{"id":30091,"date":"2026-02-28T22:21:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T22:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/?p=30091"},"modified":"2026-02-28T22:21:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T22:21:11","slug":"live-update-iranian-leader-khamenei-killed-israeli-officials-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/?p=30091","title":{"rendered":"LIVE UPDATE: Iranian Leader Khamenei Killed, Israeli Officials Say"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header\">\n<div class=\"entry-meta\"><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<header>\n<div class=\"text-lg mb-4 border-b pb-4 leading-[125%] text-[#2F2F2F] max-lg:text-sm max-lg:font-medium lg:leading-[150%]\">Trump said \u2019major combat operations\u2019 were launched to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran has retaliated with strikes across the Middle East.<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"xl:flex xl:justify-between\">\n<div class=\"relative z-0 w-full xl:w-[68%]\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col flex-wrap gap-1.5 text-sm text-[#6B7280] md:flex-row md:items-center mb-4\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-2 text-sm\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"w-full xl:w-[30%]\">\n<div class=\" border border-[#969696]\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"flex h-[51px] items-center justify-between border border-b-0 border-[#f8f8f8] px-4 py-3 text-[#01294c] \">\n<div class=\"flex items-center text-lg\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"xl:flex xl:justify-between\">\n<div class=\"w-full overflow-hidden xl:w-[68%]\">\n<div id=\"post_content\" class=\"post_content\" data-post-content=\"true\" data-testid=\"post_content\">\n<p>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 \u201cseize control of your destiny\u201d by rising up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979.<\/p>\n<p>Iran retaliated by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-1\"><\/div>\n<p>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\u2019t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old leader was in his offices when the attack occurred.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Follow here for the live updates:&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Iran\u2019s Leader Khamenei Killed, Israeli Security Officials Say<\/h2>\n<p>Iranian leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the U.S.-Israeli strikes, senior Israeli security officials told Epoch Magazine in Israel.<\/p>\n<h2>Netanyahu: \u2018There Are Many Signs That This Tyrant Is No Longer<\/h2>\n<p>During a brief address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were many signs that Iran\u2019s Khamenei \u201cis no longer.\u201d He did not explicitly confirm his death. Netanyahu called on Iranian citizens to \u201cflood the streets and finish the job.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>US Targeted Revolutionary Guard Command Facilities, Other Sites<\/h2>\n<p>U.S. forces striking Iran focused on locations \u201cthat posed an imminent threat\u201d including \u201cIslamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities, Iranian air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields,\u201d U.S. Central Command said in a statement Saturday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The strikes, which began shortly before 10 a.m. in Tehran, included \u201cprecision munitions launched from air, land, and sea\u201d and U.S. Central Command said that they also employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">According to the military command, the operation, dubbed \u201cEpic Fury,\u201d is the \u201clargest regional concentration of American military firepower in a generation.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>US Military Reports No American Casualties So Far<\/h2>\n<p>About 12 hours after the attacks began, the U.S. military reported no U.S. casualties and minimal damage at U.S. bases despite \u201chundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">It said targets in Iran included Revolutionary Guard command facilities, air defense capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Trump Spoke With Netanyahu, Monitoring Situation in Middle East: White House<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cPresident Trump monitored the situation overnight at Mar-a-Lago alongside members of his national security team,\u201d White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on X.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPrior 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\u201cThe President and his national security team will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout the day.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Iran State TV Reports More Than 200 People Killed<\/h2>\n<p>Iran\u2019s Red Crescent says Israeli-U.S. airstrikes across Iran have killed 201 people and injured 747, according to comments on Iranian state TV.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">The spokesperson for the Red Crescent said the strikes have hit 24 of Iran\u2019s 31 provinces. The spokesperson said relief operations are ongoing, and that 220 teams were deployed to different sites to respond to the strikes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Israeli Says Some 200 Fighter Jets Took Part in Initial Attack<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">It says it was the largest \u201cmilitary flyover\u201d in the Israeli air force\u2019s history.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Explosions Heard in Tehran Near Intelligence Ministry<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<h2>UK Calls on Iran to \u2018End This Now\u2019<\/h2>\n<p>British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says that while the U.K. didn\u2019t participate in the attack on Iran, its planes provided air defense for its people and allies in the region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post_content_ads\">\n<div class=\"m-auto items-center justify-center overflow-hidden print:hidden hidden md:flex\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve stepped up protections from British bases and personnel to their highest level,\u201d Starmer said.<\/p>\n<p>The Iranian leadership is \u201cutterly abhorrent,\u201d has killed its own people and destabilized the region and should never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, Starmer said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\u201cIran can end this now,\u201d he said. \u201cThey should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons program and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Mideast Governments Condemn Iran<\/h2>\n<p>Across the Middle East, governments moved quickly to condemn Iran\u2019s strikes on Arab neighbors, while staying silent on earlier Israeli and U.S. attacks. Countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Israel\u2014including Morocco, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates\u2014denounced Iranian strikes targeting U.S. military bases including in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the Emirates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The 22-nation Arab League\u2014which has historically condemned both Israel and Iran for actions it says risk destabilizing the region\u2014called the attacks \u201ca blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Saudi Arabia said it \u201ccondemns and denounces in the strongest terms the treacherous Iranian aggression and the blatant violation of sovereignty.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Thune Supports Iran Strikes as Jeffries Condemns Iran, Decries Trump\u2019s Lack of Congressional Approval<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Thune said Iran\u2019s years of \u201crelentless nuclear ambitions\u201d and \u201cexpanded ballistic missile inventory\u201d as well as its \u201cunwavering support for terror groups in the region,\u201d constituted an \u201cunacceptable threat\u201d to the United States.<\/p>\n<p>Thune lauded President Donald Trump\u2019s actions, saying that \u201cdespite 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said that \u201cIran 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>However, the Democrat objected to the lack of congressional oversight for the move, saying that aside from \u201cexigent circumstances,\u201d the president \u201cmust seek authorization for the preemptive use of military force that constitutes an act of war.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Trump \u201cfailed to seek Congressional authorization prior to striking Iran,\u201d Jeffries said, adding that the action \u201chas left American troops vulnerable to Iran\u2019s retaliatory actions.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Iran Continues to Fire Missiles at Israel<\/h2>\n<p>Israel\u2019s military say that that \u201cdozens\u201d of missiles have been fired by Iran at Israel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>While many have been intercepted and no serious injuries have been reported, the missile barrages were continuing after sundown Saturday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Israel\u2019s military chief gave an address on national TV warning that the defenses are not \u201chermetic\u201d and the public should obey safety instructions and remain vigilant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Iran Calls for \u2018Immediate Action\u2019 From UN<\/h2>\n<p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has written to the U.N. Security Council calling for the 15-member body to \u201ctake immediate action in response to this breach of international peace and security.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The council, which is currently under the presidency of the United Kingdom until midnight Saturday, is expected to hold an emergency meeting on Saturday.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Araghchi reiterated that Iran will continue to retaliate by all means necessary and that \u201call bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile forces in the region shall be regarded as legitimate military objectives.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>UN Security Council to Hold Emergency Meeting<\/h2>\n<p>The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting on the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Israel\u2019s U.N. Mission says the meeting will take place at 4 p.m. ET (2100 GMT) at the request of Bahrain and France.<\/p>\n<p>Israel\u2019s U.N. ambassador Danny Danon said Israel \u201cis strong, united and determined to defend its citizens against any existential threat.\u201d Danon also said that \u201cIsrael will never allow an Iranian nuclear state.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>U.N. Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres has condemned the strikes on Iran and the Islamic Republic\u2019s retaliation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\u201cThe use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security,\u201d Guterres said in a statement. He also called for an immediate ceasefire and for all parties to return to the negotiating table.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Iran\u2019s Supreme Leader and Its President Are Alive, Minister Says<\/h2>\n<p>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tells NBC News that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are alive \u201cas far as I know.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Russia Condemns US and Israeli Strikes on Iran<\/h2>\n<p>The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran in a Feb. 28 statement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>It stated that the actions leading up to the strikes \u201cleave no doubt that this is a deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The ministry called the strike a \u201cdirect violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">The statement also called on the international community to \u201curgently deliver an objective and unbiased assessment of these irresponsible actions, which are aimed at undermining peace, stability, and security in the Middle East.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Egypt Consults With Several Countries<\/h2>\n<p>Egypt\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned that the escalation in Iran will have \u201cdire repercussions\u201d on Mideast security and stability. In a statement, he called for prioritizing political and diplomatic solutions to avert a \u201ccomprehensive confrontation\u201d in the region.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Saudi Arabia Says It Repelled Attack by Iran<\/h2>\n<p>Saudi Arabia said Iran targeted its capital and its eastern region in an attack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The government reported the attack in an announcement on its state-run Saudi Press Agency. It called the attack \u201cblatant and cowardly\u201d and said it was repelled.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Saudi Arabia and Iran are longstanding rivals, but the country reached a Chinese-mediated detente with Iran in 2023.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Kuwait Says It Has Repelled Iranian Attack<\/h2>\n<p>Kuwait\u2019s national news agency says the Gulf country\u2019s air defenses successfully repelled what it called a \u201cheinous Iranian attack\u201d earlier in the day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Quoting a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the KUNA news agency said Kuwait maintains its right to defend itself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Ukraine\u2019s President Supports US-led Strikes<\/h2>\n<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced support for U.S.-led strikes on Iran, calling the country \u201can accomplice of Putin\u201d for supplying Shahed drones and the technology for Moscow to produce them and other weapons in its four-year war against Ukraine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cOver 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,\u201d Zelenskyy said in a post on X.<\/p>\n<p>The Ukrainian leader said the emphasis now should be to save as many lives as possible and prevent any expansion of the war.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\u201cIt is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians,\u201d Zelenskyy said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Omani Mediator in Recent Talks Urges US to Not \u2018Get Sucked in Further\u2019<\/h2>\n<p>Oman\u2019s top diplomat has urged the United States \u201cnot to get sucked in further\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cI urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n<p>Albusaidi was the key mediator in talks over Iran\u2019s nuclear program seeking to avoid a U.S. attack. He said in an interview with CBS News that negotiations over a deal had made \u201csubstantial progress\u201d in the last round talks in Geneva.<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-figure\" data-testid=\"shortcode_img\">\n<figure class=\"alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"cursor-pointer object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ntd.com\/assets\/uploads\/2026\/02\/id1129013-GettyImages-2263454507.jpg-1200x800.webp\" alt=\"Smoke rises from an area in the direction of Al Udeid Air Base, which houses the Qatar Emiri Air Force and foreign forces including the United States, in Doha on Feb. 28, 2026, following a reported Iranian strike. (Mahmud Hams\/AFP via Getty Images)\" width=\"816\" height=\"544\" \/><figcaption class=\"post_caption max-w-[1000px]\">\n<div class=\"max-w-[1000px] whitespace-break-spaces\">Smoke rises from an area in the direction of Al Udeid Air Base, which houses the Qatar Emiri Air Force and foreign forces including the United States, in Doha on Feb. 28, 2026, following a reported Iranian strike.\u00a0<span class=\"post_caption_credit\">Mahmud Hams\/AFP via Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<h2>Iranian Authorities Make Highway One-Way to Help People Leaving Tehran<\/h2>\n<p>Iran\u2019s state news agency IRNA has reported that authorities turned a major highway connecting Iran\u2019s capital with the country\u2019s north into a one-way route to accommodate traffic leaving Tehran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The agency reported heavy traffic heading north out of the capital.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Iran\u2019s top national security body had earlier told residents they should consider leaving Tehran for their safety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Canada\u2019s Leader Supports US Action<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">He says Canada is clear in its position that \u201cthe Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East.\u201d Carney is also urging Canadians in Iran to shelter in place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Flights Disrupted Across Middle East and Beyond<\/h2>\n<p>The United States and Israel\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Some planes that were en route to cities like Tel Aviv and Dubai were diverted or returned to where they took off from.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Dubai\u2019s airport operator said flights have been halted indefinitely at Dubai International Airport, the world\u2019s busiest airport for international flights, and the Dubai World Central\u2014Al Maktoum International Airport on the Gulf city\u2019s outskirts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Smoke and Explosions Witnessed Near US Base in Iraq<\/h2>\n<p>Smoke rose from a U.S. base near the airport in Irbil, the regional capital of Iraq\u2019s semiautonomous northern Kurdish region Saturday and an Associated Press journalist in the area heard explosions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Local media reported that missiles were shot down. There was no immediate statement from Iraqi officials or from the United States.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>EU Calls for Restraint and Diplomacy<\/h2>\n<p>European Union leaders issued a joint statement Saturday calling for restraint and engaging in regional diplomacy in hopes of \u201censuring nuclear safety.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cEnsuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance,\u201d said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Ant\u00f3nio Costa. \u201cWe call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Both said that the EU has pushed to resolve critical issues through diplomacy but also has in place \u201cextensive sanctions in response to the actions of Iran\u2019s murderous regime and the Revolutionary Guards.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">They said Brussels was working with the EU\u2019s 27 member nations to support the bloc\u2019s citizens in the Middle East.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Strikes<\/h2>\n<p>Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Iranian assaults on the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan as a breach of their sovereignty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Kingdom confirmed that it fully stands by those countries and warned of the \u201cdire consequences of continued breach of sovereignty and violating international principles.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Saudi Arabia also called on the international community to take measures to confront the Iranian assaults that are \u201cundermining\u201d the stability and security of the region.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>US and Israeli Strikes Target Sites Across Iran<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Blasts were also reported in several western towns as well as around Persian Gulf port cities that are critical to Iran\u2019s major oil trade, including Asaluyeh.<\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode mx-auto\">\n<div class=\"lazyload-wrapper  clear-both\">\n<div class=\"mx-auto mb-6\" data-testid=\"shortcode_video\">\n<div class=\"relative flex bg-black w-full max-sm:!max-w-full mx-auto z-0\">\n<div id=\"vjs_video_1939\" class=\"video-js vjs-paused vjs-fluid vjs_video_1939-dimensions vjs-workinghover vjs-v7 vjs-user-active vjs-controls-enabled\" lang=\"en\" tabindex=\"-1\" role=\"region\" translate=\"no\" data-vjs-player=\"true\" data-video-id=\"8fe6f98a-eb8c-48f0-a597-122cdef53960\" data-setup=\"\n            {}\n          \" aria-label=\"Video Player\"><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-poster\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"vjs-text-track-display\" translate=\"yes\" aria-live=\"off\" aria-atomic=\"true\">\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"vjs-big-play-button\" title=\"Play Video\" type=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><span class=\"vjs-control-text\" aria-live=\"polite\">Play Video<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"vjs-menu vjs-setting-menu\">\n<div class=\"vjs-close-menu-layer vjs-close-setting-menu\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\"><\/div>\n<ul class=\"vjs-menu-content\" role=\"menu\">\n<li class=\"vjs-menu-item vjs-setting-menu-item vjs-setting-playback-rate\" role=\"menuitem\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n<div class=\"vjs-icon-placeholder vjs-icon-slow-motion-video\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"vjs-setting-menu-label\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"vjs-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"vjs-setting-menu-value\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"vjs-menu-item vjs-setting-menu-item vjs-setting-quality\" role=\"menuitem\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n<div class=\"vjs-icon-placeholder vjs-icon-hd\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"vjs-setting-menu-label\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"vjs-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"vjs-setting-menu-value\"><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"vjs-cover-logo\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<h2>France Advises Its Citizens to Exercise Caution<\/h2>\n<p>France, whose military has bases and a regular presence in the Mideast, has called on French citizens in the region to exercise extreme caution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cA military escalation is underway \u2026 It\u2019s not the time for negotiations. We are in a situation of war,\u201d junior Defense Minister Alice Rufo told France-2 television Saturday, comparing the situation to the 12-day war in June.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur priority is the protection of our citizens and protection of our forces in the region,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>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: \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He would not elaborate.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\u201cOur military presence guarantees France\u2019s independent assessment of the situation,\u201d he told the AP.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Israeli President Salutes Attacks on Iran<\/h2>\n<p>Israel\u2019s President Isaac Herzog has welcomed the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Herzog says he hopes the operation \u201cwill bring a historic change and a better future for the whole Middle East and the entire world.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Khamenei\u2019s Whereabouts Unknown<\/h2>\n<p>Iran\u2019s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei did not made a public appearance in the days before the attack and hasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n<h2>Qatar Says It Repels 2nd Wave of Iranian Attacks<\/h2>\n<p>Qatar\u2019s Defense Ministry says the military has successfully repelled the second wave of Iranian attacks that targeted several parts of the nation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, calling them a \u201cflagrant violation\u201d of its sovereignty. It added that Qatar has been always among the sides calling for a dialogue with Iran.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">The Foreign Ministry said that the targeting of Qatar by a neighbor \u201ccannot be accepted under any justification or pretext\u201d as the gas-rich Gulf nation has always distanced itself from regional conflicts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Syria Closes Airspace<\/h2>\n<p>Syria\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<h2>Emirates Airlines Says Flights Are Disrupted<\/h2>\n<p>Emirates, one of the world\u2019s biggest long-haul airlines, says several of its flights have been affected by the airspace closure in the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Emirates transported 53.7 million passengers during its last fiscal year. Many of those passengers, like those of fellow regional carriers Qatar Airways and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, were transiting the region for destinations elsewhere.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Iran Says Israeli\u2013US Airstrikes Kill 5 at Girls\u2019 School<\/h2>\n<p>Iran on Saturday said Israeli-U.S. airstrikes in southern Iran killed five students at a girls\u2019 school, the first confirmed fatalities in the operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The state-run IRNA news agency reported the strike happened in Minab in Iran\u2019s Hormozgan province. Iran\u2019s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has a base in the city.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Neither the United States nor Israel has offered any details on the campaign so far.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Impact Wounds 1 in Israel<\/h2>\n<p>Israel\u2019s national rescue service MADA said one man was lightly wounded from an impact in northern Israel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Fire and rescue services said an apartment on the 20th floor of an apartment building suffered a direct hit. It was not clear if it was struck by a missile or debris from an interception.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Iran Confirms Attacks on US Sites<\/h2>\n<p>Iran\u2019s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard says that in its retaliation against Israel and U.S. attacks on Iran, the military struck several facilities in the region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Revolutionary Guard said in a statement that in the first phase of retaliation, named \u201cTruthful Promise 4,\u201d Iran\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>There have been no reports of damage in these areas apart from one death in the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">The Guard said Iranian attacks with missiles and drones are continuing and more information will be released later.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Bahrain Condemns Iranian Attack on US Fleet<\/h2>\n<p>Bahrain\u2019s ambassador in the U.S. says attacks occurred against \u201csites within the Kingdom,\u201d without giving further details. Writing on X, Abdalla Al-Khalifa said the attacks were a \u201cblatant violation of sovereignty.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Iran has apparently attacked the U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks in Tehran. The Bahraini diplomat said that Bahrain \u201creserves the right to respond\u201d to attack on its territory.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Qatar Airways Suspends Flights<\/h2>\n<p>Qatar Airways says it is temporarily suspending flights at its Doha hub because of the closure of the Gulf nation\u2019s airspace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Government-owned Qatar Airways is one of the Middle East\u2019s largest airlines, funneling tens of millions of mostly long-haul passengers through Qatar to destinations on six continents.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Iranian Missile Shrapnel Kills 1 in UAE<\/h2>\n<p>Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the capital of the United Arab Emirates killed one person Saturday, authorities in Dubai said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">The state-run WAM news agency reported the fatality, the first known in the Iranian counterattack after the United States and Israel launched a major airstrike campaign targeting Iran.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Turkish Airlines Suspends Flights<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Meanwhile flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE and Oman will suspended till Feb. 28. Further cancellations may be announced, the official said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Iran Confirms Response to Attacks<\/h2>\n<p>Iran\u2019s Supreme National Security Council confirmed its armed forces had \u201ccommenced a decisive response to these hostile acts.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>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 \u201cprior arrangements\u201d to ensure the supply of basic necessities.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Schools and universities were ordered to close while the statement said banks would continue to operate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Germany Says It Was Told of Israeli Strikes in Advance<\/h2>\n<p>The German government was informed in advance this morning about Israel\u2019s military strikes on Iran, a spokesman said on Saturday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Germany is in close consultation with its European partners, the spokesman said. Its crisis management team will meet at noon to discuss Iran.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">The foreign ministry said it was in \u201cclose and constant\u201d contact with the embassies in Iran and Israel, as well as other missions in the region.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Israeli Media Show Images of Damaged Building<\/h2>\n<p>Israeli media showed images of damage to an apartment building in northern Israel, reportedly from impact with parts of an interceptor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Israeli police said shrapnel fell in multiple sites. Rescue services said there were no known injuries from the missile barrages launched on all parts of the country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Israel Warns Iranians Near Military Sites to Evacuate<\/h2>\n<p>The Israeli military issued a warning in Persian for the immediate evacuation of areas near weapons production and military facilities in Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\u201cYour presence in these locations puts your lives at risk,\u201d the military said on its Persian-language X account.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Blasts Heard in Qatar as Iran Responds to Attack<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Iran responded to the campaign as it had been threatening to do for months \u2014 it first launched a wave of missiles and drones targeting Israel. Then later, it began apparently targeting U.S. military installations in Kuwait and Qatar as explosions could be heard.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Reactions From US Lawmakers<\/h2>\n<p>The early response from federal lawmakers to the U.S. government\u2019s bombarding of Iran largely revolved around their feelings about Trump.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>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, \u201cThis operation is necessary and long justified.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who was a Marine in the Iraq War, warned, \u201cYoung working-class kids should not pay the ultimate price for regime change and a war that hasn\u2019t been explained or justified to the American people.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has emerged as an opponent of Trump, said the president had engaged in \u201cacts of war unauthorized by Congress.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>UAE Closes Airspace<\/h2>\n<p>The United Arab Emirates has closed its airspace as Israel and the United States conduct strikes on Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">The disruption will have a major effect on global air travel as the country is home to two major long-haul carriers, Emirates and Etihad.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Bahrain Says Several Sites Attacked<\/h2>\n<p>Bahrain\u2019s state news agency says that several facilities were hit inside the kingdom as a result of \u201can aggression\u201d from outside the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The agency called the attack \u201ca flagrant violation of the kingdom\u2019s sovereignty and security,\u201d and said authorities in Bahrain are implementing \u201cemergency measures.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\u201cThe kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemns this treacherous aggression that forms a direct threat to the kingdom and its citizens,\u201d it said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Sirens and Blasts Reported in Kuwait<\/h2>\n<p>Witnesses heard sirens and explosions in Kuwait, home to U.S. Army Central. There was no immediate word on any damage.<\/p>\n<h2>Streets in Israel Empty as Sirens Wail<\/h2>\n<p>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\u2019s main news programs shifted their broadcasts to bomb shelters as well.<\/p>\n<h2>US 5th Fleet Service Center Was Attacked, Bahrain Says<\/h2>\n<p>Bahrain\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<h2>Israel Says Operation Was Planned for Months<\/h2>\n<p>Israel said the attack on Iran was carried out as a \u201cbroad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime\u201d that has been planned for months between the Israeli and U.S. militaries.<\/p>\n<h2>US Embassies in Middle East Advise Americans to Take Cover<\/h2>\n<p>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 \u201cdo the same until further notice.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Iranian State TV Shows Damaged Buildings<\/h2>\n<p>Iranian state television aired footage of heavily damaged buildings in Tehran, with rescuers digging through the rubble, looking for survivors.<\/p>\n<h2>Iran Launches Drones and Missiles Against Israel<\/h2>\n<p>Iran\u2019s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard says it has launched its \u201cfirst wave\u201d of drones and missiles targeting Israel, suggesting it planned further attacks.<\/p>\n<h2>Netanyahu Says Attack Is to Remove Iranian Threat<\/h2>\n<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint attack with the United States was to \u201cremove an existential threat posed\u201d by Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\u201cOur joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands,\u201d he said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Blasts in Northern Israel and Sirens in Jordan<\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The blasts echoed just after the Israeli military said it would be using its air defense systems to bring down the Iranian fire.<\/p>\n<p>There was no immediate word on any damage or casualties from the ongoing attack.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Sirens also sounded in Jordan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Israel Says Air Defenses to Activate<\/h2>\n<p>Israel issued a nationwide warning Saturday after Iran reportedly launched missiles targeting the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">The Israeli military said air defense systems would be activated to defend the country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>There May Be US Casualties in Operations Against Iran: Trump<\/h2>\n<p>Trump acknowledged that the operations against Iran may lead to U.S. casualties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cThe lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties,\u201d he said in a video posted to social media early Saturday morning. \u201cThat often happens in war.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>After the June attacks on Iran\u2019s nuclear sites, Trump said, \u201cWe warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons. And we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">He added that Iran \u201crejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can\u2019t take it anymore.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Trump: Iran Trying to Rebuild Nuclear Program<\/h2>\n<p>Trump said that Iran \u201cattempted 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">Trump said that Saturday\u2019s strikes would be part of \u201ca massive and ongoing operation\u201d that will aim to \u201cdestroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground\u201d as well as \u201cannihilate their navy,\u201d and \u201censure that the region\u2019s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Trump Urges Iranians to Take Over Government<\/h2>\n<p>President Donald Trump strongly advised the Iranian people to seize the government in a video message announcing U.S. military operations in the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cWhen we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,\u201d Trump said. \u201cThis will be probably your only chance for generations.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNow is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach,\u201d Trump said. \u201cThis is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He said the United States is responding to requests from those impacted by the Iranian regime.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\u201cFor many years, you have asked for America\u2019s help, but you never got it,\u201d Trump said. He added that \u201cAmerica is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Trump Tells Iranian Officials to Lay Down Arms or \u2018Face Death\u2019<\/h2>\n<p>Trump called the attacks on Iran \u201ca noble mission,\u201d saying they were necessary because of Iran\u2019s pursuit of nuclear weapons and missile systems that could reach the United States.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">He called on Iranian officials to \u201clay down your arms\u201d or \u201cyou will face certain death,\u201d and encouraged the Iranian people to \u201ctake over your government\u2014it will be yours to take.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Iraq Closes Its Airspace<\/h2>\n<p>Iraq\u2019s Ministry of Transport said Saturday the country\u2019s airspace has been closed following airstrikes on neighboring Iran.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">The ministry\u2019s spokesman, Mitham al-Safi, told state-run Iraqi News Agency that \u201cthe closure was preceded by the evacuation of all air traffic from Iraqi airspace.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Trump: US Begins \u2018Major Combat Operations in Iran\u2019<\/h2>\n<p>The U.S. began \u201cmajor combat operations in Iran,\u201d President Donald Trump said in a video on Truth Social.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">He said the objective is to defend the United States by \u201celiminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Israel Launches Attack on Iran<\/h2>\n<p>Israel said it launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran on Saturday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u201cThe State of Israel launched a pre-emptive attack against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,\u201d Defense Minister Israel Katz said.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s airports.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\"><em>The Associated Press, Travis Gillmore, Emel Akan, and Savannah Hulsey Pointer contributed to this report.<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Trump said \u2019major combat operations\u2019 were launched to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran has retaliated with strikes across the Middle East. The United States and Israel launched &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30092,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-30091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30091","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=30091"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30091\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30093,"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30091\/revisions\/30093"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/30092"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=30091"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=30091"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cndailynews.store\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=30091"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}