An Israeli airstrike on a girls’ primary school in Minab, located in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province, killed five students on Saturday morning, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The attack occurred as part of a broader wave of strikes launched by the United States and Israel across Iran, Al Jazeera reported.

The report stated that Tehran responded with counterattacks following the morning assaults. The incident marks a significant escalation in hostilities, with Iran targeting U.S. bases across the Middle East in retaliation. Regional reactions included condemnation from Saudi Arabia regarding attacks in Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait.

The situation underscores rising regional tensions and the potential for further military escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States, though details of the ongoing operations remain limited.

Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport have suspended all flight operations until further notice due to security concerns. The decision follows the closure of airspace across the Gulf region after reports of Iranian attacks that worsened the regional situation. Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airports and to contact their airlines directly for the latest flight schedule updates.

The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait have also temporarily closed their airspace, prompting airlines to cancel, reroute, or suspend services as a precaution. Carriers operating from Dubai, including Emirates and Flydubai, have canceled all operations on February 28. The move reflects heightened regional instability following reports of missile and drone launches by Iran toward Israel and related military developments.

The suspension is expected to continue until authorities issue further instructions, with regional air travel likely to remain disrupted in the near term.

Iranian forces have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain, describing it as retaliation for what they called extensive US and Israeli assaults. Bahrain’s National Communication Center confirmed that the fleet’s service center was hit by missiles but did not specify who carried out the attack, adding that further details would be released later.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke near the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, though the extent of damage remains unclear. The US military has not issued any immediate comment. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the strike was part of its “Truthful Promise 4” operation, launched in response to earlier attacks on Iran. The assault reportedly occurred around 9:15 a.m. local time.

Regional tensions have escalated sharply, with the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait reporting interception of missiles in their airspace. Qatar’s defense ministry said it successfully intercepted several missiles aimed at the Al-Udeid air base, while Israel sounded nationwide sirens amid warnings of possible Iranian strikes.

The United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes in Iran on Saturday, targeting the country’s religious and political leadership. The attacks have plunged the Middle East into a new phase of conflict, according to reports. Iranian authorities stated that despite the strikes, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and other top officials remain safe, with Khamenei moved to a secure location in Tehran.

Reuters reported that some Iranian military and political leaders may have been killed in the attacks. US President Donald Trump said the operation would end a security threat to the United States and offer Iranians a chance to challenge their rulers. The strikes have raised fears of escalating regional instability, as Iran reportedly launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Israel.

Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and security chief Ali Larijani are unharmed. Iranian officials denied Israeli claims of successful strikes on top leaders, asserting that senior government and military figures remain in good health.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its recent strike in Tehran targeted locations where senior Iranian political and security officials had gathered. According to the IDF, the operation had been planned for months and was executed after close coordination by military intelligence to exploit the opportunity of top Iranian leaders being in one place.

The IDF further said that conducting the attack in the morning instead of at night created a 'strategic surprise.' The statement added that the results of the strike are currently being assessed. The report cited BBC as the source of the information.

Additional reports mentioned by the source indicated that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commander and the country’s defense minister were killed in Israeli attacks, while Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel. The Iranian foreign minister also reportedly contacted ministers from six Middle Eastern countries following the events.

A joint airstrike by Israel and the United States on Saturday morning reportedly destroyed the palace of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. According to the report, the attack targeted the residences of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Ayatollah Khamenei, and several senior military and government officials.

Satellite images cited in the report showed that Khamenei’s palace had collapsed and the surrounding area was blackened, indicating a major explosion. The source of the report was identified as Al Jazeera. Additional reports claimed that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard commander and the country’s defense minister were killed in related strikes, while Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel in response.

The incident marks a significant escalation in hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the United States, with regional tensions rising as diplomatic contacts intensify across the Middle East.

Jordan’s military reported intercepting two ballistic missiles that entered its airspace before impact. The incident occurred as regional tensions intensified, with multiple explosions reported across the Middle East on Saturday. Al Jazeera said it was unclear who launched the missiles.

According to AFP, explosions were also heard in several areas of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, though authorities have not yet issued an official statement or confirmed casualties. Meanwhile, reports from international media indicated that Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes following joint attacks by Israel and the United States on the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Bahrain confirmed that its territory, including the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, was targeted.

Explosions were also reported in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, with witnesses describing smoke rising from affected areas. The situation remains fluid as regional governments assess damage and potential responses.

European unity has fractured following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with France, Norway, Spain, and Belgium publicly opposing the attacks. While most European nations have backed Washington and Tel Aviv, these four countries criticized the military action and called for a diplomatic resolution to the escalating crisis.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth said Israel’s claim of a preemptive strike was inconsistent with international law, emphasizing that such actions require an imminent threat. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot expressed regret that earlier diplomatic efforts had failed to prevent the conflict, stressing that Iranian civilians should not suffer for their government’s choices. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the strikes as unilateral military actions that worsen instability and undermine the international order, urging immediate de-escalation and respect for international law.

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced deep concern over the growing war situation around Iran, warning that the conflict could have severe consequences for global peace and security. He called for urgent restraint to prevent further escalation.

Oman has become the only Middle Eastern country to publicly oppose Israel’s recent attack on Iran. The strike occurred on Saturday morning while Oman was mediating indirect talks between the United States and Iran. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi expressed deep concern over the assault, saying it disrupted serious diplomatic discussions and failed to serve either U.S. interests or global peace.

In a social media post, Albusaidi said he was saddened by the attack and prayed for the innocent people affected by it. He urged the United States to avoid becoming further entangled in the conflict, emphasizing that it was not America’s war. Oman’s statement highlights its continued role as a regional mediator and its distinct stance amid rising tensions following the Israeli strike.

The comments come as Iran reportedly launched missiles and drones toward Israel and regional diplomatic contacts intensified, underscoring the fragile state of Middle Eastern security.

Advance ticket sales for long-distance buses ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr will begin on March 3. Passengers will be able to purchase tickets for travel between March 12 and the day before Eid. The decision was announced at a meeting of the Bangladesh Bus-Truck Owners Association held in Gabtoli, Dhaka, and confirmed by the association’s secretary, Shubhankar Ghosh Rakesh.

Rakesh stated that tickets will be available both at physical counters and online from the morning of March 3. Passengers can select their preferred bus and seat through the designated website. He emphasized that fares must comply with the rates set by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), and the same rates will apply online. Every ticket counter will be required to display the BRTA-approved fare chart.

To prevent black-market ticket sales, CCTV cameras have been installed at various counters. Rakesh added that any irregularities detected will lead to legal and administrative action by both authorities and the owners’ association.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed deep concern over the US-Israel attack on Iran and the escalating war-like situation surrounding the country. Speaking on February 28, 2026, he warned that such conflicts could have serious consequences for international peace and security. Macron emphasized that the current tension is dangerous for everyone and must be stopped, calling for urgent efforts to bring the situation under control.

He stated that France is taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its territory, citizens, and assets in the Middle East. Macron also said France is ready to deploy military and strategic resources to protect its closest partners if requested. His remarks came amid growing regional instability following the attacks.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, Norway, and Belgium have voiced strong concern and criticism over the situation, urging diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has rejected what he described as the “unilateral” military actions of the United States and Israel in relation to recent developments involving Iran. In a statement posted on social media platform X on February 28, 2026, Sánchez said such actions have heightened tensions and made the international system more uncertain and hostile.

Sánchez also rejected the actions of the Iranian government and the Revolutionary Guard, calling for an immediate de-escalation of the situation. He urged all parties to ensure full respect for international law. His remarks came as reports indicated that Iran had launched missiles and drones toward Israel, and regional diplomatic contacts were intensifying.

The Spanish leader’s statement underscores growing international concern over the rising instability in the Middle East and the potential for broader conflict if tensions are not reduced.

Iran has launched another missile attack on Israel, according to a statement released by the Israeli military on Saturday. The military reported that missiles fired from Iran toward Israel were detected, triggering sirens across several areas of the country. The Israeli Air Force is currently engaged in efforts to intercept the incoming missiles.

The military statement also cautioned that the defense system is not impenetrable and urged the public to follow government instructions. The report noted that Iran fired multiple missiles and drones toward Israel, escalating tensions between the two nations. The incident follows recent regional developments, including diplomatic contacts between Iran and ministers from six Middle Eastern countries.

The situation remains tense as Israel continues its defensive operations to counter the missile threat while advising citizens to remain alert and adhere to safety guidelines.

The United Nations has condemned the recent attacks on Iran carried out by the United States and Israel. In a statement issued on Saturday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk denounced the strikes and called on all parties to return to dialogue. He warned that such actions would only lead to death, destruction, and humanitarian suffering.

Türk stated that he condemned both the US and Israeli military attacks across Iran and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran. He emphasized that civilians ultimately bear the highest cost in any armed conflict. According to him, missiles and bombs are not solutions but sources of further devastation and human misery.

The UN official urged all sides to exercise restraint, act rationally, de-escalate tensions, and return to the negotiating table to prevent further harm to civilians.

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has criticized the government for taking what it called a weak step in appointing the new governor of Bangladesh Bank. At a media briefing held on Saturday at the CPD office in Dhanmondi, Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem said the appointment process lacked transparency and that the state had the opportunity to select a more acceptable candidate. He emphasized that a stronger and more credible procedure should have been followed for such an important position.

Moazzem noted that discussions and criticisms have emerged regarding the current governor’s links to loan defaults and special privileges, suggesting that alternative candidates could have been considered to avoid controversy. He also highlighted the need for a clear qualification framework and a formal vetting process for future appointments. CPD praised former governor Ahsan H. Mansur for his reform efforts despite challenges and suggested that retaining experienced leadership could have been beneficial.

The organization further recommended establishing a legal basis and specific criteria for future appointments, similar to India’s Reserve Bank selection process, and warned against loosening financial market regulations amid existing sectoral weaknesses.