted at least five blasts overhead as air-defence systems engaged incoming fire.

White trails were visible in the sky, suggesting several missiles had been successfully intercepted.

Al Jazeera reports that loud explosions are echoing across Ramallah as Israel’s air-defence systems intercept incoming Iranian missiles.

Residents in the city rely on distant Israeli sirens to warn them of attacks, as Palestinian homes are not equipped with shelters or bunkers.

So far there are no confirmed reports of injuries inside Israel, although social media posts suggest there may have been some direct impacts.

Very little footage has emerged because the Israeli military has instructed the public not to share videos or images of strike locations.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that the attack on a girls’ elementary school in the southern city of Minab “will not go unanswered.”

Speaking through state-run IRNA, he described the victims as “innocent children” and said Iran would hold those responsible to account.

Iranian officials now claim 53 students were killed in the strike, though these figures have not been independently verified due to the severe restrictions placed on foreign media inside the country.

A source within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has told the Fars news agency that Iranian strikes will “continue unabated” against Israel and against US bases.

Officials in Iran now claim that 53 people have been killed in a strike on a girls’ school in the southern city of Minab. The updated figure comes from state-run IRNA, which quoted Ali Farhadi, a spokesperson for the education ministry.

He said the school had been “targeted by three missile attacks” and that 63 others were injured. Farhadi said teams were still clearing debris and searching the site for more victims.

These claims have not been independently verified, as foreign journalists are largely unable to report from inside Iran due to strict visa restrictions.

Dubai International Airport has suspended all flight operations until further notice, according to new reports.

The decision follows explosions heard across the UAE as Iranian missiles targeted sites linked to US forces.

The UAE says several missiles were intercepted, but debris has fallen in residential districts.

A video circulating online shows what is reported to be an intercepted Iranian ballistic missile falling into a residential area in Qatar.

The footage captures the moment the missile, already hit by air-defence systems, crashes to the ground and explodes between homes.

Qatar’s military has confirmed it intercepted several incoming missiles aimed at targets inside the country.

Debris from those interceptions has landed in civilian areas, damaging houses and vehicles.

Israel’s military says its operation in Tehran was aimed at locations where senior political and security figures had gathered.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said the attack followed months of preparation, with intelligence agencies working to identify a moment when Iran’s ruling elites would be in the same place.

The IDF said it chose to strike in the morning rather than overnight to achieve what it called “tactical surprise”.

Officials say they are now assessing the results of the operation.

Jordan has confirmed that its armed forces intercepted two ballistic missiles that were heading toward its territory.

A security official told AFP there were no casualties, although some material damage was reported.

The incident comes as sirens and phone alerts continue to sound across Israel, with Iran launching waves of retaliatory strikes following the joint US-Israel attacks earlier in the day.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned the joint US and Israeli strikes, describing them as “wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate”.

In a post on X, Araghchi accused President Donald Trump of turning “America First into Israel First - which always means America Last.”

He warned that Iran’s armed forces were fully prepared to respond, writing that they would “teach the aggressors the lesson they deserve”.

Iran is facing a severe internet blackout, with monitoring groups describing the shutdown as “near-total”. The disruption follows what officials say was a major cyber attack earlier in the day.

The blackout has reportedly cut off large parts of the population from reliable communication.

Iranian officials say an Israeli strike has killed at least 40 people at a girls’ primary school in Minab, in the southern Hormozgan province.

The claims were made by Governor Mohammad Radmehr, who told the state-run IRNA news agency that 48 others were injured and that the death toll was expected to rise.

These claims, however, have not been independently verified. Foreign media are routinely denied visas to Iran, making it extremely difficult to confirm what is happening on the ground.

Iran has launched air strikes against every Gulf country except Oman, according to regional officials. The attacks appear to have focused on locations hosting US military personnel, as thousands of American troops are stationed across air and naval bases in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Early indications suggest that most, if not all, incoming missiles were intercepted by local air defence systems. So far, there is little confirmed information about the extent of any damage or casualties.

Oman, the only Gulf state not targeted, said it was “dismayed” by the strikes, warning that the escalation jeopardises ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

The country has played a key role as a mediator in the talks and urged all sides to step back from further confrontation.

French President Emmanuel Macron has voiced deep concern over the escalating conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States, warning that the situation poses “grave consequences for international peace and security”.

In a statement posted on X, Macron said France is taking “all measures” to protect its territory, its citizens and its interests in the Middle East. He added that France is prepared to deploy additional resources if requested by its closest partners in the region.

Macron described the current escalation as “dangerous for all” and urged an immediate halt to the fighting. He said: “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.”

He also called for the Iranian people to be able to “build their future freely,” condemning what he called massacres committed by the regime.

Pictures from Tehran show the aftermath of Israeli strikes.

Explosions are still being heard in Doha and elsewhere in the Gulf as Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan all report intercepting missiles fired from Iran at US military bases on their territory.

Several of these countries have said they reserve the right to respond, but any retaliation is expected to be weighed very cautiously.

This is the scenario regional governments have spent weeks trying to avoid, with Arab leaders attempting to mediate between Washington and Tehran before the conflict escalated. It now appears the Trump administration acted on Israeli advice rather than that of key Arab allies, the BBC reports.

Governments in the region fear the US-Israel strikes could destabilise the Middle East further and pull neighbouring states deeper into the fighting.

There are also concerns that Iran could target vital infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, or even try to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global energy supplies.

In the worst-case scenario, officials worry the Iranian state could begin to fracture, triggering refugee flows, uncontrolled weapons movements and wider instability, especially as President Trump has made clear that regime change is a key aim of the operation.

Several missiles have been intercepted over Doha.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has strongly condemned the joint US-Israel attacks on Iran, calling them “unwarranted” during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said Dar pushed for “an immediate halt to escalation” and urged all sides to return to diplomacy to prevent the crisis from deepening. The statement warned that continued conflict would threaten regional stability.

Kuwait has confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted what officials called a “heinous Iranian attack” earlier today.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country reserves the right to defend itself and stressed that protective measures were activated immediately.

Kuwait Airways has also announced a temporary suspension of all flights in and out of the country as a safety precaution, with passengers urged to check for updates.

Earlier today, Iran launched a missile attack on U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet in Manama, Bahrain.

The pictures show the aftermath.

Pictures from Tel Aviv show Israelis bracing for Iran's retaliation. People took shelter at underground stations.

Reactions inside Iran have been sharply divided following the US–Israel strikes, the BBC reports.

Reports say loud explosions were heard around 09.40am in several cities, sending people running in panic as videos on social media captured screams and confusion near the blast sites.

But alongside the fear, some Iranians expressed relief, believing the attacks could weaken the regime.

One person wrote: “Damn the Islamic dictatorship that caused this war. We have already endured three wars.”

Another warned against celebrating, saying: “If I die, don’t forget that we exist too - those of us who oppose any military attack.”

Smoke has been seen rising from a US base near Erbil airport in northern Iraq, according to an Associated Press journalist who also heard explosions in the area.

Local media reports suggest missiles were intercepted, although neither Iraqi officials nor the US military have released any statements.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq had previously threatened to strike targets in the Kurdish region if Iran came under attack.

Earlier today, a drone strike hit a Kataib Hezbollah headquarters southwest of Baghdad, killing two members of the Iran-aligned militia.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a statement to several Gulf states, saying Iran will defend itself using all available military means.

Araghchi has spoken by phone with counterparts in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq, telling them Iran will act under its “legitimate right of self-defence” to protect its territorial integrity.

The statement also urged these countries to prevent the US and Israel from using their facilities or territory to launch attacks, reminding them of what Iran called their “responsibility” in the crisis.

Saudi Arabia has issued a strong statement condemning Iran’s missile attacks across the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom “strongly condemns and denounces the blatant Iranian aggression” targeting the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan.

Riyadh said it stands in “full solidarity” with its neighbouring states and is ready to support them with “all its capabilities”.

The statement warned of “grave consequences” if Iran continues violating state sovereignty and international law, and called on the global community to take “necessary and firm measures” to confront Iran’s actions.

An Israeli security source says Israel’s military operations against Iran will not stop any time soon.

Speaking to journalists anonymously, the source said Israel and the US would keep targeting Iran’s military and missile sites “as long as we need to” to prevent Tehran from restoring its capabilities.

The source added the aim was to protect regional and international stability.

NATO has issued a brief statement saying the alliance is monitoring events in the Middle East as the situation continues to escalate.

Spokesperson Allison Hart said NATO is “closely following developments” in Iran and across the region, but gave no further details on whether the alliance plans to take any action.

Indonesia says it is ready to step in and help mediate the growing conflict between the US and Iran.

In a statement posted on X, the Foreign Ministry said the country “deeply regrets the failure of negotiations” and urged all sides to prioritise diplomacy.

The ministry wrote that President Prabowo Subianto is prepared to facilitate dialogue, adding he is even willing to travel to Tehran if both parties agree.

Indonesia warned that the current escalation threatens regional stability and “world peace and security”.

A widely shared video circulating on social media claims to show the moment an Iranian missile struck Abu Dhabi.

Reports say Iranian ballistic missiles were launched toward the UAE during the wider regional escalation.

Debris from intercepted missiles fell into residential areas, causing damage and killing one civilian.

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

Israel’s N12 News reports that around 35 ballistic missiles have been launched from Iran toward Israel since this morning.

The Israeli military is continuing to track the attack as defence systems attempt to intercept incoming fire across several regions.

The Israeli Air Force has issued a new update after missile sirens were activated across multiple parts of the country.

In a message on X, it said the public must follow Home Front Command instructions, stressing that forces are working to “intercept and strike wherever required to remove the threat”.

The statement warned that “the defence is not hermetic,” meaning some missiles may still get through, and urged people to stay in protected spaces until notified otherwise.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has confirmed that missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory.

In a statement on X, the IDF said defence systems are “operating to intercept the threat” and that the Home Front Command has issued warnings directly to mobile phones in affected regions.

The IDF urged the public to follow instructions, adding: “One must enter protected spaces upon receiving the alert and remain in them until a new announcement.”

People have been told not to leave shelters unless explicitly instructed.

European Union leaders have issued a joint statement calling for calm as tensions escalate across the Middle East. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa said “ensuring nuclear safety” and preventing further escalation is now critical.

They urged all sides “to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.”

The leaders said the EU continues to push for diplomatic solutions, while also maintaining “extensive sanctions in response to the actions of Iran’s murderous regime and the Revolutionary Guards.”

Brussels is now working with member states to support EU citizens currently in the region.

Major airlines have suspended or diverted flights across the Middle East, citing passenger safety.

Virgin Atlantic cancelled its VS400 service from Heathrow to Dubai and warned that routes to the Maldives, India and Saudi Arabia may face longer journeys due to re-routing.

British Airways has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday, with today’s service to Amman also grounded. The BA123 to Doha, which departed Heathrow at 8pm last night, was forced to turn back mid-flight, leaving more than 200 passengers back in London hours later.

Wizz Air says it has suspended all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until next Saturday, and will cancel flights to Saudi Arabia until Tuesday.

Emirates has also halted operations. Lufthansa, Air India and Turkish Airlines are among other carriers announcing cancellations.

Syria’s civil aviation authority has closed the country’s southern airspace amid rising military activity across the Middle East.

The move comes as several major airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, Transavia, Qatar Airways and Pegasus, cancelled all flights into Lebanon.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has welcomed the joint attacks carried out by the US and Israel against Iran.

In a short statement, Herzog said he hopes the military action “will bring a historic change and a better future for the whole Middle East and the entire world”.

Israel and the US launched coordinated strikes on Iran after what they described as an escalating threat from Tehran.

British Airways has cancelled a number of flights. The airline confirmed it has suspended services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3, and has also cancelled today’s flight to Amman.

In a statement, BA said: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have taken the operational decision to cancel our flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain up to and including March 3 and have cancelled today's service to Amman.”

The airline added: “Safety is always our top priority and we're contacting our customers to advise them of their travel options.”

Passengers affected by the cancellations are being contacted directly.

The UAE’s Ministry of Defence has issued a lengthy statement after the country came under attack from Iranian ballistic missiles, confirming that air defence systems intercepted several missiles with “high efficiency”.

The ministry said debris fell in a residential area, causing material damage and leading to the death of one civilian of Asian nationality.

In its statement, the ministry said the incident constituted “a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act”. It added that the attack was a “blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law”.

Officials said the UAE “reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and to take all necessary measures to protect its territory, citizens and residents”.

The statement also assured residents that the security situation remains stable and that authorities are monitoring developments around the clock.

The ministry emphasised its “full readiness and preparedness to deal with any threats,” saying the safety of citizens, residents and visitors remains a top priority.

It urged the public not to spread rumours or unverified information and to rely only on official updates from UAE authorities.

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency is reporting that an Israeli attack struck a girls’ elementary school in the southern city of Minab, located in Hormozgan province.

According to the report, five students were killed in the strike.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry says the latest US and Israeli attacks on Iran are the direct result of Tehran’s behaviour, accusing the Iranian government of widespread repression and escalating violence at home and abroad.

In a strongly worded statement, officials said: “The reason for the current events is precisely the violence and arbitrariness of the Iranian regime, in particular the murders and repressions against peaceful protesters, which have become particularly large-scale in recent months.”

The statement went on to say: “Long-term systematic violations of human rights, brutal repression, executions and persecution of dissidents testify to the deep crisis of the internal policy of this state and the lack of proper protection of the basic rights and freedoms of its citizens.”

Ukraine has been critical of Iran for supplying drones and military support to Russia during the war.

The EU’s foreign policy chief has called the situation in the Middle East “perilous”, saying she is in contact with Israeli and Arab officials to push for a diplomatic solution.

Kaja Kallas said Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, as well as its support for armed groups, pose “a serious threat to global security”.

She confirmed the EU is evacuating some staff from the region while maintaining its maritime mission in the Red Sea.

An Israeli security source told EuroNews that Saturday’s strikes on Iran were launched because of what they described as a “sharp acceleration” in Iran’s missile production.

The source claimed Iran is now producing dozens of ballistic missiles each month, warning that the regime is moving towards “producing thousands of missiles in the coming years” in what they called “a dramatic expansion of an already dangerous arsenal”.

Qatar’s interior ministry says the intercepted missiles caused no damage.

Residents have received phone alerts urging them to stay indoors. Traffic remains on the roads but much lighter than normal.

US President Donald Trump spoke to the Washington Post early this morning and said the US wants “freedom” and safety for the Iranian people.

Pressed on what he wants the operation to achieve, he said: “I want a safe nation, and that’s what we’re going to have.”

In a statement, the UAE condemned the strike as a “dangerous escalation” and “cowardly act”.

The ministry said the country “reserves its full right to respond”.

The UAE’s defence ministry says the country has come under “a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles”.

Officials say air defence systems intercepted several missiles, but falling debris hit a residential area in Abu Dhabi.

A civilian of Asian nationality was killed and some buildings were damaged.

Several major airlines have halted services across the region following the US and Israeli strikes.

Airspaces in Israel, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar have all been closed.

The Pentagon has named the US operation in Iran “Operation Epic Fury.”

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the campaign as a “joint operation” countering an “existential threat”.

Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Air Base is shared by the UAE Air Force and the US Air Force. Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port is the US Navy’s largest port of call in the Middle East.

The US keeps more than 2,000 troops in Saudi Arabia, including forces stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base, around 60km south of Riyadh. The base houses Patriot and THAAD systems.

Northern Israel has been hit by several explosions as the country’s air defence systems attempt to bring down Iranian missiles. There is currently no information on casualties.

Washington and Tehran have been attempting to negotiate limits on Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump said on Friday he was “not happy” with Iran’s negotiating position.

Hours later, Israel and the US carried out a joint strike on Tehran.

Kuwait has confirmed its defence systems have been activated in response to missile threats. Sirens have also been heard in parts of Jordan.

Residents in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, reported explosions as Iranian missiles were launched across the region. It remains unclear whether US troops in the area were directly targeted.

Bahrain’s National Communication Centre confirmed a missile strike hit the service centre of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama. A statement said details would be provided later.

Sirens have been triggered in Doha as Qatar confirmed it intercepted multiple incoming missiles. State media says the country’s defence ministry “successfully countered a number of attacks”.

A Qatari official told AFP a US-made Patriot battery intercepted one of the Iranian missiles targeting the country.

Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military site in the region.

In a separate statement, Trump called on Iranian citizens to rise up, saying: “It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”

The UK Government has said it does not want to see “a wider regional conflict” in the Middle East. It is understood the UK was not involved in the strikes on Iran.

US President Donald Trump announced that American forces have begun “major combat operations” in Iran after Israel carried out what it called a pre-emptive strike on Tehran.

Trump added: “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

Iran says it has launched missiles towards Israel, the UAE and Saudi Arabia in direct response to US and Israeli military action.

Residents in Dubai Marina reported hearing a loud explosion earlier today. The cause has not yet been confirmed, but it follows a series of strikes across the region.

Officials say one person has reportedly died in Abu Dhabi after debris from an intercepted missile landed in a residential area. More information is expected as authorities assess the damage.

Explosions have been reported in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the UAE is drawn into the rapidly escalating US-Iran conflict. The blasts come after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday.

Good morning and welcome to our blog. We will be bringing you the latest afer Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been rocked by explosions, as the UAE is embroiled in the US-Iran conflict.