Last updated: Sunday, March 1, 2026 | 16:30 UTC
LIVE: United States–Israel–Iran Conflict — Ongoing Coverage
Major military escalation continues after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran; Iran’s retaliation persists across the Middle East and global reactions intensify.
16:30 UTC — Trump Acknowledges U.S. Military Deaths and Extended Operation
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed in a video address that three U.S. service members have been killed in the conflict with Iran and warned that further U.S. military casualties are likely as operations continue. He said the campaign could last around four weeks or less and that “hundreds” of Iranian leaders have been killed.
16:15 UTC — Oil Prices Spike Amid Conflict, Fresh Strikes Reported
Global oil prices surged as markets reacted to continued strikes by Israel on Tehran and other Iranian strategic sites, which The Guardian reports are being conducted in “large-scale waves” including fresh bombardments on the Iranian capital. U.S. leaders reiterated that the operation will continue until objectives are achieved.
16:00 UTC — Iran’s Retaliatory Attacks Continue in Gulf
Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone strikes are ongoing for a second day, with blasts reported in Dubai, Doha and Manama as Iranian forces target U.S. and allied assets in the Gulf. Civil defence sirens and intermittent explosions were heard across the region, raising fears of widening conflict.
15:50 UTC — UAE Issues Emergency Alert for Missile Threats
The United Arab Emirates issued an urgent emergency alert to residents and visitors, warning of incoming missile threats and advising people to “seek immediate shelter” amid escalation of regional tensions tied to the conflict involving Iran, the U.S. and Israel.
15:30 UTC — Russia Condemns U.S.–Israel Strikes on Iran
Russia strongly condemned the joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran as an “unprovoked act of armed aggression,” accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of destabilizing the region and violating international norms. Moscow reiterated its support for diplomatic solutions while urging an immediate end to hostilities.
15:15 UTC — International Civil Aviation Still Disrupted
Civil aviation across the Middle East remains severely affected. Flights are being diverted or cancelled due to airspace restrictions as governments close skies to avoid conflict zones. Airlines including major Gulf carriers have suspended many regional routes. (Reuters reporting on airspace closures)
What We Know
• The U.S. and Israel are conducting repeated strikes on Iranian military and strategic targets as part of an extended campaign following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Iran continues retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region, hitting or threatening U.S. and allied positions.
• U.S. military casualties confirmed, and the operation may continue for an extended period.
• Emergency alerts and civilian impact now extend to Gulf states, including the UAE.
• Global reactions vary, including strong diplomatic condemnations from Russia and calls for ceasefire from other states.
What We Don’t Know
• Exact, independently verified civilian casualty figures across all affected areas.
• The full strategic objectives of each side’s next phase and how long sustained operations will continue.
• Whether additional nations will become directly involved militarily.
15:00 UTC — New Wave of U.S. and Israeli Strikes on Iran Confirmed
Israeli warplanes and U.S. assets conducted another round of coordinated strikes on Tehran and other strategic locations in Iran, according to Israeli military sources. The strikes follow last weekend’s assault that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top Iranian officials.
14:50 UTC — Explosions Reported in Tehran Amid Ongoing Conflict
New explosions were reported in central Tehran as Iran’s air defenses engage incoming strikes. Iran also claims it has targeted additional U.S. military bases in the region as part of its retaliation campaign.
14:40 UTC — Global Travel Disruptions Escalate
Multiple countries across the Middle East have closed or restricted airspace, forcing thousands of flight cancellations and diversions. Major carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and several European and Asian airlines have suspended services in and out of the region amid safety concerns.
14:30 UTC — China Condemns U.S.–Israeli Strikes, Calls for Ceasefire
China’s foreign ministry strongly criticized the U.S. and Israeli military operations in Iran as “unacceptable,” calling for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic talks. Beijing also advised its citizens in the region to evacuate if possible due to escalating dangers.
14:15 UTC — Civil Aviation Across Middle East Remains Affected
Authorities in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and Syria have closed their skies to civilian air traffic, prompting widespread cancellations. More than 2,350 international flights were cancelled worldwide, with thousands more delayed as airlines adjust routes to avoid conflict zones.
14:00 UTC — Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Warn of “Severe Punishment”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement vowing “severe punishment” for the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei and describes continuing retaliatory attacks against U.S. and Israeli forces. Senior Iranian officials have framed the ongoing military response as a defensive operation.
What We Know
• U.S. and Israel are carrying out repeated airstrikes across Iran, including in Tehran and other strategic locations, as part of a sustained military campaign after the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
• Iran continues its retaliatory attacks, including missile and drone strikes across the Gulf and toward U.S. bases and Israeli locations.
• Airspace closures and flight disruptions are widespread, affecting global civil aviation and travel schedules.
• International reactions vary — China has condemned the strikes and called for ceasefire and diplomacy.
What We Don’t Know
• Precise, independently verified casualty figures on either side, particularly inside Iran and in regional civilian areas.
• Full details on the target list and strategic objectives of ongoing strike operations.
• Whether the conflict will escalate into formal, wider regional war involving additional state actors.
13:55 UTC — Updated Casualty & Damage Summary
• Iranian state media and international agencies report hundreds of Iranians killed and many more wounded in U.S.–Israeli airstrikes and subsequent retaliation, including senior military figures such as the IRGC commander and defense officials. Civilian sites including a girls’ school in Minab were hit, with significant casualties reported.
• Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks have struck Israeli cities, Gulf states hosting U.S. forces, and regional infrastructure, causing widely intercepted strikes but some civilian casualties.
• Airports and airspace in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and other Gulf hubs have been closed or disrupted, stranding thousands of passengers.
• Internet connectivity in Iran remains severely restricted, hindering independent casualty verification.
13:50 UTC — Iran Fires Missiles Toward UK Bases
The UK Defence Secretary reported that Iran fired missiles toward British military bases near Cyprus, signaling an escalation that extends beyond U.S. and Israeli targets.
13:40 UTC — U.N. Security Council Emergency Session
At the emergency Security Council meeting, U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres condemned both U.S.–Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks, warning of regional destabilization and emphasizing diplomacy. Russia and China called for immediate cessation of hostilities.
13:25 UTC — Trump Signals Continued Air Campaign
U.S. President Donald Trump said the “heavy and pinpoint bombing” of Iranian targets will continue “as long as necessary,” framing U.S. actions as defensive measures against Iranian threats.
13:10 UTC — Iran Continues Missile & Drone Strikes
Explosions were reported over multiple Gulf states, including Doha and Manama, as Iran’s ballistic missiles and drones targeted U.S. and allied facilities with some confirmed injuries.
12:55 UTC — Israel Conducts Additional Strikes on Iranian Military Sites
Israeli forces carried out a further wave of strikes against Iranian ballistic missile launchers and air defense infrastructure, part of the ongoing multi‑day campaign.
12:45 UTC — Iran Names Interim Leadership Council Member
Iran formally appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi to its interim leadership council following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, adding to President Masoud Pezeshkian and judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei.
12:30 UTC — Retaliatory Explosions Reported Across Gulf Region
Explosions were heard in several Gulf states as Iranian missiles and drones struck infrastructure near U.S. military sites and allied territories; authorities reported interceptions and limited injuries.
What We Know
• The United States and Israel are conducting ongoing airstrikes across Iran, including in Tehran and other major cities, as part of a strategic military campaign.
• Iran has launched multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. military installations, and allied bases in the Gulf.
• Iran’s interim leadership council has been formed to govern after the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei.
• The conflict is causing major disruptions to civil aviation and regional infrastructure.
What We Don’t Know
• Precise casualty figures on both sides, especially independently verified civilian casualties inside Iran.
• Full operational details on the extent of ongoing strikes and future targets.
• Whether additional major regional actors will enter direct combat.
Last updated: Sunday, March 1, 2026 | 12:10 UTC
12:05 UTC — Pope Leo XIV Urges Immediate De-Escalation
Pope Leo XIV said he is “profoundly concerned” about U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and urged all parties to halt what he described as a spiral of violence.
In remarks carried by Vatican media, the pope called for the resumption of diplomacy and warned that continued escalation risks “an irreparable abyss.” He appealed for dialogue based on justice and responsibility.
11:58 UTC — Israel Says Unaware of Strike on Iranian School
An Israeli military spokesperson said he was not aware of any Israeli or U.S. strike on a school in southern Iran where Iranian state media reported more than 100 fatalities.
Iran’s state-run IRNA said a girls’ school in Minab was hit Saturday. A spokesperson for U.S. Central Command said Washington is “aware of reports” and investigating.
11:52 UTC — Bahrain Hotel Damaged in Suspected Iranian Strike
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said the Crowne Plaza hotel in Manama was damaged in what authorities described as an Iranian attack. No casualties were reported.
The development follows earlier Bahraini statements that missiles targeted the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet in the island kingdom.
11:45 UTC — China Condemns Killing of Iranian Leader
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to China’s Xinhua News Agency.
Wang said the killing of a sovereign leader violates international norms and warned against a return to what he termed the “law of the jungle” in global affairs.
11:40 UTC — Serbia Embassy in Tehran Damaged
Serbia said its embassy in Tehran was damaged in military strikes Sunday, though no injuries were reported.
President Aleksandar Vucic said staff were being relocated to Baku, Azerbaijan, state broadcaster RTS reported.
11:30 UTC — Iran Appoints Third Member to Interim Leadership Council
Iran selected Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi to join a three-member council governing the country following Khamenei’s death.
Arafi joins President Masoud Pezeshkian and judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei on the interim body, Iranian state media said.
11:20 UTC — UK Says Warplanes Ready to Intercept Iranian Threats
British Defense Secretary John Healey said Iranian missiles and drones came close to British personnel stationed in Bahrain.
Healey said UK aircraft would intercept Iranian drones and missiles if necessary. Cyprus authorities separately said there was no confirmed threat to the island.
10:39 UTC — Putin and Hezbollah Leader Mourn Khamenei
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the killing of Khamenei, calling it a violation of international law in a message of condolence to Iran’s leadership.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem said the group would continue confronting what he called U.S. and Israeli aggression.
10:11 UTC — Israel Claims 40 Senior Iranian Officials Killed
Israel’s military said its strikes have killed 40 senior Iranian military officials, including armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi.
Iran and the United States have not confirmed the Israeli claim.
10:03 UTC — Egypt Warns of Regional Chaos
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi warned that escalation could push the Middle East into chaos, according to a statement from his office.
He called for dialogue in a phone call with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.
09:55 UTC — Death Toll Rises in Karachi Consulate Clashes
Pakistani authorities said at least nine people were killed in clashes after protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate compound in Karachi.
Police said the protest was later dispersed.
09:44 UTC — Gulf States Intercept Iranian Missiles and Drones
Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones targeting U.S. military installations and regional sites.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry said eight people were wounded in earlier attacks, bringing the total wounded to 16.
09:30 UTC — Massive Explosion Reported in Central Tehran
A large explosion struck central Tehran as Israel said it was targeting what it described as the “heart” of the city.
Witnesses reported smoke rising over neighborhoods housing police headquarters, state television facilities, and defense-related buildings. The Israeli military said it was striking central targets after clearing air corridors Saturday.
09:21 UTC — Internet Blackout Continues Across Iran
Monitoring group NetBlocks reported that internet connectivity in Iran remained at roughly 1% of normal levels for a second consecutive day.
Iran has previously imposed internet restrictions during periods of unrest.
08:59 UTC — Iran’s Chief of Army Staff, Defense Minister Killed, State TV Says
Iranian state television reported that Gen. Abdol Rahim Mousavi and Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh were killed in an airstrike targeting a defense council meeting.
The report said additional senior officials were also killed. The timing of the strike was not specified.
08:48 UTC — U.S. Central Command Confirms Ongoing Operations
The head of U.S. Central Command said American forces are participating in military operations during the first 24 hours of what he called “Operation Epic Fury.”
The statement did not detail specific targets.
08:31 UTC — Trump Warns Iran Against Further Escalation
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran not to intensify attacks, stating online that the United States would respond forcefully if escalation continues.
Iranian officials earlier vowed retaliation following Khamenei’s death.
What We Know
Israel and the United States conducted joint strikes in Iran, including in Tehran.
Iran confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. facilities in Gulf states.
Multiple Gulf countries report interceptions and limited casualties.
Senior Iranian military officials were reported killed, according to Iranian state media.
What We Don’t Know
Full casualty figures inside Iran.
The precise operational scope of ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes.
The timeline for selection of Iran’s next supreme leader.
Whether additional regional actors will directly enter the conflict.
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