Live! New supreme leader in ‘one or two days’, says Araghchi as missile attacks continue
Twelve killed in clashes outside US consulate in Karachi after Khamenei’s death; Iran fires more missiles as Israel targets 'heart' of Tehran
At least 12 people were reportedly killed and several injured on Sunday (March 1) after clashes broke out between police and protesters outside the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the US-Israel strike on Iran.
A large number of demonstrators were gathered around the consulate, prompting local police to use tear gas and fire warning shots to disperse the crowd, police said.
Edhi Information confirmed that six people have been killed and several injured near Mai Kolachi Road during the firing and unrest. They were transferred to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre, the Express Tribune reported.
Sindh Minister for Interior Ziaul Hasan Langar has requested immediate details from the Additional IG Karachi, stressing that, "No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands." He called for enhanced security at sensitive installations. He added that alternative routes should be determined to maintain traffic flow during the protests.
Iran vows fierce revenge
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Sunday (March 1) vowed to avenge the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death was confirmed by state television hours after US President Donald Trump announced that the 86-year-old cleric, whom he called “one of the most evil people in History”, had been killed.
In a post on Telegram, the Guards warned that “the most ferocious offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces” would begin imminently, targeting what they described as the “occupied territories and American terrorist bases” in the region.
Those bases are situated in Gulf countries that are already grappling with the fallout from an unprecedented wave of deadly Iranian strikes. “The hand of revenge of the Iranian nation will not release the murderers of the Imam of the Ummah from a severe, decisive and regrettable punishment,” the Guards added.
Also read | Explained: What is Operation Epic Fury? Where is Khamenei? What we know so far
Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter have also been killed in strikes by the US and Israel. "After establishing contact with informed sources in the Supreme Leader's household, the news of the martyrdom of the daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter of the Revolutionary Leader has unfortunately been confirmed," Fars news agency and other Iranian media reported.
Earlier, Trump said on Saturday (February 28) that a major attack launched by Israel and the United States killed Khamenei, announcing an assassination that he said gave Iranians their “greatest chance” to “take back" their country but that also put the future of the Islamic Republic in doubt and raised the risk of regional instability.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump wrote in a social media post. He warned of “heavy and pinpoint bombing” that he said would continue throughout the week and even beyond, part of a lethal assault the US has justified as necessary to disable the country's nuclear capabilities.
Also read | US-Israel strikes on Iran: What it means for India and South Asia
The killing of Khamenei in the second Trump administration assault on Iran in eight months appeared certain to create a leadership vacuum given the absence of a known successor and because the 86-year-old supreme leader had final say on all major policies during his decades in power. He led Iran's clerical establishment and its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, the two main centres of power in the governing theocracy.
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Live Updates
- 1 March 2026 8:58 PM IST
US military says 3 service members killed, 5 wounded in Iran operation
The US military says three service members have been killed and five seriously wounded in the Iran operation. Central Command made the announcement on social media Sunday without providing additional information, reported AP. - 1 March 2026 8:37 PM IST
Tour operators report rise in booking cancellations, urge travellers not to panic
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) on Sunday reported a noticeable rise in booking cancellations and rescheduling requests, particularly for sectors connecting India with Europe via major Gulf hubs, due to airspace restrictions arising from the Middle East crisis.
IATO President Ravi Gosain told PTI that travel agents across the country are working closely with airlines and overseas partners to minimise inconvenience to passengers by facilitating re-bookings, refunds, and alternate routings.
"While there is short-term uncertainty, we expect the situation to stabilise, and travellers are being advised to stay in touch with their agents and avoid panic cancellations, as airlines are offering suitable options in most cases," he said.
- 1 March 2026 8:27 PM IST
CBSE postpones class 10, 12 board exams in Middle East
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Sunday postponed the class 10 and 12 board exams scheduled for March 2 in the Middle East region amid the Iran-Israel conflict, officials said.
"Due to current situation in parts of Middle East—Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE—the board has decided to postpone class 10, 12 exams on March 2," said CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj.
The new dates will be announced later, Bhardwaj added.
"The board will review the situation on March 3 and take appropriate decisions with regard to examination scheduled from March 5 onwards," he added.
- 1 March 2026 8:18 PM IST
Govt, exporters, shipping firms to meet tomorrow to assess impact on trade
The Commerce Ministry has convened a meeting of exporters, shipping lines, freight forwarders and officials from other ministries on Monday to assess the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East region on India's trade.
The US and Israel jointly launched military strikes on Iran on Saturday. Iran responded by firing drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf, and also at the global business hub of Dubai.
The ministry has called the meeting in a hybrid mode to assess the impact of the evolving situation on India's trade, the official said.
Exporters have expressed serious concerns that the war will affect trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Both are key for movement of ships. It connects India to the Gulf region, North America and Europe. - 1 March 2026 8:17 PM IST
China condemns Khamenei’s killing, says 'grave violation' of Iran's sovereignty
China strongly condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying that it is a “grave violation” of Iran’s sovereignty and security and called for an immediate end to the US and Israeli attack on that country.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held telephone talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov over the deepening crisis in West Asia.
Iran is a staunch ally of China and Russia. China procures a substantial amount of oil and gas from Iran.
“The attack and killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader is a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a brief statement on Sunday.
“It tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it,” the statement said.
“We urge for an immediate stop to the military operations, no further escalation of the tense situation and joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East and the world at large,” it said.
- 1 March 2026 8:15 PM IST
J-K: LG chairs security meet; appeals to all to uphold peace
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha held a review meeting on Sunday over the security situation across the Union Territory, urging all communities to uphold peace.
The meeting came amid widespread protests following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel attack.
It was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, other senior officials and all deputy commissioners and senior superintendents of police.
"Peace is our collective responsibility and all communities must uphold it," Sinha said. - 1 March 2026 7:55 PM IST
Indian airlines cancel 350 flights today
Indian airlines cancelled 350 international flights on Sunday as operational disruptions continued for the second day due to the escalating Middle East conflict.
With airspace closures in the Middle East and security concerns, Air India and IndiGo have also cancelled their flights that use these airspaces.
"In view of airspace restrictions arising from geopolitical developments in the Middle East, a total of 350 flights operated by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled on 01.03.2026," the civil aviation ministry said in a post on X at 1634 hours on Sunday.
The ministry also said it was closely coordinating with airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders to proactively monitor the situation and facilitate necessary passenger support.
Airlines are also offering waivers for rescheduling and cancellation charges. Air India and Air India Express said that for bookings made on or before February 28 with travel originally planned up to March 5, passengers can reschedule flights at no additional charge or request a full refund.
- 1 March 2026 7:52 PM IST
Araghchi says new supreme leader will be chosen in ‘one or two days’
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to the Al Jazeera network on Sunday, said a new supreme leader will be chosen in “one or two days”.
