Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel and United States launched coordinated military strikes on Iran to eliminate what he described as an “existential threat” from Tehran’s government. The operation, reportedly named Operation Lion’s Roar, targets Iran’s military and strategic assets, with Netanyahu urging Iranian citizens to break free from tyranny and calling on Israelis to follow safety directives amid rising tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump backed the offensive as major combat operations aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. Explosions were reported in Tehran and regional instability is escalating rapidly.

Emergency sirens rang out across Bahrain after a reported missile attack targeted facilities linked to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in the capital, Manama. The incident followed escalating hostilities after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors as explosions were reported near key military zones. While the extent of damage remains unclear, the development has heightened security concerns across the Gulf, with neighboring countries also on alert amid rising tensions and fears of further retaliation in the Middle East.

Israel launched a pre-emptive military strike on Iran, with **explosions reported in Tehran and a state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities, according to defence officials. Sirens sounded across Israel as alerts urged civilians to seek shelter amid fears of Iranian missile retaliation. Iran’s state media acknowledged blasts in the capital without full details. The offensive—reported to involve both Israeli and U.S. forces—comes amid long-running tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and follows failed diplomatic talks. The situation has disrupted travel and heightened regional instability, with international observers warning of potential further escalation. 

Following coordinated US‑Israel military strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, US President Donald Trump stated the action aimed to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its nuclear programme and developing long‑range missiles that could threaten the United States and allies. Trump shared a stern message on Truth Social, warning Iran’s regime to “lay down arms or face certain death” and asserting that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” He described the ongoing strikes as part of a “massive operation” targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure and military capabilities after diplomatic negotiations failed. The escalation raises fears of broader regional conflict. 

Israel announced on February 28, 2026, that it had carried out a pre‑emptive military attack against Iran, marking a significant escalation in longstanding regional tensions. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated the strike was intended to “remove threats to the State of Israel,” following months of planning and warnings over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Explosions were reported across Tehran and other Iranian cities, while air raid sirens sounded in Israel and a state of emergency was declared with schools and workplaces closed. The operation was reportedly coordinated with the United States, and Tehran has signalled plans to retaliate, further dimming hopes for diplomatic solutions to the nuclear dispute. (PC: AP)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of War to deploy its advanced AI models on the department’s classified network, marking a significant step in integrating commercial AI into military infrastructure. The deal includes core safety principles, such as bans on domestic mass surveillance and requirements for human oversight of force and autonomous weapons systems, which both sides agreed to embed in the contract. OpenAI plans to build technical safeguards and run the models on secure cloud systems, and has urged similar terms for other AI firms. This development comes amid tensions with rival AI company Anthropic over Pentagon AI use policies. (PC: AI)

A Bolivian Air Force C‑130 military cargo plane carrying newly printed banknotes crashed on Friday near El Alto, close to the capital La Paz, killing at least 15 people and injuring around 30 others, officials said. The aircraft veered off the runway during landing and struck several vehicles on a busy avenue, scattering currency across the crash site, footage showed. Police used tear gas and water hoses to disperse people attempting to collect the scattered banknotes, which were being transported for the Central Bank. El Alto International Airport temporarily suspended operations as rescue and investigation efforts continue. (PC: AFP)

The Taliban released videos showing attacks on Pakistani military positions following Islamabad’s airstrikes on Afghan territory. The footage highlights Taliban fighters targeting convoys and checkpoints in retaliation. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly praised Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their handling of the escalating conflict, calling it a “strong response to cross-border aggression.” The exchange of strikes has heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, raising concerns of broader regional instability. International observers urge both sides to pursue dialogue to prevent further civilian casualties and escalation.

Iran has agreed never to possess nuclear material capable of producing a bomb, marking a potential breakthrough in stalled U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said. The mediator described the commitment as unprecedented and distinct from previous agreements, with Iran also agreeing not to stockpile enriched uranium and to allow full verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Albusaidi said a comprehensive peace deal with the United States is now “within reach” if diplomacy continues. Tehran’s existing enriched uranium stockpiles would be down‑blended and converted into irreversible fuel, he added. Talks are set to continue. 

A Bolivian Air Force C‑130 Hercules military cargo plane carrying newly printed banknotes crashed near El Alto International Airport, close to the capital La Paz, killing at least 15 people officials said. The aircraft veered off the runway while landing and struck vehicles on a busy avenue, injuring others and scattering bundles of cash across the crash site, according to local footage. Police used tear gas to keep crowds from collecting the banknotes, which were being transported for Bolivia’s central bank. Airport operations were suspended and authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, which also damaged several cars.