War returns to Iran with Israel, US strikes

Published February 28, 2026 Updated February 28, 2026 02:56pm
A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on Feb 28, 2026. — AFP
A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on Feb 28, 2026. — AFP
  • The United States and Israel on Saturday launched what they described as a “pre-emptive” joint strike against Iranian targets, with President Trump announcing the start of “major combat operations.”
  • The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran confirmed it has launched a “first wave” of missile and drone attacks against Israel in response to the strikes on its territory.
  • Iranian state media reports that President Masud Pezeshkian is “safe and sound,” while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly been moved to a secure, undisclosed location.
  • Iran, Israel, and Iraq have all officially closed their airspaces to civilian traffic. Gulf nations including Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE followed suit after reports of regional explosions.
  • Pakistan’s Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel advisory for its citizens in Iran and expressed deep concern over the regional instability.

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