Live. Explosions reported in UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain as military op against Iran spills into wider region
Bahrain hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet while the Al Udeid US military air base is located in Qatar.
Explosions rocked northern Israel on Saturday as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles after launching a nationwide attack with the US on Iran.
The blasts echoed just after the Israeli military said it would be using its air defence systems to bring down the Iranian fire.
There was no immediate word on any damage or casualties from the ongoing attack.
US President Donald Trump said the Explosions rocked northern Israel on Saturday as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles after launching a nationwide attack with the US on Iran.
The blasts echoed just amilitary has begun "major combat operations" in Iran after Israel launched what it called a "pre-emptive" strike on Tehran on Saturday morning.
"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," Trump said.
Tensions in the region have been high as Washington and Tehran try to reach an agreement on a deal to limit Iran's nuclear activities.
Follow our live coverage as our journalists track developments.
Blasts reported in northern Israel after Iran reportedly launches retaliatory strikes
Explosions rocked northern Israel on Saturday as the country worked to intercept incoming Iranian missiles after launching a nationwide attack with the US on Iran.
The blasts echoed just after the Israeli military said it would be using its air defence systems to bring down the Iranian fire.
There was no immediate word on any damage or casualties from the ongoing attack.
Air raid sirens also sounded in neighbouring Jordan.
Tehran said earlier that it was preparing to retaliate after Israel launched air strikes on Iran on Saturday morning, an Iranian official told the Reuters news agency.
The unnamed official warned that the Iranian response would be "crushing."
Euronews journalists in Doha report explosions, missiles intercepted in the sky in direction of the US Al Udeid air base
Euronews journalists in Doha report multiple explosions, missiles intercepted in the sky and smoke billowing in the direction of the US Al Udeid airbase.
Qatar announced in January “the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base”, a key US air base, amid “current regional tensions."
That announcement from Doha came after US media quoted Pentagon sources confirming that the US was withdrawing some of its personnel from key Middle East bases as a precaution.
The Al Udeid base was targeted by Iran last year during the 12-day conflict with Israel.
German airline Lufthansa cancels flights to several Middle East destinations
Germany's flag carrier Lufthansa has said it is suspending all flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, and Tehran until 7 March as the security situation in the Middle East worsens.
In addition, Lufthansa said it will suspend flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi until 1 March.
Lufthansa
Iran cuts internet as US and Israel launch strikes, monitor says
Internet access was slashed in Iran on Saturday as Israel and the United States launched strikes against the Islamic republic, monitor Netblocks said.
"Network data show Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout," Netblocks said on social media, adding the move "matches measures used during last year's war with Israel."
Sirens and blasts reported in Kuwait
Witnesses heard sirens and explosions in Kuwait, where the US Army Central is based at Camp Arifjan.
There was no immediate word of casulaties or any damage.
How Saturday's air strikes on Iran unfolded
The attacks on the capital and other cities began early on Saturday morning, at a time when many people were on their way to work and students were heading to school. Citizens used their mobile phones to record thick plumes of smoke rising from the sites of explosions and shared the images and videos on social media.
Some of the videos include audio, capturing the sound of fighter jets passing overhead. In several cases, witnesses also mention the date and precise geographic location. Footage circulating online appears to show Tomahawk missiles crossing western Tehran.
Overall, the sounds heard in the videos reflect a palpable mix of anxiety and hope. Some people are screaming in fear, while others can be heard saying, “It finally happened.”
In certain clips, anti-regime slogans can also be heard.
At the same time, many are closely following Donald Trump’s statements and positions. There are also reports of intermittent internet disruptions, although it remains unclear whether the outages are technical or the result of government-imposed restrictions.
Explosion reported in Abu Dhabi, news agencies say
A loud explosion has been reported in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
That is being reported by the Reuters news agency.
Explosions heard in skies over Syria and Lebanon
Journalists working for the Associated Press news agency in the Syrian capital Damascus and in the city of Sidon in southern Lebanon reported hearing explosions on Saturday, apparently as a result of Israeli air defences intercepting Iranian missiles.
Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar, defence ministry says
Qatar’s Defence Ministry said that an Iranian missile has been intercepted by the Patriot defence system.
Meanwhile, a series of explosions rocked Bahrain, targeting the Juffair military base, local media reported.
Earlier on Saturday, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry issued an emergency alert and urged its citizens to take shelter in the nearest safe location.
Bahrain hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet while the Al Udeid US military air base is located in Qatar.
US Department of Defence codenames Iran military mission Operation Epic Fury
The US Department of Defence has announced in a post on X that the current military operation in Iran is called Operation Epic Fury.
The US, working alongside Israel, began launching air strikes on Iran on Saturday morning as tensions around its nuclear programme continue.
Netanyahu says joint US campaign will let Iranians 'take their fate into their own hands'
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the joint military campaign with the US will let Iranians “take their fate into their own hands.”
Netanyahu said the joint attack, launched on Saturday morning, aimed to “remove an existential threat posed” by Iran.
"This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity," Netanyahu said in a video statement.
"Together we will stand, together we will fight and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel," he added.
Warplanes and missiles seen in Iraq's airspace, witnesses and military sources say
Warplanes and missiles were seen flying through Iraqi airspace as Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran, witnesses and a military source told the AFP news agency.
The military source said on condition of anonymity "our forces detected warplanes from the direction of Israel that crossed the airspace over Baghdad" and other provinces, adding that missiles were also seen flying over the northern province of Kirkuk.
"We saw several missiles flying at a low altitude" near the district of Dakuk in Kirkuk, two witnesses said. A soldier in the city of Ramadi in western Iraq told AFP he saw warplanes flying overhead.
Meanwhile, the Tasnim News Agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guards, has reported a second wave of missile attacks on Israel.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen say they'll resume attacks on shipping
The Iranian-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen have said they will resume missile and drone attacks on shipping routes and on Israel in support of Iran.
That’s according to two senior Houthi officials, who spoke in condition of anonymity because there is no official announcement from the Houthi leadership.
One of the officials said the rebels’ first attack could come as soon as “tonight.”
The Houthis stopped their attacks on the Red Sea shipping route as part of a deal with the Trump administration that also halted US strikes against the Houthis.
They also stopped their attacks against Israel after an October ceasefire that halted major fighting in Gaza.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps releases statement after strikes on Israel
“In response to the aggression of the hostile and criminal enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the first wave of large-scale missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran toward the occupied territories has begun,” the statement said.
The IRGC said more information would be released in due course.
Son of Iran's late shah says 'final victory' near
The son of Iran's last shah voiced confidence on Saturday in victory against the Islamic republic after the United States and Israel launched coordinated air strikes.
"We are very close to final victory. I want to be by your side as soon as possible so that together we can take back and rebuild Iran," Reza Pahlavi, who lives in exile in the Washington area, said in an online video address.
Pahlavi is popular in Iran and is widely considered one of the most prominent opposition figures, with his popularity surging during recent anti-government protests, where his name was frequently chanted.
Jerusalem municipality closes schools, workplaces until 1800 GMT on Monday
The Jerusalem municipality ordered schools and workplaces to close on Saturday after Israel launched strikes on Iran, saying the closure would be in effect until 1800 GMT on Monday.
"In accordance with the assessment of the situation by the Home Front Command and the launch of a preemptive strike against Iran, it has been decided to change the guidelines and transition from full activity to essential activity throughout the country," it said in a statement.
"There will be no educational activities, no gatherings, and no going to work, except for workers defined as essential. This policy is in effect from Saturday (2/28) at 8:00 am (0600 GMT) until Monday (3/2) at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT)."
Trump acknowledges there could be American casualties, saying 'that often happens in war'
US President Donald Trump acknowledged on Saturday that there could be American casualties following Iran strikes, saying "that often happens in war."
“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties,” he said in a video posted to social media early Saturday morning.
After the June attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, Trump said, “We warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons. And we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried.”
He added that Iran “rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions and we can’t take it anymore.”
Iran's President Pezeshkian 'safe and sound,' state media say
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is "safe and sound", state media reported on Saturday, following US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic.
"President Masoud Pezeshkian is safe and sound and has no problems," the IRNA news agency reported, alongside the Mehr and ISNA agencies.
Iraq joins Iran and Israel and says its airspace is closed until further notice
Iraq’s Ministry of Transport said on Saturday that the country’s airspace has also been closed following airstrikes on neighbouring Iran.
The ministry’s spokesman, Mitham al-Safi, told state-run Iraqi News Agency that “the closure was preceded by the evacuation of all air traffic from Iraqi airspace.”
Both Iran and Israel earlier said their airspace was closed to all civilian aircraft.
The United Arab Emirates says its airspace has also been closed.
US embassies in Qatar, Bahrain issue shelter-in-place orders for personnel
The US embassies in Qatar and Bahrain told their staff to seek shelter on Saturday and advised US citizens to do the same after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
The embassies said in two separate statements they were "implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel. We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice," and urged US citizens to "find a secure location within your residence or another safe building."
Trump confirms US begins 'major combat
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States had begun "major combat operations" in Iran.
"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," Trump said.
Trump referred to the Iranians in the video as a "vicious group of very hard, terrible people."
He called the attacks on Iran “a noble mission,” saying they were necessary because of Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and missile systems that could reach the US.
He called on Iranian officials to “lay down your arms” or “you will face certain death,” and encouraged the Iranian people to “take over your government — it will be yours to take.”
Trump 'not thrilled' with Iran talks progress, was already contemplating military action
US President Donald Trump repeatedly warned Tehran to finalise a nuclear deal with Washington “before it is too late”.
Commenting on the talks which had taken place in Geneva, Trump said on Friday he was “not thrilled” with Iran’s attitude in the talks, but hadn't yet decided on whether to attack.
You can read more about Trump's comments and both the US and Iranian positions in the article below.
Trump ‘not thrilled’ with Iran, contemplates military action
Tehran preparing to retaliate, official says
Tehran is preparing to retaliate after Israel launched air strikes on Iran on Saturday morning, an Iranian official told the Reuters news agency.
The unnamed official said the Iranian response would be "crushing."
Israel closes its airspace to all civilian flights
Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights on Saturday after announcing it had carried out "preventive strikes" on Iran and sounding sirens in Jerusalem.
"Following the security developments, the Minister of Transportation has ordered the Director of the Israel Civil Aviation Authority to close the airspace of the State of Israel to civilian flights," the minister, Miri Regev, announced.
Iran also said it had closed its airspace until further notice, following multiple blasts in the capital Tehran and elsewhere, the civil aviation agency said.
"The airspace of the entire country is cosed until further notice," announced the spokesman of Iran's Civil Aviation Organisation, quoted by Tasnim news agency.
Iranian media says strikes happening across the country
Iranian media are reporting attacks are happening nationwide as Israel and the US launched air strikes targeting the country, with initial explosions reported in the capital Tehran.
Explosions have also reportedly been heard in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah.
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