After overnight Israeli airstrikes hit several oil depots in Tehran, massive fires burned for hours, sending thick black smoke across the city. Residents reported breathing difficulties as soot covered streets, cars, and balconies. Rainfall on Sunday March 8, 2026, appeared black and oily, with authorities warning of possible toxic acid rain. At least six people were killed and 20 injured in the strikes, which targeted four oil depots and a petroleum logistics site.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 13 attacks on healthcare facilities in Iran and one in Lebanon during the ongoing US–Israel military campaign.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said "WHO has verified 13 attacks on health care in Iran and one in Lebanon." He said this during a press conference, the incidents have killed four healthcare workers and 25 others are injured. The strikes also damaged several hospitals and four ambulances, while one hospital in Tehran had to be evacuated after nearby explosions.

Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has claimed that at least 10 medical facilities were directly targeted earlier this week.

Human Rights Watch has warned that Israel’s order for residents across large areas of southern Lebanon to evacuate ahead of military action could risk violating the laws of war.

Israel renewed its warning for people living south of the Litani River to leave immediately. HRW researcher Ramzi Kaiss said the sweeping evacuation call raises serious humanitarian concerns, questioning how elderly, sick, and disabled residents would be able to flee safely.

The rights group added that the scale of the order — affecting hundreds of thousands of civilians — raises concerns that the evacuation may not adequately protect civilians.

Turkey has strongly condemned the alleged Iranian drone attacks in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave and called for an immediate halt to strikes targeting third countries in the region. In a statement, Turkey’s foreign ministry warned that such attacks risk widening the ongoing conflict.

According to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, drones believed to have been launched from Iranian territory struck the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on March 5. One drone reportedly hit the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, while another crashed near a school in the village of Shekerabad, injuring two civilians.

Air raid sirens sounded across central Israel on Thursday, and two explosions were heard in Jerusalem, according to AFP journalists. Israeli authorities said the alerts were triggered after missiles were launched from Iran. The blasts occurred shortly after the country’s air-raid warning system issued alerts to residents across the region.

India on Thursday expressed condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and signed the condolence book on behalf of the Government of India, conveying the country’s message of sympathy.

Two Indian sailors who were earlier reported missing have now been confirmed dead, including Captain Ashish Kumar, after the Palau-flagged oil tanker Skylight was hit by an Iranian projectile on Sunday, March 1, 2026, officials said. The tanker had a 20-member crew on board, including 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian sailors, when the attack occurred.

The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran said in a post on X that the United States had carried out what he described as an “atrocity at sea,” nearly 2,000 miles away from Iran’s shores.

He stated that the Iranian frigate Dena, which had been a guest of the Indian Navy and was carrying nearly 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without any warning.

Warning Washington of consequences, he added, “Mark my words: the United States will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set.”

Iran's Assembly of Experts, on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, elected Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new Supreme Leader. Mojtaba, a mid-level cleric, is the second-eldest son of Ali Khamenei and has for years been regarded by observers and analysts as a possible successor within the Islamic Republic, Iran’s clerical establishment.

The development was reported by Iran International, which further alleged that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had pressured the clerical body into supporting Mojtaba.

Earlier, after Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israel strikes, an interim Leadership Council comprising Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, was managing Iran's governance.

The Times of Israel reported that following the Lebanon–Israel ceasefire in November 2024, the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah has taken responsibility for firing rockets at northern Israel. Following their claims, explosions were reportedly heard in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s attack was reportedly in response to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The group claimed that the attack was “revenge for the blood of the Supreme Leader of the Muslims, Ali Khamenei.” Hezbollah stated in its statement that it had launched advanced missiles and drones targeting the south of Haifa, including an Israeli missile defence site.

In retaliation, the Israeli military claimed on March 2, 2026, that it had begun striking Hezbollah targets, a group backed by Iran. Deccan Herald also reported that explosions were heard in Beirut, Lebanon.

People Gathered in Large number at Karbala Road, Near B K Dutt Colony, Jor Bagh, New Delhi to mourn and against the Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayotollah Khamenie in US Israel Strike in #Iran on February 28, 2026. Protesters seen to be carrying an effigy of US Presidents Donald Trump

Three US service members have been killed and five seriously wounded during military operations against Iran, the US Central Command said on X. The casualties occurred as part of Operation Epic Fury, with several others suffering minor injuries.

In a statement, US Centcom said major combat operations are continuing and the situation remains fluid. Authorities added that the identities of the fallen personnel will be released after their families are informed

Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said on X that the Palau-flagged oil tanker SKYLIGHT was targeted about five nautical miles north of Khasab Port in the Musandam Governorate.

All 20 crew members — including 15 Indians and five Iranians — were safely evacuated. Four crew members suffered injuries of varying severity and were taken for medical treatment.

The centre said the rescue operation was carried out in coordination with military, security, and civilian agencies, highlighting Oman’s preparedness to respond to maritime incidents.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes, calling it an “assassination” and a violation of international law. In a message to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin said the attack was committed in “cynical violation of human morality and global norms,” according to The Moscow Times.

Senior cleric Ayatollah Arafi has been appointed as the jurist member of Iran’s interim leadership council following the death of Khamenei, according to state media. The council will temporarily carry out the duties of the Supreme Leader until a successor is chosen.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong message to the people of Iran, urging them to rise against their government amid the ongoing military conflict. In a statement, he said Israel would strike “thousands of targets” in the coming days and claimed the attacks were aimed at creating conditions for Iranians to free themselves from what he described as the “chains of tyranny.”

Netanyahu appealed directly to citizens to take to the streets in large numbers and push for regime change. He said, “O citizens of Iran, do not miss this opportunity. This is an opportunity that comes only once in a generation. Do not give up, because your moment will soon come. The moment you must take to the streets, take to the streets in your millions to finish the job, to overthrow the regime of terror that has made your lives bitter.”

In his address, Netanyahu also called on Iran’s ethnic communities to unite. “O citizens of Iran, Parsis, Kurds, Azeris, Ahwazis, and Baluchis, now is the time to unite your forces to overthrow the regime and secure your future,” he said.

A powerful explosion shook Iran’s capital Tehran after Israel said it had struck the “heart” of the city in major air and missile attacks. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising across several areas, including near police headquarters and key intersections.

Iranian state media reported “terrible explosions” in parts of central Tehran, while the Israeli military said the strikes targeted government sites after securing aerial dominance.

Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi reacted strongly on social media to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressing satisfaction and calling it the end of decades of oppression.

In a post, he wrote “Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty tyrant of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran’s bravest sons, has disappeared from the face of the earth.” He said the era of repression was over and urged Iranians to remain united, adding “Together, united and steadfast, we will achieve the final victory and celebrate the freedom of Iran.”

In another message, Pahlavi promised to help rebuild the country and called on security forces to side with the people. He described recent US support as a step toward change and said “the final victory will still be forged by our hands. It is we, the people of Iran, who will finish the job in this final battle.”

He also appealed to citizens to remain calm for now and be prepared for future action, stating “We are very close to final victory. I want to be by your side as soon as possible so that together we can take back and rebuild Iran.”

At least six protesters were killed and around 20 injured after a mob stormed and set fire to parts of the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to local officials, hundreds of people gathered near the heavily guarded compound, breaking security barricades and damaging windows before flames were seen inside.

Local authorities said the situation is now under control but remains tense. Videos on social media showed protesters chanting against the US-Israel strikes on Iran, while gunshots were heard in some clips.

Following joint US–Israel strikes on Iran, Iranian state media reported that several senior military leaders were killed in the attacks. Among those confirmed dead were Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, both of whom were killed alongside other top commanders in the operation targeting Iran’s leadership

Mass gatherings of Iranians filled the streets of Tehran and other major cities after Iranian state media confirmed the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a major US-Israeli military attack, prompting nationwide mourning.

Multiple loud blasts were reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran after Iran launched attacks on US and Israeli bases, according to Iranian media reports.

Iranian state television also reported that Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, has been killed. The information was shared in initial broadcasts, and further details are awaited.

The Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory for foreign nationals in India who may need to change their travel plans due to developments in the West Asia region.

After Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes in response to US-Israeli attacks that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, explosions were heard near Doha, Qatar, as part of the wider barrage targeting Gulf countries and US military bases in the region.

US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Iran after it threatened “severe punishment” following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Reacting to Iran’s statement, Trump said that if Tehran carries out any major attack, the United States will respond with overwhelming force. In a post on Truth Social, he warned that any attempt by Iran to strike “very hard” would be met with a response “that has never been seen before.”

Through this message, Trump made it clear that the US is prepared to escalate militarily if Iran retaliates, signalling a tough stance amid rising tensions in the region.

Iran witnessed mixed reactions after state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In some areas, people were seen celebrating, while in others, large crowds gathered to mourn his passing.

Supporters of the government dressed in black, carried Khamenei’s photographs, and waved Iranian flags. Many chanted slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” during mourning gatherings in Tehran and other cities.

At the same time, reports said that some residents reacted with shock and disbelief, while others quietly welcomed the news.

After Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes, protests broke out in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Demonstrations were reported from Srinagar, Sonawari, and Bandipora, where large numbers of people from the Shia community gathered. Protesters marched through the streets carrying photographs of the Iranian leader and raising slogans against the attacks.

Officials said hundreds of people took part in the protests, especially in areas with a significant Shia population, expressing anger and grief over Khamenei’s killing.

Several loud explosions were heard in Dubai following Iran’s retaliatory strikes on neighbouring Gulf countries in response to recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Similar blasts were also reported in parts of Doha and Bahrain’s capital, Manama.

Iran’s response came after US-Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family in Tehran. Iranian authorities have warned that they will continue targeting US military bases and other strategic locations across the region as tensions remain high.

In this speech, Mike Waltz, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, strongly criticised Iran’s government. He accused Iran of promoting violence, supporting attacks through proxy groups, threatening Israel and the United States, and violating international laws.

He claimed that Iran had even attempted to assassinate Donald Trump. "It has even attempted to assassinate the U.S. President, President Trump," and said that the entire world had witnessed the “wholesale slaughter of innocent civilians.”

Waltz also argued that Iran’s presence in the UN Security Council damages the credibility of the United Nations. According to him, the UN has failed to take a strong moral stand against Iran’s actions. He added that under Trump’s leadership, the United States would maintain a firm position even if the UN did not.

Following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a three-member council has been announced to temporarily lead the country and oversee the transition, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.

The council includes President Masoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the powerful Guardian Council. This interim body will remain in place until a new Supreme Leader is selected.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed revenge for the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it a great crime and warning of the “most ferocious offensive” against the US and Israel. In a statement on Telegram, the IRGC said Iran’s armed forces and Basij will continue his legacy and deliver severe punishment to those responsible.

The Iranian Cabinet also said the attack would not go unanswered. While US President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death and claimed it was carried out with Israel’s help. Fars News Agency said four of his relatives also died in the attacks.

(Inputs from IANS)

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said there are “many signs” that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei “is no longer”. Bibi said Israel had destroyed Khamenei’s compound and killed members of the Revolutionary Guard.

As the United Nations Security Council prepared for an emergency session on Saturday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned what he called the "military escalation in the Middle East".

He said the US-Israel use of force against Iran and Tehran's retaliation across the region "undermine international peace and security".

France's President Emmanuel Macron, who said the US-Israel attack on Iran has "grave consequences for international peace and security", called for the urgent meeting of the Council on Iran.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote to the Council asking for its intervention, saying the US and Israel had violated international law.

Two officials of UN agencies also expressed their concern over the developments in the Middle East.

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Turk said, "I deplore the military strikes across Iran this morning by Israel and the United States of America, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran."

World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "I am deeply troubled by the situation unfolding today across the Middle East. My heart goes out to the civilians trapped in the crossfire."

Both of them joined UN Chief Guterres in calling for an immediate end to the conflict.

Guterres said, "I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table."

The US-Israel attack followed negotiations between the US and Iran with Oman as the mediator that apparently did not make headway.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he was not happy with the talks.

"I'm not happy with the fact that they're not willing to give us what we have to have," he said about a sticking point -- the demand that Iran completely stop enriching uranium.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who was in interlocutor in the negotiations, and had said on Friday that there was progress, deplored the attack on Saturday.

He said on X, "Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined."

"I urge the United States not to get sucked in further," he added.

Trump explicitly came out for a regime change in Iran after his military, joined by Israel, pummeled targets across Iran, aiming to decapitate the country's politico-religious and military leaderships.

Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israel and on targets in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, as well as on US forces at sea in the region.

Aragachi in his letter to the UN Security Council warned, "All bases, facilities and assets of the hostile forces in the region shall be regarded as legitimate military objectives within the framework of Iran's lawful exercise of self-defence."

Guterres in his statement said, "All Member States must respect their obligations under international law, including the Charter of the United Nations."

"The Charter," he said, "clearly prohibits 'the threat of the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations'."

(Input From IANS)

India on Saturday said that it remains deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region and urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians.

"India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

"Our Missions in the region are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in contact with the Missions, and follow local security guidance," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned.

Earlier in the day, the Embassy of India in Tehran advised all Indian nationals in Iran to exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors as far as possible in view of the developing situation.

"Indians may also continue to monitor the news, maintain situational awareness and await any further guidance from the Embassy of India," it stated while giving the emergency contact details of the Embassy.

As tensions in the region escalated, the Embassy of India in Doha issued an "important advisory", asking all Indian nationals in Qatar to take due care and follow news and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy and local authorities.

"In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in Qatar are advised to take due care, follow news and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy and local authorities. Our Embassy is continuing to function as usual," the advisory read.

"Everyone is requested to follow the emergency alert sent by local authorities that in the interest of public safety, everyone is urged to stay away from the vicinity of military sites and stay inside buildings, whether in homes or elsewhere, and not to go out or move except for the utmost necessity to avoid exposure to any risks," it added.

The Embassy of India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also issued an urgent advisory in view of the current regional situation, asking all Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy.

"The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are continuing to function normally and will issue updates as necessary," it said, asking the Indian nationals in UAE to contact toll free and WhatsApp numbers in case of any emergency.

US President Donald Trump said early Saturday that the US forces are carrying out a "massive and ongoing" attack on Iran to "destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."

"The United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation ...," he said in a video message on his social media platform Truth Social. "We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."

(Input from IANS)

New Delhi, Feb 28 (IANS) Claiming that hundreds of innocent Iranian citizens have been killed during the large-scale attacks launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday, Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali confirmed that the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian have not suffered any harm and remain in good health.

In an interview with IANS, Ambassador Fathali also stated that the Iranian authorities have issued the necessary safety advisories and guidelines for the safety of all foreign nationals, including Indian students and professionals, who are stuck in the conflict zone.

Excerpts:

IANS: US President Donald Trump confirmed the launch of "large-scale combat operations" on Saturday, does Iran view this as the beginning of an all-out war, or will it pursue a strategy of limited retaliation?

Mohammad Fathali: What has occurred today constitutes an act of aggression and a clear violation of Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In today’s criminal attacks, hundreds of innocent Iranian citizens have been martyred. In one instance alone, more than 50 school girls lost their lives in a girls’ school in the city of Minab. Iran has neither initiated nor sought war. The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasised that it does not seek to expand the conflict in the region. At the same time, however, it will respond firmly and decisively to any act of aggression. In accordance with its inherent right of self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the Islamic Republic of Iran will take appropriate action. The nature and level of Iran’s response will be proportionate to the conduct of the opposing party. Should aggression continue, the response will likewise be proportionate and decisive. Responsibility for any further escalation rests entirely with those who initiated it.

IANS: Reports indicate that the office of the Supreme Leader and the Presidential complex in Tehran were targetted. Can you confirm that the country’s leadership is safe?

Mohammad Fathali: According to official statements from the security authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the President are in full health and have not sustained any harm. Nevertheless, it must be emphasised that Ayatollah Khamenei is not merely a political leader. He is a religious authority for Shiites around the world and an inspirational figure for millions of freedom-seeking individuals globally. His standing is rooted in deep religious convictions and a profound bond with the people, and it cannot be diminished by military actions or threats. Any attack or harm directed against him would carry extremely grave, far-reaching, and painful consequences for the aggressor regimes of the United States and Israel. Direct responsibility for any such reckless act would lie with them, and the consequences would be neither predictable nor controllable.

IANS: Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes against Israel. Is Tehran also engaging in backchannel diplomacy to prevent further escalation?

Mohammad Fathali: The reality is that in recent months the Islamic Republic of Iran had been engaged in dialogue and negotiations with the United States government. We demonstrated our belief in diplomacy and our readiness to resolve differences through political means. However, it was the United States that showed a lack of commitment to dialogue and diplomatic obligations and chose the path of confrontation and military action. At present, no backchannel diplomacy is underway. When the other side chooses the language of war, the response will be delivered in the same arena. Iran will deliver a crushing response to the Israeli regime — one that will be severe and painful and will alter the security equations of the region. This response will be carried out within the framework of legitimate self-defense and with the aim of restoring deterrence.

IANS: What specific measures has Iran taken to ensure the safety of Indian students and professionals currently residing in the country?

Mohammad Fathali: As of this moment, there have been no official reports of harm to Indian students or citizens residing in Iran. We sincerely hope that all of them remain safe and unharmed. The relevant Iranian authorities have issued the necessary safety advisories and guidelines, and all foreign nationals — including Indian students and professionals — are expected to adhere strictly to these instructions. Should evacuation or departure become necessary, the Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to cooperate and coordinate fully with the Government of India to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

IANS: Several reports indicate explosions in Persian Gulf countries, does Iran intend to draw third countries into this conflict?

Mohammad Fathali: No. The Islamic Republic of Iran has not carried out any attacks against regional countries. We have repeatedly stated that our target is not the countries of the region. Our warning has been clear: if the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran is attacked by the United States, all US military bases in the region will be considered legitimate targets within the framework of the right to self-defence. Regional countries must not allow their territory or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran. This is not only a security necessity but also a responsibility toward regional stability. Under international law and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its right to self-defence and will exercise that right as necessary. Our objective is not to expand the war, but to prevent further aggression and restore deterrence. Responsibility for any escalation lies with those who initiated this act of aggression.

(Input from IANS)