According to information provided by Al Jazeera, Iran "carried out successive strikes," in response to which the Israel Defense Forces deployed their air defense forces. Loud explosions have been reported in Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), and Manama (Bahrain), with the strike in Dubai likely targeting the airport.
Increase in casualties from the attack on a school in Iran
The Iranian agency Tasnim reported that the death toll from the missile strike on a girls' school in Minab has reached 148, while earlier reports indicated 108 fatalities. The school is located near IRGC facilities, which apparently became the target of the strike. On Sunday, a day of mourning was declared in Hormozgan province, where Minab is located, and debris removal efforts are ongoing.
High-ranking Iranian officials killed in US and Israeli strike
Joint actions by American and Israeli forces resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials, including:
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, was killed at his residence on Saturday morning.
- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi, whose death was reported on Sunday.
- Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the IRGC.
- Ali Shamkhani, advisor to the Supreme Commander.
- At the time of the strike, high-ranking military leaders were in a meeting of the Defense Council, according to the Iranian state agency.
- Khamenei's daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were also killed.
The total number of casualties among Iranian officials amounted to about 40 people.
Statement by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth
The US Secretary of Defense stated that under the orders of President Donald Trump, OPERATION EPIC FURY has commenced, described as the deadliest and most precise air operation in history. He noted that Iran had the opportunity to strike a deal but refused, and now faces the consequences of its actions. Trump, according to Hegseth, is determined to destroy the Iranian navy and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Impact of the conflict on the oil market
The conflict has already led to significant changes in the oil market. The risks of tanker blockades in the Persian Gulf will increase, and producers, traders, and carriers are reassessing their routes. The scale of the attacks and Trump's rhetoric create the impression that Washington is preparing for a long-term military campaign, which could seriously affect energy supplies from the Middle East.
In Pakistan, in the city of Skardu, mass protests have begun, where hundreds of people took to the streets to express support for Iran and condemn the actions of the US. During the protests, the crowd set fire to the UN representation building.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defense, on February 28, Iran launched more than 137 missiles and 209 drones at the UAE territory, resulting in one death and seven injuries. In Tel Aviv, as a result of the strike, 40 buildings were damaged, and several injuries have been reported.
Storming of the US consulate in Pakistan
In Karachi, the US consulate was stormed by about 500 protesters, which occurred just hours after the news of Khamenei's death. Security forces used tear gas and opened fire on the crowd, resulting in preliminary reports of at least 10 deaths and at least five injuries.
