The United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, and U.S. President Donald Trump called on the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny” by rising up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979.
Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.
Some of the first strikes on Iran appeared to hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Smoke could be seen rising from the capital as part of strikes that Iranian media said occurred nationwide. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old leader was in his offices when the attack occurred.
Iran’s Leader Khamenei Killed, Israeli Security Officials Say
Iranian leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the U.S.-Israeli strikes, senior Israeli security officials told Epoch Magazine in Israel.
Netanyahu: ‘There Are Many Signs That This Tyrant Is No Longer
During a brief address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were many signs that Iran’s Khamenei “is no longer.” He did not explicitly confirm his death. Netanyahu called on Iranian citizens to “flood the streets and finish the job.”
US Targeted Revolutionary Guard Command Facilities, Other Sites
U.S. forces striking Iran focused on locations “that posed an imminent threat” including “Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields,” U.S. Central Command said in a statement Saturday.
The strikes, which began shortly before 10 a.m. in Tehran, included “precision munitions launched from air, land, and sea” and U.S. Central Command said that they also employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat.
US Military Reports No American Casualties So Far
About 12 hours after the attacks began, the U.S. military reported no U.S. casualties and minimal damage at U.S. bases despite “hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.”
Trump Spoke With Netanyahu, Monitoring Situation in Middle East: White House
President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said, adding that the president will be monitoring developments throughout the day.
“President Trump monitored the situation overnight at Mar-a-Lago alongside members of his national security team,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on X.
“Prior to the attacks, Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio called all members of the gang of eight to provide congressional notification, and he was able to reach and brief seven of the eight members,” she said.
Iran State TV Reports More Than 200 People Killed
Iran’s Red Crescent says Israeli-U.S. airstrikes across Iran have killed 201 people and injured 747, according to comments on Iranian state TV.
Israeli Says Some 200 Fighter Jets Took Part in Initial Attack
The Israeli military says some 200 fighter jets participated in the initial attack on Iran, striking some 500 targets that included air defenses and missile launchers.
Explosions Heard in Tehran Near Intelligence Ministry
Witnesses living near the Intelligence Ministry building in Tehran tell The Associated Press that several explosions were heard in the vicinity of the facility. There has been no official statement on the incident in Iranian media so far. Witnesses also reported that air defense systems had begun operating in the area.
UK Calls on Iran to ‘End This Now’
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says that while the U.K. didn’t participate in the attack on Iran, its planes provided air defense for its people and allies in the region.
“We’ve stepped up protections from British bases and personnel to their highest level,” Starmer said.
The Iranian leadership is “utterly abhorrent,” has killed its own people and destabilized the region and should never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, Starmer said.
Mideast Governments Condemn Iran
Across the Middle East, governments moved quickly to condemn Iran’s strikes on Arab neighbors, while staying silent on earlier Israeli and U.S. attacks. Countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Israel—including Morocco, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates—denounced Iranian strikes targeting U.S. military bases including in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the Emirates.
The 22-nation Arab League—which has historically condemned both Israel and Iran for actions it says risk destabilizing the region—called the attacks “a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability.”
Thune Supports Iran Strikes as Jeffries Condemns Iran, Decries Trump’s Lack of Congressional Approval
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) spoke in support of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in a Feb. 28 statement on X.
Thune said Iran’s years of “relentless nuclear ambitions” and “expanded ballistic missile inventory” as well as its “unwavering support for terror groups in the region,” constituted an “unacceptable threat” to the United States.
Thune lauded President Donald Trump’s actions, saying that “despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said that “Iran is a bad actor and must be aggressively confronted for its human rights violations, nuclear ambitions, support of terrorism, and the threat it poses to our allies like Israel and Jordan in the region.”
However, the Democrat objected to the lack of congressional oversight for the move, saying that aside from “exigent circumstances,” the president “must seek authorization for the preemptive use of military force that constitutes an act of war.”
Iran Continues to Fire Missiles at Israel
Israel’s military say that that “dozens” of missiles have been fired by Iran at Israel.
While many have been intercepted and no serious injuries have been reported, the missile barrages were continuing after sundown Saturday.
Iran Calls for ‘Immediate Action’ From UN
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has written to the U.N. Security Council calling for the 15-member body to “take immediate action in response to this breach of international peace and security.”
The council, which is currently under the presidency of the United Kingdom until midnight Saturday, is expected to hold an emergency meeting on Saturday.
UN Security Council to Hold Emergency Meeting
The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting on the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Israel’s U.N. Mission says the meeting will take place at 4 p.m. ET (2100 GMT) at the request of Bahrain and France.
Israel’s U.N. ambassador Danny Danon said Israel “is strong, united and determined to defend its citizens against any existential threat.” Danon also said that “Israel will never allow an Iranian nuclear state.”
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the strikes on Iran and the Islamic Republic’s retaliation.
Iran’s Supreme Leader and Its President Are Alive, Minister Says
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tells NBC News that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are alive “as far as I know.”
Russia Condemns US and Israeli Strikes on Iran
The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran in a Feb. 28 statement.
It stated that the actions leading up to the strikes “leave no doubt that this is a deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state.”
The ministry called the strike a “direct violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law.”
Egypt Consults With Several Countries
Egypt’s top diplomat has discussed the military escalation in the Middle East with his counterparts in several regional and European countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Germany and France.
Saudi Arabia Says It Repelled Attack by Iran
Saudi Arabia said Iran targeted its capital and its eastern region in an attack.
The government reported the attack in an announcement on its state-run Saudi Press Agency. It called the attack “blatant and cowardly” and said it was repelled.
Kuwait Says It Has Repelled Iranian Attack
Kuwait’s national news agency says the Gulf country’s air defenses successfully repelled what it called a “heinous Iranian attack” earlier in the day.
Ukraine’s President Supports US-led Strikes
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced support for U.S.-led strikes on Iran, calling the country “an accomplice of Putin” for supplying Shahed drones and the technology for Moscow to produce them and other weapons in its four-year war against Ukraine.
“Over the course of this full-scale war, Russia has used more than 57,000 Shahed-type attack drones against the Ukrainian people, cities, and energy infrastructure. Other nations have also suffered from Iranian-backed terror. Therefore, it is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of a terrorist regime and to guarantee security for all nations that have suffered from terror originating in Iran,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X.
The Ukrainian leader said the emphasis now should be to save as many lives as possible and prevent any expansion of the war.
Omani Mediator in Recent Talks Urges US to Not ‘Get Sucked in Further’
Oman’s top diplomat has urged the United States “not to get sucked in further” to a conflict with Iran. Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi posted his comments on X hours after Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Iran.
“I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war,” he wrote.
Albusaidi was the key mediator in talks over Iran’s nuclear program seeking to avoid a U.S. attack. He said in an interview with CBS News that negotiations over a deal had made “substantial progress” in the last round talks in Geneva.
Iranian Authorities Make Highway One-Way to Help People Leaving Tehran
Iran’s state news agency IRNA has reported that authorities turned a major highway connecting Iran’s capital with the country’s north into a one-way route to accommodate traffic leaving Tehran.
The agency reported heavy traffic heading north out of the capital.
Canada’s Leader Supports US Action
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its government from further threatening international peace and security.
Flights Disrupted Across Middle East and Beyond
The United States and Israel’s attack on Iran is disrupting flights across the Middle East and beyond. Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar closed their airspace on Saturday. Airspace in southern Syria was also closed.
Some planes that were en route to cities like Tel Aviv and Dubai were diverted or returned to where they took off from.
The situation is changing quickly and airlines urged passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport. Many major airlines are canceling flights to and from parts of the region through Sunday or early next week.
Smoke and Explosions Witnessed Near US Base in Iraq
Smoke rose from a U.S. base near the airport in Irbil, the regional capital of Iraq’s semiautonomous northern Kurdish region Saturday and an Associated Press journalist in the area heard explosions.
EU Calls for Restraint and Diplomacy
European Union leaders issued a joint statement Saturday calling for restraint and engaging in regional diplomacy in hopes of “ensuring nuclear safety.”
“Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. “We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.”
Both said that the EU has pushed to resolve critical issues through diplomacy but also has in place “extensive sanctions in response to the actions of Iran’s murderous regime and the Revolutionary Guards.”
Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Strikes
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Iranian assaults on the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan as a breach of their sovereignty.
The Kingdom confirmed that it fully stands by those countries and warned of the “dire consequences of continued breach of sovereignty and violating international principles.”
US and Israeli Strikes Target Sites Across Iran
Strikes on Saturday are targeting a growing list of cities and sites across Iran, according to Iranian state media. Direct strikes on the capital, Tehran, earlier sent plumes of smokes above its skyline, with reports of explosions in or near the major cities of Isfahan, Shiraz and Tabriz.
Blasts were also reported in several western towns as well as around Persian Gulf port cities that are critical to Iran’s major oil trade, including Asaluyeh.
France Advises Its Citizens to Exercise Caution
France, whose military has bases and a regular presence in the Mideast, has called on French citizens in the region to exercise extreme caution.
“A military escalation is underway … It’s not the time for negotiations. We are in a situation of war,” junior Defense Minister Alice Rufo told France-2 television Saturday, comparing the situation to the 12-day war in June.
“Our priority is the protection of our citizens and protection of our forces in the region,” she said.
Asked if French forces were involved in the U.S. and Israeli strikes or targeted in retaliatory strikes, French military spokesperson Col. Guillaume Vernet said: “The French armed forces continuously adapt their posture to threats and implement measures to ensure the surveillance and protection of military installations where French soldiers are deployed.”
He would not elaborate.
Israeli President Salutes Attacks on Iran
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has welcomed the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran.
Khamenei’s Whereabouts Unknown
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei did not made a public appearance in the days before the attack and hasn’t been immediately seen after. During the 12-day war in June, he was believed to have been taken to a secure location away from his Tehran compound.
Qatar Says It Repels 2nd Wave of Iranian Attacks
Qatar’s Defense Ministry says the military has successfully repelled the second wave of Iranian attacks that targeted several parts of the nation.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, calling them a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty. It added that Qatar has been always among the sides calling for a dialogue with Iran.
Syria Closes Airspace
Syria’s civil aviation authority announced the closure of airspace in southern Syria Saturday, while a number of airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, Transavia, Qatar Airways, and Pegasus canceled all flights to Lebanon.
Emirates Airlines Says Flights Are Disrupted
Emirates, one of the world’s biggest long-haul airlines, says several of its flights have been affected by the airspace closure in the United Arab Emirates.
The carrier is based at Dubai International Airport, the busiest hub for international travel. It says it is working with local officials and adjusting its operations, and it urged passengers to check their flight status online.
Iran Says Israeli–US Airstrikes Kill 5 at Girls’ School
Iran on Saturday said Israeli-U.S. airstrikes in southern Iran killed five students at a girls’ school, the first confirmed fatalities in the operation.
The state-run IRNA news agency reported the strike happened in Minab in Iran’s Hormozgan province. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has a base in the city.
Impact Wounds 1 in Israel
Israel’s national rescue service MADA said one man was lightly wounded from an impact in northern Israel.
Iran Confirms Attacks on US Sites
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard says that in its retaliation against Israel and U.S. attacks on Iran, the military struck several facilities in the region.
The Revolutionary Guard said in a statement that in the first phase of retaliation, named “Truthful Promise 4,” Iran’s military struck the command of the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain as well as U.S. bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and military targets in Israel.
There have been no reports of damage in these areas apart from one death in the United Arab Emirates.
Bahrain Condemns Iranian Attack on US Fleet
Bahrain’s ambassador in the U.S. says attacks occurred against “sites within the Kingdom,” without giving further details. Writing on X, Abdalla Al-Khalifa said the attacks were a “blatant violation of sovereignty.”
Qatar Airways Suspends Flights
Qatar Airways says it is temporarily suspending flights at its Doha hub because of the closure of the Gulf nation’s airspace.
The airline says it is working with local authorities to support passengers affected by the stoppage, and that it expects delays once flights eventually resume. It did not predict when that might be.
Iranian Missile Shrapnel Kills 1 in UAE
Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the capital of the United Arab Emirates killed one person Saturday, authorities in Dubai said.
Turkish Airlines Suspends Flights
Turkish Airlines says it is suspending flights to multiple Middle Eastern countries. Flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan will be suspended till March 2, an official said on X.
Iran Confirms Response to Attacks
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed its armed forces had “commenced a decisive response to these hostile acts.”
In a statement, it warned the Iranian people to travel to areas not included in the zones being targeted and said the government had made “prior arrangements” to ensure the supply of basic necessities.
Germany Says It Was Told of Israeli Strikes in Advance
The German government was informed in advance this morning about Israel’s military strikes on Iran, a spokesman said on Saturday.
Germany is in close consultation with its European partners, the spokesman said. Its crisis management team will meet at noon to discuss Iran.
The government urged German citizens in Iran, Israel, and the wider region to register on the official system for citizens abroad and follow the instructions of the local authorities for their own protection.
Israeli Media Show Images of Damaged Building
Israeli media showed images of damage to an apartment building in northern Israel, reportedly from impact with parts of an interceptor.
Israel Warns Iranians Near Military Sites to Evacuate
The Israeli military issued a warning in Persian for the immediate evacuation of areas near weapons production and military facilities in Iran.
Blasts Heard in Qatar as Iran Responds to Attack
Explosions could be heard in Qatar on Saturday as Iran launched a counterattack over the joint U.S. -Israel campaign targeting the Islamic Republic. There was no immediate word of any damage.
Reactions From US Lawmakers
The early response from federal lawmakers to the U.S. government’s bombarding of Iran largely revolved around their feelings about Trump.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who has long pushed for regime change in Iran, called for God to bless Trump. He said on social media that the attacks could provide freedom for the Iranian people, saying, “This operation is necessary and long justified.”
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who was a Marine in the Iraq War, warned, “Young working-class kids should not pay the ultimate price for regime change and a war that hasn’t been explained or justified to the American people.”
UAE Closes Airspace
The United Arab Emirates has closed its airspace as Israel and the United States conduct strikes on Iran.
Bahrain Says Several Sites Attacked
Bahrain’s state news agency says that several facilities were hit inside the kingdom as a result of “an aggression” from outside the country.
The agency called the attack “a flagrant violation of the kingdom’s sovereignty and security,” and said authorities in Bahrain are implementing “emergency measures.”
Sirens and Blasts Reported in Kuwait
Witnesses heard sirens and explosions in Kuwait, home to U.S. Army Central. There was no immediate word on any damage.
Streets in Israel Empty as Sirens Wail
In Israel, the public was instructed to stay close to shelters. Streets were mostly empty as a series of sirens continued to sound for most of Saturday morning. Israel’s main news programs shifted their broadcasts to bomb shelters as well.
US 5th Fleet Service Center Was Attacked, Bahrain Says
Bahrain’s state news agency says the service center of the U.S. 5th Fleet was subjected to a missile attack. The agency said it will give further details later.
Israel Says Operation Was Planned for Months
Israel said the attack on Iran was carried out as a “broad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime” that has been planned for months between the Israeli and U.S. militaries.
US Embassies in Middle East Advise Americans to Take Cover
U.S. embassies or consulates in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Israel posted on social media that they told staffers to shelter in place and recommended all Americans “do the same until further notice.”
Iranian State TV Shows Damaged Buildings
Iranian state television aired footage of heavily damaged buildings in Tehran, with rescuers digging through the rubble, looking for survivors.
Iran Launches Drones and Missiles Against Israel
Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard says it has launched its “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel, suggesting it planned further attacks.
Netanyahu Says Attack Is to Remove Iranian Threat
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint attack with the United States was to “remove an existential threat posed” by Iran.
Blasts in Northern Israel and Sirens in Jordan
Explosions rocked northern Israel on Saturday as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles after launching a nationwide attack with the United States on Iran.
The blasts echoed just after the Israeli military said it would be using its air defense systems to bring down the Iranian fire.
There was no immediate word on any damage or casualties from the ongoing attack.
Israel Says Air Defenses to Activate
Israel issued a nationwide warning Saturday after Iran reportedly launched missiles targeting the country.
There May Be US Casualties in Operations Against Iran: Trump
Trump acknowledged that the operations against Iran may lead to U.S. casualties.
“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties,” he said in a video posted to social media early Saturday morning. “That often happens in war.”
In the video, Trump wore a white baseball cap with the letters USA, a navy suit and white shirt with no necktie. There appeared to be a dark blue curtain behind him as the president announced the war in a video from Mar-a-Lago, his home and club in Palm Beach, Florida.
After the June attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, Trump said, “We warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons. And we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried.”
Trump: Iran Trying to Rebuild Nuclear Program
Trump said that Iran “attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing the long-range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland.”
Trump Urges Iranians to Take Over Government
President Donald Trump strongly advised the Iranian people to seize the government in a video message announcing U.S. military operations in the country.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” Trump said. “This will be probably your only chance for generations.
“Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach,” Trump said. “This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.”
He said the United States is responding to requests from those impacted by the Iranian regime.
Trump Tells Iranian Officials to Lay Down Arms or ‘Face Death’
Trump called the attacks on Iran “a noble mission,” saying they were necessary because of Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and missile systems that could reach the United States.
Iraq Closes Its Airspace
Iraq’s Ministry of Transport said Saturday the country’s airspace has been closed following airstrikes on neighboring Iran.
Trump: US Begins ‘Major Combat Operations in Iran’
The U.S. began “major combat operations in Iran,” President Donald Trump said in a video on Truth Social.
Israel Launches Attack on Iran
Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday.
“The State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said.
Explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday, Iranian media reported, and sirens sounded across Israel around 08:15 local time in what the military said was a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of an incoming missile strike.
The Israeli military announced the closure of schools and workplaces, with exceptions for essential sectors, and a ban on public airspace. Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights, and the airports authority asked the public not to go to any of the country’s airports.
