Live! Iran defence minister likely dead; Araghchi calls regime change ‘mission impossible’
Iran retaliates after US, Israel bomb Tehran; flights cancelled as 6 countries close airspace; Trump says he wants ‘a safe nation’; India urges restraint
West Asia (the Middle East) exploded on Saturday (February 28) as Iran retaliated with missile strikes on US military bases in Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, as well as Israel, hours after the latter and the US jointly bombed Tehran early in the day.
The first strikes of the attack appeared to target the compound home to Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in downtown Tehran. It wasn’t immediately clear if he was there at the time.
Smoke could be seen rising from the Iranian capital as the US and Israel launched a major attack on targets across Iran. The bombing of a girl's primary school in southern Iran claimed 51 lives.
US President Donald Trump called on the Iranian people to “take over your government” — an extraordinary appeal that suggested the allies could be seeking to end of the country’s theocracy after decades of tensions.
The attack quickly expanded beyond Iran. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it responded by launching a “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel, where a nationwide warning was issued.
Meanwhile, Bahrain said that a missile attack targeted the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom. Witnesses heard sirens and explosions in Kuwait, home to US Army Central. Explosions could also be heard in Qatar.
The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Israel and Iran closed their airspace, and sirens were sounded in Jordan too.
Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a defiant statement, saying that the country “will not hesitate” in its response. In a statement posted on X, the ministry said: “The time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemy's military assault.”
News agency Reuters reported later that Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour were possibly dead.
Indian embassy urges caution
The Indian Embassy in Iran issued an advisory for its citizens, urging them to exercise “utmost caution” and "remain indoors as far as possible”.
It further said that all the Indian nationals may also consider to monitor news, maintain social awareness and await any further guidance from the Embassy of India.
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Live Updates
- 28 Feb 2026 6:18 PM IST
Sirens sounding across Israel once again
Sirens sounding across Israel once again, Israel Defense Forces said in a post on X.
- 28 Feb 2026 6:14 PM IST
Iranian Foreign Minister: 'Will teach the aggressors the lesson they deserve'
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a statement on X, hitting out at the US and Israel for an "unprovoked" attack. He said they will "teach the aggressors the lesson they deserve".
- 28 Feb 2026 6:11 PM IST
Pakistan Foreign Minister Dar condemns 'unwarranted attacks' on Iran
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday condemned the "unwarranted attacks" on Iran by Israel and the US, demanding an immediate cessation of the conflict.
Dar said this while talking over the phone to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi who called the Pakistani leader after his country was attacked.
According to a statement by the Foreign Office, Dar and Araghchi reviewed the evolving situation in Iran and the wider region.
It said that Dar “strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran and called for an immediate halt to escalation through urgent resumption of diplomacy to achieve a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis”.
Separately, the Pakistan Embassy in Iran issued an advisory, urging Pakistani nationals to avoid all non-mandatory travel to Iran for their safety and security.
It asked the Pakistani nationals currently residing in Iran to exercise caution, remain vigilant, minimise non-essential travel, and stay in regular contact with the Pakistani missions.
- 28 Feb 2026 6:10 PM IST
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suspends flight operations to Gulf countries
The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) on Saturday suspended its flight operations to Gulf countries with immediate effect in the wake of tensions in the region after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
"Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended its flight operations to Gulf countries. PIA flights to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait have been suspended," a PIA spokesperson said in a statement.
He said the PIA flights to Saudi Arabia will continue, however, their routes have been changed.
Flights have been shifted to Boeing 777 aircraft and will reach their destinations via longer routes.
The US and Israel on Saturday launched a “pre-emptive” joint strike against Iranian targets, with President Donald Trump announcing the start of “major combat operations”.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran confirmed it has launched a “first wave” of missile and drone attacks against Israel and assets of the US in the Gulf in response to the strikes on its territory.
- 28 Feb 2026 6:09 PM IST
23 Gulf-bound flights cancelled from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram airports
Amid tensions in the Middle East, 23 Gulf-bound flights have been cancelled from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram airports in Kerala.
- 28 Feb 2026 6:08 PM IST
MoCA reviews aviation preparedness amid tensions in Middle East
In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on international air operations, the Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu has undertaken a comprehensive review of preparedness and response measures with all concerned stakeholders, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) said in a statement.
A high-level meeting through a video conference was convened with Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and other senior officials of the Ministry, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), airline operators, and major airport operators across the country. The review focused on ensuring passenger safety, operational continuity and real-time coordination in light of multiple airspace restrictions and NOTAMs issued in parts of the region.
Indian carriers operating international services have been advised to continuously monitor airspace advisories, NOTAMs, and route restrictions issued by the concerned authorities. Airlines have been directed to ensure timely rerouting or diversion of flights, wherever required, strictly in accordance with global safety protocols and established contingency planning procedures.
Airports across the country, particularly major international gateways, have been placed on operational alert to manage potential flight diversions, unscheduled landings and passenger facilitation requirements. The Airports Authority of India and private airport operators have been advised to maintain enhanced coordination with airlines for ground handling, parking bays, passenger amenities, crew logistics and immigration support, as necessary.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been advised to remain in close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety regulations, crew duty time limitations, and operational advisories. Further, continuous monitoring mechanisms should be activated to assess the evolving airspace dynamics and mitigate any cascading impact on domestic schedules, MoCA said.
The Ministry said it is also in close touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure seamless information flow and appropriate coordination in case of any emergent requirements involving Indian carriers or Indian nationals abroad.
"Passengers are advised to stay in regular contact with their respective airlines for updated travel information and schedule changes. Airlines have been instructed to proactively communicate with passengers regarding delays, rerouting, or diversions to minimize inconvenience. The safety of passengers and crew remains paramount. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is closely monitoring the situation to ensure safe, orderly, and efficient air operations. The situation is under constant watch. Further updates will follow as necessary," MoCA said.
- 28 Feb 2026 6:03 PM IST
'Oh My God': Explosion on Doha outskirts, people scream
People seen running on the outskirts of Doha, Qatar, after a massive explosion. Here is the dramatic footage shared by an user on X.
- 28 Feb 2026 5:59 PM IST
Dubai Airport: All flight operations suspended
In an update shared on X, Dubai Airport said, "Flight operations at @DXB and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) have been suspended until further notice. Guests are advised not to travel to the airport, and to check with their airlines for flight updates."
- 28 Feb 2026 5:56 PM IST
T20 World Cup: ICC activates contingency plans amid tensions in Middle East
The International Cricket Council (ICC) said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and has activated comprehensive contingency plans to safeguard the travel, logistics and well-being of all stakeholders associated with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, currently underway in India and Sri Lanka.
While the crisis in the Middle East has no direct bearing on the conduct of the tournament, the ICC acknowledged that a significant number of personnel - including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff - rely on Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai (DXB), as key transit points for onward travel to their home countries upon concluding their commitments at the event.
An ICC Spokesperson said: “The safety and well-being of every individual connected to our event is the ICC’s highest priority. We have already mobilised our travel, logistics and security teams, and are working around the clock to ensure that all stakeholders can return home safely, with minimal disruption. We would also urge fans who have travelled or were planning to travel for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to monitor closely and adhere to advisories being issued and consider all factors before undertaking any further international travel.”
Measures currently in place
"The ICC Travel and Logistics team is actively working with major international carriers to identify and secure alternative routing options, including connections through European, South Asian and South-East Asian hubs," ICC said in a statement.
"The ICC security consultants are liaising with relevant authorities and will provide real-time advisories as the situation develops. A dedicated ICC Travel Support Desk has also been activated. The ICC will continue to issue updates as the situation evolves and remains committed to the smooth and safe conclusion of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026," it added.
- 28 Feb 2026 5:53 PM IST
Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen vow to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel
The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen have vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel, according to two senior Houthi officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement from the Houthi leadership, according to an AP report.
