A joint military operation launched by the United States and Israel against Iran is underway, triggering retaliatory strikes and escalating tensions across the Middle East. The attacks, which began Saturday, March 1, 2026, have targeted Iranian military sites and government infrastructure, and have resulted in confirmed casualties including high-ranking officials. This dramatic escalation marks a significant shift in U.S. Policy toward Iran and raises concerns about a wider regional conflict.
Enhanced Security Measures at Aviano Air Base
Extraordinary security measures have been implemented at the U.S. Air Force base in Aviano, Italy, following the U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iran. The base, a strategic hub for operations in Europe and the Mediterranean, is under close surveillance coordinated by the local prefecture. While the alert level has not been raised beyond “Bravo plus,” controls have been strengthened despite reduced operational activity over the weekend.
Tajani to Convene Crisis Unit Meeting at 10:30 AM
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani will chair a new meeting of the Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Unit at 10:30 AM to monitor developments in the Middle East following the attacks on Iran, particularly regarding the situation of Italian citizens in the area. The minister will hold a video conference with Italian ambassadors in the region. Tajani had previously scheduled an event with his party in Viterbo, but canceled his participation.
IDF Reports Launching 1,200 Munitions in Strikes
According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli Air Force fighter jets launched over 1,200 munitions during attacks in Iran. The IDF stated the strikes targeted hundreds of Iranian military objectives, including ballistic missile launchers and air defense systems, as reported by the Times of Israel.
Iraq Declares Three Days of Mourning
Iraq has announced three days of national mourning following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi stated in a statement that, “with deep sorrow, we express our condolences to the noble Iranian people and the entire Muslim world” following Khamenei’s death in “a blatant act of aggression.”
U.S. Embassy in Oman Advises Americans to Shelter in Place
The U.S. Embassy in Oman has advised diplomatic personnel and U.S. Citizens to shelter in place due to “activity outside of Muscat.”
Tajani to Hold New Meeting with Ambassadors in the Middle East
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has scheduled another video conference with Italian ambassadors in the Middle East at 10:30 AM to follow the latest developments in the attack on Iran, according to the Foreign Ministry.
UAE Reports 137 Missiles and 209 Drones Launched Against It
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defense stated that Iran launched 137 missiles and 209 drones against the country. At least one person was killed and seven injured during what authorities described as an “incident” at Abu Dhabi Airport. Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest hub for international traffic, was also targeted.
Iranian Air Force Claims Successful Strikes on U.S. Bases
The Iranian Air Force announced it had “successfully” bombed U.S. Bases in Gulf countries and in Iraqi Kurdistan, according to Iranian media reports.
Over 1,800 Flights Canceled Due to Airspace Closures
Hundreds of thousands of travelers are stranded or rerouted after Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain closed their airspace. There was also no flight activity in the United Arab Emirates, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, following the government’s announcement of a “temporary and partial closure” of its airspace. This led to the closure of major hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, and the cancellation of over 1,800 flights from major Middle Eastern carriers. The three main airlines operating in these airports – Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad – typically carry around 90,000 passengers a day through these hubs, and an even greater number of travelers destined for locations in the Middle East.
Alert Ceases in Israel, No Significant Damage Reported
The alert has ceased and has not caused significant damage in Israel following the latest wave of missile launches from Iran. According to the Times of Israel, citing health sources, You’ll see no reports of injuries or direct impacts in residential areas. Police received reports of fragments of missiles and interceptors falling in the Jerusalem area, and gas leaks caused by shrapnel in the West Bank.
Protesters Assault U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan
Hundreds of people have stormed the U.S. Consulate in the Pakistani port city of Karachi, breaking windows after the United States and Israel attacked Iran and killed the country’s supreme leader. Police reported that police and paramilitary forces used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least one protester was killed and many others injured in clashes between protesters and security forces.
Explosions in Jerusalem, Air Defense Activated
Explosions were heard in Jerusalem as air defenses were activated to intercept a new wave of missiles from Iran. Sirens sounded in several areas of the country, including Tel Aviv, according to Israeli media.
Larijani: “They Burned Our Hearts. We Will Burn Theirs”
Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, threatened retaliation for the attack by Israel and the United States that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. “America and the Zionist regime have burned the hearts of the Iranian nation. We will burn their hearts…,” he wrote on X.
Missile Launches, Sirens in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Air raid sirens are sounding in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and other central locations in Israel due to the possible launch of missiles from Iran. Sky News correspondent Flavia Cappellini, reporting from Jerusalem, ended her live broadcast to seek shelter.
Iran: Death Toll in Minab School Attack Rises to 148
The death toll from the Israeli attack on a primary school for girls in the Iranian city of Minab has risen to 148, according to Iranian state media. The governor of the city, Mohammad Radmehr, said that rescue and debris removal operations are still underway, with the majority of the victims being young girls.
U.S. Secretary of State to Speak with G7 Leaders Today
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold a remote meeting with leaders of the G7 countries today to discuss the conflict with Iran, according to a statement released in Washington by the State Department.
Defense Minister Also Killed in Attacks
Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh was also killed alongside Chief of Staff Sayyid Abdolrahim Mousavi during Saturday’s U.S.-Israeli attacks, Iranian media reports. The two officials were reportedly targeted during a meeting of the Defense Council.
State Media Shows Crowds Mourning Khamenei
Iranian state media has repeatedly broadcast images of streets and squares across the country filled with people mourning the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Television channels have shown footage, which they claim was filmed today, of hundreds of thousands of Iranians gathering in Tehran and in Khomeini Square in Isfahan.
Tehran: “Our Strikes Will Be So Devastating You Will Beg for Mercy”
The Iranian government has promised that the killing of Ali Khamenei is a “grave crime that will not go unpunished.” “You have crossed our red line and you will have to pay the price,” said Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf in a televised address, “We will inflict blows on you so devastating that you will be forced to beg for mercy.”
Media: Dubai Airport Hit
Dubai Airport was hit by a drone, according to Iranian state television IribNews, which showed images of a large column of smoke rising from a building.
Iranian State Media Confirms Death of IRGC Commander
IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour and head of the Iranian Council of Defense Ali Shamkhani were “martyred” during the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Saturday, according to the Iranian news agency IRNA.
Trump: “Iran Has Said They Will Attack Fiercely, It’s Better They Don’t”
“They said today they are going to attack like never before, it’s better they don’t,” warned U.S. President Donald Trump in a post on his Truth Social platform, addressing Tehran after the attacks that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iranian Pasdaran: “Punishment Will Be Severe” for Khamenei’s Killers
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Pasdaran) has promised a “severe” punishment for the assassins of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whose death was confirmed by state television. In a statement, the Guards condemned “the criminal and terrorist acts committed by the evil governments of the United States and the Zionist regime,” adding: “The avenging hand of the Iranian nation will not leave them before inflicting a severe and decisive punishment that they will regret.”
Pasdaran Announce “Most Fierce” Offensive Against U.S. And Israel
The Pasdaran, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, announced they will launch the “most fierce” operation in the history of the Islamic Republic against Israel and U.S. Bases. “The offensive operation will begin in the near future,” they wrote on Telegram.
Reza Pahlavi: “The Hour of Liberation Is Near”
In a brief post on X, Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Shah of Iran, thanked President Trump for the military operation against Iran, stating that “the hour of liberation is near.” Pahlavi, who aspires to lead Iran, said he has developed a plan “for an orderly and transparent transition to a democratic Iran.”
Explosions Near Erbil Airport, U.S. Base in Iraq
Strong explosions were heard near Erbil Airport, which hosts coalition troops led by the U.S. In the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. An AFP journalist reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the airport area. On Saturday, February 28, coalition forces shot down several explosive-laden missiles and drones over Erbil.
Trump: “There Are Some Good Candidates to Lead Iran”
A diplomatic solution to the tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States is “easily” possible, President Trump said in an interview with CBS News. “Much easier now than it was yesterday, obviously, due to the fact that they are under heavy pressure,” he added, stating he knows who is now leading Iran without providing further details. When asked who he would like to see lead Iran, Trump replied, “There are some good candidates.”
Iran: Celebrations in Tehran Following Khamenei’s Death
Crowds of Iranians have taken to the streets of Tehran and other cities in the country celebrating the news of the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a day of coordinated attacks between the United States and Israel.
40 Days of Mourning and 7 Days of Celebration Declared
Iran has announced a 40-day period of mourning, followed by seven days of celebration, following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had been in power since 1989.
Iran: Daughter and Grandson of Khamenei Also Killed
Following President Trump’s announcement of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iranian authorities have confirmed the deaths of his daughter and grandson.
Luxury Hotels Burj Al Arab and Fairmont The Palm Hit in Dubai
Debris from a drone caused a fire at the iconic luxury hotel Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Four people were injured following an explosion that hit the Fairmont The Palm hotel area, also in Dubai.
Iran: Death Toll in Minab School Attack Rises to 108
“The number of martyred students at the school in Minab has reached 108, and rescue and debris removal operations are still ongoing,” said a spokesperson for the Iranian Red Crescent.
U.S. Secretary of State to Hold Talks with G7 Leaders Today
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will hold a remote meeting with leaders of the G7 countries today to discuss the conflict with Iran, according to a statement released in Washington by the State Department.
Drone Strike Hits Bahrain Airport
Bahrain’s airport was hit by a drone. The Bahraini Ministry of Interior reported the incident, stating, “There was material damage but no loss of life.” Authorities are securing the area.
Iran: Khamenei’s Grandson and Daughter Killed
Following President Trump’s announcement of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iranian authorities have confirmed the deaths of his daughter and grandson.
Iran Confirms Khamenei’s Death
Iranian state media has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as announced earlier by President Trump.
Drone Hits Airport in Dubai
Dubai Airport was hit by a drone, according to Iranian state television IribNews, which showed images of a large column of smoke rising from a building.
Tehran: Khamenei Was Killed
Authorities in Tehran have stated that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed during the joint U.S.-Israeli operation.
