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Israel, in coordination with the United States, begins military operation targeting what Netanyahu calls an “existential nuclear threat” from Iran; thanks Donald Trump and urges Israelis to follow Home Front Command guidelines.
The U.S. and Israel launched a major attack on targets across Iran on Saturday.
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to take cover during the strikes, but then said “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.” It was an extraordinary appeal that suggested the allies could be seeking to end of the country’s theocracy after decades of tensions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that sweeping goal. “Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands,” Netanyahu said.
In a video posted on social media, Trump claimed Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program and plans to develop missiles to reach the U.S.
The first strikes of the attack appeared to target the compound home to Iran’s 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in downtown Tehran. It wasn’t immediately clear if he was there at the time. Smoke could be seen rising from the Iranian capital.
Iran responded as it had been threatening to do for months — first launching a wave of missiles and drones targeting Israel. It followed with strikes targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The United Arab Emirates and Iraq shut down their airspace.
It also wasn’t immediately clear whether the 86-year-old Khamenei was in his offices at the time. He hasn’t been seen publicly in days as tensions with the United States have grown. The attack comes as the United States has assembled a vast fleet of fighter jets and warships in the region to try to pressure Iran into a deal over its nuclear program.
Live Updates
- 28 Feb 2026 3:21 PM IST
Israel orders evacuations of areas near military facilities in Iran
The Israeli military issued a warning in Persian for the immediate evacuation of areas near weapons production and military facilities in Iran.
“Your presence in these locations puts your lives at risk,” the military said on its Persian language X account.
- 28 Feb 2026 3:19 PM IST
Iran's Foreign Ministry says the ‘time has come to defend the homeland’ after US-Israeli strikes
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded to a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Saturday by saying that the country “will not hesitate” in its response to the strikes.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said: “The time has come to defend the homeland and confront the enemy’s military assault.” — AP
- 28 Feb 2026 3:14 PM IST
Qatar shoots down Iranian missiles
Qatar’s Defense Ministry says the nation’s military shot down several missiles before they reached its airspace.
The ministry said the missiles were dealt with as soon as they were detected “in accordance with the pre-approved security plan,” emphasizing that the Qatari Armed Forces possess the full capabilities and resources to protect the country. — AP
- 28 Feb 2026 3:07 PM IST
Qatar has issued an alert on mobile devices, recommending all residents to stay indoors whether at home or elsewhere, away from military bases.
- 28 Feb 2026 2:59 PM IST
Due to regional hostilities, the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai have instructed staff to shelter-in-place (i.e., take cover). We recommend all Americans in the UAE do the same until further notice: US embassy in UAE.
- 28 Feb 2026 2:56 PM IST
Bahrain says the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet has been targeted by a missile attack.
Meanwhile, The United Arab Emirates on Saturday closed its airspace as Israel and the United States conducted strikes on Iran. AP reports
