LIVE: Trump Says Khamenei Is Dead

JERUSALEM: The joint US-Israeli operation against Iran on Saturday involved the dropping of 30 bombs on the compound of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Israel's Channel 12 network reported.

"Thirty bombs were dropped on the complex. Ali Khamenei was underground, but probably not in his own bunker," Channel 12's Amit Segal, who is known to be close to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said without giving a source. - AFP

VIENNA: Iran called Saturday for an emergency meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog to discuss "baseless" US and Israeli claims that Tehran's atomic programme partly justified their military action against it.

"In light of ongoing acts of aggression by the US and Israeli regimes... (Iran) called for an urgent extraordinary meeting" of the International Atomic Energy Agency's board of governors, Iran's mission to the Vienna-based agency said on X.

The post included an image of its formal request letter, addressed to IAEA chief Rafael Grossi.

"Baseless claims, vicious threats and wrongful acts of aggressors against Iran's peaceful nuclear program shall be addressed by the Board immediately," it added.

Grossi took part in the US-Iranian talks on February 17 and 26, which some observers saw as the last chances to avoid a conflict.

The UN nuclear watchdog stressed on Friday the "utmost urgency" of its request to verify all nuclear material in Iran, according to a confidential report seen by AFP.

Western countries led by the US and Israel, Iran's arch-enemy and considered by experts to be the only nuclear power in the Middle East, accuse the Islamic republic of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.

Tehran denies having such military ambitions, but insists on its right to this technology for civilian purposes. - AFP

Bengaluru: Karnataka Legislative Council member S L Bhojegowda was left stranded at the Dubai International Airport after the UAE closed its airspace amid escalating tensions following a joint US-Israel military offensive against Iran.The JD(S) MLC, in a video message, said he was travelling from Johannesburg to India via Dubai and his onward flight was cancelled.

Two airports in Dubai, the largest aviation hub, have shut down and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) closed its airspace, hours after the US and Israel's joint attack on Iran escalated to region-wide tension.

Bhojegowda said that although those onboard his flight were deboarded, there has been no clarity on alternative travel arrangements.

"As you can see, flight services have been completely shut down. Those sitting inside the plane have been deboarded. We don't know where to go next. There's no clear information what will happen next. I am returning from Johannesburg to go to Bengaluru via Dubai but I am now stuck with my family here in Dubai," said the MLC, who is with his wife at the airport.

Describing the situation inside the airport, Bhojegowda said while there is no immediate threat, an "atmosphere of uncertainty" prevails regarding their return.

Inadequate food arrangements, heavy crowds and difficulty charging phones have also added to their problems, he said.

Passengers are awaiting further updates, with no clear communication on when flights will resume, he said.

The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai have issued an advisory, saying they are in touch with the UAE authorities and airlines for taking care of the Indian passengers stranded at the airports in the UAE due to temporary and precautionary airspace closure.

"The UAE government and airline authorities have reassured full support," it said.

The Indian Embassy at Abu Dhabi urged all Indian nationals in the country "to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy."

The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai said they are continuing to function normally. In a post on X, they also gave a toll-free number (800-46342) and a WhatsApp number (+971543090571) along with two email IDs (pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in and ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in) for Indian nationals there to contact in case of emergency.

The Indian missions at Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Amman (Jordan), Manama (Bahrain), Ramallah (Palestine), and Muscat (Oman) also issued similar advisories providing emergency contact details. - PTI

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• UAE
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• Oman
• Iraq
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• Qatar

This advisory is effective immediately and remains valid until March 2, 2026 (unless reviewed or superseded by further developments). It aligns with international safety standards and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency's Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB).Many airspaces in the region are already shut or restricted following the US-Israel strikes on Iran (which began on February 28, 2026), leading to flight cancellations, diversions, and suspensions by Indian carriers like IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet to/from Middle East destinations as a precautionary measure.

The advisory urges airlines to refrain from operating in these airspaces at all flight levels and altitudes, with rerouting/diversions required for safety.This is amid the ongoing escalation in the Middle East, including retaliatory actions across the region. Airlines are monitoring the situation closely for any updates.