Israel-Iran attack Live Updates: Israel says Khamenei, Pezeshkian targeted in US-backed strikes; fresh explosions reported across West Asia

March 1, 2026, 01:09:30 (IST)

March 1, 2026, 01:04:11 (IST)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed what he described as the “courageous” people of Iran, saying the ongoing strikes would enable them to “unshackle themselves from tyranny.”

He characterised the current moment as a “once in a generation opportunity” for Iranians to overthrow the ruling regime.

Netanyahu called on citizens to “take to the streets en masse” and “get the job done,” urging them to come together and unite behind what he described as a historic mission.

March 1, 2026, 00:58:52 (IST)

The United States on Saturday urged its citizens around the world to exercise increased vigilance over potential impacts from the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

“Following the launch of US combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest US embassy or consulate,” the State Department wrote on X.

It additionally advised “Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution.”

March 1, 2026, 00:57:06 (IST)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that there were signs that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in an attack on his compound as part of US-Israeli strikes.

“This morning, in a powerful surprise strike, the compound of the tyrant Ali Khamenei was destroyed in the heart of Tehran… and there are many signs that this tyrant is no longer alive,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement.

March 1, 2026, 00:56:37 (IST)

Air India tweets, “As part of our continuing assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East, in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and staff, Air India has cancelled the following flights scheduled on 01 March 2026:

•AI161/AI162 and AI111/AI112: Delhi-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Delhi
•AI129/AI128: Mumbai-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Mumbai
•AI169/AI170: Amritsar-London (Gatwick) / London (Gatwick)-Amritsar
•AI101/AI102: Delhi-New York (JFK) / New York (JFK)-Delhi
•AI119/AI116: Mumbai-New York (JFK) / New York (JFK)-Mumbai
•AI191/AI144: Mumbai-Newark / Newark – Mumbai
•AI127/AI126: Delhi-Chicago / Chicago-Delhi (via Vienna)
•AI187/AI188 and AI189 and AI190: Delhi-Toronto / Toronto-Delhi (via Vienna)
•AI2025/AI2026: Delhi-Frankfurt / Frankfurt-Delhi
•AI2027/AI2028: Mumbai-Frankfurt / Frankfurt-Mumbai
•AI143/AI142 and AI147/AI148: Delhi-Paris / Paris-Delhi

We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused to our valued guests by these disruptions, whom we are notifying of the cancellations and supporting with alternative options to minimise the inconvenience.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and share further updates based on our risk assessments.”

– Air India Spokesperson

#TravelAdvisory

“As part of our continuing assessment of the evolving situation in the Middle East, in the interest of the safety and security of our guests and staff, Air India has cancelled the following flights scheduled on 01 March 2026:

•AI161/AI162 and AI111/AI112:…

— Air India (@airindia) February 28, 2026

March 1, 2026, 00:49:26 (IST)

Key members of Congress are demanding a swift vote on a war powers resolution that would restrain President Donald Trump’s military attack on Iran unless the administration wins their approval for what they warn is a potentially illegal campaign that risks pulling the United States into a deeper West Asia conflict.

Both the House and Senate, where the president’s Republican Party has a slim majority, had already drafted such resolutions long before the strikes Saturday. Now they are ready to plunge into a rare war powers debate next week that will serve as a referendum on Trump’s decision to go it alone on military action without formal authorisation from Congress.

“Has President Trump learned nothing from decades of U.S. meddling in Iran and forever wars in the Middle East?” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a leader in the bipartisan effort. He said the strikes on Iran were “a colossal mistake.”

In the House, Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., are demanding Congress go on record with a public vote on their own bipartisan measure. “Congress must convene on Monday to vote,” Khanna said, “to stop this.”

Massie blasted Trump’s own presidential campaign slogan and said: “This is not ‘America First.’”

March 1, 2026, 00:44:55 (IST)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday talked to the leaders of Qatar and the UAE and discussed the latest regional escalation following joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran.

Sharif held a telephone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Sharif “strongly condemned the serious regional escalation from the Israeli attack on Iran earlier today that was followed by the regrettable attacks against Qatar as well as in other Gulf countries”.

While referring to their recent meeting in Doha, the prime minister “reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support with the brotherly State of Qatar amid the current crisis”.

He assured the Emir that Pakistan would “always stand shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly people of Qatar and play a positive role for ensuring peace and stability in the region”.

Separately, the prime minister also held a telephone conversation with UAE leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi.

The prime minister “strongly condemned the serious regional escalation resulting from the Israeli attack on Iran” which was followed by the “regrettable attacks against the UAE, in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as in other Gulf countries”.

The prime minister also expressed his sadness at the tragic demise of a Pakistani national in the missile attack on Abu Dhabi.

He assured the UAE leadership of Pakistan’s solidarity and support in the current crisis.

He said that Pakistan would always stand with its “Emirati brothers and sisters”, consistent with the close fraternal bonds between both countries.

March 1, 2026, 00:34:41 (IST)

The US military said Saturday that it has been using single-use drones to attack Iran for the first time in combat, signalling adoption by the world’s wealthiest military of a technology surging to prominence in the Ukraine-Russia war.

“Task Force Scorpion Strike employed low-cost one-way attack drones for the first time in combat,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement posted on X.

March 1, 2026, 00:33:46 (IST)

The US attack Saturday on Iran and that country’s retaliation have caused no reported American casualties, the Pentagon said, adding that damage to US installations has been “minimal” despite a barrage of Iranian air assaults.

Following the initial US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic, “CENTCOM forces successfully defended against hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks,” the US Central Command, which launched the American operation at the orders of President Donald Trump, said in a statement.

“There have been no reports of US casualties or combat-related injuries. Damage to US installations was minimal and has not impacted operations.”

March 1, 2026, 00:32:59 (IST)

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc’s foreign ministers would hold “extraordinary” talks on Iran Sunday, after United States and Israeli strikes on the country sparked retaliatory attacks.

“I will convene an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council via video link on Sunday to address Iran and the rapidly unfolding events across the Middle East,” Kallas wrote on X.

“The Iranian regime’s indiscriminate attacks against its neighbours carry the risk of dragging the region into a broader war and we condemn this.”

March 1, 2026, 00:31:30 (IST)

Three residential buildings in and around the Bahraini capital Manama were damaged by drone strikes and debris from an intercepted missile, the interior ministry said on Saturday.

Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes across the oil-rich Gulf following US and Israeli attacks, rattling a region long seen as a haven of peace and security in the region.

“Several residential buildings in Manama were targeted. Civil Defence continues with firefighting and rescue operations at the affected sites,” the ministry said in a statement.

In another statement it reported “damage in three buildings in Manama and Muharraq as a result of drone attacks and falling debris from an intercepted missile”.

March 1, 2026, 00:29:56 (IST)

The joint US-Israeli operation against Iran on Saturday involved the dropping of 30 bombs on the compound of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel’s Channel 12 network reported.

“Thirty bombs were dropped on the complex. Ali Khamenei was underground, but probably not in his own bunker,” Channel 12’s Amit Segal, who is known to be close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said without giving a source.

March 1, 2026, 00:28:46 (IST)

February 28, 2026, 23:53:57 (IST)

At least four senior officials from Iran’s Intelligence Ministry of Iran were killed in airstrikes on Saturday, according to a report by Iran International.

Those reported dead include Javad Pourhossein, head of the foreign intelligence unit; Mohammad-Reza Bajestani, chief of the security unit; Ali Kheirandish, who led the counterterrorism division; and Saeed Ehya Hamidi, an adviser on the war with Israel.

The deaths mark a significant blow to Iran’s intelligence leadership amid the escalating conflict in the region.

February 28, 2026, 23:52:45 (IST)

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto was stuck in Dubai with his family on Saturday as flights were suspended after U.S and Israeli attacks on Iran, a source close to the ministry said on Saturday.

The minister left Rome on Friday evening aboard a civilian flight to join his family, already in Dubai on holiday. He was scheduled to return to Italy on Saturday afternoon.

The Italian carrier ITA Airways said it had suspended flights to and from Dubai until Sunday.

February 28, 2026, 23:52:31 (IST)

The consul general of India in Jeddah on Saturday held a virtual meeting with representatives of Indian air carriers in view of disruptions to air travel due to developing regional tensions.

Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri urged the airlines to extend full support to Indian nationals affected by travel disruptions in Saudi Arabia, the Indian Consulate General said in a social media post.

“The airlines assured that necessary measures are being undertaken, including timely communication regarding flight cancellations, dedicated helplines for updates and queries, facilitation of refunds, and other passenger assistance,” it said.

The Consulate General also provided links to official updates issued by the airlines, including Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air.

“Indian nationals affected by travel disruptions are also encouraged to contact the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, for any assistance,” it further said.

Earlier in the day, the Consulate General in an advisory said, “In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to the safety guidelines prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and follow advisories issued by the local authorities and the Embassy.” The US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran early Saturday, which came after days of build-up with US President Donald Trump ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme.

February 28, 2026, 23:50:28 (IST)

The United States ambassador to Lebanon has conveyed that Israel does not intend to escalate tensions with Lebanon, provided no attacks are carried out from Lebanese territory, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.

The communication comes amid concerns in Beirut that the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah could be drawn into a renewed confrontation with Israel. Fears of spillover intensified after the US and Israel carried out strikes on Iran on Saturday, followed by Tehran’s retaliatory missile attacks.

“President Joseph Aoun received, through the US Ambassador to Beirut, a message from his administration confirming that the Israeli side has no intention of escalating the situation against Lebanon, as long as there are no hostile acts from the Lebanese side,” the presidency said in its statement.

February 28, 2026, 23:46:07 (IST)

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen condemned Iran’s “unjustifiable attacks” on the United Arab Emirates Saturday, after Tehran launched waves of reprisal attacks following US and Israeli strikes.

Von der Leyen said she “conveyed our full support and extended our condolences following Iran’s strikes and the resulting casualties” after a call with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed.

“Europe strongly condemns these unjustifiable attacks. These attacks constitute a blatant violation of the UAE’s sovereignty and a clear breach of international law,” the European Commission President wrote on X.

February 28, 2026, 23:44:55 (IST)

The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for Iranians in an industrial area of the Isfahan region in the centre of the country, saying it would imminently attack “military infrastructure” there.

“Urgent alert to all people located in the ‘Gey’ industrial zone in the Isfahan region… in a few minutes, the Israeli army will attack military infrastructure in this zone,” the military posted on its Persian-language X account, along with a map showing the targeted area, warning people to “immediately evacuate this area”.

February 28, 2026, 23:41:21 (IST)

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu said she is currently stranded in Dubai with her team as tensions escalate in the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

“I am safe right now, stuck here in Dubai with my team, and we are doing okay as the situation around the war with Iran continues to evolve. The airport is chaotic, with many families stranded and waiting, all of us just hoping we get past this soon,” Sindhu said.

It’s hard to process what’s unfolding right now. Hearing the interceptions overhead and seeing how quickly everything has escalated is honestly terrifying. So many disturbing videos are coming to light, and this is sadly the reality of what is happening. Dubai is a city I deeply…

— Pvsindhu (@Pvsindhu1) February 28, 2026

February 28, 2026, 23:41:07 (IST)

Dozens of motorbike-riding supporters of the Iranian government paraded on Saturday down a Tehran avenue playing martial music and waving the flag of the Islamic republic, AFP journalists reported.

The convoy of around 50 people travelled along the long Valiasr Avenue, normally teeming but largely deserted on Saturday after US and Israeli strikes hit the Iranian capital.

February 28, 2026, 23:37:56 (IST)

The Iranian Red Crescent reported on Saturday evening that at least 201 people were killed and 747 wounded in strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.

The organisation said “24 (of Iran’s 31) provinces were affected and the Red Crescent is in a state of alert”, in a statement published by the ISNA news agency. This is the first official Iranian toll from the strikes.

February 28, 2026, 23:32:02 (IST)

Iran has declared all US and Israeli bases and assets in the Middle East as “legitimate targets” in the event of military aggression against it, Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said on Saturday.

Fathali invoked Iran’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and affirmed that, as a sovereign state, Iran would take all necessary measures to protect its territorial integrity, independence and the safety of its people.

“If we are attacked militarily, all bases and assets of the United States and the Zionist regime in the region will be considered legitimate targets,” the ambassador said at the Iranian Culture Centre in New Delhi.

He stressed that Iran’s armed forces were fully prepared for defence, just as they had been for dialogue. “We exhausted every avenue to prevent war. Now, we will defend our homeland,” he declared.

The envoy underlined that the aggression took place despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between Iran and the US on the nuclear issue.

“Despite deep reservations stemming from past experiences, including the recent 12-day war, Iran persisted with negotiations to demonstrate our commitment to peace and to remove any pretext for conflict,” he stated.

“However, today’s coordinated action by the United States and the Zionist regime once again confirms their unreliability. It reveals their real aim: continued pressure, threats and direct military aggression to pursue illegitimate interests,” the envoy added.

The Iranian ambassador urged the neighbouring Gulf nations “to understand the current situation” and work for the stability of the region.

“We respect our neighbours and we seek stability in our region. We expect these countries to understand the current situation and to help prevent further escalation by putting pressure on the aggressors,” he emphasised.

February 28, 2026, 23:27:24 (IST)

The Indian missions in UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan among other countries in the Gulf region on Saturday issued advisories for its citizens urging them to “exercise utmost caution” and follow advisories issued by local authorities diligently.

Several missions also said it is in touch with Indian citizens stranded at the airport or at other places as the two airports at Dubai, the largest aviation hub, shut down and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iraq closed their airspace, hours after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran escalated to region wide tension.

The Indian Embassy in Iran and the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel advised Indian nationals to register with it immediately to facilitate swift assistance to ensure the safety of Indian nationals residing in Israel and urging them to exercise “utmost caution” and “remain indoors.” “Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential and unnecessary travel within Israel until further notice. Citizens are encouraged to monitor local news, official announcements, and emergency alerts regularly,” the Embassy at Tel Aviv said.

It posted on X contacts – a 24×7 helpline +972-54-7520711 and an email ID (cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in) – for Indian nationals to reach out to in case of any emergency.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Indian Embassy at Abu Dhabi urged all Indian nationals in the country “to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy.” The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are continuing to function normally, it said in a post on X and also gave a Toll free number (800-46342) and a WhatsApp number (+971543090571) along with two email IDs (pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in and ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in) for Indian nationals there to contact in case of emergency.

February 28, 2026, 23:25:10 (IST)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Saturday contacted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to show “solidarity” amidst fear of war spreading across the region.

The telephonic contact was established after an attack on Iran by the US and Israel threatened wider conflict due to Iran attacking US bases in the Gulf states.

PM Sharif wrote in a post on X that he spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman “to express Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the dangerous regional escalation following the Israeli attack on Iran and subsequent attacks in the Gulf region”.

“Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and our brotherly Gulf countries in this perilous time,” he said.

The prime minister also said that “we remain ready to play a constructive role for peace” while praying that the blessings of Ramadan bring calm and stability to the region.

February 28, 2026, 23:24:23 (IST)

Three Kuwaiti soldiers were injured by shrapnel after a base housing US personnel was targeted earlier on Saturday, a Kuwait defence ministry spokesman said, as Iran hit the Gulf in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks.

“Shrapnel fell at Ali Al Salem Air Base after air defence forces engaged ballistic missiles and drones, resulting in minor injuries to three members of the armed forces and some material damage,” said Colonel Saud Al-Atwan.

February 28, 2026, 23:20:26 (IST)