Iran’s state media confirmed on 1 March 2026 that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has died following a major joint U.S. and Israeli military attack on Iran, marking a historic escalation in regional conflict. The 86-year-old leader, who had governed since 1989, was reportedly killed in strikes on Tehran targeting senior leadership and strategic sites. Tehran declared 40 days of national mourning. The coordinated offensive triggered Iranian missile and drone retaliation against Israel and U.S. bases across the Middle East, raising concerns of wider instability. (PC: Reuters)

Dubai’s main international airport (DXB) sustained minor damage in a retaliatory Iranian missile attack after joint US–Israeli strikes on Iran, officials said. A concourse at the world’s busiest airport was impacted, and four airport staff were injured as emergency teams responded and terminals had been cleared beforehand. The incident triggered panic and forced evacuation procedures, with regional airspace closures leading to mass flight cancellations and suspensions. The attacks are part of broader Iranian strikes across Gulf states, affecting infrastructure including other airports and prompting heightened security and disruption in the aviation hub.

India has expressed deep concern over the recent joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and the resulting escalation in the Middle East. New Delhi’s Ministry of External Affairs urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians, while emphasising that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected. India highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as the only means to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Indian missions across the Gulf region have issued advisories to nationals to remain vigilant and stay in contact with embassies amid uncertainty. (PC: X)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has pledged a “most ferocious offensive operation” against U.S. military bases and Israel after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in coordinated U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities. The strikes, part of a campaign dubbed Operation Epic Fury / Lion’s Roar, targeted military and nuclear sites, killing Khamenei and senior commanders, and damaging key infrastructure. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on regional U.S. bases and Israeli targets, prompting high alert and civilian casualties. Tehran declared 40 days of mourning and vowed relentless retaliation as global tensions spike. (PC: Reuters)

The son-in-law and daughter-in-law of Iran’s Supreme Leader were killed in US-Israel strikes, a Tehran council member said. The attacks hit several sites in and around Tehran overnight. Iranian media reported multiple explosions in the capital. Emergency teams were sent to the affected areas. US and Israeli officials have not confirmed the deaths. They said the strikes targeted military infrastructure. Iran has vowed to respond strongly. State television showed mourners gathering in Tehran. Global leaders urged restraint to avoid wider conflict. Oil prices rose as fears grew of disruption in the Gulf region. More details are awaited.

The United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran on Saturday. Iranian media said 201 people were killed and over 700 injured across 24 provinces. Iran called the attacks illegal and vowed retaliation. Tehran fired missiles at US and Israeli targets in the region. Explosions were reported in Dubai and Kuwait. Several Gulf countries shut their airspace. The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting. India said it is in touch with its citizens in Israel. Flights to the Middle East were cancelled by Indian airlines. Regional tensions continue to rise sharply.

An explosion was reported at Palm Jumeirah in Dubai on Saturday night. The blast came as Iran launched strikes across the Gulf after US and Israeli attacks. The Dubai Media Office confirmed that four people were injured. They were taken for treatment. The fire caused by the explosion is now under control. Emergency teams reached the site quickly and secured the area. Residents said they heard loud bangs and saw black smoke rising from a building. Authorities urged people to stay calm and avoid sharing videos online. Palm Jumeirah is a famous man-made island known for luxury hotels and homes.

Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh was killed in joint US and Israeli strikes on Saturday, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammed Pakpour was also reported dead.   Nasirzadeh earlier served as deputy chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces. He began his career as a fighter pilot before becoming defence minister.   The United States and Israel said the strikes targeted Iran’s top leadership. US President Donald Trump said the action was meant to end a security threat and stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.   Iran responded by launching missiles at Israel and several Gulf countries hosting US bases. (PC: HT)

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa was evacuated after explosions were heard across the city during Iranian missile strikes in the Gulf, media reports said. The strikes followed joint US and Israeli attacks on Tehran earlier in the day.   Iran targeted locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE, as well as Doha and Riyadh. Residents in Dubai said they heard loud blasts and saw missiles moving across the sky. “It was a big explosion, and it made the windows shake,” one witness said.   The UAE said a civilian of Asian nationality was killed in Abu Dhabi after missile debris fell in a residential area. Qatar said it intercepted incoming missiles and reported no casualties. (PC: NDTV)

British fighter jets are operating in the Middle East as part of a defensive move, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Saturday. In a televised message, he said the aircraft are “in the sky” to protect UK personnel, bases and allies. He said security for British forces has been raised to the highest level.   The UK did not take part in the US-Israel strikes on Iran. Starmer said he wants “peace and security” in the region and protection of civilian life. He urged Iran to stop further strikes and return to talks. The government said its main focus is the safety of UK nationals. (PC: BBC)