US and Israel launched massive coordinated strikes targeting Iranian military commanders, nuclear facilities, and the leadership compound in Tehran. Bangladeshi worker injured in Kuwait drone strike: embassy
Diplomatic Correspondent : Joint Strikes (Operation Epic Fury) On February 28, the US and Israel launched massive coordinated strikes targeting Iranian military commanders, nuclear facilities, and the leadership compound in Tehran. President Trump framed the operation as a move to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and called on the Iranian people to overthrow the regime.
Tehran responded by launching a wave of ballistic missiles and drones targeting U.S. military bases and allies across the Gulf. Reported strikes hit targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.
Casualties and Impact:
In Iran, a strike on a girls’ school in Minab reportedly killed at least 85 people. In the UAE, an Iranian missile hit the Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai, causing injuries, while falling debris killed one person in Abu Dhabi.
Bahrain: The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain announced it would close on March 1 following direct missile strikes on the capital, Manama.
Regional Chaos: Airspace across the Gulf has been closed, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations at major hubs like Dubai and Doha. There are unconfirmed reports that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed by Iranian forces.
Tehran Skyline: Plumes of black smoke rising over the Iranian capital following explosions at government compounds.
Khamenei’s Compound: Satellite imagery from Airbus/Soar Atlas showing heavy damage to the official residence of the Supreme Leader.
Dubai Fire: Footage of a fire at the Fairmont The Palm after an Iranian ballistic missile impact.
Doha Skies: Images of missile interception trails visible from the Qatari capital.
Do you need more information on the global oil market reaction or specific military base damage reports?
US-Israel strikes on Iran: International Media Perspectives
United States (The New York Times, CNN):
American outlets are focusing on President Trump’s “Operation Epic Fury,” reporting that the strikes aimed to “decapitate” Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Reports highlight the domestic debate in Washington, with some calling it a necessary preemptive strike and others fearing an “unending regional war.”
United Kingdom (The Guardian, BBC):
British media emphasizes the humanitarian toll and the danger to civilians. Reports have surfaced about a girls’ school in Minab being struck, leading to global condemnation and calls for an immediate ceasefire from the UN.
Middle East (Al Jazeera, Al Arabiya):
Regional coverage is centering on the Gulf on edge. Al Jazeera reports on the “panicked reality” in cities like Doha and Dubai as Iranian missiles are intercepted overhead. They highlight that Arab nations are caught in the crossfire, with the Fairmont Hotel strike in Dubai serving as a grim warning of total regional escalation.
Germany/Europe (Deutsche Welle):
European analysts are focusing on the economic fallout. DW reports that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused oil prices to skyrocket, threatening a global energy crisis.
civilians killed in Lamerd airstrikes
At least 15 civilians have died after US and Israeli airstrikes hit residential areas in Lamerd, Fars Province, southern Iran, local officials said.
Lamerd Governor Ali Alizadeh said the strikes targeted a sports complex, a hall next to a school, and two other residential sites on Saturday afternoon. Dozens more were wounded, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
Source: IRNA
We will punish those who kill our children: Iran
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed confusion over the US attack on his country.He wrote on X, “We do not understand the reasons for the US attack on Iran. Perhaps the US administration was dragged into it.”He added a stern warning: “Here is what I do know: Iran will punish those who kill our children.” Araghchi stressed that Iran’s enmity is not with the American people, saying, “Our enmity is not with the American people, who are being lied to yet again.”
UN sees no nuclear fallout after Iran strikes
The UN’s nuclear agency said Saturday it has detected no “radiological impact” from the US and Israeli attacks on Iran or subsequent retaliatory strikes in the region. It did not confirm whether Iranian nuclear sites were targeted. “The IAEA is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and urges restraint to avoid nuclear safety risks to people in the region,” the agency said on X, adding it remains in permanent contact with regional countries and has seen no evidence of radiological harm so far.
Source: Reuters
CIA foresaw IRGC takeover if Khamenei killed
Ahead of Saturday’s US and Israeli strikes on Iran, the CIA assessed that if Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei were killed, hardline IRGC figures would likely take control.The analysis looked at possible outcomes of a US operation and whether it could trigger regime change, but offered no scenario with certainty.
The assessments came as Trump described Tehran as a “terrorist regime” and encouraged Iranians to rise against their government.
US officials had briefed top lawmakers on possible strikes, noting action could be paused if nuclear talks succeeded — but no deal was reached, prompting the assaults.
Source: Reuters
Iran vows to continue strikes until ‘enemy’s defeated’
Iran’s defence ministry said it will keep providing full weapons and equipment support to sustain its operations “until the enemy’s defeat”.
In a statement underscoring Tehran’s determination to respond to US and Israeli attacks, the ministry framed the aggression as a catalyst for the “failure and punishment” of the United States and Israel, pledging a “crushing and regretful response” with the backing of the Iranian people.
A senior IRGC commander added that so far only “scrap missiles” have been used, warning that stronger and unforeseen weapons will be deployed in the coming response.Source: The Telegraph
201 killed, 747 wounded: Iranian Red Crescent
A spokesperson for Iran’s Red Crescent Society told Mehr news agency that strikes by the US and Israel have affected 24 provinces, killing at least 201 people and injuring 747. Over 220 Red Crescent teams are on the ground conducting ongoing rescue operations.
Source: Al Jazeera
US-Israel strikes could push Middle East to brink: Malaysia PM
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran risk “bringing the Middle East to the edge of catastrophe”.
In an X post, he called on both Washington and Tehran to pursue diplomacy instead of escalating the conflict.
Bangladeshi worker injured in Kuwait drone strike: embassy
A Bangladeshi worker has been injured in a drone attack at Kuwait International Airport amid escalating tensions linked to the Iran conflict.The incident occurred on Saturday, and the expatriate was admitted to a local hospital. His name has not been immediately released, and the embassy is still confirming his identity.
Counsellor Mohammad Moniruzzaman of the Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait told bdnews24.com, “Based on the information received so far, one Bangladeshi worker has been injured in the attack. The embassy is maintaining regular contact to monitor his condition.”
Israeli army launches fresh air strikes on Iran
The Israeli military has announced a new wave of air attacks targeting missile launch sites and defence systems in central Iran, describing the operation as a move to counter potential threats to Israel.
Source: Al Jazeera
