Israel-US attack Iran; Trump alleges Khamenei is dead
Tehran : Israeli and Iranian leaders amid geopolitical tensions and military threats.
2026 4:50 am IST : A graphic depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid rising Israel-Iran tensions.
United States (US) and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran early on Saturday, February 28, with explosions reported in Tehran, sharply escalating tensions across West Asia.
In a statement, US President Donald Trump said Washington had begun “major combat operations” as part of a planned multi-day campaign.
Iran retaliated by launching missile attacks towards Israel and targeting US military bases in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Iran, Iraq and Israel shut their airspaces, while several international airlines suspended or rerouted flights across the Middle East, disrupting travel and heightening global security concerns.
4:50 am IST: Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed that an incident at Zayed International Airport resulted in the death of one Asian national and left seven others injured. Authorities did not immediately provide further details about the nature of the incident.
Officials said the situation is being assessed, and more information will be shared as it becomes available.
4:44 am IST: Dubai authorities said debris from an aerial interception caused a fire at one of the berths at Jebel Ali Port. Civil Defence teams responded immediately and are working to fully extinguish the blaze. No injuries have been reported.
Officials also urged the public not to share old footage of the 2021 Jebel Ali Port fire, warning it could spread misinformation.
4:39 am IST: A drone was intercepted near Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel, causing a limited fire on the exterior facade, according to Dubai Media Office (DMO). No casualties have been reported.
The incident came after damage was reported to the passenger lounge at Dubai International Airport following an earlier Iranian attack.
4:36 am IST: In a post on X, The US military’s Central Command said there have been no reported American casualties following the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. It also said no US Navy ship had been hit and operations remain fully functional.
The command added that military bases and facilities hosting US personnel sustained only minimal damage, which has not affected operations.
4:34 am IST: Qatar Airways said its flights will remain temporarily suspended due to the continued closure of the country’s airspace. The airline said operations would resume only after the Civil Aviation Authority confirms that the airspace is safe to reopen.
It added that a further update would be issued at 9am local time.
4:30 am IST: Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said eight people were injured by falling missile shrapnel following Iranian attacks, with one in critical condition. Officials said 66 missiles were launched towards the country and more than 100 reports of debris were received across different areas. An early warning radar system was also hit by an Iranian drone, authorities said.
The Foreign Ministry condemned the repeated targeting of Qatar, calling it reckless and a violation of good neighbourly relations.
4:27 am IST: The UK’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, described the reported Iranian strike on Dubai’s Palm hotel as “awful” and expressed solidarity with the UAE. She said she had spoken with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and condemned what she called indiscriminate attacks.
4:23 am IST: Raheem Kassam, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, claimed that the administration is preparing for a potential 30-day military campaign against Iran. In a post on X, he said sources indicated the operation could rely mainly on airstrikes and drone attacks.
He also suggested there were no plans to deploy ground troops. However, US officials have not publicly confirmed the claim.
4:20 am IST: The Israeli military said it had killed seven senior members of Iran’s defence and security leadership in recent strikes, including Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Pakpour and Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. The statement also named senior security and intelligence officials among those killed.
Iran has not confirmed the claim, and there has been no independent verification so far
4:13 am IST: At least 108 people, most of them schoolgirls, were killed in a strike on a girls’ primary school in southern Iran, according to the Financial Times.
Rescue workers and civilians search through rubble after a strike hit a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, as heavy machinery clears debris.
Rescue operations underway at the site of a strike on a girls’ school in Minab, Iran, following Israeli air raids.
4:09 am IST: Qatar’s Foreign Ministry summoned Iranian Ambassador Ali Saleh Abadi, strongly protesting and rejecting what it described as the targeting of its territory. The ministry said the action violated international law, Qatar’s sovereignty and posed a serious threat to regional security.
4:07 am: More than a dozen loud explosions were heard in the skies over Doha, with Al Jazeera reporters on the ground saying at least 15 to 20 blasts were recorded during the day, raising fears of further escalation in the Gulf.
Meanwhile, the US embassy in Bahrain said there were confirmed reports of Iranian drones striking high-rise buildings and warned that the Juffair area in Manama was not safe for US personnel. The embassy also cited unconfirmed reports that US citizens could be targeted, urging people to remain alert, avoid large gatherings and follow security guidance.
3:35 am IST: President Donald Trump said Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Saturday’s massive US and Israeli strikes on Iran, adding that heavy and “pinpoint” bombing would continue throughout the week.
The image of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, wearing a black turban and glasses.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Khamenei could not evade “highly sophisticated tracking systems” and claimed other Iranian leaders had also been killed. He also described the moment as a major opportunity for the Iranian people, urging the Revolutionary Guard and police to “peacefully merge with Iranian patriots”.
Screenshot of a social media post by Donald Trump claiming Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead and warning of continued bombing in the Middle East.
A social media post by Donald Trump claims Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed.
Israeli media and senior officials also reported that there were “growing indications” Khamenei had been killed, with one official telling Reuters his body had been located.
However, Iranian state-linked news agencies rejected the reports, saying Khamenei remains alive and continues to direct military operations. There has been no independent confirmation so far.
Netanyahu says ‘many signs’ Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes on Iran
3:30 am IST: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there are “many signs” that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed in the joint US-Israeli attacks, describing the operation as a major turning point in the Middle East. Speaking hours after the strikes hit several locations across Iran, including Tehran, Netanyahu said a surprise attack destroyed Khamenei’s compound in the capital and suggested the Iranian leader may no longer be alive.
He also warned that the military campaign would continue “as long as necessary”, signalling a prolonged escalation. Iran has not confirmed the claim, and there has been no independent verification so far.
11:47 pm IST: With more attacks impending from Israel and the United States, Kuwait announced the cancellation of Taraweeh prayers in all mosques until further notice. It also ordered the halting of the performance of Thursday prayers until further notice.
Qatar, too, has announced the suspension of all public events, including Ramzan, gatherings and entertainment at hotels and tourism sites until further notice. There would be no Ramzan tents and iftars in hotels or public gatherings until further notice.
Since early Saturday morning, Qatar has been targeted by 44 missiles and eight drones.
11:40 pm IST: Iran’s Red Crescent Society said that so far, 201 civilians have been killed and 747 more injured, Mehr News Agency reported. Over 220 Red Crescent teams are present at the targeted sites, and rescue operations continue, a spokesperson said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has appealed to the Muslim countries for an urgent need to prevent further escalation, according to Anadolu news agency.
Pressing on an urgent ceasefire, Erdogan warned that any attacks on Gulf countries will not be tolerated. “We also find Iran’s missile and drone attacks against our brotherly countries in the Gulf unacceptable, regardless of the reason”, he added.
11:23 pm IST: Reports on Iran closing the crucial Strait of Hormuz have surfaced, although there has been no official statement. An official from the European Union’s naval mission Aspides told Reuters that vessels have been receiving VHF transmission from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards saying “no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz.”
Strait of Hormuz is crucial and a vital oil export route, connecting Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Its closure can extensively impact global trade.
11:00 pm IST: The Israeli army has just announced that 200 fighter planes will launch a “large-scale” attack on Iran.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Health said that about 12 people have been injured, but no reports of deaths. Earlier in the day, Ali al-Salem Air Base came under attack by a number of ballistic missiles. “Three members of the armed forces were injured by falling shrapnel at Ali al-Salem Air Base”, it said.
Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom. Explosions could also be heard in Qatar. Jordan said it “dealt with” 49 drones and ballistic missiles.
10:55 pm IST: In light of recent regional developments, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has urged pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques to confirm their flight details with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.
The advisory aims to prevent inconvenience amid potential disruptions and ensure smooth travel for Umrah and other visitors. Travellers have been asked to stay updated through official airline channels and airport announcements.
10:48 pm IST: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has written to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council terming aggression against Iran as a violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, and the retaliation was Iran’s “inherent and legitimate” right to self-defence.
“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will use all necessary defensive capabilities and facilities to confront this criminal aggression and deter hostile actions,” the letter read.
The Embassy of India in Riyadh has released an advisory asking Indian nationals to adhere to safety guidelines and remain vigilant. It has released 24×7 emergency helpline numbers:
School building hit in Dubai amid escalating Israel-US conflict and Iran tensions.
10:22 pm IST: White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone.
“President Trump monitored developments overnight from Mar-a-Lago and will continue to do so alongside his national security team. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called all members of the ‘Gang of Eight’ to provide congressional notification, reaching and briefing seven of the eight members,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
10:00 pm IST: According to the latest Al Jazeera updates, the death toll in Iran’s elementary school attack in Madina has risen to 85.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Hezbollah has expressed solidarity with Iran and condemned the US-Israel attack calling it a “continuation of the arrogant and domineering approach”
9:52pm IST: The office of Israel’s prime minister has published a picture showing Benjamin Netanyahu holding a phone call, presumably having a conversation with US President Donald Trump. No confirmed details as of yet.
Three new explosions were heard in Doha. The Qatari government has urged citizens to remain indoors.
A building in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah area has been hit, resulting in four injuries. “Emergency response teams were deployed immediately and the site has been secured. Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the resulting fire is now under control,” the Dubai Media Office said in a statement.
Meteor streaking across night sky above city buildings during missile attack.
The flare of a projectile is seen over the skyline of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Protesters hold Iranian flags during a demonstration, expressing national pride amid political tensions.
9:13 pm IST: A drone targeted Kuwait International Airport, according to Kuwait’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, adding minor injuries to several employees and “limited material damage” to the passenger terminal.
Loud explosions continue to rock Dubai with smoke and flames visible in the Palm Island area, Reuters reported.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning that failure to de-escalate could trigger “a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability.”
Iranian missiles directly hit two locations in Central Israel with no casualties reported. Emergency services deployed.
8:37 pm IST: As reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death are all over the internet, Foreign Minister Araghchi, in an interview with NBC News, said that the Supreme Leader is alive “as far as I know.”
Several explosions were heard in Shiraz, the southwestern part of Iran.
China has expressed deep concerns over the developments in the region and urged all three countries for an immediate ceasefire.
8:30 pm IST: The death toll in Minab and Jask, both provinces in southern Iran, has crossed 70, with more than 50 killed in the bombing in school, Fars news agency reported.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the military has lost two leaders, but remained defiant that they will not hesitate to strike American territory
Although the White House stated there would be no Trump interaction with the media, the US President gave a brief remark to the Washington Post, saying, “I want a safe nation, and that’s what we’re going to have. All I want is freedom for the people.”
8:13 pm IST: The Government of India released a statement expressing deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the safety of Indians working there. “Remain vigilant and follow local security guidance.”
Official government statement on India’s stance amid Iran and Gulf region tensions, February 2026.
7:56 pm IST: United States President Donald Trump will not address the media, the White House clarified.
Germany, France and the United Kingdom released a joint statement strongly condemning the Iranian attacks on countries in the region in response to US and Israeli attacks.
“We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life,” French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a joint statement, adding that they wanted a resumption of negotiations.
7:54pm IST: A new round of missile interceptions could be seen in the Qatari capital, Doha. At least five blasts were heard, Al Jazeera reported. A radar system in northern Qatar was targeted.
IRGC’s top officials, Commander Mohammad Pakpour is reportedly killed in strikes by Israel and the US on Saturday, according to Israeli broadcaster N12. Tehran has so far not released any official statement on this.
Pakpour, considered one of the most powerful figures in Iran, had led the IRGC for 260 days. He was promoted to the rank of major general by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2025 after the elimination of his predecessor, Hussein Salami, and was tasked with strengthening the force’s capabilities and internal cohesion.
7:26 pm IST: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the attack on a girls’ elementary school in Minab, a city in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran, will “not go unanswered.” According to IRNA news outlet, the death toll has reached 53.
Meanwhile, attacks on Israel as well as on US bases continue, Fars news agency reported.
6:56 pm IST: Loud explosions were heard in parts of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Reuters reported. One witness said she heard five blasts in rapid succession.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released his first official statement since morning, claiming Israel is not against the people of Iran but the Ayatollah’s reign. “We have a common enemy, the murderous regime of the Ayatollahs that has taken over you through the oppressive forces of the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij. They are the ones who have degraded your wonderful country, brought it to the lowest point, and they are the ones who slaughtered you en masse.”
He also expressed his deepest gratitude to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, calling him Israel’s “greatest friends in the White House of all time, but a determined leader of the free world.”
“He looks to future generations, decides what is good for America, and then acts with responsibility and courage. Together, we bring great light to all who are rooted in the aspiration for human freedom,” his statement read.
6:41 pm IST: Oman has called the United States not to escalate the ongoing tensions. Its Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi expressed regret over the US-Israeli attack on Iran. “I am upset, you have once again undermined active and serious negotiations,” Al Busaidi said in a post on X. He called on the United States “not to be drawn further” into this war.
6:05 pm: Iranian media have reported that the death toll from the attack on a girls’ primary school in Minab in southern Iran has risen to 51.
According to the latest reports, dozens of students were also injured in the strike, though there was no independent verification and no immediate confirmation from Israeli authorities
5: 56 pm IST: Two students were killed in a strike on a school in the Narmak area in eastern Tehran, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency.
5:54 pm IST: Four people were killed and several others injured after an Iranian missile struck a building in the industrial area of Sweida city, Syria, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
5:50 pm IST: Iran’s army said it had launched a wave of attack drones towards Israel, according to the Tasnim news agency.
The military described it as the first large-scale drone offensive carried out directly from Iran against Israeli targets. There was no immediate confirmation from Israeli authorities.
5: 49 pm IST: A Hyderabad-based resident in Bahrain told Siasat.com that repeated explosion sounds had been heard since morning, while people were seen rushing outdoors amid heightened security and fear.
The resident said homes were shaking due to the impact of the blasts, adding that the situation remains tense as authorities continue to monitor developments.
5:37 pm: The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has been closed for the rest of the day as a precaution following the ongoing regional escalation.
In a statement, the management said the decision was taken in line with national security advisories, adding that the safety and wellbeing of visitors remain the highest priority. It said further updates would be shared as required.
5:32 pm: Iranian state and semi-official media have reported that 40 girls were killed in an Israeli strike on a primary school in Minab County in southern Iran.
According to the Fars news agency, 48 students were also injured. There was no immediate confirmation from Israeli authorities, and independent verification was not available.
4:50 pm IST: India has advised its citizens in Oman to avoid unnecessary travel, remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines issued by Omani authorities.
The Embassy of India in Muscat said it is functioning normally and urged nationals to stay alert and contact the mission in case of emergencies.
4:34 pm IST: Saudi national carrier Saudia said certain flights have been suspended or cancelled due to the evolving situation and airspace closures in the region.
The airline advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling, adding that updates will be communicated through registered contact details.
4:28 pm IST: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had struck Israeli and US military targets across the Middle East with what it described as powerful missile attacks.
In a statement, the IRGC said the operation would continue until its objectives were achieved, adding that all American assets in the region were considered legitimate targets. There was no immediate confirmation from US or Israeli authorities.
4:24 pm IST: India has advised its citizens in Saudi Arabia to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities amid the evolving regional situation.
In an advisory, the Embassy of India in Riyadh said it continues to function normally and will issue updates as required. The mission also shared emergency helpline numbers and urged nationals to stay alert and remain in contact if assistance is needed.
4:21 pm IST: Explosions have been heard in Tel Aviv, according to an Al Jazeera correspondent, as the Israeli Home Front Command announced that sirens were activated in the greater Tel Aviv area.
4:15 pm IST: Saudi Arabia has condemned in the strongest terms the Iranian attacks on the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait.
In a statement, Riyadh warned of serious consequences over continued violations of state sovereignty and international law, and called for restraint to prevent further escalation in the region.
4:10 pm IST: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel, calling it untimely amid the escalating Iran–Israel tensions.
In a statement, Owaisi said India had traditionally maintained a balanced and neutral approach in West Asia and questioned the decision to alter that stance at a sensitive moment.
He also highlighted the presence of millions of Indians in Gulf countries and raised concerns about their safety during the crisis.
Owaisi further alleged that the visit was used by Israel to strengthen its strategic narrative and said the government should have assessed potential risks, including the safety of Indian citizens and media personnel in the region.
4:03 pm IST: Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the country “will not hesitate” to respond following the joint US-Israeli strikes.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the ministry said it was time to defend the country and confront what it described as military aggression.
4 pm IST: Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that an Israeli strike hit an elementary school for girls in Minab, in Hormozgan province in southern Iran.
According to the report, five students were killed. There was no immediate confirmation from Israeli authorities, and further details were not available.
3: 59 pm IST: The Embassy of India in the UAE has advised nationals to avoid unnecessary travel, remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by local authorities amid the evolving security situation.
The embassy and the Consulate General in Dubai said their operations remain normal and shared emergency contact details, urging Indian citizens to stay in touch and seek assistance if required.
3:53 pm IST: Several international airlines have suspended or cancelled flights across the Middle East following the latest escalation, according to Reuters.
Air Arabia has cancelled services to Iran, Iraq and other parts of the region, while Air France, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines have halted flights to several destinations including Tel Aviv and Beirut.
Air India and IndiGo have also suspended operations to parts of the Middle East, and Qatar Airways has temporarily stopped flights due to airspace restrictions. Other carriers, including Norwegian Air, Oman Air, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air, have either suspended or rerouted services as aviation authorities continue to monitor the situation.
3:45 pm IST: Qatar’s Interior Ministry said the attempted missile attack on the country did not result in any human losses or material damage.
The ministry urged citizens and residents to avoid suspicious objects and report them to the authorities, as security agencies continue monitoring the situation.
3:40 pm IST: Sirens have been activated again in parts of Kuwait, according to Al Jazeera’s correspondent.
3:35 pm IST: One person has been killed after missile fragments fell on a residential area in Abu Dhabi, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Authorities said the incident occurred amid the ongoing regional escalation. Further details on the victim and the extent of damage were not immediately available.
3:29 pm IST: A nine-storey residential building in northern Israel was hit amid the ongoing escalation, according to Israeli media reports.
Channel 12 said one man sustained minor injuries after being struck by shrapnel from interceptor missiles. The impact caused significant damage to an apartment in the building.
3:23 pm IST: Bahrain has confirmed that several sites and facilities were targeted in what it described as a blatant violation of the kingdom’s sovereignty and security.
According to Qatar’s news agency, authorities called the strikes “treacherous attacks” that pose a direct threat to the safety of citizens and residents, and said the country would take necessary measures to safeguard national security.
3:20 pm IST: The UAE’s Ministry of Interior said it is closely monitoring regional developments and has taken all necessary precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
In a statement, the ministry said it remains at the highest level of readiness in coordination with relevant authorities. It urged residents to rely on official sources for information and avoid spreading rumours or unverified reports.
3:17 pm IST: Explosions have been reported in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, according to AFP.
3:14 pm IST: Four major US military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates are under heavy missile attack, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported.
According to the report, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard launched the strikes as part of its response to the latest escalation. There was no immediate confirmation from US or Gulf authorities.
3:13 pm IST: Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have vowed to resume missile and drone attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and Israel in support of Iran, according to two senior Houthi officials, Associated Press reported.
The officials said the first attack could take place as early as “tonight”. The group had earlier halted such operations under separate understandings that paused US strikes and reduced regional hostilities.
3:09 pm IST: Fresh explosions have been heard in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, AFP reported.
3:06 pm IST: Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said it had successfully repelled a number of attacks targeting the country’s territory, adding that all missiles were intercepted before reaching their intended targets.
In a statement, the ministry said the security situation remains stable and under full control. It added that the country has the necessary capabilities and resources to safeguard national security and counter any external threats.
2:58 pm IST: Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have closed or restricted their airspace as security concerns rise following the latest regional escalation.
2:52 pm IST: Internet access in Iran has been almost completely disrupted, according to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks.
2:48 pm IST: Explosions have been heard in Kuwait, with sirens activated across parts of the country, according to Al Jazeera Arabic.
2:47 pm IST: A loud explosion has been reported in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, according to the Reuters. There was no immediate confirmation about the cause of the blast.
2:46 pm IST: Bahrain has confirmed that the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet in the country was targeted in a missile attack amid escalating regional tensions.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Authorities said security forces were responding, while further details were awaited
2:40 pm IST: A senior Iranian official has warned that all American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East are now considered legitimate targets following the latest escalation.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, the official said Iran’s response would be public and without limits, adding that there were “no red lines” after what he described as aggression by the United States and Israel. He urged Israel to prepare for retaliation and said Tehran’s response would be complex and could involve scenarios not previously considered.
The official added that the conflict could have wide and long-term repercussions, stressing that calls for Iran to show restraint or surrender were unacceptable.
Qatar’s Defence Ministry said an Iranian missile was intercepted by the Patriot air defence system amid rising regional tensions.
The ministry said the situation was under control and that no casualties or damage had been reported. Officials urged residents to remain calm and follow instructions from authorities.
Several hospitals in Israel launched their emergency protocols, including moving patients and surgeries to underground facilities.
India has advised its citizens in Qatar to exercise caution and follow official updates amid the evolving regional situation.
In an advisory, the Embassy of India in Doha asked nationals to stay alert, monitor news and follow instructions issued by the mission and local authorities. The embassy said it continues to function as usual and shared its 24-hour helpline for assistance.
Indian airline IndiGo said it is closely monitoring developments related to Iran and its airspace amid escalating regional tensions.
In a travel advisory, the carrier said the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority and that it is prepared to make operational adjustments if required. Customers have been advised to check their flight status before departure, with updates to be communicated promptly if any disruptions occur.
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said the country’s security situation remains stable and secure despite rising regional tensions.
In a statement, the ministry said there were no indications at present that warrant concern regarding internal security and urged residents to rely on official sources for updates.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the joint operation with the United States was intended to remove what he described as an existential threat posed by Iran, Associated Press reported.
In a statement, he said the attacks targeted facilities linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and the Basij force, along with ballistic missile sites. Netanyahu added that the objective was to end the security threat from the Iranian leadership.
UK advises citizens in Qatar to shelter in place
The British embassy in Doha has advised UK nationals in Qatar to remain indoors following the morning’s strikes and heightened regional tensions.
The United States is carrying out its military operation against Iran through both air and naval forces, according to US officials quoted by NBC News.
A large number of fighter jets are involved in the strikes, while Tomahawk missiles are being launched from US Navy ships. The operation is targeting Iranian military and security sites, officials said.
Iran’s Supreme Leader was not in Tehran at the time of the strikes and has been moved to a secure location, according to a Reuters report citing a source and carried by Al Jazeera.
India has advised its citizens in Iran to exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors as far as possible amid the developing situation following the latest military escalation.
In a statement on X, the Embassy of India in Tehran urged nationals to closely monitor news updates, maintain situational awareness and await further guidance. The mission also reiterated its emergency contact numbers and asked Indians to remain in touch in case of any urgent assistance.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed Washington’s involvement in the attack on Iran and urged Iranians to “take over” their government following the strikes on Tehran.
Calling the Iranian leadership a “vicious group of hard, terrible people”, Trump said the objective of the military action was to protect the American people by eliminating threats from the country.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, he said the US had begun major combat operations in Iran, aimed at countering what he described as imminent security risks posed by Tehran.
Trump also alleged that Iran had continued to advance its nuclear programme and was working to develop long-range missiles capable of reaching the US, according to media reports.
In a separate video message, Trump acknowledged the possibility of casualties, saying American forces could face losses during the operation. He said such outcomes were common in war. The video appeared to be recorded at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, where he was seen wearing a white “USA” baseball cap, a navy suit and a white shirt without a tie, with a dark blue curtain visible in the background.
The US Embassy in Doha has asked American citizens in Qatar to remain indoors and follow a shelter-in-place advisory until further notice amid rising regional tensions.
It urged citizens to stay in secure locations, avoid demonstrations, monitor local media, keep phones charged and maintain communication with family. It also advised enrolment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates.
