Live Updates: Iran confirms supreme leader Khamenei killed, 40-day mourning declared after US-Israeli strikes

Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed the “Gang of Eight” lawmakers that the timing and scale of the joint military operation were heavily influenced by Israel’s resolve to strike Iran with or without U.S. support. According to sources familiar with the briefing, the central dilemma for the Trump administration was not whether military action would happen, but whether the U.S. should participate from the start or wait to respond only in the event of Iranian retaliation against American forces. These details were first reported by The Washington Post.

In a contrasting assessment, Democratic Senator Mark Warner, the ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated on CNN’s “State of the Union” that he saw no evidence suggesting Iran was planning a preemptive strike against the United States. His comments highlight a growing debate within Washington regarding the necessity and justification for the initial joint strikes that sparked the current regional war.

Source: The Washington Post

A source familiar with the matter told CBS News on Sunday that the CIA had been tracking Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s movements for months, gradually gaining precision on his location. The agency reportedly obtained advance insight into a high-level meeting of senior Iranian officials scheduled for Saturday morning, which Khamenei was expected to attend. This intelligence, shared with high confidence with Israeli counterparts, accelerated the timeline for the strike to capitalize on a rare window of opportunity. The New York Times first reported that this CIA-led intelligence was the catalyst for the operation that killed Khamenei, who had ruled over Iran with complete authority on all matters since 1989.

Source: CBS News

TAMPA (TheInfoZone) — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the first American combat fatalities of the conflict, reporting that 3 service members were killed in action and 5 others seriously wounded during “Operation Epic Fury.”

• Status of Forces: Beyond the critically wounded, several other personnel sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions but are being processed for return to duty.
• Operational Context: These represent the first confirmed U.S. losses since the war began on Saturday following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian leadership.
• Privacy Protocol: No identities have been released as the military follows the standard 24-hour next-of-kin notification window.

Source: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Official Release

The UAE Ministry of Defence has released comprehensive data on the ongoing Iranian retaliatory campaign, confirming that at least three people have been killed and 58 others wounded across the country. The deceased have been identified as nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

While air defence systems achieved a high success rate, the sheer volume of the barrage has resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Authorities remain on high alert as the regional security situation remains extremely volatile.

Source: UAE Ministry of Defence

Ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic reveals a massive maritime gridlock, with at least 150 tankers—including crude oil and LNG vessels—dropping anchor in Gulf waters outside the Strait of Hormuz. Following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, dozens more ships have remained stationary on the opposite side of the chokepoint. These tankers are currently clustered off the coasts of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, as the regional conflict halts vital international shipping traffic through one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

Source: Reuters / MarineTraffic / Maritime Security Data

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry has confirmed that the Crowne Plaza hotel in Manama was targeted in a fresh attack, resulting in significant material damage but no loss of life. This follows Saturday’s missile strikes that targeted the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters and damaged three other buildings in the capital, marking a serious escalation in the targeting of high-profile infrastructure within the kingdom.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued an urgent advisory regarding “significant military activity” across the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. The agency warned that the maritime environment remains highly volatile, posing an elevated threat to commercial shipping. Mariners are urged to exercise extreme caution due to the increased risk of miscalculation or misidentification in areas with high military density.

Addressing rumors of a blockade, UKMTO clarified that no official closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been formally communicated to the industry. The advisory noted that while unauthorized VHF communications regarding transit restrictions are circulating, they do not constitute a legally recognized suspension of passage under international law. Tensions also remain elevated in the Bab al-Mandab, with vessels advised to stay clear of sensitive maritime infrastructure.

Source: UKMTO Operations Centre / Maritime Security Advisory

MOSCOW (TheInfoZone) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a sharp condemnation following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing it as a “cynical murder” that violates all standards of human morality and international law.

People gather in Tehran to mourn the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei [Atta Kenare/AFP].

• Diplomatic Support: Putin expressed his personal condolences to Iranian President Pezeshkian, reaffirming the strategic bond between Moscow and Tehran.
• Global Implications: The Kremlin’s statement warns that such actions undermine global stability and could lead to uncontrollable regional escalation.

Source: TASS News Agency

REGIONAL (TheInfoZone) — Foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are set to hold an urgent meeting via video conference on Saturday to discuss the rapid regional escalation following the strikes on Iran and attacks on Gulf ports.

• Focus of Talks: The ministers are expected to address the security of maritime routes and the recent drone strikes targeting UAE and Omani infrastructure.
• Diplomatic Coordination: The alliance aims to form a unified regional response to prevent further spillover of the U.S.-Iran-Israel conflict into the Arabian Peninsula.

Source: Al Jazeera

TEHRAN (TheInfoZonee) — Alireza Arafi, a prominent religious leader on the Guardian Council, has been officially appointed to Iran’s interim leadership council following the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Alireza Arafi joins the interim body tasked with fulfilling the Supreme Leader’s role.

• Council Members: Arafi will serve alongside President Pezeshkian and Supreme Court Chief Justice Mohseni-Ejei.
• Mandate: The temporary council is tasked with managing state affairs until the Assembly of Experts elects a permanent successor to the late Supreme Leader.
• Constitutional Transition: This move is aimed at maintaining political stability and ensuring the continuity of the Islamic Republic’s governance during the crisis.

Source: IRNA News Agency / Iran State Media

DOHA (TheInfoZone) — Qatar has issued a “strong condemnation” of the Iranian attacks targeting Oman’s commercial port of Duqm and an oil tanker off its coast.

• Duqm Port Strike: Omani state media confirmed that a drone attack on the port resulted in one worker being injured.
• Maritime Escalation: Separately, an oil tanker was targeted off the Omani coast, leading to the evacuation of its crew.
• Casualties: Four crew members from the targeted tanker were reported injured in the assault.

Source: Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs

ABU DHABI (TheInfoZone) — A woman and her child sustained minor injuries after debris from an intercepted drone struck the facade of a residential building at the Etihad Towers complex.

• Air Defence Interception: The UAE’s air defence systems successfully neutralized the drone before the debris fell onto the building.
• Casualties: Authorities confirmed the pair received medical attention for minor injuries following the impact.
• Official Response: Relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi are currently on-site dealing with the aftermath of the incident.

Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office

ABU DHABI (TheInfoZone) — Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, has issued a stern warning to Tehran as Iran’s retaliatory campaign enters its second day.

• Strategic Misstep: Gargash emphasized that targeting Gulf nations has effectively isolated Iran at a highly sensitive time.
• Call for De-escalation: He urged Tehran to return to “reason” and deal with its surroundings rationally before the circle of isolation widens.
• Regional Responsibility: The adviser called for Iran to act responsibly toward its neighbors to prevent further regional escalation.

TEHRAN (TheInfoZonee) — Iranian state media (IRNA) has confirmed a massive blow to the country’s power structure, reporting the deaths of several top-tier officials following coordinated US-Israeli attacks.

• According to IRNA, the strikes targeted a central command node where these leaders were reportedly present.
• State media also indicates that several other high-ranking commanders of the armed forces were killed in the same operation.
• The names of additional deceased commanders are expected to be announced later today as identification processes continue.

Source: IRNA (Official Iranian News Agency)

Two drones targeted the Omani port of Duqm, resulting in the injury of one foreign worker.

One drone struck a mobile accommodation unit for workers, while the second drone was intercepted.

Debris from the second drone landed near fuel tanks, but authorities reported no material damage to the facility.

The Oman News Agency cited security sources confirming the incident as part of the widening regional escalation.

SRINAGAR (TheInfoZone) — Thousands of Shia Muslims have taken to the streets in Indian-administered Kashmir to voice their anger over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

• Massive Gathering: Protesters carrying red, black, and yellow flags converged on Srinagar’s main square, chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans.
• Peaceful but Tense: While the gatherings were emotionally charged, they remained largely peaceful throughout the morning.
• Widespread Unrest: Similar demonstrations have been reported in other parts of Kashmir and Indian cities with significant Shia populations.

Source: AFP News Agency

ABU DHABI (TheInfoZone) — The UAE Ministry of Defence has confirmed a massive coordinated strike by Iran, involving 137 missiles and 209 drones launched on Saturday.

• Casualties: At least one person has been killed and seven others wounded during an “incident” at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
• Aviation Hubs Targeted: Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, was also hit during the barrage.
• Infrastructure Impact: Significant damage and smoke have been reported at Dubai’s Jebel Ali port following the strikes.

A plume of smoke rises from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian attack on Dubai on March 1, 2026 [Fadel Senna/AFP].

Fadel Senna/AFP.

Source: UAE Ministry of Defence

KARACHI (TheInfoZone) — Violent protests have erupted in Pakistan’s largest city, with demonstrators targeting the U.S. diplomatic mission in response to the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.

• Vandalism & Arson: Verified videos show protesters setting fire to parts of the consulate and smashing windows of the mission.
• Trigger: Local sources confirm that the assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader served as the catalyst for the unrest in Karachi.
• Security Response: Local law enforcement is reportedly struggling to contain the large crowds gathered near the high-security diplomatic zone.

The Dubai Media Office has confirmed that two people were injured after debris from intercepted drones fell into the courtyards of two residential homes. Authorities stated that the loud sounds heard across the emirate were the result of successful air defence operations to neutralize the incoming threats.

The injured individuals have already received necessary medical care, and officials clarified that the interception systems remain fully active. Residents have been advised to stay informed through official channels as the regional situation continues to develop.

Source: Dubai Media Office

TEL AVIV/TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — The Israeli Air Force has announced a massive escalation, dropping over 1,200 munitions across Iran in a joint operation with the U.S. over the past 24 hours.

• Minab School Tragedy: Among the targeted sites was a girls’ elementary school in Minab, where at least 148 people, mostly children, were killed.
• Foreign Minister’s Vow: Iran’s Abbas Araghchi stated that the murder of “dozens of innocent children” in broad daylight will “not go unanswered”.
• Attack Scale: The 1,200 munitions represent one of the most intense single-day aerial bombardments in modern regional history.

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — The official IRNA news agency has confirmed that the Iranian military’s top brass has been decimated following the US-Israeli attacks on Saturday.

• Major General Abdul Rahim Mousavi, the Iranian Army’s Chief of Staff, was killed in the strikes.
• Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran’s Defence Minister, was also confirmed killed during the aggression.
• These deaths follow earlier confirmations regarding Ayatollah Khamenei, security adviser Ali Shamkhani, and IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour.
• IRNA reports that several more high-ranking armed forces commanders were killed, with their names to be released later.

Source: IRNA News Agency

The U.S. Embassy in Jordan has issued an immediate security alert following reports of missiles, drones, or rockets entering Jordanian airspace. Citizens have been urged to seek overhead cover and shelter in place immediately as the regional conflict escalates.

Official instructions advise everyone to remain indoors and closely monitor local announcements. The embassy emphasized the need for vigilance as various aerial threats continue to be detected in the area.

Source: U.S. Embassy in Jordan

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, has announced that an interim leadership council will be established today.

• The council is being set up as a temporary measure to manage state affairs following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• This interim body will oversee the country until a permanent successor is officially selected.
• The move aims to maintain constitutional order and political stability during this unprecedented transition period.

Source: Iran National Security Council / IRNA News Agency.

TEL AVIV (TheInfoZone) — Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has officially congratulated Prime Minister Netanyahu and the IDF following the strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader.

• Katz hailed the operation as a historic success for Israel’s military and intelligence services.
• He further emphasized that the “axis of evil” has been severely weakened by this targeted strike.
• The Defence Minister warned that Israel will “continue to act with full force” against any remaining threats in the region.

Source: Israel Ministry of Defence / Official X Account.

WASHINGTON (TheInfoZone) — President Trump has issued a direct warning to Tehran on Truth Social, responding to threats of a major military escalation from Iran.

• Trump’s message follows an IRGC statement announcing the start of a “devastating offensive” against Israel and U.S. bases.
• The President warned that any retaliatory strike from the “Iranian nation’s hand of revenge” would be met with unprecedented military force.

Source: Truth Social Official / President Donald J. Trump.

MINAB (TheInfoZone) — The humanitarian cost of the conflict has escalated sharply as officials confirm the death toll from the strike on an elementary girls’ school in southern Iran has reached 148.

• The attack took place on Saturday, February 28, in the city of Minab, and rescue operations have continued through Sunday morning.
• Most of the victims are reported to be young students of the elementary school.
• Health officials in southern Iran warn that the death toll may rise further as many of the 95 injured remain in critical condition.

Source: IRNA News Agency

BAGHDAD (TheInfoZone) — The assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei has triggered violent protests in Iraq’s capital, with demonstrators clashing with security forces near the heavily-fortified Green Zone.

• Embassy Mobilization: Verified footage shows protesters waving flags and shouting slogans while attempting to mobilize for a storming of the US Embassy.
• Green Zone Clashes: Hand-to-hand combat between law enforcement and demonstrators has been reported near the entrance to the seat of government.
• Roadblocks: Protesters were seen blocking vehicles at a major roundabout leading to the Green Zone gates.

Source: Al Jazeera

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — Following the official confirmation of the Supreme Leader’s death, thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets of the capital to participate in public mourning ceremonies.

Captions: Large crowds gather in central Tehran carrying portraits of the late Supreme Leader as the nation begins 40 days of official mourning.

Source: AFP / Reuters / News Agencies

DOHA (TheInfoZone) — The Qatari Ministry of Interior has updated the casualty count following the recent wave of Iranian strikes across the region.

• Eight additional injuries have been recorded, bringing the total number of wounded in Qatar to 16 since the start of the attack.
• The Ministry also reported “limited material damage” in various areas across the country.
• Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage while medical teams attend to the injured.

Source: Qatari Ministry of Interior

ERBIL (TheInfoZone) — Reports from northern Iraq indicate a drone has crashed near Erbil International Airport, a location that houses U.S. and international coalition forces.

• Witnesses reported seeing a large plume of smoke rising from the impact site near the airport.
• This marks the latest in a series of attacks on Erbil airport, which has been targeted at least twice during Iran’s retaliatory wave.
• While air defenses reportedly intercepted previous drone attempts on Saturday, this latest incident suggests ongoing pressure on U.S. assets in the region.
• U.S. troops remain stationed in the autonomous Kurdish region as part of the coalition against ISIL.

Source: Local Media Reports

WASHINGTON (TheInfoZone) — Speaking to CBS News, President Trump defended the recent military action, claiming it has actually improved the U.S. position for a diplomatic solution.

• Trump noted that Iran’s retaliatory response against Israel and U.S. bases has been “less than we thought”.
• “We thought it’d be double,” the President added, downplaying the impact of Iran’s counter-strikes so far.
• While analysts argue these attacks undermine Washington’s credibility, Trump insists the military pressure is a catalyst for a new nuclear deal.

Source: CBS News

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — In a move to ensure stability following the death of the Supreme Leader, Iran has announced the formation of a temporary leadership council.

• According to the official IRNA news agency, this three-person body will temporarily manage the country’s affairs.
• The council consists of the current President, the Chief of the Judiciary, and one jurist selected from the Guardian Council.
• This structure is designed to oversee the transition period until a permanent successor is chosen according to the constitution.

Source: IRNA News Agency

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — Iran’s official IRNA news agency has confirmed the deaths of two more high-ranking officials in the wake of US-Israeli strikes on the capital.

• Ali Shamkhani, a top political adviser to the Supreme Leader and Secretary of Iran’s Defence Council, was killed during the attacks.
• Major General Mohammad Pakpour, the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC’s ground forces, was also confirmed martyred in the same aggression.
• The loss of these key military and political figures marks one of the most significant blows to the Iranian establishment in decades.

Source: IRNA News Agency

TEL AVIV (TheInfoZone) — The Israeli military has confirmed a second major wave of aerial strikes targeting more than 30 locations across western and central Iran.

• The operation was guided by Military Intelligence and targeted the Iranian regime’s air defense and missile capabilities.
• Israel’s military stated that attacks will continue to focus on air defense installations, missile sites, and military headquarters.
• The strike wave also reportedly aimed at other critical “regime targets” located in central Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera

WASHINGTON DC (TheInfoZone) — President Trump is facing significant backlash from both sides of the aisle following the strikes on Iran.

• Trump insisted the action aimed to create an environment for regime change in Iran.
• Opposition in Congress and even some MAGA supporters are reportedly “deeply upset” over the decision to enter a conflict alongside Israel.
• Lawmakers have expressed concern that Trump is “usurping” the powers of Congress by making unilateral executive decisions instead of seeking a formal declaration of war.
• Future political reactions will likely depend on how events unfold within Iran in the coming days.

Source: Al Jazeera

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has issued a chilling statement via Fars News Agency, announcing the imminent start of a massive military operation.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) march during a military parade [File: AFP].

• The offensive will specifically target “occupied territories” (Israel) and “American terrorist bases” in the region.
• The IRGC stated the operation is a direct response to the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei.
• Regional military forces have been placed on the highest state of alert as the “hand of revenge” is unleashed.

Source: Fars News Agency

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a defiant response to the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, mourning the loss of a “great leader” and promising retaliation.

• The IRGC described Khamenei’s death as “martyrdom at the hands of the most vicious terrorists and executioners of humanity”.
• The statement added that his martyrdom is a sign of the “legitimacy of this great leader”.
• The elite force vowed to stand firm against both domestic and foreign conspiracies during this transition.

Source: Fars News Agency / IRGC Official Statement.

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — Iran’s Fars news agency reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was at his office “performing his assigned duties” when the strike occurred.

An Iraqi woman holds a portrait of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei [Hadi Mizban/The Associated Press]

Source: Fars News Agency

WASHINGTON (TheInfoZone) — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has issued a final warning to the Iranian regime, declaring that the U.S. military has been “fully unleashed” to achieve President Trump’s objectives.

• Hegseth explicitly stated that the “Iranian navy will be destroyed” along with the country’s missile production capabilities.
• The Secretary emphasized that Washington will not tolerate any more missiles targeting Americans following Iran’s recent counterstrikes.
• He described OPERATION EPIC FURY as the most lethal and precision-based aerial operation in history.

Source: U.S. Department of War / Secretary Pete Hegseth (Official X Account)

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — In the wake of the confirmed killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian government has officially announced an extensive period of national mourning and public closure.

• Fars News Agency reports that all government offices, schools, and businesses will remain closed for the next seven days.
• The 40-day mourning period (Arba’een) is a significant cultural and religious observance, during which large-scale public gatherings are expected.
• Security forces have been placed on high alert across Tehran to manage the anticipated crowds during the funeral processions.

Source: Fars News Agency / Tehran Government Portal

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — In a monumental shift for the Islamic Republic, state-linked news agencies Tasnim and Fars have officially confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

• The confirmation comes after hours of speculation and contradictory reports following massive coordinated strikes on Tehran.
• Tasnim News Agency, closely associated with the IRGC, has interrupted regular broadcasting to announce the news to the nation.
• This follows earlier reports that members of the Supreme Leader’s immediate family, including his daughter and grandson, were also killed in the same wave of strikes.
• The Iranian leadership is expected to convene an emergency session of the Assembly of Experts to discuss succession protocols.

Source: Tasnim News Agency / Fars News Agency

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — The IRGC-aligned Fars News Agency is reporting that the daughter, son-in-law, and grandson of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been killed in a recent military strike.

• Fars News Agency, which has close ties to the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), provided the first indication of casualties within the Supreme Leader’s immediate family.
• The location of the strike has not been officially disclosed, but it coincides with heavy aerial bombardments reported across Tehran and surrounding areas.
• Iranian state media had earlier denied reports of Khamenei’s death, but this new development from an IRGC-linked source adds significant weight to the unfolding crisis.

Source: Fars News Agency

ABU DHABI (TheInfoZone) — Abu Dhabi Airports has officially confirmed a tragic incident at Zayed International Airport (AUH) that resulted in the death of one Asian national and injuries to seven others.

• The agency has not yet provided specific details regarding the cause of the incident, though it follows reports of regional missile activity.
• Authorities have issued a strict advisory urging the public “not to circulate rumors and false information” regarding the airport’s status.
• Emergency services remain on-site, and a security cordon has been established around the affected area of the terminal.

Source: Abu Dhabi Airports Agency / Official Press Release

WASHINGTON (TheInfoZone) — The U.S. State Department has officially cancelled Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s high-profile visit to Israel, which was scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The decision comes just hours after coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent regional retaliation.

• The State Department cited the “current situation” in the Middle East as the primary reason for the cancellation.
• The trip was originally intended to discuss regional security, but the rapid military escalation has shifted priorities to crisis management from Washington.
• Analysts suggest the cancellation may also be due to security concerns as regional airspace remains volatile.

Source: U.S. State Department

ABU DHABI (TheInfoZone) — The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Defence has released official figures confirming the successful interception of a massive Iranian aerial assault. Air defense systems neutralized 132 missiles and thwarted 195 drone attacks.

• Authorities confirmed that while most threats were neutralized, falling debris resulted in one fatality and significant material damage.
• The Ministry emphasized that air defense remains on high alert across all emirates to protect sovereign airspace.
• The scale of this interception is being described as one of the largest air defense operations in the region’s history.

Source: UAE Ministry of Defence (MOD) / Official Statement

TEL AVIV (TheInfoZone) — Images have emerged from Tel Aviv showing a massive fireball engulfing the skyline following a direct missile hit during the latest Iranian barrage.

DEVASTATING IMPACT: Verified photos showing the aftermath of an Iranian missile strike on Tel Aviv. (Photo: AFP via Al Jazeera).

• Witnesses reported multiple loud explosions and visible fireballs across central Israel.
• The strikes triggered sirens across Tel Aviv and surrounding areas, sending millions to bomb shelters.
• Casualty reports and the full extent of the damage are currently being assessed by local authorities.

Source: AFP / Al Jazeera Reporting

NEW YORK (TheInfoZone) — Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, speaking at the Security Council emergency meeting, has condemned Iran’s strikes as “blatant violations of sovereignty” and confirmed the death of a Pakistani national in the UAE.

• Authorities confirmed the individual was killed by falling debris following a missile interception over the UAE.
• The Ambassador described the strikes as a threat to the territorial integrity of “brotherly Gulf States.”
• Pakistan urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further regional instability.

Source: UN

NEW YORK (TheInfoZone) — The United Nations Security Council is currently holding an emergency meeting to discuss the unprecedented military strikes across the Middle East.

• Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” to prevent a wider regional war.
• Member states are debating the legality of the U.S.-Israeli strikes and Iran’s subsequent retaliation against regional hubs.
• Watch the live proceedings above for official statements from global powers.

Source: TheInfoZone

DUBAI (TheInfoZone) — Footage circulating on social media which has been verified by Al Jazeera and showing damage to the passenger lounge at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The strikes have caused visible structural damage within the terminal area.

• The verified video shows shattered glass, debris, and panic among passengers inside the lounge.
• Al Jazeera reports that the damage occurred during the latest wave of regional escalations.
• Dubai authorities are currently assessing the impact on aviation infrastructure and flight safety.

Source: Al Jazeera / Dubai Media Office.

MAR-A-LAGO (TheInfoZone) — President Trump, via Truth Social, has officially confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following U.S.-Israeli strikes, calling it the “single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country”.

BREAKING: President Trump’s statement on Truth Social regarding the fall of the Iranian leadership.

• Trump claimed that members of the IRGC (Revolutionary Guards), military, and police forces are increasingly looking for immunity and no longer wish to fight.
• “We are hearing that many of their… Security and Police forces… are looking for Immunity from us,” Trump stated in his post.
• The President urged the Iranian people to seize this moment for regime change, marking a potential turning point in the conflict.

Source: Truth Social / White House Press Pool.

NEW YORK (TheInfoZone) — The UN Security Council has officially begun its emergency meeting following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent regional retaliation. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the panel, stating that military actions risk igniting a chain of events that could spiral out of control.

• Guterres confirmed that approximately 20 cities in Iran have been hit during the strikes.
• The Secretary-General noted reports suggesting that Iranian leaders may have been killed, though he clarified these reports cannot yet be independently verified.
• He urged all parties to return to the negotiating table immediately to prevent a full-scale regional war.

Source: United Nations / UNTV Live.

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has accused the United States of betraying diplomacy for the second time in less than a year. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Baghaei revealed that both sides were scheduled to meet this coming Monday to discuss technical aspects of a potential nuclear deal.

• Baghaei claimed that previous negotiations had been progressing well before the sudden military strikes.
• The spokesperson described the attacks as a “betrayal of trust” toward regional countries and a threat to the fabric of international law.
• Iran maintains that the U.S. and Israeli actions have undermined the normative system created by the UN Charter.

Source: Al Jazeera / Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM (TheInfoZone) — President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone on Saturday to discuss the ongoing military operations in the Middle East. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the President has been monitoring the situation overnight from Mar-a-Lago.

STRATEGIC DIALOGUE: Prime Minister Netanyahu on the phone with President Trump. Notably, Tim Bouverie’s book “Allies At War” is seen on his desk.

• The White House stated that Trump is being kept briefed on “Operation Epic Fury” and regional strikes.
• The Prime Minister’s office shared a photo emphasizing the alliance between the two leaders during this wartime period.
• This high-level coordination comes as projectiles were reported over Dubai and explosions rocked several Iranian cities.

DUBAI (TheInfoZone) — Dramatic images have emerged showing projectiles and streaks of light over the Dubai skyline as regional tensions escalate into direct military confrontations.

SKY ON FIRE: Projectiles and air defense interceptions lighting up the night sky over Dubai, UAE. (Photo: AFP/AP via Al Jazeera).

• Witnesses in Dubai reported hearing multiple distant explosions as air defense systems engaged incoming threats.
• The projectiles were visible from major landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa area.
• UAE authorities have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the specific nature of these interceptions.

TEHRAN/NEW YORK (TheInfoZone) — Iran has officially submitted a letter to the UN Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, calling for an immediate emergency meeting to address what it termed “acts of aggression” by the U.S. and Israeli regimes.

• Iran demanded the UN take “immediate measures” to halt the “unlawful use of force” and ensure accountability.
• The letter warns that the current situation poses an “unprecedented threat” to both regional and global peace.
• This diplomatic move comes as explosions continue to be reported across Iran and the wider Gulf region.

Source: IRNA / UN Diplomatic Correspondence.

TEHRAN (TheInfoZone) — Iran’s state-run Al-Alam TV has reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to address the nation and the international community within minutes.

• The address is expected to outline Iran’s official stance and potential military retaliation.
• Al-Alam TV has interrupted regular programming to prepare for the live broadcast.
• Global markets and military analysts are on high alert for the Supreme Leader’s directives.

Source: Al-Alam TV / IRNA News Agency.

SHIRAZ (TheInfoZone) — Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency is reporting multiple loud explosions in the city of Shiraz, located in the southwestern part of the country.

• Fars news agency confirmed that the blasts were heard across several districts of the southwestern city.
• While the cause of the explosions has not been officially confirmed, they follow coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes across the region.
• Iranian air defense systems were reportedly active in the area shortly before the reports of the blasts.

Source: Fars News Agency / Regional Desk.

BEIJING (TheInfoZone) — China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed “deep concerns” over the rapid military escalation in the Middle East. In an official statement, Beijing called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all involved parties to return to the path of dialogue.

• China emphasized that Iran’s national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity must be respected by all nations.
• The Ministry urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further regional instability.
• Beijing’s statement follows reports of coordinated strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iranian targets.

Source: China Ministry of Foreign Affairs / News Desk Reports.

RIYADH (TheInfoZone) — Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Iran attacked its capital, Riyadh, and the country’s eastern region on Saturday. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that the attacks were “dealt with,” though specific details on damage or interceptions were not immediately provided.

• The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of the Iranian strikes.
• Riyadh emphasized that these attacks occurred despite earlier assurances that Saudi airspace would not be used for operations against Iran.
• Security alerts have been raised to the highest level across the Kingdom’s major cities.

According to Reuters.

ABU DHABI (TheInfoZone) — A Reuters witness has reported hearing a “very loud bang” in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. This latest explosion follows a series of strikes earlier on Saturday that have already claimed at least one life in the city.

• Reuters witnesses on the ground confirm the sound was audible across several districts.
• This is the third major reported blast in the UAE capital within the last few hours.
• Security forces have increased their presence around government buildings and infrastructure sites.

Flight-tracking service reports server instability as millions attempt to monitor military and civilian aircraft movements following U.S.-Israel strikes.

ABU DHABI — Iran has fired a barrage of missiles targeting Gulf Arab states. Authorities in the UAE confirmed at least one fatality in Abu Dhabi following the strikes.

REUTERS: Emergency services respond in Abu Dhabi after confirmed missile strikes.

Bahrain’s state news agency (BNA) confirmed strikes targeting sovereign territory near the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters.

WASHINGTON — President Trump confirmed “Major Combat Operations” against the Iranian regime to neutralize nuclear threats.