In the early hours of this morning, Saturday, February 28, the United States and Israel launched a "preemptive strike" against Iran and killed the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, the country's religious leader for 37 years.

TARGETS AND VICTIMS – The strikes, the New York Times writes, are aimed at destroying Iran's military . Beyond its nuclear sites, Tehran is believed to have 2,000 ballistic missiles deployed across the country. But the US and Israel also aim to overthrow the regime.

It is understood that the attacks were also launched by warjets taking off from bases in the Middle East or from aircraft carriers.

Heavy losses were also reported among local security forces, with dozens of deaths and injuries among the ranks of the Revolutionary Guards , including several key figures. Among those killed were reportedly the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Pakpour , and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh .

According to the Red Crescent, there are over 200 victims, a girls' school was also hit, where over 80 civilians lost their lives .

KHAMENEI – Throughout the afternoon, conflicting reports circulated about the Ayatollah's fate, a real mystery until late at night. Dozens of bombs destroyed his residential compound, killing several family members, but it was unclear whether Khamenei was there. Tel Aviv officials said in the afternoon that he was "probably" dead, but Tehran immediately denied this, and Al-Alam TV even announced an imminent live TV appearance. This never materialized, because the Ayatollah had been killed. Netanyahu had spoken earlier in the evening: "There are signs that he is dead." Then came the official announcement: "Khamenei has been eliminated," a senior Israeli security official reported, "images of his body were shown to Prime Minister Netanyahu." Finally, Trump's seal of approval: he too had seen the photo: "It appears the news is correct." The US president also joked: "Now they'll call me and ask me who I want in his place. I'm joking, but not really."

When the news reached Iran, independent media based in Europe reported, people applauded from their windows and then took to the streets to celebrate the event with loud music and dancing : "This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return."

GULF BASES – Iran's response was swift, with the attack on Bahrain targeting the US Navy's Fifth Fleet base in the Juffair area.   The Revolutionary Guards have launched the retaliatory operation "Truth Promise 4" in response to "the American-Zionist aggression against Iranian territory." Along with the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain , American bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were also attacked, "as well as military and security centers in the heart of Israel." "Minimal damage," the US claims, celebrating the "success" of their defense. Riyadh and Dubai were also hit, where Minister Crosetto is stuck due to flight bans, along with his family and many other Italians, including the singer Big Mama. About ten Sardinian tourists were also stranded on a cruise ship in Dubai .

The Jewish state has also been hit by the Islamic Republic's counterattack. Tehran's response—heralded as "devastating"—came with a barrage of missiles and drones aimed at the Jewish state. Initially, most were intercepted by defense systems, but by the evening, several buildings in Tel Aviv were hit. Israeli media reports, still under investigation, speak of at least one death and over 20 injuries.

The Pasdaran also closed the Strait of Hormuz , a crucial transit point for oil and gas, through which a fifth of the world's oil consumption and global LNG trade passes.

TRUMP – "We have begun a major operation in Iran . The goal is to defend Americans by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," US President Donald Trump said in a video released announcing the attack. "They will never have the atomic bomb," the Washington leader reiterated.

Trump later spoke in the evening, calling the operation "a great success," which had inflicted "enormous damage" on Iran, and "it will take years to rebuild." " Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead . This is not only justice for the Iranian people, but for all great Americans and for those people in many countries around the world who were killed or maimed by Khamenei and his band of bloodthirsty criminals," he wrote in Truth, urging the Iranian people to "take back their country."

The operation, Trump added, "could end in 2-3 days if the Iranians stop building their nuclear and missile programs, or it could continue for a long time," but the bombing "will continue for as long as necessary to achieve our goal of peace throughout the Middle East and the world."

TEHRAN'S WRATH – "The attacks against Iran by Israel and the United States represent renewed aggression, to which Tehran's armed forces will respond with full force," the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated. The statement emphasized that the attacks were carried out while Washington and Tehran were "engaged in a diplomatic process." "Just as we were ready to negotiate, we are also more than ready to defend Iran at any time," the statement said.

NETANYAHU – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Iranians to overthrow the regime: "Now is the time to unite for a historic mission: citizens of Iran... This is your time to join forces, overthrow the regime, and secure your future." The prime minister then hinted that it would not be a lightning operation: the attack against Iran, he said, would last "as long as necessary."

ITALY – Italy was notified early in the morning, after the operations began . From then on, Giorgia Meloni held Saturday of contacts with Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer, and Gulf leaders, reiterating that the government "will continue to engage with European, regional, and international partners for a solution that promotes the stability of the region," supporting "any initiative that could lead to an easing of tensions."

Meanwhile, at the Farnesina, Antonio Tajani was ensuring that all tens of thousands of Italians in the Middle East and the Gulf, including tourists stranded due to flight bans, were "safe." This included Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, who flew to Dubai yesterday to join his family. Crosetto participated remotely in the two emergency government meetings convened by Meloni with the relevant ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers Tajani and Matteo Salvini, Undersecretaries Alfredo Mantovano and Giovanbattista Fazzolari, and the Intelligence Agency. One in the morning, via telephone, and one in the evening, at Palazzo Chigi.

To the Gulf leaders—Bahrain, Kuwait, the Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—Meloni expressed her government's "closeness" and "condemnation of the unjustifiable attacks suffered by their nations." Rome also expressed its "closeness to the Iranian civilian population, who, in recent weeks, have courageously demanded respect for their civil and political rights, suffering a violent and unjustifiable repression," as explained by Palazzo Chigi in the evening.

Real-time update:

11 p.m. – One dead and one injured in Tel Aviv

"One person was declared dead in Tel Aviv following a missile attack launched by Iran. The strike directly hit a building in the city center," Haaretz wrote, specifying that "at least 22 people were injured in the attack and were taken to hospital. One of them is in serious condition, while another is in moderate condition."

10:50 PM – Trump: "The raids will continue."

"Heavy, targeted bombing will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week, or for as long as necessary, to achieve our goal of peace throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the world!" Donald Trump said on Truth.

"We've heard that many members of the Revolutionary Guards, the army, and other security and police forces no longer want to fight and are seeking immunity from us," he added. "As I said last night: now they can have immunity, but later they will only get death! We hope that the Revolutionary Guards and the police will peacefully join forces with Iranian patriots and work together to restore the country to the greatness it deserves."

10:40 PM – Trump: "One of the most evil people in the world is dead."

"Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead. This is not only justice for the Iranian people, but for all great Americans and those people in many countries around the world who were killed or maimed by Khamenei and his band of bloodthirsty criminals." Donald Trump wrote this on Truth.

Khamenei, Trump continued, "was unable to evade our highly sophisticated intelligence and tracking systems, and working closely with Israel, there was nothing he, or the other leaders who were killed alongside him, could do." "This is the greatest opportunity for the Iranian people to take back their country," the American president added.

10:20 PM – Group of 204 Italian students stranded in Dubai

A group of 204 Italian high school students involved in the World Student Connection's "Ambassadors of the Future" project is stranded in Dubai due to the closure of airspace related to the conflict in Iran. Among them, according to the Corriere del Veneto website, are students from the Veneto region, including a 16-year-old who attends the "Calvi" technical and commercial institute in Padua. "My son was supposed to land in Milan on March 1st at 9:00 a.m.," his mother explains, "but we don't know when he'll be back. The students are being looked after by tutors, and that reassures us. But we're worried." According to reports to their families, the students are being placed in hotels while they await the rescheduling of their return flights. The Italian group was supposed to return tomorrow, but their departure has been postponed to March 3rd. The WSC program includes a diplomatic simulation of the UN's work and brings together teenagers and university students of various nationalities.

10:10 PM – Guterres addresses the UN Security Council: "There's a risk of a chain of uncontrollable events."

"We are witnessing a grave threat to international peace and security. Military action carries the risk of triggering a chain of events uncontrollable in the most volatile region in the world," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his opening remarks at today's extraordinary Security Council meeting on Iran.

10 PM – Buildings hit in Tel Aviv

Iranian missiles struck the roof of a residential building in downtown Tel Aviv. Cars are burning in the street, and several people are reported injured, according to initial reports from rescue workers. Smoke is rising from the fires, ANSA reported on the scene.

9:50 PM – Buildings shake in Tel Aviv

Extremely loud explosions were heard in downtown Tel Aviv, where several residential buildings began to shake. It's unclear whether the explosions were caused by interceptor missiles or the impact of Iranian missiles. ANSA confirmed the incident on the scene, recording the sound of ambulance and emergency vehicle sirens.

9:40 PM – Trump jokes about Khamenei

In an NBC interview, when asked who would replace Ali Khamenei, Donald Trump replied: "I don't know, but at some point they'll call me and ask me who I want." Then the president added: "I'm kidding, but not really."

9:30 PM – Trump: "A success, but enormous damage to Iran."

In an interview with NNS News, Donald Trump said today's military strikes in Iran were "a success." "We've inflicted enormous damage. It will take years to rebuild," he added.

8:59 PM – Applause from the windows of Tehran

Independent media outlets such as London-based Iran International are reporting that Ali Khamenei was killed in the US-Israeli attack today. People in Tehran are applauding from their windows to celebrate the event. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaei Baghaei said today that he had nothing to say on the matter.

8:41 PM – Israeli media: "Khamenei is dead."

A senior Israeli security official confirmed to national media that Ali Khamenei "has been eliminated." Channel 12 reports that images of the Supreme Leader's body were shown to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

8:17 PM – Iranian cluster bombs on Israel

"Iran intentionally fired missiles containing cluster submunitions at a densely populated civilian area in Israel. Cluster weapons are designed to disperse over a wide area and maximize the probability of a hit, increasing the risk of widespread damage," the Israeli military said in a statement. "Iran acted with the intent to maximize harm to Israeli civilians. Directing attacks against civilians constitutes a war crime. We will continue to work to protect Israel in accordance with international law," the IDF added.

8:15 PM – Israel: "Rafah crossing closed"
Israel announced today that it has closed the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt as a "security" measure following the Israeli-American offensive against Iran, followed by an Iranian retaliation. "Several security measures have been implemented, including the closure of border crossings in the Gaza Strip, including Rafah," COGAT, the Israeli Defense Ministry body responsible for Palestinian civil affairs, announced on X. The Rafah crossing, the only gateway to the outside world for the besieged Palestinian territory, occupied on the Palestinian side by the Israeli army since May 2024, had been partially reopened on February 2.

8:00 PM – Netanyahu speaks

"There are signs" that Iranian leader Khamenei is dead, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech to the nation. The Israeli prime minister added that the attack against Iran will last "as long as necessary."

7:45 PM – Khamenei's son-in-law and mother-in-law killed

"A Tehran city council member says Supreme Leader Khamenei's son-in-law and daughter-in-law were killed in the attacks," the Jerusalem Post wrote in X.

7:30 PM – US: "Minimal damage, successful defense"

"Minimal damage to American installations": American forces successfully defended themselves against "attacks from hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones." This was stated by Central Command, emphasizing that there are no indications of American casualties or injuries.

7:05 PM – Tajani: "Italians are doing well."

"New meeting with the Italian ambassadors in the Middle East. We are following the Italian military and civilian personnel present in the region minute by minute. All our compatriots are in good condition," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani wrote on X. "The Farnesina Crisis Unit is working tirelessly. I remain in contact with the G7 and European Union ministers," the minister added in the post.

6:55 PM – Over 200 dead in Iran

The Red Crescent reports over 200 deaths in Iran following Israeli-American attacks.

6:30 PM – Israel: “Attacks against 500 targets”

The Israeli military claims that "around 200 fighter jets" have been engaged in attacks on Iran since this morning and have "dropped hundreds of munitions against approximately 500 targets." "This is the largest military air strike in the history of the Israeli Air Force," the Israeli military said.

6:15 PM – Strait of Hormuz closed

The IRGC claims that the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic point between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is no longer safe following US and Israeli attacks and is closed to maritime transit, according to local media. The Strait of Hormuz is crucial, the main maritime hub for accessing oil fields and the world's leading oil transport hub.

6:00 PM – Crosetto blocked in Dubai

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto is in Dubai with his family, waiting for flights to resume, temporarily suspended due to the attack in Iran, to return to Italy. The minister had departed Rome yesterday on a civilian flight to pick up his family and then return with them.

5:40 PM – Four injured in Dubai

Dubai authorities have confirmed that an "accident" occurred at a building in the Palm Jumeirah area, resulting in four injuries. The exact circumstances are still unclear, but several videos on local media show an explosion following the impact of what appears to be a drone or missile. This is according to Al Jazeera. "Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and the site has been secured. Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that the fire is now under control," the hotel's press office said in a statement. The four injured people have been transferred to medical facilities.

5:20 PM – Meloni calls a summit at Palazzo Chigi

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reportedly called a new government meeting this evening at Palazzo Chigi to address the crisis in the Middle East following the US and Israeli attack on Iran. Earlier this morning, Meloni had held a telephone meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, Undersecretaries to the Prime Minister's Office Alfredo Mantovano and Giovanbattista Fazzolari, and top intelligence officials.

5:05 PM – 85 dead in an Iranian school

The Iranian judiciary website Mizan, citing the local prosecutor's office, states that the death toll from an attack on a girls' school in Minab, southern Iran, has risen to 85. "The number of martyrs at the Minab girls' school has risen to 85," the website reports.

4:55 PM – Explosions in Tel Aviv and Dubai

Explosions were heard in downtown Tel Aviv, ANSA reported on the scene. Alarm sirens continue to blare incessantly throughout the city due to the constant missile launches from Iran.

Explosions also struck Dubai's famous artificial island, Palm Jumeirah. Two witnesses told AFP they heard an explosion and saw a plume of smoke rising from the iconic island. One of the two said he saw thick, black smoke rising from a hotel and heard ambulance sirens rushing to the scene. Palm Jumeirah is a palm-shaped artificial island off the coast of Dubai, home to villas, resorts, and beaches.

4:50 PM – New raids on US bases

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have launched a new wave of missiles against US bases in the Gulf region. Iranian state television reported that the Revolutionary Guards have "begun a new wave of missile attacks" against American positions. In the early afternoon, several explosions were reported by AFP journalists in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) and Doha (Qatar). Kuwaiti aviation authorities also said a drone struck Kuwait International Airport, "causing minor injuries to several employees and limited material damage to the passenger terminal."

4:30 PM – Khamenei expected to deliver a speech on Iranian TV

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is expected to deliver a speech soon, Iranian television station Al-Alam TV reports. Earlier today, Israeli media reported that Khamenei might have been killed during today's US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran.

4:10 PM – The Iranian government: "Leave Tehran"

The Iranian government is urging residents of Tehran to leave the city through text messages sent to their cell phones. "Considering the joint operations conducted by the United States and the Zionist regime (Israel) against Tehran and some major cities, please proceed, if possible and calmly, to other locations," the message reads.

3.55pm – 10pm UN Security Council

The UN Security Council has been convened for 4:00 PM New York time and 10:00 PM Italian time to discuss the Middle East crisis triggered by the United States and Israel's attack on Iran. The UN Spokesperson's Office announced the news.

3:50 PM – EU meeting tomorrow

Regarding developments in the Middle East, an extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Representatives of the 27 Member States to the EU (Coreper II) will be held tomorrow late in the afternoon. This was announced by a spokesperson for the Cypriot Presidency. The Presidency will also convene a virtual meeting of the Working Group on Consular Affairs to examine the situation of EU citizens in the region. The meeting will take place tomorrow, before the Coreper meeting.

3:35 PM – Riyadh hit, Saudi Arabia ready to respond

Saudi Arabia confirmed that Iran struck the capital Riyadh and the eastern region, warning that it reserves the right to defend itself, including through retaliation. Saudi Arabia "expressed its strongest condemnation of Iran's brazen and cowardly attacks against Riyadh and the eastern provinces," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "In light of this unjustified aggression, the Kingdom affirms that it will take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression."

3:30 PM – Tehran: “Khamenei still alive”

"As far as I know," Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is still alive, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with NBC News. Araghchi himself, the US broadcaster adds, reported that "two commanders" were killed in the US and Israeli strikes, while senior Iranian leaders survived. NBC News clarifies that it has not been able to independently verify this information so far.

2.55pm – Khamenei possibly dead

A senior Israeli official told Channel 1: "We would be shocked if Khamenei appeared live. In our assessment, he is no longer with us, but we are waiting for definitive confirmation." Another Israeli source told N12 that the Iranian supreme leader "most likely did not survive the attacks."

1:47 PM – Iran: "The US attack was illegal."

"Our mighty Armed Forces are ready for this day and will teach the aggressors the lesson they deserve," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, adding that the US and Israeli attack was illegal. "Netanyahu and Trump's war against Iran is completely unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate. Trump has transformed 'America First' into 'Israel First,' which always means 'America Last,'" Araghchi added in a message on X.

1:40 PM – United Arab Emirates: "A new wave of Iranian missile attacks has been intercepted."
The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted a second wave of Iranian missile attacks, reporting that missile debris fell on the capital Abu Dhabi without causing any injuries, after a first wave of attacks killed one civilian. "The Ministry of Defense announced that Emirati air defenses successfully intercepted another wave of Iranian missiles," it said in a statement. "Fragments from the intercepted missiles fell in several areas of Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, Bani Yas, Mohammed bin Zayed City, and Al Falah," it added, confirming "that there were no injuries in these locations."

1:20 PM – Iran: 40 killed in Israeli attack on elementary school

At least 40 people were killed in an Israeli attack on a girls' elementary school in Minab, in Iran's southern Hormozgan province. According to the Iranian state news agency IRNA, another 45 people were injured in the attack. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has a base in Minab.

12.45 – Khamenei's residence razed to the ground

Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Pakpour was reportedly killed during joint Israeli-Iranian strikes on the country, according to Israeli media. Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh was also reportedly killed following the raids in Iran. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's residence was later razed to the ground during the attacks, although the Iranian leader (among the targets of the attack along with President Masoud Pezeshkian) is not currently in Tehran, according to several international media.

***News in progress***

(Unioneonline)

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