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President Donald Trump said that he expected death in Operation Epic Fury, telling NBC News Sunday "We expect casualties with something like this."

“We have three, but we expect casualties, but in the end it’s going to be a great deal for the world," he said in a phone interview.

THIS LIVE BLOG IS CLOSED. FOLLOW NEWSWEEK'S NEXT IRAN LIVE BLOG.

Three U.S. service members have been killed and five others wounded during Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has said.

In a post on X, CENTCOM added: "Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing."

The news comes in the wake of fresh strikes by Iran and Israel on Sunday after Iranian officials confirmed the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed in strikes the previous day.

U.S. President Donald Trump had warned that Iran will be hit "with a force that has never seen before" if they carried out a threat to launch "the most devastating offensive operation in the history of Iran's armed forces."

What to Know

• A huge explosion took place in Tehran on Sunday morning, as Israel said it would target the "heart" of the city
• Iran has launched retaliatory strikes; explosions reported in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar and over Jerusalem
• At least three people have been killed in the UAE after strikes on the country's major international airports.
• At least nine protesters died in clashes with police after they stormed the U.S. Consulate in Pakistan's port city of Karachi
• Iran vowed ‘devastating’ retaliation which Trump has warned against, saying it will be hit "with a force that has never seen before"

This live blog is now closed. Follow the latest live blog here.

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Mar 02, 2026 at 02:30 AM EST

At Least 23 Killed in Pakistan as Iran Strike Protests Turn Violent

Demonstrations against the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign in Iran turned deadly in Pakistan and Iraq on Sunday, killing at least 23 people, Reuters reported.

The violence was most severe in Karachi, where security guards at the U.S. consulate opened fire on protesters who breached the facility's outer wall, killing 10. Eleven more were killed in Skardu after a crowd torched a United Nations office, and two were killed in Islamabad when police fired on demonstrators marching toward the city's diplomatic enclave.

In Iraq, police fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters gathered outside Baghdad's Green Zone, home to the U.S. embassy, Reuters reported. Karachi's Civil Hospital confirmed all those killed and injured in the city were struck by gunshots. The provincial government of Sindh ordered an inquiry into the deaths.

Local government spokesperson Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani confirmed consulate security staff opened fire after the crowd breached the outer security layer, adding: "We are in constant touch with consulate officials. They are all safe."

Pakistan and Iraq have the world's largest Shiite Muslim populations outside Iran, making both countries particularly volatile flashpoints as the regional conflict expands. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged protesters to remain peaceful, saying "We stand with you," while acknowledging widespread public grief over the U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Mar 02, 2026 at 01:30 AM EST

One Dead in Bahrain After Shrapnel From Intercepted Missile

Bahrain reported its first fatality from the widening regional conflict Monday, saying a foreign worker was killed by shrapnel from an intercepted missile at Salman Industrial City, where he had been working on a boat.

The island kingdom, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, said it intercepted 61 missiles and 34 attack drones launched against it — but some fire broke through, striking buildings and the naval base.

The death marks the first confirmed fatality on Bahraini soil since the conflict erupted over the weekend following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The breach of Bahrain's air defenses is significant given the kingdom's strategic importance as the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's regional operations.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.

Mar 02, 2026 at 12:00 AM EST

Iran FM Warns Military ‘Independent’ After Attacks on Gulf Allies

Iran's foreign minister suggested Sunday that the country's military units are operating independently from central government control, raising urgent questions about who — if anyone — is directing Iranian strikes on Gulf Arab nations that have previously served as diplomatic intermediaries for Tehran.

The comments came from Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in an Al Jazeera interview, amid reports of attacks on both Oman and Qatar — two nations that had recently helped broker nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. "Our military units are now in fact independent and somehow isolated and they are acting based on instructions — you know, general instructions — given to them in advance," Araghchi told the international news outlet. He added that the attack on Oman "was not our choice."

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which controlled Iran's vast ballistic missile arsenal and much of its drone stockpile, answered exclusively to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — who was killed in U.S. strikes over the weekend.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.

Mar 01, 2026 at 11:45 PM EST

Lebanon Leader Warns of ‘Proxy Wars’ Risk After Hezbollah Launches

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Hezbollah's rocket launches from Lebanese territory Monday, warning that using Lebanon as a staging ground for regional conflicts risked dragging the country into a war it had no part in starting.

In a statement, Aoun said Hezbollah's launches "target all the efforts and endeavors exerted by the Lebanese state to keep Lebanon away from the dangerous military confrontations taking place in the region."

While condemning Israeli strikes on Lebanon, he drew a sharp distinction between being a victim of the conflict and being a willing participant. "Persisting in using Lebanon once again as a platform for proxy wars in which we have no involvement will expose our country to risks once more," he said.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.

Mar 01, 2026 at 11:17 PM EST

Drone Hits British Military Base in Cyprus, Causing ‘Limited Damage’

A suspected drone struck RAF Akrotiri, a British military base on the southern coast of Cyprus, shortly after midnight Monday, Cypriot officials confirmed.

Government spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis said the incident involved "an unmanned drone which caused limited damage," adding that "information received through various channels" indicated a drone strike. He did not specify the type of drone, its origin or the full extent of the damage.

The attack came after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the U.K. would support the U.S. in its military campaign against Iran, raising immediate questions about whether the strike was a retaliatory action by Iranian-backed forces targeting Western military assets aligned with the offensive.

Cypriot authorities have enacted security protocols and are monitoring the situation in coordination with the U.K. and its two sovereign base areas on the island, Letymbiotis said. RAF Akrotiri has historically served as a staging ground for British military operations in the Middle East, making it a strategically significant target as the conflict expands beyond Iran's borders.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.

Mar 01, 2026 at 11:05 PM EST

World Central Kitchen Warns Gaza Food Supplies Running Out

World Central Kitchen (WCK) warned Sunday that it would run out of food supplies in Gaza this week if Israel keeps the territory's crossings closed, deepening a humanitarian crisis that aid organizations have long described as catastrophic. Israel shut the crossings over the weekend after joining the U.S. in launching military strikes against Iran.

"We need food deliveries every single day to feed hungry families who are not part of this war," said Chef José Andrés, the celebrity chef who founded World Central Kitchen, on X. The organization provides approximately 1 million meals per day in Gaza, and Andrés said both WCK and other aid groups operating in the territory require a continuous flow of food and supplies to sustain operations. "We cannot wait...let the humanitarian trucks go through today!" he said.

View this post on X

Mar 01, 2026 at 10:56 PM EST

Iraqi Militia Claims Drone Attack on US Troops at Baghdad Airport

An Iraqi Shiite militia claimed responsibility Monday for a drone attack targeting U.S. troops at Baghdad International Airport, marking one of the first direct strikes on American forces in Iraq since the U.S. launched Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

The group, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, is among a network of Iranian-backed Shiite militias that emerged in Iraq following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

The attack signals a widening of the conflict beyond Iran's borders, as Iranian-backed proxy forces — including Lebanon's Hezbollah — move to join the fight against U.S. and Israeli military operations targeting Iran's leadership and military infrastructure. It also marks an escalation in the threat environment facing the roughly 2,500 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq, who have long been targets of militia rocket and drone attacks but face heightened risk in the wake of the U.S. strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the weekend.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.

Mar 01, 2026 at 10:10 PM EST

Trump Says US Had Candidates to Lead Iran — Now They’re Dead

President Donald Trump made a series of striking admissions Sunday night, revealing that the U.S. had identified potential candidates to lead Iran following American military strikes — but that those individuals were killed in the attack — and that he ordered the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in personal terms, saying "I got him before he got me." ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl reported both sets of comments on X after speaking with Trump directly.

"The attack was so successful it knocked out most of the candidates," Trump told Karl. "It's not going to be anybody that we were thinking of because they are all dead. Second or third place is dead."

In a separate phone call, Trump addressed Khamenei's death directly, telling Karl: "I got him before he got me. They tried twice. Well I got him first." Karl noted the remarks were a reference to what U.S. intelligence believes was an Iranian plot to assassinate Trump in 2024.

Mar 01, 2026 at 09:47 PM EST

Hegseth to Brief Press on Iran as Congress Demands War Vote

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine will hold a press conference at 8 a.m. Monday to address Operation Epic Fury — the U.S. military campaign against Iran. The briefing will be the first public Pentagon press conference since strikes began nearly 48 hours ago, breaking a prolonged silence that drew criticism from lawmakers and military observers who noted it bucked a practice dating back to the Vietnam War.

The announcement came as Democratic senators moved Sunday to force a war powers vote in Congress. Sen. Adam Schiff of California posted on X that he would join Sens. Tim Kaine, Rand Paul and Chuck Schumer in pushing for a vote on a war powers resolution, arguing the president acted without congressional authorization. "Congress holds the power to declare war — not the President," Schiff wrote. "Congress has not authorized this use of our military."

The bipartisan push adds pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson, who announced Sunday he plans to hold a war powers resolution vote in the House on Thursday — though he has urged Republican members to vote against it. The resolution, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, would seek to limit the president's ability to continue military operations without congressional approval. Johnson, who holds a razor-thin one-vote majority, reminded members that attendance would be critical.

Monday's Pentagon briefing will be the administration's first major opportunity to publicly address the legal and intelligence justifications for the strikes, amid mounting questions from both parties about whether an imminent threat from Iran actually existed before the U.S. launched its offensive.

View this post on X

Mar 01, 2026 at 09:40 PM EST

Qatar Warns Residents to Stay Indoors

Qatar's Interior Ministry has urged residents to remain indoors as the fallout from the joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran continues.

In a social media post, the ministry called for residents to go out only in “cases of absolute necessity,” and to stay away from windows and exposed areas.

Qatar hosts the largest American military base in the Middle East, and Iran has launched strikes against the country as part of its retaliatory strikes after the U.S. killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Mar 01, 2026 at 09:20 PM EST

Israel Launches Strikes on Lebanon’s Capital

Israel has retaliated against Hezbollah by launching missiles at Lebanon's capital, Beirut, during the early hours of Monday morning.

The Israeli military said it intercepted a projectile that crossed the border earlier on Monday, and that several others fell in open areas. No injuries or damage has been reported.

Hezbollah said the strikes were carried out in response to the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.

Mar 01, 2026 at 09:05 PM EST

Mike Johnson Lining Up War Powers Vote This Week

House Speaker Mike Johnson told Republican lawmakers during a call on Sunday that he will likely hold a war powers resolution vote on Thursday, ABC News reported, citing two sources.

Democrats have demanded a vote, seeking to limit the president from using military force with congressional approval. Representatives Ro Khanna of California, a Democrat, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a Republican, have sponsored the vote.

But while Johnson said he plans to brig it to a vote, he has urged members to vote against it, reminding members that attendance is important as he has a one-vote majority if all members are present and voting.

Johnson also plans to schedule a vote on DHS funding to try and end the partial government shutdown.

Mar 01, 2026 at 08:37 PM EST

Pentagon Contradicts Trump’s Justification for Iran Attack

Congressional staffers learned Sunday that Iran had no plan to attack U.S. forces or bases in the Middle East unless Israel struck first, contradicting statements made to reporters just one day earlier that the U.S. received indications of a plan to do otherwise, CNN reported.

Pentagon briefers providing an update to congressional staffers argued that Iran's ballistic missile program and proxy forces presented an ongoing threat to U.S. forces in the region, which has been the case for years, and sources told CNN that sentiment was this was not sufficient to support the administration's argument.

The briefing noted that U.S. forces have largely focused on destroying Iranian air defenses and command and control nodes, with plans to shift to more aggressive targets such as ballistic missile launch sites in the coming days - but the U.S. has been "burning" through long-range precision guided munitions, and will do so until the U.S. and Israel believe they have air superiority.

READ IN FULL.

Mar 01, 2026 at 07:37 PM EST

White House Shares Collection of Media Celebrating Iran Strikes

Following a tumultuous weekend that started with the U.S. launching strikes against Iran and killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the White House posted a collection of headlines, comments from lawmakers, and generally positive media response celebrating Operation Epic Fury.

"This operation, executed in partnership with regional allies, follows exhaustive diplomatic efforts and comes after 47 years of Iranian aggression — including attacks on U.S. citizens, sponsorship of global terrorism, and brutal oppression of its own people," the White House wrote.

The lengthy compilation starts the frontpage of the Sunday edition of the New York Post and its headline, "Death to the Devil," emblazoned above Khamenei and an image of the aftermath of the strike on his office, where he died.

Section subheads include: "Iranian-Americans are celebrating a new dawn of hope"; "Top lawmakers rallied behind Operation Epic Fury on the Sunday morning talk shows"; and "Experts, commentators, and others are praising President Trump’s historic action," among others.

In a section titled "Lawmakers across the political spectrum are backing Operation Epic Fury," the administration posted messages from 164 lawmakers, but only two of which did not come from Republicans: Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Representative Greg Landsman of Ohio.

Recent polling gathered by Reuters/Ipsos found that only one in four Americans supported the strikes on Iran.

Mar 01, 2026 at 07:03 PM EST

Robert Levinson: Family of Ex-FBI Agent Demands Iran Return His Remains

The family of Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who went missing in Iran during a visit to Kish Island in Iran, has demanded accountability and the return of his remains following the strikes on Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In a statement provided to Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin, the family wrote: "For nearly 19 years, Iran has lied, obstructed, and refused to answer for the kidnapping, detention, and death of our father, Robert Levinson. He was taken by Iranian officials in 2007, held for years without basic human rights, denied contact with his family, and never returned home."

"Ayatollah Ali Khamenei led the regime responsible for these crimes," the family wrote. "His death does not erase what Iran did to our father, and it does not end our fight for accountability. But it is a significant moment for our family and for every family that has suffered at the hands of this regime’s hostage-taking and wrongful detention."

They added: "Now Iran must do what it has refused to do for nearly two decades: provide full accountability for what happened to our father, return his remains to our family, and disclose the truth about his kidnapping, imprisonment, and death."

READ IN FULL.

Mar 01, 2026 at 07:00 PM EST

IDF shares images of 15 ‘eliminated’ senior terrorist leaders

The Israel Defense Forces shared the images and names of 15 people it says were "senior terrorist leaders of Iran’s Axis of Terror."

In the post, IDF said all 15 have been eliminated.

View this post on X

Mar 01, 2026 at 06:45 PM EST

Iran still has a nuclear option that could hurt Americans

While U.S and Israeli attacks on Iran have decimated its leadership and degraded its arsenal, Tehran still retains a never-before-used nuclear option that could hurt American consumers and hit Donald Trump’s Achilles’ heel.

It could close the Strait of Hormuz or otherwise disrupt traffic through the narrow waterway, driving up global oil prices and forcing Americans disgruntled over affordability to pay more for gas.

Iran has never closed the strait before, but threats of deliberate closure or fear of accidental disruptions caused by conflict have repeatedly driven up oil prices in the half century since the Islamic Revolution brought the clerical regime to power.

About a fifth of the world’s oil and 20 percent of its seaborne gas pass through the strait every day.

Blocking or disrupting tanker traffic through the strait could deprive global oil markets of all or most of the shipments from six of the world’s 20 largest oil exporters. U.S. gas prices could jump from $2.95 on Sunday afternoon to the mid-$3 range by April or May, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told MarketWatch.

READ IN FULL.

Mar 01, 2026 at 06:43 PM EST

Australia rules out joining military strikes against Iran

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong ruled out Australia's participation in military strikes against Iran on Monday, saying the country did not take part in recent strikes and does not anticipate doing so in the future.

"We didn't participate in these strikes and we wouldn't anticipate participating in the future," Wong told Nine Network television.

Wong said Australia nonetheless supports U.S. and Israeli military action aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear capability, and accused Iran of sponsoring terrorism and directing attacks on Australian soil. Australia expelled the Iranian ambassador last year after accusing Iran's Revolutionary Guard of directing antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne — accusations Tehran denied.

Australia is a close U.S. ally and joined American and British forces in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.

Mar 01, 2026 at 06:20 PM EST

Iran’s Minister for Foreign Affairs addresses UN: Read full letter

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs for Iran, wrote a letter Sunday to the United Nations.

In the letter, shared with Newsweek by the Iranian Mission to the United Nations, Araghchi outlines the strikes and their direct impact on Iran.

The letter reads in full:

"Excellency,
I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the latest outrageous and criminal act perpetrated against the great nation of Iran by the United States and the Israeli regime. Failure to respond decisively to such conduct will not only embolden its perpetrators but will also inflict lasting and irreparable damage on the foundations of the international legal order for decades to come.

On 28 February 2026, in the course of a new series of unprovoked and unjustified acts of aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran — in flagrant violation of Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations — the United States and the Israeli regime deliberately targeted the Highest Official of a sovereign Member of the United Nations, i.e the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamene’ei. This cowardly act of terror constitutes a direct assault on the very core principles of international law, including the prohibition on the use of force, the respect for sovereign equality, and the inviolability and immunity of Heads of State. It represents a dangerous and unprecedented escalation that strikes at the most fundamental norms of statehood and civilized conduct among nations. Heads of State embody the sovereignty of their nations and, under international law, enjoy inviolability, respect, and immunity indispensable for the independent performance of their official functions.

The deliberate targeting of the Highest Official of the Islamic Republic of Iran, therefore, constitutes a grave and unprecedented breach of the most fundamental norms governing relations among States. Such conduct does not merely violate established principles of international law; it recklessly opens a dangerous Pandora’s box, eroding the bedrock of sovereign equality and the stability of the international system. Moreover, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamene’ei, is not only the Highest Official, but also a highly respected religious figure for tens of millions of Muslims in the region and around the world. Such an attack carries profound and far-reaching consequences, the full responsibility for which rests solely with the perpetrators. This is without prejudice to the inherent and unequivocal right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and people, in full conformity with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.

The aforementioned act was carried out in manifest disregard of binding principles of international law and customary international law, including those reflected in the 1973 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons. It engages the international responsibility of the wrongdoing States concerned, as well as the individual criminal responsibility of the President of the United States, the so-called Prime Minister of the Israeli regime, and all individuals involved in planning, ordering, authorizing, committing, or otherwise aiding and abetting this criminal act. The foregoing is without prejudice to accountability for the ongoing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression being committed by the agents of the United States and the Israeli regime.

In light of the foregoing, and at a time when the normalization of grave violations of international law regrettably threatens the integrity of the international system, the Islamic Republic of Iran solemnly calls upon the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Security Council to discharge their Charter-mandated responsibilities for the maintenance of international peace and security and take immediate, concrete, and effective measures to ensure the full accountability of the United States and the Israeli regime for the aforementioned atrocious terrorist act.
I would be grateful if you would have the present letter circulated as an official document of the Security Council.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."

Mar 01, 2026 at 05:58 PM EST

France, Germany and UK warn Iran they will use ‘defensive action’ if necessary

E3 leaders from France, Germany and the United Kingdom issued a statement Sunday warning Iran that the countries will take "defensive action to destroy Iran's capability to fire missiles and drones at their source" if needed.

The statement said the leaders are "appalled" by the missile attacks launched by Iran on other countries in the Middle East.

"Iran's reckless attacks have targeted our close allies and are threatening our service personnel and our civilians across the region," the statement read.

"We call on Iran to stop these reckless attacks immediately," the statement said, warning, "We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran's capability to fire missiles and drones at their source.

"We have agreed to work together with the US and allies in the region on this matter," the statement concluded.

Mar 01, 2026 at 05:30 PM EST

Trump’s Iran strike is a bigger play that also cuts at China

The strikes on Iran on Saturday are part of a bigger play by the United States that reaches beyond the Middle East to put pressure on China, a country it sees as its main global adversary, analysts told Newsweek.

The U.S. strikes, alongside its ally Israel, that began on Saturday was the second by the U.S. in three months against an oil-rich Chinese ally after it launched a military operation earlier this year against Venezuela, toppling the government there. Both Venezuela and Iran were close friends and strategic allies of China, which was buying oil from them on favorable terms.

The U.S. sees China as its main rival globally, with China's massive industrial capacity and fast-paced naval buildup putting it in a position potentially to challenge American military dominance in the Pacific and its influence globally. The Chinese military has been conducting increasingly aggressive military exercises that encircle Taiwan, stoking fears of invasion.

READ IN FULL.

Mar 01, 2026 at 05:14 PM EST

Trump says Iran fight could go on for ‘4 weeks or so’

President Donald Trump has discussed a timeline for the fighting in Iran during a phone interview with a British newspaper.

“We figured it will be four weeks or so,” Trump told the Daily Mail. “It’s always been about a four-week process, so, as strong as it is -- it’s a big country -- it’ll take four weeks, or less.”

The U.S. military said three service members have been killed, the first known American casualties from the conflict. Trump called those killed “great people.”

“You know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately,” Trump told the newspaper. “Could happen continuous — it could happen again.”

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.

Mar 01, 2026 at 05:00 PM EST

CENTCOM gives details of Operation Epic Fury

US. Central Command (CENTCOM) outlined Operation Epic Fury in a series of posts on X Sunday, giving the timeline, assets used, and locations targeted.

The operation was ordered by President Donald Trump and launched at 1:15 a.m. local time, according to the CENTCOM post.

The types of targets in the operation were listed as

• Command and Control Centers
• IRGC Joint Headquarters
• IRGC Aerospace Forces Headquarters
• Integrated Air Defense Systems
• Ballistic Missile Sites
• Iranian Navy Ships
• Iranian Navy Submarines
• Anti-ship Missile Sites
• Military Communication Capabilities

Multiple assets were employed in the operation including

• US Assets Employed
• B-2 Stealth Bombers
• LUCAS Drones
• Patriot Interceptor Missile Systems
• THAAD Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems
• F-18 Fighter Jets
• F016 Fighter Jets
• F-22 Fighter Jets
• A-10 Attack Jets
• F-35 Stealth Fighters
• EA-18G Electronic Attack Aircraft
• Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft
• Airborne Communication Relay
• P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:45 PM EST

Zelensky: Iran has a ‘chance for change’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a post on X that he is "closely monitoring every change in the situation around Iran."

"It is important that this chance for change for Iran be used properly," he said, adding, "The Iranian people have long effectively been alone against violence – against the Iranian regime."

"This regime, which has killed tens of thousands of its own citizens just in recent months, which has always fueled and organized wars in the region, which provided Russia with 'shaheds' and the technology for their production – this regime has brought this attitude upon itself," Zelensky continued, adding, "It is important that there be a clear position in support of people and human life. It is important that American determination, the determination of everyone in the world truly work."

Zelensky concluded his statement by saying, "I thank everyone who is trying to prevent the war from expanding and who is defending against strikes from Iran. And I also thank everyone who tells Russia – now, based on the experience of the Iranian regime – that justice does come."

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:29 PM EST

Trump: ‘We expect casualties with something like this’

President Donald Trump said that he expected death in Operation Epic Fury, telling NBC News Sunday "We expect casualties with something like this."

“We have three, but we expect casualties, but in the end it’s going to be a great deal for the world," he said in a phone interview.

The identities of the three service members who died have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

At least five other service members were injured in the operation.

Trump also told the outlet that the operation was “ahead of schedule," adding, “when we get 48 leaders, that’s a big event.”

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:15 PM EST

Airport operations suspended in Qatar

Qatar's Civil Aviation Authority said that operations at Hamad International Airport remain suspended Sunday.

Passengers should not travel to the airport, a post on X from the airport said.

"Hamad International Airport’s flight operations remain suspended and will resume once Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace," the post said.

"This is a precautionary measure based on the latest developments in the region," according to the post.

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:00 PM EST

Americans in UAE told to shelter in place

As strikes continue across the Middle East Sunday, Americans in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been advised to shelter in place.

"U.S. government personnel in the UAE continue to shelter in place, and we recommend that all Americans in the UAE do the same," the U.S. Mission to UAE said in a post on X.

"To the extent possible, remain in your residence, hotel, or other secure structure, and stay away from windows," the post continued.

Airspace in the UAE remains closed and international airport operations have been suspended indefinitely, according to the post.

Appointments for consular services have been postponed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been postponed, the post said.

Mar 01, 2026 at 03:45 PM EST

Satellite images show collapsed tunnels, aftermath of Iran strikes

New satellite imagery collected Sunday morning by Vantor and Planet shows sweeping damage to Iranian air force, naval, and leadership facilities following a second consecutive day of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes targeting military infrastructure across the country.

Before-and-after imagery of Zahedan airbase shows a radar system completely destroyed. Additional Planet satellite imagery reveals collapsed tunnels at Tabriz North Missile Base — a significant blow to Iran's long-range missile capabilities — and crowds gathered outside Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, where airspace has been closed amid the strikes.

In central Tehran, a large crowd of mourners was observed filling Enghelab Square, a day after Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in one of the opening strikes Saturday.

...

READ IN FULL.

Mar 01, 2026 at 03:30 PM EST

Mike Pence urges prayer for fallen soldiers

Former Vice President Mike Pence urged people to pray for the fallen service members killed in Operation Epic Fury.

"Karen and I were saddened to learn of the three American service members killed and the five more seriously wounded during Operation Epic Fury," he said in a post on X Sunday.

"These brave Americans gave their lives defending our Nation and their names will be remembered forever," Pence said, adding, "We urge all our fellow Americans to join us praying for our Heroic Fallen, the injured and their precious families."

Mar 01, 2026 at 03:15 PM EST

Witnesses say Iranian State TV signal transmitter hit by explosion

An explosion in Tehran struck a transmitter that Iranian state television uses for signals, the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing witnesses.

Parts of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) building, according to official IRNA news agency, the report said.

Broadcasts were disrupted following the explosion, according to the report.

Mar 01, 2026 at 03:00 PM EST

CAIR calls for Congress to investigate Iran girls school strike

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called on congress to investigate a deadly strike on a girl's school in Minab, Iran.

At least 148 people are believed to have died after the school was hit during U.S.-Israeli military strikes in Iran Saturday.

The group said that if the U.S. is found to be responsible for the deaths at the school, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth should be impeached.

"We strongly condemn the massacre of Iranian schoolgirls and teachers at an elementary school perpetrated during the U.S.-Israel bombing of Iran," CAIR said in the statement emailed to Newsweek Sunday. "Killing children at an elementary school is exactly the type of war crime we have come to expect from Israel, and the American people must not tolerate such crimes from either our own government or governments funded by our tax dollars."

Mar 01, 2026 at 02:45 PM EST

MTG calls on Vance and Gabbard to speak out against the war

Marjorie Taylor Greene called on Vice President JD Vance and Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, to "speak out against the war in Iran."

"People are paying attention, very close attention. Silence won’t cut it," Greene said in a post on X Sunday. "You were both on record repeatedly, publicly, and loudly against going to war with Iran."

"Our friend, Charlie Kirk was adamantly against war with Iran," she continued.

"You cannot be silent. Americans are dying," Greene said, adding, "You both know this is not what we campaigned for and this is 100% what we said would not happen."

"We said, I said, you said: NO MORE FOREIGN WARS AND NO MORE REGIME CHANGE. All we wanted was America FIRST. This is not it," she concluded.

Mar 01, 2026 at 02:30 PM EST

Karoline Leavitt says Trump spoke to Middle East leaders

President Donald Trump spoke to the leaders of Israel, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sunday, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Leavitt said in a post on X the president has also been briefed on the deadly mass shooting in Austin, Texas.

Mar 01, 2026 at 02:15 PM EST

UAE closes Iran embassy after strikes

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) closed its embassy in Iran following strike on the country by Iran, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Iran has targeted several locations in the middle east in retaliatory strikes following the deadly U.S.-Israel attack Saturday.

Missiles have hit hotels and airports in Dubai, as well as civilian buildings.

"“The Foreign Ministry as confirmed that this decision reflects its firm and unwavering position against any aggression that threatens its security and sovereignty,” a statement from the UAE said.

Mar 01, 2026 at 02:00 PM EST

Who is Ayatollah Alireza Arafi? What to know about Iran’s interim leader

Iran named Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a senior cleric and member of the Guardian Council, to a three-member interim leadership council that was formed on Sunday after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel the day prior.

The council also includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei and was established under Article 111 of Iran’s constitution.

Iranian officials formed the transitional body after Khamenei's death, triggering a succession process that places the council in charge until the Assembly of Experts selects a new supreme leader, Al Jazeera reported.

READ IN FULL.

Mar 01, 2026 at 01:33 PM EST

Trump says Iranian naval ships destroyed

U.S. forces "have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships," President Donald Trump said in a post to Truth Social Sunday.

He said the ships that were targeted were "relatively large and important."

"We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters," he continued.

Mar 01, 2026 at 01:15 PM EST

CENTCOM says Iran ‘actively targeting civilians’

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) refuted claims made by the Iranian Ambassador at the United Nations Security Council that Iran strikes were only targeted bases and assets of the U.S.

CENTCOM called the claim a "LIE" in a post on X Sunday, adding, "The Iranian Regime is actively targeting civilians and has attacked more than a dozen locations," and sharing the following locations that have been targeted.

• Dubai International Airport
• Kuwait International Airport
• Zayed International Airport, Dubai
• Erbil International Airport, Iraq
• airmont Palm Hotel, Dubai
• Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai
• Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bahrain
• Port of Dubai
• Haifa Oil Refinery
• Residential areas in Beit Shemesh, Israel
• Residential areas in Tel Aviv, Israel
• Residential area of Era Views Towers, Bahrain
• Residential areas in Qatar

Mar 01, 2026 at 01:00 PM EST

Who will be Iran’s next Supreme Leader?

U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have killed the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, state media confirmed Sunday.

Khamenei, who had headed up the regime in Tehran since 1989, was killed along with a raft of senior Iranian military and political officials after the U.S. and Israel started striking the country early on Saturday.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for regime change and for the Iranian people to rise up against the government.

But in the wake of Khamenei's death, Iran's future is uncertain. Since the Islamic regime was founded in 1979, there have only been two leaders, including Khamenei's 36-year stretch. A temporary leadership council was set up in Tehran on Sunday.

Khamenei did not publicly name a successor before he died, and there is still some confusion about which of the top officials have been killed.

READ IN FULL.

Mar 01, 2026 at 12:45 PM EST

Hakeem Jeffries: ‘No more American heroes need to die’

The Minority Leader of the U.S House of Representatives said he was "heartbroken" by the deaths of American service members Sunday.

Three service members were killed while five others were injured in Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced.

"Heartbroken by the loss of life of multiple service members in the Middle East," Jeffries said in a post on X.

"We thank them profoundly for their patriotism, mourn with their families and wish those who have been seriously injured a full recovery," he continued, adding, "No more American heroes need to die because of a reckless decision to go to war."

Jeffries called for Congress to "act this week to restrain this President."

Mar 01, 2026 at 12:30 PM EST

Netanyahu says strikes will ‘grow stronger’ in coming days

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a post on X that forces continue to strike Iran Sunday.

"Our forces are now striking at the heart of Tehran with intensifying force," he said, adding, "this will only grow even stronger in the coming days."

The Prime Minister said he had a meeting with the Minister of Defense, the Chief of General Staff and the head of Mossad, ordering the strikes to continue following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei.

"We are in a campaign in which we are bringing the full might of the IDF, as never before, to this battle to ensure our existence and our future," Netanyahu explained.

Mar 01, 2026 at 12:15 PM EST

Former FBI official warns of U.S. sleeper cells reacting after Iran strikes

The deadly strikes on Iran have likely increased the risk of terrorist group sleeper cells in the U.S. reacting in a "violent way," Former Assistant FBI Director Chris Swecker told Fox News Sunday.

Swecker explained that Hamas and Hezbollah, both designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO), are backed by Tehran and have sleeper cells in the U.S.

"We also know that they are lone sympathizers, many of whom have come out in these protest groups," he said, noting that the previous administration's border policies may have allowed more terrorists to "infiltrate" the country.

Mar 01, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST

Trump says he will talk to Iran leaders following strike

President Donald Trump has agreed to talk to the new leadership in Iran following the strikes that took out Ayatollah Khamenei and other top officials, he told The Atlantic Sunday.

“They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them," the President said, adding, "They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long,”

Trump explained that most of the leaders he was dealing with prior to the strikes are gone, saying, “Most of those people are gone. Some of the people we were dealing with are gone, because that was a big—that was a big hit."

“They could have made a deal. They should’ve done it sooner," the President continued, adding, "They played too cute.”

Mar 01, 2026 at 11:45 AM EST

CENTCOM refutes Iran’s claims that USS Lincoln was struck

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) refuted claims made by Iran that ballistic missiles struck the USS Abraham Lincoln Sunday.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said in part, "The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close."

"The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM’s relentless campaign to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime," the post continued.

The USS Lincoln has been in the Arabian Sea for weeks and is the "flagship of a nine-ship strike group," according to the Associated Press (AP).

It is one of the largest and most advanced warships in the world.

Mar 01, 2026 at 11:30 AM EST

CIA shared location of Khamenei with Israel: Report

The CIA was tracking Ayatollah Khamenei, along with other top officials in Iran, before strikes Saturday, according to the New York Times (NYT), citing people familiar with the operation.

The report said that Khamenei was tracked by the CIA for months ahead of the deadly strikes in Iran.

That information was shared with Israeli forces ahead of the strikes, including details of a meeting scheduled for top Iranian officials in a Tehran compound, according to the NYT.

The intelligence resulted in a change of timing for the attack, the report said.

Mar 01, 2026 at 11:00 AM EST

Iran’s ex-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad killed in strikes: Reports

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Former Iranian President, was killed in Israeli airstrikes, according to multiple news outlets, including Israeli media outlet Ma’ariv.

Ahmadinejad was reportedly under house arrest when he was killed in a targeted strike on his residence.

The former Iranian President, who served from 2005 to 2013, was the face of Tehran's nuclear program. The United Nations Security Council had imposed multiple sanctions over the nuclear program during Ahmadeinjad's rule.

Mar 01, 2026 at 11:00 AM EST

Putin expresses ‘sincere sympathy’ after death of Khamenei

Russian President Vladimir Putin posted a message on Telegram Sunday addressed to Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

The message read in full:

"Please, accept my deepest condolences on the assassination of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Seyyed Ali Khamenei and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.
In our country, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made an enormous personal contribution to the development of friendly ties between Russia and Iran and to raising them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Please, convey my most sincere sympathy and support to the family and friends of the Supreme Leader, as well as to the leadership and to the entire people of Iran."

Mar 01, 2026 at 10:35 AM EST

Pope makes appeal to halt ‘spiral of violence’

The Pope made a plea in a statement on X Sunday, calling for the end of violence in the Middle East following the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent retaliatory strikes.

"I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time," Pope Leo XIV said, adding, "Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue."

"Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm," he continued.

"May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace," the Pope concluded.

Mar 01, 2026 at 10:17 AM EST

3 US soldiers killed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran

Three U.S. personnel have been killed and another five "seriously wounded" in action since the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran early on Saturday, according to the U.S. military.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. operations in the Middle East, said several others had sustained minor injuries from shrapnel and concussions as of 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

CENTCOM said it would not identify the U.S. personnel killed until 24 hours after their next of kin had been notified.

"Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing," CENTCOM said.

Mar 01, 2026 at 10:03 AM EST

Woman killed in Tel Aviv missile strike identified

The Philippine embassy in Israel has confirmed that a woman killed in an Iranian missile attack on the city on Saturday was a 32-year-old Philippine national.

The embassy named the woman as Mary Ann V. de Vera, describing her as a caregiver from the northern Philippines who had worked in Israel since 2019.

She was identified through biometric records and by her husband, the embassy said, adding the country's ambassador had spoken to her husband to offer condolences.

Mar 01, 2026 at 09:51 AM EST

Iranian government drawing ‘final breaths’: Exiled prince

Iran's exiled crown prince has said the current regime in Tehran is "drawing its final breaths."

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah who was overthrown by clerics in the 1979 revolution, said on Sunday many Iranians desired the "complete fall of the Islamic Republic."

Pahlavi called Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes on Saturday, a "demon," adding: "Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to failure in advance."

"Whoever they place in his position will not only lack legitimacy, but will also be a partner in the crimes of this regime," he added.

There's no clear successor to Khamenei, and there are questions about Pahlavi's popularity as a leader within Iran and abroad.

Mar 01, 2026 at 09:42 AM EST

Iranians celebrate Khamenei’s death in streets

Crowds of Iranians across the world celebrated the death of Ayatollah Khamenei on Sunday after Iranian officials confirmed the death of the long-time leader.

Footage and images from major cities, such as London and Sydney, showed jubilant gatherings of people, waving Iranian flags and chanting.

The reaction has been somewhat more mixed inside Iran, some lauding what they hope could be the start of a new era for the country while others mourn the consequences of U.S. and Israeli military intervention. However, restrictions imposed in Iran make it difficult to judge public sentiment.

"It's like when they give you such [...]good news that you don't even know what to do," an unnamed person to the BBC Persian service in Tehran.

State media, meanwhile, showed devastated crowds of people and protests sprung up near U.S. embassies and consulates, including in Pakistan and Iraq.

Khamenei had ruled Iran for more than 36 years, one of only two leaders to head up the religious regime in Tehran since the 1979 revolution.

U.S. President Donald Trump had announced Khamenei's death ahead of confirmation from Iranian state media.

Mar 01, 2026 at 09:11 AM EST

China ‘strongly condemns’ killing of Khamenei

China's foreign ministry has said the country "strongly condemns" the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and called for an end to fresh strikes being exchanged on Sunday.

"The attack and killing of Iran’s supreme leader is a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security," a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said. "China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it."

Beijing said in its statement U.S.-Israeli attacks disregarded international norms and urged an "immediate stop to the military operations."

China's Xinhua news agency had reported on Sunday the country's foreign minister, Wang Yi, had spoken with Russia's top diplomat over the strikes and called attacks on Iran "unacceptable."

Mar 01, 2026 at 08:20 AM EST

8 killed in Iranian strike on Israeli city

At least eight people were killed and 20 more were wounded in an Iranian strike on the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, the Magen David Adom ambulance said.

Two of the injured are in serious condition and two are in moderate condition.

The IDF said its failure to intercept this missile is being investigated, the Times of Israel reports.

Mar 01, 2026 at 08:15 AM EST

3 killed and 58 injured: UAE

The UAE’s Ministry of Defence said three people have been killed and 58 injured in Iranian attacks.

It said on Sunday that it has so far dealt with 165 ballistic missiles - 152 were destroyed and 13 fell into the sea - since Iran launched its attack on February 28, as well as two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones.

Mar 01, 2026 at 07:49 AM EST

Where have Iran strikes have been reported?

After the U.S. and Israel carried out an attack on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian defense and military officials, Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on U.S. allies and bases acorss the Gulf that have continued into Sunday. Most were intercepted but some countries have reported deaths and injuries from several successful attacks.

• After the initial strikes on Saturday, Iran launched missiles and drones towards Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, according to the Associated Press. Israel said two civilians were killed by Iranian missiles.
• Explosions were also reported in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates’ capital of Abu Dhabi, where two people were killed by shrapnel from Iranian attacks, accoridng to state media.
• At least one person was killed and 11 were injured in in strikes on major airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, according to the BBC
• Oman said its port at Duqm was targeted, which is significant as Oman has traditionally had more cordial ties with Tehran than other Gulf states - it recently acted as a mediator in U.S.
• Saudi Arabia said Iran targeted its capital and eastern region
• Jordan said is "dealth with" 49 drones and ballistic missiles

Mar 01, 2026 at 07:06 AM EST

Israel says 2 civilians killed in Iran strikes

Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said a 40-year-old woman died on Saturday, after an Iranian missile hit a house, while a second civilian died on Sunday, from wounds she got while running to a safe room.

Mar 01, 2026 at 07:04 AM EST

Israel accuses Iran of targeting civilians

Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani accused Iran of "focusing on the center of civilian population."

"So far, the regime has launched hundreds of missiles and UAVs throughout the Middle East and dozens towards Israel," he said during a briefing attended by Newsweek. He said one of those Iranian missiles hit a house that killed a 40-year-old woman on Saturday, while a second civilian was killed on Sunday, after she was wounded running to a safe room.

"These ballistic missiles, as we are seeing in the last 48 hours, are not just directed towards Israeli civilians," Shoshani said. "They are directed all over the region -- they can reach billions of people on three different continents, Africa, Asia and many parts of Europe, as we are seeing right now, ballistic missiles fired towards Europe. We are operating in different ways to prevent this."

"The most important thing is our offensive defense, which means taking out the launchers in real time and reducing the threat," he added.

Mar 01, 2026 at 06:45 AM EST

Israel responds to reports of strike on girls’ school

Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani has responded to reports that have emerged of immense civilian casualties due to an attack on a young girls' school.

Iranian media and the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor have reported on the deaths of up to 148 students at an elementary school in Iran's southern province of Hormozgan, allegations to which an Israeli military official has answered amid a briefing attended by Newsweek.

"I've seen the reports. I've seen media run to post a story by a regime they all know is a regime that lies about everything and has closed off Internet just two weeks ago so they can slaughter their own people," Colonel Shoshani said." As of now, I'm not aware of any IDF operation in the area. I've also seen Americans say that they are checking, looking into the incident."

"What I do know is that we were able—this is also confirmed by the Americans and the Iranians—to eliminate 40 people that are hiding from us in a very accurate manner, more than 1,000 miles away, something that not a lot of armies could do in the world, which is to say we are operating in an extremely accurate manner," Shoshani said. "I urge media to act in an extremely accurate manner when they report a terrorist regime that has blocked internet off for weeks to slaughter their own people and now everyone is quoting them as facts."

Mar 01, 2026 at 06:37 AM EST

Americans in Bahrain warned that hotels may be targeted

The U.S. Embassy in Manama, Bahrain, issued a warning to Americans that "hotels might be a target for future attacks" from Iran, after reports that the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama was hit on Sunday. It told U.S. citizens to "avoid hotels in Manama."

View this post on X

Mar 01, 2026 at 06:28 AM EST

Strait of Hormuz ‘highly volatile’

The UKMTO said the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies, "remains highly volatile with ongoing regional military activity
contributing to elevated threat to commercial shipping."

"There is significant military presence and activity across the region," it said. "Mariners should be aware of the increased risk of miscalculation or misidentification, particularly in proximity to military units and other sensitive maritime facilities and infrastructure."

It comes after Oman claimed that a Palau-flagged oil tanker called Skylight was struck in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, wounding four mariners on board.

Iran has been threatening ships traveling the strait since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, according to the AP.

Newsweek has covered Iran's retaliatory disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies, in detail here.

Mar 01, 2026 at 06:23 AM EST

UK warns of ‘significant military activity’ in Gulf shipping lanes

A British military-run maritime security coordination center, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), warned on Sunday morning of "significant military activity" in the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the North
Arabian Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

Mariners in these areas should be aware that electronic interference could disrupt ship tracking systems (AIS) and other navigation or communication equipment, it said.

View this post on X

Mar 01, 2026 at 06:16 AM EST

40 top Iranian military officials killed: Israel

Israel's military said on Sunday that this weekend's attacks on Iran have killed 40 top Iranian military officials, including its armed forces’ chief of staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi.

On Saturday, Israel said it had killed some top Iranian defense officials - Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guard commander Mohammad Pakpour.

Mar 01, 2026 at 06:11 AM EST

At least one dead in strikes on Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports

At least one person has died and 11 have been injured in strikes on major airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, according to the BBC, as Iran's retaliatory strikes, on U.S. allies and bases acorss the Gulf, continued into Sunday.

Mar 01, 2026 at 05:24 AM EST

Death toll in US consulate clash rises to 9

The number of people who died in clashes between police and Shiite Muslim protesters who stormed the U.S. Consulate in Pakistan's port city of Karachi on Sunday has risen to nine.

Local police recently updated the death toll from what was originally six - it is not yet clear how they died.

Newsweek has covered the clash in more detail here.

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:54 AM EST

Oman says oil tanker attacked on Strait of Hormuz

Oman's said a Palau-flagged oil tanker called Skylight was struck in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, wounding four mariners on board. The crew is made up of Indian and Iranian nationals, the Oman News Agency said.

It is not yet clear who attacked the vessel but Iran has reportedly been threatening ships traveling the strait since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, according to the AP. Oman also said its port at Duqm was targeted in a drone attack.

These attacks are is significant as Oman has traditionally had cordial ties with Tehran, - it recently acted as a mediator in U.S.–Iran nuclear talks, positions that have set it apart from some other Gulf states.

The Strait of Hormuz narrows to about 30 miles wide between Iran and Oman. Newsweek has covered Iran's retaliatory disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies, in detail here.

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:40 AM EST

What was hit in Tehran in Sunday’s strikes?

It was not immediately clear what was hit in the massive explosion reported in Tehran on Sunday.

The blast appeared to take place in a neighborhood where the country’s police headquarters and Iranian state television is located, according to the AP.

Other explosions were reported in neighborhoods housing Iran’s Defense Ministry and Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, as well as Iran’s Revolutionary Court.

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:35 AM EST

Huge explosion hits Iran’s capital

A massive explosion hit the Iranian city of Tehran on Sunday, shaking the ground and sending a large plume of smoke into the sky, according to the AP.

It comes after Israel cleared the path to Tehran, saying it would strike the "heart" of the city.

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:31 AM EST

At least 6 killed in clash at US consulate

At least six people were killed in clashes between police and Shiite Muslim protesters who stormed the U.S. Consulate in Pakistan's port city of Karachi on Sunday morning, police and hospital officials in Karachi said, according to the Associated Press.

Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowds - at least eight people were injured.

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:25 AM EST

Hundreds of protesters storm US consulate

Around 500 Shiite Muslim protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate in Pakistan's port city of Karachi on Sunday morning, breaking its widnows, according to the Associated Press.

Police used batons tear gas to disperse the crowds, police official Mohammad Jawad said.

...

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:13 AM EST

US warns Americans worldwide to be cautious

The U.S. State Department has told Americans across the globe to exercise caution.

It said in a warning: "Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures. The Department of State advises Americans worldwide to exercise increased caution."

You can enroll here for the latest official security alerts and follow the “U.S. Department of State - Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” channel on WhatsApp here.

Newsweek has covered this warning in more detail here.

Mar 01, 2026 at 04:03 AM EST

Iranian state TV presenter cries as he announces Supreme Leader’s death

An Iranian state TV presenter cried as he announced the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"After a lifetime of sacrifice and warriorship, Hussein-like and perpetual and tireless, the sublime and heavenly spirit of the patient mountain of Velayat, the kind father of the umma, the leader and imam of Muslims Hazrat Ayatollah Uzme Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei on the path of holding the shrine of the Islamic Republic of Iran's head's high, tasted the drunk of martyrdom and joined the sublime heavenly kingdom of God," he said, according to a CNN translation.

Mar 01, 2026 at 03:35 AM EST

Iran politician threatens America: “We will burn their hearts”

Longstanding Iranian politician Ali Larijani, a former military officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and current Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said in a post on X: "America and the Zionist regime have set the heart of the Iranian nation ablaze. We will burn their hearts…"

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Mar 01, 2026 at 03:28 AM EST

Iran vows ‘devastating’ retaliation on US and Israel

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed to carry out "the most devastating offensive operation" against Israel and American military bases.

It said in a statement: "The most devastating offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces will begin toward the occupied territories and American terrorist bases in just moments."

Mar 01, 2026 at 02:24 AM EST

Top Iranian security figures killed in U.S.–Israeli strikes, state media says

Iran’s leadership suffered another major blow as two of its most senior security officials were killed in the latest round of U.S.–Israeli airstrikes, according to state-run IRNA. The agency confirmed the deaths of Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Ali Shamkhani, a longtime adviser and influential figure within Iran’s national security establishment.

Pakpour had risen to the top of the Revolutionary Guard after Israel killed his predecessor during last June’s 12‑day war, placing him at the center of Iran’s military planning and regional operations. His death marks the second time in less than a year that Israel has eliminated the IRGC’s top commander.

Shamkhani, who previously served as secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and remained a key adviser to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was also killed. He had been wounded during the June conflict and had continued to play a prominent behind‑the‑scenes role in shaping Iran’s security posture.

Mar 01, 2026 at 02:10 AM EST

China begins registering citizens in Iran for possible evacuation

A Chinese community organization in Iran has begun registering citizens who may need to leave the country amid deteriorating security conditions. Tan Kai, head of the Iran Federation of Chinese Organizations, told the Global Times that more than 200 Chinese nationals are currently spread across Iran and that preparations for evacuation are underway at the direction of the Chinese Embassy.

According to the embassy, land borders with Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey remain open for those able to depart independently. The embassy has not formally confirmed that evacuations have begun, but has advised Chinese nationals to take precautions and leave while routes remain available.

China has also issued guidance for its citizens in Israel, urging them to move away from major urban centers such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, as well as from airports and critical infrastructure. Officials said they will begin registering individuals who need assistance evacuating to Egypt if they cannot travel on their own.

Mar 01, 2026 at 01:54 AM EST

Reza Pahlavi calls Khamenei’s death a turning point for Iran

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, framed the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a moment that could open the door to political transformation. In a series of posts on X, he urged Iran’s military, security forces, and police to abandon the ruling system, warning that “any effort to preserve a collapsing regime will fail.”

Pahlavi cast the moment as a final opportunity for state forces to align themselves with the public and help guide what he described as a transition toward a freer and more stable future. His message also appealed directly to ordinary Iranians, calling the current moment “the beginning of our great national celebration” while cautioning that the struggle is not yet over. He encouraged people to remain alert and prepare for a broad, decisive presence in the streets.

...

Mar 01, 2026 at 01:39 AM EST

Khamenei’s killing caps years of escalation and internal strain

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is now being described in Iranian state discourse as the first supreme leader to be “martyred,” a designation that reflects both the shock of his death and the political narrative forming around it. His killing comes after years of mounting pressure on Iran’s leadership, beginning with the U.S. strike that killed Qasem Soleimani in January 2020 — a moment that sharply accelerated tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The years that followed brought further blows to Iran’s regional network. Several senior military figures were assassinated, including Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, deepening the sense of vulnerability within Iran’s security establishment. At home, Khamenei presided over a country grappling with severe economic strain, much of it tied to U.S. sanctions that intensified after the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement.

That withdrawal marked a turning point, reopening the path for sweeping sanctions and tightening financial pressure on Iran’s economy. The cumulative effect was a leadership forced to navigate external attacks, internal dissent, and a deteriorating economic landscape — all while attempting to maintain regional influence and project strength abroad.

Mar 01, 2026 at 01:30 AM EST

Trump Warns Iran: ‘They Better Not Do That’

Donald Trump has issued a new warning to Iran over strikes on US targets after state TV confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

In a Truth Social post in the early hours of Sunday morning, Trump wrote: "Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!"

Mar 01, 2026 at 01:23 AM EST

Omani diplomat left Washington unaware strikes were hours away

Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, left Washington on Friday believing diplomacy between the United States and Iran still had room to advance, even as he privately worried that a massive U.S. military buildup signaled trouble ahead. In his meeting with Vice President JD Vance, Albusaidi emphasized what he viewed as substantial progress in the indirect nuclear negotiations and expressed hope that the following week’s talks could deliver further breakthroughs.

According to a source familiar with the meeting, Vance listened closely, but Albusaidi departed with a sense of pessimism about whether diplomacy could survive the shifting regional climate. What he did not anticipate was how little time remained. Roughly 16 hours later, President Donald Trump announced the start of “major combat operations” against Iran, abruptly ending the latest diplomatic push and marking the second time in his second term that active negotiations were overtaken by military action.

Regional allies had been quietly alerted through military channels that strikes were imminent, and some received direct calls from senior U.S. officials. While several governments had urged Washington to avoid escalation earlier in the year, others — including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — had privately supported a more forceful approach, according to multiple sources.

Mar 01, 2026 at 01:07 AM EST

Israel expands airstrikes across Iran, hitting dozens of military sites

Israel’s military says it has carried out a sweeping new round of attacks across western and central Iran, striking more than 30 locations in what it describes as an effort to degrade Tehran’s missile and air‑defense capabilities. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said “dozens of Air Force fighter jets” conducted the operation, guided by military intelligence, and completed “another wave of strikes” targeting what it called Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure and defensive systems.

According to the IDF, the campaign is far from over. Israeli officials said additional attacks will focus on air‑defense installations, missile launch sites, command centers, and other “regime targets,” signaling a sustained effort to weaken Iran’s ability to launch or coordinate retaliatory strikes.

Mar 01, 2026 at 12:51 AM EST

Latest developments after Khamenei’s killing: Recap

Iran is facing a rapidly shifting political and military landscape after state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whom outlets are now describing as a martyr. The announcement followed President Donald Trump’s declaration that U.S. strikes had killed the longtime leader, with Trump adding that he has a “good idea” of who he wants to see take power and that American attacks would continue “as long as necessary.”

Iranian outlets also reported that several members of Khamenei’s family — including his daughter, son‑in‑law, and grandson — were killed in the U.S.–Israeli operation. The government has declared 40 days of national mourning, underscoring the scale of the crisis now unfolding in Tehran.

Under Iran’s constitution, Khamenei’s death triggers the formation of an interim leadership council composed of the president, the head of the judiciary, and a cleric from the Guardian Council. This body assumes temporary authority while the Assembly of Experts moves toward selecting a new supreme leader — a process that could reshape the country’s political direction.

The regional fallout is already widening. Israel has launched a new round of strikes on Iranian targets, while fresh Iranian attacks have been reported in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, signaling a dangerous escalation across the Gulf.

Mar 01, 2026 at 12:36 AM EST

Fire erupts at Dubai port after intercepted debris falls across the city

Debris from an aerial interception ignited a fire at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port, authorities said, marking one of several incidents across the city as regional tensions spilled into the United Arab Emirates. Emergency crews moved quickly to contain the blaze on one of the port’s berths, according to the Dubai Media Office. Jebel Ali, a sprawling complex that serves as the world’s busiest port outside East Asia, sits between Dubai’s two palm‑shaped artificial islands and is a critical global shipping hub.

The fallout from intercepted projectiles was felt well beyond the port. Palm Jumeirah — the city’s best‑known man‑made island — was also struck, and earlier in the day officials confirmed that debris from a downed drone caused a fire on the facade of the Burj Al Arab hotel. Civil Defense teams brought that blaze under control without reported injuries.

Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, sustained damage as well, and four employees were injured in the incident. Authorities said the affected areas were quickly secured and operations stabilized.

Mar 01, 2026 at 12:22 AM EST

Israel defends strikes as necessary to counter ‘existential threat’

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, forcefully defended the joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, arguing that the operation was aimed at preventing what he called “an existential threat to Israel, to our allies and to global stability.” Speaking ahead of a Security Council meeting, Danon said Israel takes Iran’s long‑standing calls for the destruction of Israel and the United States at face value, adding, “We believe them, and we act.”

Danon said the strikes were designed to cripple Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and to weaken the network of proxy groups Tehran supports across the region. He also pushed back against criticism from international leaders, including U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres, who condemned the escalation. Danon argued that the true source of instability was Iran’s years of arming militias, expanding its missile arsenal, advancing its nuclear program, and violently suppressing its own population.

Guterres reiterated his concerns during the Security Council session, warning that both the strikes and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks risked triggering a wider conflict. “Military action carries the risk of igniting a chain of events that no one can control in the most volatile region of the world,” he said.

Mar 01, 2026 at 12:05 AM EST

Trump hints at preferred successors as Iran enters leadership uncertainty

President Donald Trump said there are “some good candidates” to lead Iran following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a remark that added a new layer of intrigue to an already volatile moment. In a phone interview with CBS News, Trump declined to identify who he believes is currently in charge in Tehran, saying only, “I know exactly who, but I can’t tell you.”

Pressed on whether he favored any particular figure to assume Iran’s leadership, Trump acknowledged that he did: “Yes, I think so. There are some good candidates.” He offered no further details, leaving open questions about whether the U.S. is signaling support for specific factions inside Iran or simply projecting confidence amid the upheaval.

His comments came as U.S. officials continued to assert that the joint American‑Israeli strikes had eliminated a significant portion of Iran’s senior leadership, including Khamenei. The ambiguity surrounding succession has intensified global attention on Tehran, where the Assembly of Experts is constitutionally responsible for selecting the next supreme leader.

Feb 28, 2026 at 11:51 PM EST

IRGC claims sixth wave of strikes on U.S. and Israeli targets

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it has launched a new and expansive round of retaliatory attacks across the region, marking what it calls the sixth wave of strikes in response to U.S. and Israeli bombardments. According to Iranian state media, the IRGC claims to have fired “extensive missile and drone” barrages at both Israeli territory and American military installations throughout the Middle East.

The Guard says 27 U.S. bases were targeted, though it did not specify the extent of damage or provide evidence to support the claim. It also announced strikes on Israel’s Tel Nof Airbase, the IDF’s command headquarters at HaKirya in Tel Aviv, and a major defense‑industrial complex in the same area. Israel has not yet confirmed the full scope of the reported impacts.

Feb 28, 2026 at 11:48 PM EST

How Ali Khamenei rose to power and shaped modern Iran

Ali Khamenei’s political ascent began long before he became Iran’s second supreme leader. Born in 1939 in the religious city of Mashhad to a family of clerics, he entered political life early, joining Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s opposition movement in 1962. His activism against the Shah led to repeated arrests, positioning him among the clerics who helped build the ideological foundation of the Islamic Revolution.

After the revolution’s victory in 1979, Khamenei quickly moved into the new state’s power structure. He became deputy defense minister and played a key role in organizing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the force that would grow into one of the most influential institutions in the country. His political profile expanded further during the Iran‑Iraq War, and he served two terms as president throughout the 1980s.

Khamenei’s rise to supreme leader in 1989 was both abrupt and unprecedented. When Khomeini died, the Assembly of Experts selected Khamenei despite his not holding the highest clerical rank traditionally required for the role. The constitution was amended to allow his appointment, reflecting the urgency of the moment and the political alliances he had cultivated.

Over the next three decades, Khamenei consolidated control over Iran’s political system, security forces, and judiciary. He oversaw the suppression of internal dissent, including mass arrests and violent crackdowns, and maintained a hard‑line posture toward the United States. His rhetoric frequently targeted Israel, including public statements questioning the Holocaust and calling for the end of the Israeli state.

Seven presidents served under his leadership, but none wielded authority independent of his oversight. Khamenei, who had six children, remained the central figure in Iran’s political life until his death, shaping the country’s domestic trajectory and its confrontational stance abroad.

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Feb 28, 2026 at 11:32 PM EST

Iran declares 40 days of mourning after Khamenei’s death

Iran has ordered one of the longest formal mourning periods in its history after state media confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a U.S. attack. The government will impose 40 days of national mourning and seven days of public holidays, a sweeping response meant to honor the late leader and signal unity amid political upheaval.

The announcement followed the state’s formal designation of Khamenei as a martyr, a label that carries deep religious and political weight in the Islamic Republic. Nour News, a semi‑official outlet, said on Telegram that the mourning period and holidays would begin immediately, framing the decision as both a tribute and a national directive.

The extended shutdown is expected to halt much of public life as Iran organizes ceremonies, processions, and official commemorations. It also underscores the scale of the leadership vacuum now facing the country, with the government attempting to project stability while the Assembly of Experts prepares to select Khamenei’s successor.

Feb 28, 2026 at 11:17 PM EST

Who might lead Iran next?

Iran is entering a volatile political moment after state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.–Israeli strikes. With no designated heir and the country’s most powerful position suddenly vacant, the responsibility for choosing a successor now falls to the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body charged with selecting Iran’s next supreme leader.

Early discussions among analysts point to several figures who could emerge as contenders, though none stand out as an obvious choice. Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, is believed to hold considerable influence through his ties to the Revolutionary Guard and the Basij, but his lack of senior clerical rank and the tradition against hereditary succession make his path uncertain. Another possibility is Alireza Arafi, a veteran cleric with long-standing institutional roles, including in the Guardian Council and the seminary system, though he is not widely viewed as a dominant political force.

Hardline cleric Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri has also been mentioned, known for his uncompromising worldview and strong opposition to the West. Others point to Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder, whose family name carries symbolic weight but whose political influence is limited. Hashem Hosseini Bushehri, a senior cleric with close ties to the institutions overseeing succession, is also seen as a potential option, though he maintains a low public profile and is not closely aligned with the security establishment.

Khamenei’s death leaves Iran navigating a leadership transition amid heightened regional tensions and domestic strain. The Assembly of Experts now faces a consequential decision that will shape the direction of the Islamic Republic for years to come.

Feb 28, 2026 at 10:59 PM EST

Bolton urges U.S. to back Iran’s opposition after Khamenei’s death

Former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said the United States should intensify cooperation with Iran’s opposition groups following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, arguing that the moment presents a rare opening to weaken the regime’s hold on power. Speaking to CNN, Bolton said Washington should prioritize “maximum” information‑sharing with dissident networks inside the country to assess their ability to fracture the leadership and draw security officials to their side.

Bolton, a longtime critic of Tehran’s ruling establishment, said Khamenei “deserved” his fate, accusing him of overseeing policies that led to the deaths of American civilians and service members and advancing nuclear and militant activities that threatened U.S. interests. He added that he hoped the strike marked “the beginning of the end of the regime,” framing the moment as a potential turning point for Iran’s political future.

His comments come as U.S. officials weigh the regional fallout from Khamenei’s death and the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s succession process.

Feb 28, 2026 at 10:46 PM EST

Trump team says failed talks pushed U.S. toward military action

U.S. officials offered sharply different accounts of Thursday’s nuclear negotiations with Iran, deepening questions about how the Trump administration justified its decision to launch military strikes. A senior administration official said the Geneva meeting went so poorly that it convinced President Donald Trump it was “time to take military action,” while another official insisted Iran was “not serious about doing a deal.”

Those assessments clashed with earlier descriptions from two people familiar with the U.S. view of the talks, who had called the discussions “positive.” The next day, Trump publicly declared, “We’re not happy with the negotiation,” signaling a shift toward confrontation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back in an interview with NBC News, saying the weekend strike marked the second time Washington had attacked Iran in the middle of negotiations. He argued that Thursday’s session with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had made “big progress” on nuclear issues and that both sides had been preparing for technical follow‑up talks the following week, according to Oman’s foreign minister, who was mediating.

U.S. officials never confirmed participation in the planned Vienna round, and Israel — excluded from the Geneva discussions — remained skeptical of any potential agreement.

Feb 28, 2026 at 10:34 PM EST

Iran shifts to interim leadership after supreme leader’s death

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency says a temporary leadership structure has taken effect following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Under the country’s constitution, authority transfers to a three‑member council empowered to carry out all duties of the supreme leader until a successor is chosen.

Feb 28, 2026 at 10:30 PM EST

IRGC vows ‘severe’ retaliation after Khamenei’s killing

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that a “severe, decisive and regret‑inducing punishment” will be delivered in response to the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, escalating already‑intense regional tensions.

In a statement carried by state-linked outlets, the Guard accused Khamenei’s “murderers” of committing a grave crime and pledged that Iran’s “hand of revenge” would not relent. The declaration came as officials confirmed Khamenei’s death following strikes on Tehran that also reportedly killed senior IRGC figures.

The IRGC framed the killing as an attack on the nation itself, signaling that retaliation will target both foreign adversaries and those it views as internal threats. Analysts say the rhetoric reflects the Guard’s intent to project strength amid a sudden leadership vacuum and rising uncertainty over Iran’s political trajectory.

Feb 28, 2026 at 10:21 PM EST

Iran activates interim leadership council after Khamenei’s killing

Iran has moved into its constitutionally mandated transition process following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with a three‑member council now assuming temporary authority. The body, required under Iranian law, brings together the country’s sitting president, the head of the judiciary, and a cleric selected by the Expediency Council from the Guardian Council. Its role is to keep the state functioning while the search for a new supreme leader begins.

The current council includes President Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist who has often clashed with Iran’s conservative power centers, and judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, a hard‑line figure deeply embedded in the security establishment. Their partnership underscores the unusual political mix now steering the country at a moment of crisis.

Under the constitution, the Assembly of Experts is obligated to choose a new supreme leader “as soon as possible,” though the timeline is undefined and the process is typically opaque. The assembly’s decision will determine not only who succeeds Khamenei but also how Iran navigates the political vacuum created by his death, the regional escalation underway, and the internal power struggles already emerging.

Feb 28, 2026 at 10:16 PM EST

Khamenei killed in strike on Tehran compound, state media says

Iranian state media reported that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed early Saturday in an attack on his fortified compound in central Tehran. Fars News Agency said he died “in his office in the household of the leader” while performing official duties at the time of the strike.

Satellite imagery reviewed after the attack showed a plume of black smoke rising from the complex and significant structural damage across several buildings. The compound, located near Tehran University, functions as a central command hub for the Islamic Republic’s political and religious leadership.

The confirmation of Khamenei’s death follows reports from U.S. and Israeli officials that he was targeted during a broader series of strikes on Tehran. Iranian authorities have declared a 40‑day mourning period as the country confronts the most consequential leadership vacuum since the 1989 death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Feb 28, 2026 at 10:01 PM EST

Why uranium enrichment became the breaking point

Throughout the negotiations, uranium enrichment remained the core dispute. Trump demanded full dismantlement of Iran’s enrichment program, including facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.

Iran countered that enrichment was its sovereign right under the NPT and essential for its energy plans. Even as Iran signaled willingness to cap enrichment levels, it refused to eliminate the program entirely. This impasse repeatedly stalled progress and ultimately shaped the U.S. proposal Iran rejected on June 9.

Feb 28, 2026 at 09:47 PM EST

Inside the first round of U.S.–Iran talks

The opening round of 2025 negotiations took place in Muscat, where U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held indirect discussions through Omani mediators. Both sides described the talks as “constructive,” a notable shift after months of escalating threats.

Iran presented a three‑step proposal that included lowering enrichment levels, restoring IAEA inspections, and transferring enriched uranium abroad in exchange for sanctions relief. The U.S. delegation reportedly welcomed the unexpected level of detail, raising hopes that a framework agreement might be possible.

Feb 28, 2026 at 09:32 PM EST

How the 2025 U.S.–Iran nuclear talks began after Trump’s letter to Khamenei

The 2025 nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran were triggered by an unexpected diplomatic move: a direct letter from President Donald Trump to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In the message, Trump warned that failure to negotiate could bring “serious military consequences,” while offering sanctions relief and normalized relations if Iran dismantled its nuclear program. Tehran initially ignored the outreach, but mounting economic pressure and fears of war pushed Iran’s leadership to respond by late March.

That exchange set the stage for the first round of indirect talks in Oman on April 12, marking the most serious U.S.–Iran engagement since the collapse of the JCPOA.

Feb 28, 2026 at 08:46 PM EST

Iran State Media Confirms Khamenei’s Death

Iranian state media on Sunday morning local time reported and confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed.

State broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) announced that Khamenei "has reached martyrdom," according to CNN.

Israeli sources reported that Khamenei had been killed in the initial strikes, and U.S. President Donald Trump later indicated that U.S. intelligence agreed with the Israeli assessment.

Feb 28, 2026 at 08:40 PM EST

John Bolton on Khamenei’s Death: ‘He Deserved It’

John Bolton, who served as President Donald Trump's national security advisor during his first administration, spared no sympathy for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed Saturday during joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

"Well, he deserved it," Bolton told CNN during an on-air interview that aired Saturday night. "That man and his regime were responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans, civilians, and service members over the years. His government posed a direct threat to the United States by its pursuit of deliverable nuclear weapons, and international terror, unparalleled in history, really."

"I hope this is the beginning of the end of the regime, but it is the fact this is a very well entrenched dictatorship, and it will take time and effort," Bolton warned. "This is not gonna be a one and done use of military force. This will take time."

"I hope we have the persistence to do it, and I hope, as I said before, we're working with the opposition, because if we don't, a lot of this effort could go to waste, and as we saw back in January, you leave this regime in power, it will brutally take out its ire on the civilians, the citizens of Iran, who only want a better life for themselves and their families," he added, saying "a lot is at stake here."

Feb 28, 2026 at 08:18 PM EST

Trump To Attend Fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago After Iran Strikes

The White House has advised that President Donald Trump still plans to stop boy at a fundraiser held by the Republican Party at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday evening, according to the press pool.

Trump scheduled two fundraisers back in November to be held early this year: The first took place on January 31 at the Trump National Golf Club near Washington, according to the New York Times.

The fundraisers cost $1 million per seat, which previously raised eyebrows and, more recently, criticism - even before the U.S. strikes on Iran.

Democrats slammed Trump over the decision to hold the fundraiser while American families struggle, writing in a statement from DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer: “For over a year, Donald Trump has shown everyday Americans how little he cares about making their lives better as he prefers to spend his time wining and dining the ultra-rich."

"In his State of the Union, he declared ‘the government answers to the people, not the powerful,’ yet Trump doles out tax breaks to billionaires like him while working families face skyrocketing prices and surging health care costs. Let’s be clear: Trump’s agenda is ‘Billionaires first, Americans last,'" the statement added.

Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.

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