Live! Iran defence minister likely dead; Araghchi calls regime change ‘mission impossible’

Spanish PM: 'We reject unilateral military action by the United States and Israel'

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez rejects "unilateral military action" by the US and Israel.

"We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order. We likewise reject the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard. We cannot afford another prolonged and devastating war in the Middle East. We demand immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law. It is time to resume dialogue and achieve a lasting political solution for the region," Pedro said in a statement on X.

Oman foreign minister to US: 'I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war'

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said in a post on X, "I am dismayed. Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined. Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer. I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war."

Temporary suspension of Qatar Airways flights due to Qatari airspace closure

In a statement, Qatar Airways said, "Qatar Airways Group confirms the temporary suspension of its flights to, and from, Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations when the airspace re-opens.

Once usual operations resume, we anticipate delays to our flight schedule. We have also deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other key airports to assist affected passengers. The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

For further updates please visit http://qatarairways.com, the Qatar Airways app, or our official channel on X. Media can contact the Media Enquiry Centre on: +974 4022 2200."

Keep return plans flexible: EaseMyTrip's Pitti to travellers as flight ops disrupted

EaseMyTrip co-founder Rikant Pitti on Saturday advised travellers to exercise flexibility in their plans and monitor airline updates as flight operations were severely disrupted by airspace closures and route diversions after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

In a post on X, Pitti said due to Iran and Israel keeping their airspace closed for civilian flight operations amid military escalation between the two nations, travellers transiting through or around the region may experience longer flight durations, schedule adjustments, or operational changes.

He recommended monitoring official airline updates regularly.

"As the situation remains dynamic, we recommend international travelers to: - Monitor official airline updates regularly - Keep return travel plans flexible - Secure confirmed bookings in advance if planning travel in the coming days Please rest assured that our team at EaseMyTrip is closely tracking developments and will extend full assistance wherever required," Pitti said.

Meanwhile, the joint US-Israel attack spread beyond Iran as its paramilitary launched drones and missiles targeting Israel. Bahrain said a missile attack targeted a US Navy fleet headquarters there while media reports said, quoting local witnesses, sirens and explosions could be heard in Kuwait, which is home to a base of US Army. Explosions could also be heard in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Iraq and the UAE said they have closed their airspace.

Read Benjamin Netanyahu's full statement on Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded message released Saturday morning that the attacks will let Iranians “take their fate into their own hands” and that Israel plans the current operation to be “much more powerful” than the bruising 12-day war Israel launched against Iran in June.

He spoke in Hebrew. Here's an English-language transcript of Netanyahu's address:

"My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel. A short while ago, Israel and the United States embarked on a joint campaign, Operation Lion's Roar. The aim of the operation is to put an end to the threat from the Ayatollah regime in Iran.

At this time, the IDF is striking targets of the oppressive regime, facilities of the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij, and together with the United States military, ballistic missile sites that threaten both Israel and US forces. This operation will continue as long as necessary. For 47 years, the evil regime in Iran has called for death to Israel, death to America.

It trampled on the citizens of its country, it instilled fear in the peoples of the region, it spread a vast network of terror across the entire world, it invested enormous resources to develop atomic bombs and tens of thousands of missiles intended, as it defined it, to erase Israel from the map of the world.

It also armed the terrorist proxies around us in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Judea and Samaria, and it shed our blood.

But if anyone needed further proof of the murderous nature of the Ayatollah regime, they received it last month. Because we all saw how this tyrannical regime in Tehran carried out an unprecedented mass slaughter of its own citizens in Iran. It cold-bloodedly murdered thousands of children, adults and the elderly.

Tens of thousands were arrested, tortured and humiliated. And why? Just because they sought lives of freedom and dignity.

In the Revival War and Operation Rising Lion, our heroic soldiers struck a decisive blow against the Ayatollah regime and its proxies. But the wounded predator has not ceased its attempts to recover, for the same purpose, to destroy us.

In recent months, the tyrants in Iran have been plotting to rebuild their nuclear and missile capabilities and to bury them underground, where we cannot reach them. If we do not stop them now, they will become invulnerable.

To this end, their representatives in negotiations are trying to buy time, attempting to gain time in fruitless and deceitful negotiations with our American friends. But the tyrants in Iran have made a grave mistake because the United States is not buying their lies, and we will not sit idly by while the shadow of destruction looms over us.

Therefore, we have launched Operation Lion's Roar, an operation far more powerful than Operation Rising Lion, which was already very powerful. We are doing this in full cooperation with our friends in the United States under the courageous leadership of President Trump.

Together with the United States, we will strike hard at the terror regime and create conditions that will allow the brave Iranian people to cast off the yoke of this murderous regime.

During Operation Rising Lion, I was often asked whether the overthrow of the regime was the goal of the operation, in addition to removing the nuclear and missile threat. I replied that this was not the goal, but it could certainly be the outcome. And indeed, this is exactly what began to happen, with millions of Iranians taking to the streets. And now, now they are given the opportunity to take control of their own destiny. Citizens of Israel, as in Operation Rising Lion, so too in Operation Lion's Roar, we all need patience and resilience.

Because there will be costs, and perhaps even high costs. But I know the wonderful forces that lie within our people, the wonderful forces that lie within you, citizens of Israel.

Since the Revival War began, we have stood together, and today too we will stand together in bravery, in brotherhood, in mutual responsibility. I ask all of you to strictly follow the instructions of the Home Front Command, because you already know, these instructions save lives.

Challenging days lie ahead for us. Every military action involves risk. But the risk of not acting is immeasurably greater, because if we do not act, we will face a nuclear Iran, an Iran with tens of thousands of ballistic missiles, an Iran that will work to destroy us and be immune to our counteractions. As people who desire life, we have no choice but to engage in this campaign. However, this time, we are doing it with the immense combined power of the State of Israel and the United States of America.

From here, I wish to address the citizens of Iran. You, the citizens of Iran, and the Iranian army, the Artesh. You are not our enemies, and we are not your enemies. 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.

Therefore, in full coordination with my friend, the President of the United States, I say to you, anyone who lays down their weapon, including among the regime forces, will ensure their safety and secure their future. The Iranian people in all their diversity —Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Balochs, Abkhazians, and all other citizens of this wonderful nation — this is your opportunity to establish a new and free Iran. Take your destiny into your own hands. Hold your head high, look to the skies, our forces are there, the pilots of the free world, all coming to your aid. Help has arrived. And I believe the day is not far when Israel and a free Iran will join hands for the sake of security and peace, for the sake of progress and prosperity.

Citizens of Israel, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to the American people, and to the American military. President Trump is not only one of Israel's greatest friends in the White House of all time, but he is also 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.

On behalf of the citizens of Israel, I salute the commanders and soldiers of the IDF, our Air Force, the Intelligence Directorate, the Mossad, the women and men of the security forces, and the women and men of the rescue forces. I salute them for their courage and the strength of their actions. And I tell you, an entire nation stands behind you, an entire nation prays for your success.

My brothers and sisters, in two days we will celebrate the holiday of Purim. 2,500 years ago, in ancient Persia, an enemy rose against us with the exact same goal of completely destroying our people. But Mordechai the Jew and Queen Esther, with their courage and resourcefulness, saved our people. In those days of Purim, the lot was cast, and the wicked Haman fell along with it.

Even today, on the holiday of Purim, the lot was cast, and the end of the evil regime will also come. The prophet Amos says, “The lion has roared, who will not fear?” In Operation Lion's Roar, we roar. Do not fear Israel, for are you not a young lion? We will stand as one person with one heart, and with God's help, we will ensure the eternity of Israel."

French president on attacks on Iran: 'Grave consequences for international peace and security'

France's President Emmanuel Macron issues a statement.

"The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security.

In this decisive moment, all measures are being taken to ensure the security of the national territory and that of our compatriots, as well as our interests in the Middle East.

France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners at their request.

The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop. The Iranian regime must understand that it no longer has any option but to engage in good-faith negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs, as well as its actions of regional destabilization. This is absolutely essential to the security of all in the Middle East.

The Iranian people must also be able to build their future freely. The massacres perpetrated by the Islamic regime disqualify it and require that the voice be given back to the people. The sooner, the better.

True to its principles and aware of its international responsibilities, France is calling for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. I am in close contact with our European partners and our friends in the Middle East."

Emirates temporarily suspends operations to and from Dubai

Emirates Airlines' statement.

Photo: Residents evacuate a building hit by a projectile in Tirat Hacarmel, northern Israel

Residents evacuate a building hit by a projectile in Tirat Hacarmel, northern Israel, Saturday, February 28. No injuries were reported. AP/PTI

Europeans cautious as they scramble to digest major US, Israeli attack on Iran

European leaders scrambled to protect their citizens in the Middle East and figure out how to respond to US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday, amid fast-moving developments on the ground.

Germany is holding an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss the situation in Iran. The European Union is evacuating some staff from the region.

The US and Israel launched a major attack on targets across Iran, and US President Donald Trump called on the Iranian people to “take over your government” — an extraordinary appeal that suggested they could be seeking to end the country's theocracy after decades of tensions.

It was unclear whether US allies were given any advance warning of the attacks. The German government said it was only given notice of the attacks on Saturday morning. France's junior defence minister said France knew something would happen, but didn't know when.

Responding to the attack, the European Union's top diplomat called the conflict in the Middle East “perilous” and said she was working with Israeli and Arab officials to pursue a negotiated peace.

“Iran's regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmemes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security,” said Kaja Kallas, foreign policy chief of the 27-nation bloc, in a post on social media.

“The EU is also coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths.” She said the EU was evacuating some staff in the region while keeping in place a maritime mission in the Red Sea. The EU recently put fresh sanctions on Iran and its leading figures, which prompted retaliatory sanctions by Tehran.

The German government said it was monitoring the situation in Iran, Israel and the wider Middle East region after being informed about the Israeli strikes on Saturday morning. The German government's crisis management team is scheduled to meet at noon to discuss the situation in Iran.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz was already consulting with ministers in charge of security and with European partners.

The German government urged German citizens in Iran, Israel, and the wider region to sign up for the official registration system for citizens abroad and follow the instructions of the local authorities regarding the necessary measures for their own protection.

France, whose military has bases and a regular presence in the Mideast, is calling on French citizens in the region to exercise extreme caution.

“A military escalation is underway. ... It's not the time for negotiations, we are in a situation of war,” junior Defence Minister Alice Rufo told France-2 television Saturday, comparing the situation to what happened last June.

“Our priority is the protection of our citizens and the protection of our forces in the region,” she said.

Asked if French forces were involved in the US and Israeli strikes or targeted in retaliatory strikes, French military spokesperson Col. Guillaume Vernet said Saturday: “The French armed forces continuously adapt their posture to threats and implement measures to ensure the surveillance and protection of military installations where French soldiers are deployed.” He would not elaborate.

“Our military presence guarantees France's independent assessment of the situation,” he told the AP.

Italy's government urged Italians to exercise the utmost caution and follow instructions provided by its embassies in the region. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said the prime minister would be in contact with the region's allies and leaders within the next few hours to “support any initiative that may lead to a de-escalation of tensions.” “Italy reiterates its support to the Iranian civilian population, who courageously continue to demand respect for their civil and political rights,” Meloni's office said.

Switzerland called for full respect of international law and urged “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.” AP

Red Cross chief: 'Military escalation in Middle East is igniting a dangerous chain reaction in region'

Red Cross chief Mirjana Spoljaric says, “The military escalation in the Middle East is igniting a dangerous chain reaction across the region, with potentially devastating consequences for civilians.”