LIVEIsrael-Iran conflict LIVE: About 40 students killed at school, airspace shut, flights halted amid regional emergency alerts

At least 50 people killed in strike

Aljazeera has reported that the Israeli strike that hit an elementary girls' school in Minab, a city in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran, claimed the lives of at least 51 people. Iran's Mehr news agency also reported that at least two students were killed by an Israeli attack that hit a school east of the capital, Tehran.

Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera said of the attack on the girls’ school, "There are new reports confirming the number of people killed in that strike has now gone above 40. That’s a civilian target, and that’s one of the targets that might really become problematic with regards to this campaign by the Americans and the Israelis, who are saying that they are targeting only military targets and they are trying to punish the regime, not the people of Iran."

Old gunfire video falsely linked to Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes, reveals fact check

An old and unrelated video showing intense gunfire is being falsely shared online as footage from the clashes between Afghan and Pakistani border forces on February 26, 2026, clarified Boom Live. The clip, which has circulated on the Internet since at least 2021, is being reposted with misleading claims linking it to the recent conflict. The video was reported by several media outlets, including Times Now, NDTV Marathi, News 24, Deccan Chronicle and Reuters. However, a fact-check by Boom Live used Google Lens reverse image search and found that the footage is not recent. Earlier posts from 2021 claimed it showed clashes between the Taliban and the National Resistance Front (NRF) in Panjshir after the US withdrawal. The same video was debunked by Fact Crescendo Afghanistan in December 2024 and by MISBAR in October 2025.

Panic buying hits Tehran as bread, water run low amid rising tensions

In northern Tehran, supermarkets are experiencing a rise in customers looking for bread and bottled water. However, supply has been limited, reported AP. Some of the most sought-after items, such as bread, eggs, bottled water, and milk, are currently out of stock in certain stores. Long lines have also been seen at gas stations throughout the city. State television aired footage from Soleimani highway, where heavy traffic was evident on west-to-east routes, AP reported.

Fresh blasts reported across Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi

Fresh blasts reported across Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi as Middle East tensions surge following Israel-Iran escalation, residents and AFP correspondents say.

Pakistan International Airlines cancels flights to Middle East

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has cancelled its flights to the Middle East, according to the airline’s latest announcement.

Strike on girls' school in southern Iran: 'Toll rises to 40'

According to latest updates by state media, the death toll in a strike on girls' school in southern Iran has risen to 40.

Number of students killed in Israeli attack on school in southern Iran rises to 24

Aljazeera previously reported that an Israeli strike hit an elementary school for girls in Minab, a city in the Hormozgan province of southern Iran, killing five people. Citing Iran’s Fars news agency reports, it has now stated that the number of students killed has risen to 24.

Evacuation of residents underway near US Navy base in Bahrain

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry stated that it has commenced the evacuation of residents of the Juffair area, where a US naval base is located, Al Jazeera reported. "We urge your cooperation with the relevant authorities," the Ministry said.

'Warned them not to underestimate situation': Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson

The spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces said in a post on X, "Our response to America and the Zionist entity will continue until their defeat. We have previously warned them not to underestimate the situation."

'Our servers are up', says Flightradar24

While some media reports stated that Flightradar24 was down amid the Israel-Iran conflict, the flight tracking agency in a post on X clarified, "Visitor numbers have skyrocketed over the past few hours, leading some users to see error messages on Flightradar24. Our servers are up, and we’re adding even more capacity as quickly as possible. If you receive an error message, please try again in one minute."

High aviation risk: EU safety agency issues alert over Middle East conflict zone

The EU aviation safety agency, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), on Saturday recommended that air operators should avoid operating at all flight levels and altitudes in the region of ongoing military intervention in the Middle East, following Israeli and US strikes on Iran, The Associated Press reported. In a safety advisory note, EASA said there was a high risk to civil aviation in the region and that the entire affected airspace was vulnerable to spillover risks, misidentification, miscalculation and failure of interception procedures. This measure is part of a larger effort to ensure safety in areas facing higher risks. The agency's decision highlights the need to keep strict safety protocols in response to changing geopolitical and environmental issues. Aviation operators should follow these restrictions to reduce potential dangers and protect passenger safety.

Israeli strike hits girls’ school in Iran’s Minab; five students killed

Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, reported that an Israeli strike targeted a girls’ elementary school in Minab, a city in southern Iran’s Hormozgan province. According to the report, five students lost their lives in the attack.

Syria closes its airspace

Syria’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the closure of airspace in southern Syria Saturday, while a number of airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, Transavia, Qatar Airways, and Pegasus canceled all flights to Lebanon, AP reported.

UAE says one person killed in Iranian attack

The Associated Press has reported that shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the capital of the United Arab Emirates killed one person Saturday.

One man wounded in Israel

Israel’s national rescue service MADA said one man was lightly wounded from an impact in northern Israel, The Associated Press has reported. Fire and rescue services said an apartment on the 20th floor of an apartment building suffered a direct hit. It was not clear if it was struck by a missile or debris from an interception, said AP.

Turkish Airlines suspends flights to several Middle Eastern countries

Turkish Airline's Senior Vice President of Communications Yahya Ustun wrote on X that flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan will be suspended till March 2, reported AP. Meanwhile, flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE and Oman will be suspended on Saturday. He added that they were closely monitoring the situation and further cancellations may be announced.

UAE says Iranian ballistic missiles intercepted by air defences

The UAE Ministry of Defence said the country was subjected to what it described as a blatant attack by Iranian ballistic missiles on Saturday. According to reports by Khaleej Times, the UAE’s air defence systems responded with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of the incoming missiles.

Israel orders evacuations of areas near military facilities in Iran

Issuing a warning in Persian, the Israeli military ordered for the immediate evacuation of areas near weapons production and military facilities in Iran, AP reported. "Your presence in these locations puts your lives at risk," the military said on its Persian language X account.

Air strikes hit Hashid Shaabi headquarters near Baghdad, one killed

Air strikes targeting the Iraqi Hashid Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces) headquarters south of Baghdad have killed one person and wounded three others, a Hashid spokesman told Reuters. Further details about the nature of the strike or those responsible were not immediately available.

'Time has come to defend homeland': Iran’s Foreign Ministry

Responding to the joint strikes on Saturday, Iran's Foreign Ministry said that the country "will not hesitate" in its response to the renewed military aggression, reported AP. "The time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemy's military assault," the Foreign Ministry posted in a statement on X. "Just as we were prepared for negotiations, we have been even more prepared for defense at all times. The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will decisively respond to the aggressors with full authority."

Qatar shoots down Iranian missiles

Qatar’s Defense Ministry reported that the military shot down several missiles before they entered its airspace. The Ministry stated that the missiles were intercepted as soon as they were detected, following a pre-approved security plan, AP reported. It emphasised that the Qatari Armed Forces have the necessary skills and resources to defend the country.

Explosions heard in Qatar

Explosions could be heard in Qatar on Saturday as Iran launched a counterattack over the joint United States-Israel campaign targeting the Islamic Republic, AP reported. There was no immediate word if there was any damage.

Headquarters of US Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain attacked

Bahrain reported that the headquarters of the US Navy's 5th Fleet was hit by a missile attack. The country did not provide any other immediate details about the incident. Mohamed Abdel-Al, an Egyptian teacher living in Bahrain, mentioned that he heard sirens and explosion sounds in the capital, Manama. He said he and many others were taking shelter in a mosque, reported AP.

UAE closes its airspace

The United Arab Emirates closes its airspace as Israel and the US conduct strikes on Iran, reports AP.

US Embassy in Qatar warns personnel to take shelter

The US Embassy in Qatar posted on social media that it told all personnel to shelter in place, adding that "we recommend all Americans do the same until further notice", reported AP.

Iran launches 'first wave' of drones and missiles against Israel

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard says it has launched its “first wave” of drones and missiles targeting Israel, suggesting it planned further attacks, reported AP.

'Israel has the right to defend itself'

In its post on X, the Israel Defense Forces has said, "Israel has the right to defend itself."

'Sirens sounded in several areas across Israel'

"Sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. At this time, the IAF is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat," Israel Defense Forces has said in a post on X.

'Iran launches missiles towards Israel'

Iran has launched missiles towards Israel, the IDF confirmed. "A short while ago...IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel...Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas," it said.

Attack is to remove Iranian threat, says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that the joint attack with the US aimed to remove a serious threat from Iran, reprted AP. Netanyahu stated that the attacks targeted "the threat of the Iranian ayatollah’s regime". He noted that Israel was hitting sites linked to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and its all-volunteer Basij force, along with ballistic missile sites.

‘We warned you’: Iran security chief says fallout now ‘out of your control’

Iran’s national security commission chief Ebrahim Azizi has issued a stark warning following the latest escalation, saying Tehran had cautioned its adversaries in advance. In a social media post, Azizi wrote, “We warned you,” adding that those responsible have now embarked on a course whose outcome is no longer within their control.

'Hour of your freedom is at hand', says Trump

In a video on Truth Social, Trump told the Iranian people, "The hour of your freedom is at hand." He also stressed that Iran funded terrorist proxies that have “soaked the Earth with blood and guts", reported AP. "It's been mass terror and we're not going to put up with it any longer,” he said. Donald Trump calls on Iranian officials to "lay down your arms" or "you will face certain death", and encourages the Iranian people to "take over your government — it will be yours to take", reported AP.

Missiles strike near presidential palace and Khamenei compound

Seven missiles struck an area near the presidential palace and the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a report by Tasnim News Agency. The extent of the damage and any potential casualties were not immediately clear.

Iran puts hospitals on high alert, injury toll awaited

Iran’s Health Ministry said hospitals across the country have been placed on high alert as tensions escalate, according to Tasnim News Agency. The ministry added that the number of injured will be announced once the figures are fully confirmed.

‘Our objective is to defend’: Trump speaks out amid Israel-Iran conflict, claims to eliminate imminent threats from Iranian regime

US President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that he would give diplomats additional time to try to secure a deal, according to the Associated Press, saying he was “not happy” with the pace of negotiations but stopping short of immediately ordering military action. However, he later stated that the US objective is to defend the American people by eliminating what he described as imminent threats from the Iranian regime, adding that the United States had begun major combat operations in Iran shortly before his remarks.

Iran’s mobile network disrupted, shuts airspace for six hours amid military escalation.

Cellphone communications have been disrupted across several areas of Iran’s capital, Tehran.Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced that the country’s airspace has been closed for six hours under a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), a precautionary move likely linked to the ongoing military strikes and heightened security across the region.

Israel sounds nationwide sirens, issues missile alert urging public to stay near shelters

The Israel Defence Forces said on X that sirens were sounded across the country, accompanied by advance instruction alerts sent directly to mobile phones, urging residents to remain close to protected spaces. The IDF described the move as a proactive measure to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward Israel and reiterated its request for people to stay near shelters until further notice.

Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei NOT in Iran, moved to 'secure location': Reports

The New York Times, citing a US official, reported that US strikes on Iran are currently underway and that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been moved from Tehran to a secure location. A separate official told Reuters that Khamenei is no longer in the capital amid the escalating situation. As tensions intensify, Israel has closed its airspace to civilian flights, according to its ministry, while Iran has also shut down its airspace following Israel’s reported attack on the country, the Associated Press said. Witnesses quoted by AP further reported multiple explosions rocking Tehran.

Israel says airspace to reopen as strike reported near Khamenei's office in Tehran

Israel has said its airspace will reopen and flights to and from the country will resume “as soon as the security situation allows.” The announcement comes amid rising tensions, with the Associated Press reporting that an apparent strike in Iran’s capital, Tehran, occurred near offices linked to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israeli defence minister sounds 'preventative attack' against Iran

Israel has carried out what it described as a preventative missile strike against Iran, according to the Israeli defence minister on Saturday. Following the action, the Israeli military said air raid sirens were sounded across several parts of the country as a precautionary step. The move, it said, was aimed at preparing the public for the possibility of missiles being fired toward Israel in retaliation.

Iran attacked, Israel sounds state of emergency after launching military strike

Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday with the country's Defense Minister declaring a state of emergency across Israel, reported AP. Israel Katz announced this as thick smoke rose from an explosion in downtown Tehran, which is Iran’s capital. Iranian state television acknowledged the blast but did not provide more details. Sirens sounded across Israel simultaneously. The Israeli military said this was a "proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the state of Israel".