Author: Admin

Amazon Web Services experienced a significant disruption at one of its Middle Eastern data centers on Sunday after debris collided with the facility in the United Arab Emirates, causing electrical sparks and igniting a blaze that required emergency response.

The incident comes as the UAE faces ongoing security challenges from Iran’s recent retaliatory attacks using missiles and drones, which targeted the country’s aviation hubs, shipping facilities, and civilian neighborhoods following military actions by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.

AWS officials declined to specify whether the data center incident was related to the regional military strikes when questioned by Reuters reporters.

The company issued a statement detailing the emergency: “At around 4:30 AM PST, one of our AvailabilityZones (mec1-az2) was impacted by objects that struck the datacenter, creating sparks and fire.”

Amazon defines an Availability Zone as a cluster of interconnected physical data centers that operate as isolated units within broader regional networks to ensure service reliability.

Emergency responders from the local fire department disconnected electrical power to the damaged facility as crews battled the flames, according to AWS officials.

The cloud computing giant warned customers that restoring network connections to the affected zone would require several hours of work, though other UAE-based data centers continued normal operations throughout the incident.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Sunday for recent developments in Iran following U.S. and Israeli military actions to be leveraged appropriately for the benefit of Iranian citizens who have endured government brutality.

During his evening video address, Zelenskyy accused Iranian leadership of killing “tens of thousands of people in the last couple of months alone” while suppressing domestic protests.

The Ukrainian leader argued that Iran has “predetermined the way it is treated” through its decision to provide attack drones to Russia for use in Moscow’s ongoing four-year conflict with Ukraine, while also “fomenting wars in the region.”

“It is important that the this chance for changes in Iran be used properly,” Zelenskyy stated. “The Iranian people were on their own for a long time, enduring violence while standing against the Iranian regime.”

Zelenskyy reiterated his previous assertion from Saturday following the beginning of the strikes that American determination “brings results.”

The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude to “everyone who is trying to prevent the spread of war” and suggested Russia should take note of what has occurred with Iranian leadership, emphasizing that “justice is finally served in the end.”

On Saturday, Zelenskyy revealed that Moscow has launched more than 57,000 Iranian-manufactured Shahed-type drones against Ukraine throughout the duration of the war.

European Union leaders united Sunday in demanding immediate de-escalation of the growing conflict involving Iran, following an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from all 27 member nations.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas released a statement on behalf of the entire bloc, declaring: “We call for maximum restraint, protection of civilians and full respect of international law, including the principles of the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law.”

The urgent video conference among EU foreign ministers was organized after military strikes were exchanged between the United States and Israel against Iran, with Tehran retaliating with attacks targeting Israel, U.S. military forces, and Gulf region nations.

The European statement strongly criticized Tehran’s actions, stating: “Iran’s attacks and violation of sovereignty of a number of countries in the region are inexcusable. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes.”

Economic implications weighed heavily on European leaders’ minds as they warned the conflict “must not lead to an escalation that could threaten the Middle East, Europe and beyond, with unpredictable consequences, also in the economic sphere.”

The EU specifically highlighted concerns about maritime trade routes, emphasizing that “the disruption of critical waterways, like the Strait of Hormuz, must be avoided.”

The unified statement masked significant disagreements among European leaders regarding the military actions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The compromise language reflected the diverse perspectives within the bloc representing approximately 450 million Europeans.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a measured approach Sunday, suggesting this wasn’t the appropriate time to criticize allies and partners. However, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez took a sharper stance, having “rejected” the U.S. and Israeli military action Saturday, arguing it “contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order.”

European diplomats privately acknowledged their limited ability to influence the rapidly developing situation, despite potential major consequences for the continent.

“Not too many options, I am afraid. Certainly not short-term,” one Western European official admitted.

Another EU diplomat expressed frustration about Europe’s position, noting that Europeans are “just bystanders, nobody has leverage with Trump.”

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military confirmed Sunday that three American service members lost their lives and five others suffered serious injuries during ongoing military operations involving Iran, representing the first American fatalities in the escalating conflict with the Islamic Republic.

U.S. Central Command, responsible for Middle East operations, released the casualty information on social media platform X without specifying the exact timing or location of the incidents. Military officials noted that additional personnel received minor injuries from shrapnel and concussions but are expected to resume their duties.

Describing the circumstances as constantly changing, Central Command indicated they would wait 24 hours before releasing the names of the fallen service members to allow time for family notifications.

Military officials also refuted Iranian assertions that ballistic missiles had hit the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, stating on X that Iran’s “missiles launched didn’t even come close.”

President Donald Trump had previously cautioned that American personnel might face danger during the mission.

“The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties,” Trump stated in a video message released Saturday morning. “That often happens in war. But we’re doing this not for now. We’re doing this for the future.”

After combined U.S.-Israeli operations resulted in the deaths of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking officials, Iranian forces have responded by attacking American military installations in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has issued warnings about launching what they describe as their “most intense offensive operation” ever against Israeli and American military targets.

Prior to these strikes, Trump had assembled the most substantial U.S. military deployment in the Middle East seen in recent decades. The Lincoln’s arrival with three guided-missile destroyers in late January increased naval presence in the region.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s most advanced aircraft carrier, along with four destroyer escorts, was subsequently ordered from the Caribbean to the Middle East theater.

The Ford had previously participated in the U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of leader Nicolás Maduro, who was transported to New York to face drug trafficking accusations. That January mission resulted in no American deaths but left seven U.S. personnel with gunshot and shrapnel wounds.

During last week’s State of the Union address, Trump presented the Medal of Honor to one of the injured service members from that operation. The president identified Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover as the pilot who commanded the primary CH-47 Chinook helicopter during the assault on the “heavily protected military fortress” where Maduro was located.

Trump has authorized multiple military actions during his current presidency, including operations against Islamic State fighters in Syria following an ambush in December that killed two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter.

American forces have also conducted strikes against IS militants in Nigeria after Trump criticized that nation’s government for inadequately protecting Christian communities from terrorist attacks.

The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has thrown the Islamic Republic into unprecedented turmoil, creating the nation’s most serious crisis since the 1979 revolution. The country now grapples with active warfare within its borders, an uncertain leadership transition, and growing domestic pressures.

However, five regional experts and officials warn against expecting Iran’s government to quickly fall apart. They explain that Iran’s political structure was intentionally designed to distribute power among religious institutions, security forces, and various power networks rather than depending on one person.

Danny Citrinowicz from the Atlantic Council explained, “The Iranian system is bigger than one man – removing Khamenei could harden the regime rather than weaken it.”

Ali Hashem, who researches at Royal Holloway, University of London, emphasized this point: “Iran was built to survive the loss of a leader. The danger is not a vacuum. It’s whether war and pressure push the system past the point where that resilience holds.”

The powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) sits at the heart of this durability, widely considered Iran’s actual power center. The future balance of control depends on whether the Guards become weakened by military defeats and internal conflicts, or instead become more entrenched while adopting a tougher, security-focused governing style.

Alex Vatanka from the Middle East Institute posed the crucial question: “The real question is whether Khamenei’s death takes the air out of the IRGC – the force that actually runs Iran – or whether they close ranks and harden. If rank-and-file officials decide there is no future here, I’m not sure even the Guards can keep the regime together.”

Regional sources indicate the Guards are unlikely to change their core ideology since their mission centers on defending the revolution. However, they could adapt their tactics if the system’s survival requires it.

One regional official noted, “They may evolve into a less hardline force…there are pragmatic mid-level members open to reducing tensions with the United States if necessary for the system’s survival.” This flexible pragmatism positions the IRGC as both the system’s protector and its most important indicator.

Jonathan Panikoff, formerly a U.S. deputy national intelligence officer for the Near East, believes Washington and Israel are pursuing a strategy designed not just to weaken Iran’s military response abilities, but to destabilize the government by eliminating senior leaders and testing lower-level loyalty.

He said this approach’s effectiveness would ultimately depend on whether security forces step back or switch sides if public protests return.

In the immediate period following Khamenei’s death, officials say Tehran’s main focus is demonstrating stability. Iran’s command structure remains operational despite significant pressure. While missile forces, air defenses, and top military leaders have been targeted, the system has managed to withstand these attacks so far.

Officials identify three critical challenges Iran now confronts: whether its security apparatus can maintain control under attack; whether the troubled leadership can select a successor or shift to a new governing approach; and whether an unsettled population might push the crisis toward deeper political breakdown.

Ali Larijani, a seasoned Iranian politician serving as secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, announced Sunday that a temporary leadership council would manage the transition period following Khamenei’s death.

Leaders like Larijani and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who serves as parliament speaker, are viewed as potential transitional figures, representing a security-focused yet pragmatic approach.

Iran faces a succession process it has only experienced once before, and under much more stable circumstances. The constitution gives this responsibility to the Assembly of Experts, consisting of 88 clerical members. However, analysts suggest wartime conditions might force a more improvised solution – either a rapidly chosen successor or temporary collective leadership dominated by security officials.

Analysts say Khamenei worked to influence this outcome before his death. After a 12-day conflict with Israel in June that targeted him and his close associates, he identified preferred successors and ensured critical military positions had backup commanders ready.

His preferred candidates included judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei and Hassan Khomeini, a moderate cleric who is the grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founding leader.

Officials suggest the clerical assembly might postpone selecting Khamenei’s replacement due to concerns about assassination risks.

Israel indicates its military campaign will continue. Two sources familiar with the operations say Israel plans to keep targeting political and security institutions connected to Iran’s government, along with ballistic missile systems and launchers, attempting to weaken the state and create conditions for regime change.

One source revealed Israel wants the campaign to persist at least until Iran’s missile capabilities are eliminated, though they worry it might end early if Washington negotiates an agreement with Tehran.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein told Reuters in Tel Aviv: “The objective is very clear: to remove an existential threat to the State of Israel. That threat is the Iranian regime. We have no quarrel with the Iranian people.”

A senior official with direct access to joint Israeli-U.S. military planning said it’s premature to predict Iran’s future political structure, noting the campaign remains in early stages with outcomes depending on ground developments.

The official stated Iranians must control their own future, adding this might become easier once the U.S. and Israel achieve “air supremacy” over Iran.

Continuing the pace and strength of attacks was viewed as essential for exploiting divisions within Iran and the IRGC after senior leaders’ deaths, the official added, though declined to detail what command breakdown might involve.

The conflict has created additional dangers. With foreign military forces operating in Iranian airspace and the state’s enforcement capabilities under pressure, analysts warn unrest could worsen if major anti-government demonstrations return, potentially causing security force defections and elevating civilian reform advocates.

WASHINGTON — Iran’s emerging leadership has indicated readiness for diplomatic discussions with the United States following a significant U.S.-Israeli military operation that resulted in the death of the country’s supreme leader and other top-ranking officials, according to a senior White House official speaking Sunday.

The administration official, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of ongoing discussions, revealed that President Donald Trump expressed he is “eventually” prepared for dialogue while emphasizing that current military actions “continues unabated.” The official did not identify who comprises Iran’s potential new leadership or specify how their diplomatic interest was communicated.

Speaking to The Atlantic on Sunday, Trump confirmed his intention to engage with Iran’s new governing structure. “They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them,” he stated, refusing to provide details about when such conversations might occur.

This diplomatic possibility emerges alongside fresh information regarding the extensive preparation behind the coordinated U.S.-Israeli assault and specific Iranian targets that were struck.

According to U.S. Central Command, B-2 stealth aircraft targeted Iran’s ballistic missile installations using 2,000-pound munitions. This strategy echoes the military’s June approach when Trump authorized B-2 bombers to strike three critical Iranian nuclear facilities.

During last week’s State of the Union address, Trump asserted that Iran had been developing ballistic missiles capable of reaching American territory — a rationale he reiterated Saturday while announcing the Iranian bombardment had commenced.

Iran has not confirmed efforts to construct or pursue intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities. However, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency stated in a public report last year that Iran could potentially develop an operationally effective intercontinental ballistic missile by 2035 “should Tehran decide to pursue the capability.”

Prior to the attacks, the CIA spent months monitoring the whereabouts of senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to someone with knowledge of the operation.

This intelligence was provided to Israeli counterparts, and strike timing was partially adjusted based on information about Iranian leaders’ locations, according to the source, who lacked authorization for public comment and requested anonymity.

The intelligence collaboration between the U.S. and Israel demonstrates the extensive preparation underlying the strikes, which extended into a second day Sunday after Khamenei’s death created uncertainty about the Islamic Republic’s future and heightened regional conflict risks.

The New York Times previously reported on the CIA’s pre-strike activities during the Israeli-U.S. operations.

Senator Tom Cotton, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, refused to discuss specifics Sunday when questioned on CBS’ “Face the Nation” about intelligence sharing with Israel. However, he noted that monitoring the supreme leader’s movements and those of other hostile nation leaders “is obviously one of the highest priorities of our intelligence community.”

“Clearly, this operation is driven by intelligence collected by Israel and the United States that has once again proven that our nations have capabilities that no other nation on Earth has,” stated Cotton, R-Ark.

The U.S. routinely exchanges intelligence with allies including Israel. These partnerships and the precision of resulting intelligence often prove essential not only for military operation success but also for public backing.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner, the committee’s ranking Democrat, told The Associated Press that historically, “our working relationship with the Mossad and Israel is really strong.” Mossad represents Israel’s intelligence service.

Warner expressed significant concerns about the strikes’ justification, Trump’s long-range conflict strategy, and potential dangers facing U.S. military personnel. The military reported Sunday that three American soldiers died and five sustained serious injuries during the Iran operation.

“No tears will be shed over their leadership being eliminated but always the question is: OK, what next?” Warner remarked.

The Associated Press has begun classifying recent military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran as warfare, citing the scale and severity of the ongoing hostilities.

American and Israeli forces targeted critical military installations and eliminated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with additional high-ranking officials. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israeli territory and Gulf Arab nations housing American military personnel, while surviving Iranian leadership has promised retribution for Khamenei’s killing. These exchanges suggest that eliminating Khamenei, coupled with President Donald Trump’s demands for regime change in the Islamic Republic, may trigger extended fighting throughout the Middle East region.

According to Merriam-Webster’s definition, war encompasses ‘A state of usually open and declared armed hostile conflict between states or nations,’ or ‘a state of hostility, conflict, or antagonism.’

While no nation has formally announced a declaration of war, the military operations conducted by Washington and Tel Aviv, along with Tehran’s response, satisfy these parameters. The Trump administration’s decision to launch attacks alongside Israeli leadership, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life, justifies characterizing these actions and Iran’s countermeasures as warfare. Trump has personally employed the term war when discussing this confrontation.

Accurate terminology matters when reporting on military confrontations between sovereign states.

Occasionally, unilateral strikes occur without subsequent escalation, or disputes begin but fail to intensify. Labeling such scenarios as ‘war’ might reduce the term’s gravity. Consequently, when genuine warfare emerges, audiences may fail to grasp its seriousness.

The Associated Press issued editorial guidance regarding Israel’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, adopting ‘war’ terminology to characterize the hostilities following initial strikes and Iranian retaliation. The 12-day conflict significantly damaged Iran’s aerial defense systems, military command structure, and nuclear capabilities through Israeli and American bombardments.

The news organization similarly adopted war terminology for the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Israel-Hamas fighting within days or weeks of combat initiation.

Editorial decisions in these instances weighed casualty figures, combat intensity, each nation’s participation level, and how countries themselves characterized their conflicts.

The Associated Press capitalizes ‘war’ exclusively when part of official designations, which currently don’t exist for this conflict.

AP’s war terminology decisions occur as events unfold. News leadership and standards editors continuously assess developments to determine if modifications are warranted.

Currently, the fighting level constitutes warfare between these nations, regardless of future developments. Should hostilities cease quickly, AP would maintain that these countries had engaged in war.

Two eyewitnesses confirmed on Sunday that an Israeli military attack targeted a medical facility located on Gandhi Street in Tehran, according to reports from Dubai.

The witnesses described extensive damage to the hospital building following the strike, with medical staff working to evacuate patients from the facility in the aftermath of the attack.

Currency markets opened Monday with significant shifts as investors responded to escalating Middle East tensions following weekend military operations between the United States, Israel, and Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Swiss franc and Japanese yen, both considered safe investments during times of uncertainty, strengthened as global markets reopened. Meanwhile, the euro declined 0.34% to $1.1776, down from approximately $1.18 during Friday’s late New York trading session. The European currency also dropped 0.5% against the Swiss franc to 0.9039, marking its weakest position since 2015.

The U.S. dollar weakened by 0.26% to 155.65 yen and fell 0.3% compared to the Swiss franc, though it gained ground against both the British pound and Australian dollar.

The military actions and subsequent Iranian counterattacks have created widespread concern throughout the Middle East region, impacting industries ranging from shipping and aviation to energy markets. Businesses operating in the Gulf region, a crucial global trade corridor, are bracing for potential disruptions and increased operational costs.

Energy market reactions will likely determine how stocks, bonds, and currencies respond to the unfolding situation in Iran going forward.

Market analysts anticipate oil prices will surge significantly when trading begins Monday, with over-the-counter markets already showing increases of approximately 10%. Gold, another traditional safe-haven investment, is expected to rise sharply while stock markets are projected to decline.

Regional stock exchanges felt the impact Sunday, with most Gulf markets falling and Boursa Kuwait halting operations entirely after Iranian retaliatory strikes targeted American installations in nearby Gulf cities, heightening concerns about extended regional conflict.

Currency markets were among the first to respond to weekend developments as investors worked to assess potential outcomes from the escalating situation.

“We see two scenarios: first, contained disruptions to global energy markets, with limited implications for the world economy. Second, a more protracted, broader conflict leading to an oil shock,” explained Lombard Odier chief economist Samy Chaar.

“We believe that the first case is playing out right now,” Chaar noted, while warning that in a more severe scenario, “commodities, bond yields, currencies, oil-sensitive equity sectors, inflation expectations, monetary policy paths – and in case of a protracted closure (of the Strait of Hormuz), economic growth – would all be affected.”

Brent crude oil prices jumped 8% to 10% higher at approximately $80 per barrel in over-the-counter trading Sunday, according to traders. Oil prices had already climbed Friday to $73, reaching their highest level since July.

Iran plays a significant role in global energy production and sits across from the oil-rich Arabian Peninsula, separated by the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway handles roughly 20% of worldwide oil shipments.

President Donald Trump declared on Sunday through social media that American military forces are systematically destroying Iran’s naval fleet, claiming nine Iranian vessels have been eliminated with operations continuing against remaining ships.

The president’s statement came as Pentagon operations escalated against Iranian military targets, with B-2 stealth aircraft launching from United States bases to attack fortified underground missile installations using 2,000-pound ordnance.

According to Trump’s announcement, American strikes have also devastated Iran’s naval command center, causing extensive damage to the facility.

Iranian forces are responding with extensive missile and drone counterattacks, according to military officials. U.S. Central Command confirmed the first combat fatalities on Sunday, with three American service members killed and five others sustaining serious injuries during the ongoing conflict.

The president, who has stated his intention to completely eliminate Iran’s naval capabilities, predicted the destruction of all remaining Iranian warships.

“They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea,” Trump stated.

“Other than that, their Navy is doing very well!” he added.

BERLIN – Germany has confirmed that Israel’s official government aircraft has been moved to Berlin’s airport as a security precaution, following joint U.S. and Israeli military operations that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and escalated regional tensions.

According to German government officials, the aircraft left Israeli airspace Saturday afternoon and spent time circling over Mediterranean waters before making its way to Germany that evening, based on flight tracking data from Flightradar24.

German sources confirmed that Israeli authorities had pre-registered the flight and that the aircraft carried only flight crew during the journey to Berlin.

The relocated aircraft, known as the “Wing of Zion,” is Israel’s official state plane – a modified Boeing 767 that has been outfitted with specialized equipment for government operations and official diplomatic missions.

Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado announced through social media posts on Sunday that she intends to head back to her homeland within the next few weeks.

The 58-year-old industrial engineer departed Venezuela in December to travel to Oslo where she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize. She is presently staying in the United States.

Questions about when Machado might return have intensified following the January 3 capture of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro by U.S. authorities.

Venezuelan officials are currently investigating Machado, and Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has stated that she must “answer to Venezuela” regarding her backing of U.S. military intervention against Caracas.

BERLIN, March 1 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is urging the United States and European allies to begin developing comprehensive strategies for Iran’s future following military strikes that resulted in the death of the nation’s supreme leader.

Speaking to the press, Merz expressed his administration’s support for American objectives aimed at halting Tehran’s nuclear weapons development and bringing an end to what he described as Iran’s “destructive game” in the region, though he cautioned about potential consequences.

“This is not without risk. We do not know how far the region will be drawn into escalation by Iran’s harsh counterstrikes,” Merz warned during his remarks to journalists.

While acknowledging some concerns about the American and Israeli military actions, the German leader emphasized that criticism of allies was inappropriate at this time, despite existing doubts about the approach.

“We want to work with our partners in the U.S., Israel, the region, and Europe to develop an agenda for the day after,” Merz stated.

The Chancellor outlined four primary objectives for the post-strike period: maintaining regional peace and stability, compelling Iran to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, contributing to Iran’s stable future, and enabling the Iranian people to determine their own destiny.

Merz additionally announced that Germany would not permit any attacks against American or Israeli facilities within German borders.

A sailor lost his life when a suspected projectile struck an oil tanker sailing in waters off Oman, according to the vessel’s management company.

The incident occurred Friday when the Marshall Islands-registered tanker MKD VYOM was hit while navigating near the coast of Muscat, Oman, according to V.Ships Asia.

“The vessel suffered an explosion and subsequent fire after being struck by a suspected projectile while off the coast of Muscat, Oman on 1 March,” the shipping management firm stated.

The company confirmed the tragic loss of life in their official statement: “It is with great sadness that we confirm one crew member, who was in the engine room at the time of the incident, has died.”

The fatal strike occurred as the product tanker was conducting routine operations in the region’s shipping lanes.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump revealed Sunday that Iran’s newly configured leadership has expressed interest in opening dialogue with the United States, according to his recent interview with Atlantic magazine.

Speaking from his Florida home, Trump confirmed his willingness to engage in these discussions. “They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them. They should have done it sooner. They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long,” the president stated during the interview.

The president did not provide details about which Iranian officials he would meet with or specify the timing of these potential conversations, whether they might occur Sunday or Monday.

The diplomatic opening comes as Iran undergoes a significant leadership transition. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that a temporary governing council has been established, consisting of himself, the head of the judiciary, and a representative from the influential Guardians Council. This arrangement was put in place following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump noted that previous diplomatic contacts have been disrupted by recent events, with some former negotiating partners no longer available.

“Most of those people are gone. Some of the people we were dealing with are gone, because that was a big — that was a big hit,” Trump explained to Atlantic writer Michael Scherer. “They should have done it sooner, Michael. They could have made a deal. They should’ve done it sooner. They played too cute.”

Digital warfare accompanied the recent joint United States-Israeli military operations against Iran, with cybersecurity specialists documenting widespread online attacks that occurred early Saturday morning.

The cyber offensive compromised several Iranian news platforms and infiltrated BadeSaba, a widely-used religious calendar application downloaded by more than 5 million people. The compromised app displayed threatening messages stating “It’s time for reckoning” while encouraging military personnel to abandon their weapons and side with civilians.

Attempts to reach BadeSaba’s top executive were unsuccessful, and US Cyber Command representatives have not yet provided comment on the situation.

Iran’s internet infrastructure suffered major disruptions, with connectivity plummeting dramatically at 7:06 AM GMT and again at 11:47 AM GMT, leaving only limited online access available, according to Doug Madory, who serves as director of internet analysis at Kentik and shared the information on X.

Security researcher and DarkCell cybersecurity firm founder Hamid Kashfi explained that targeting BadeSaba was strategically effective since government loyalists frequently use the application and typically hold stronger religious beliefs.

The Jerusalem Post reported Saturday that the digital operations also targeted various Iranian governmental services and military infrastructure to prevent a unified Iranian counterattack, though Reuters has been unable to independently confirm these reports.

“As Iran considers its options, the likelihood increases that proxy groups and hacktivists may take action, including cyberattacks, against Israeli and U.S.-affiliated military, commercial, or civilian targets,” warned Rafe Pilling, who directs threat intelligence at cybersecurity company Sophos.

Pilling noted that potential retaliation might involve republishing old data breaches as new incidents, basic attempts to infiltrate internet-connected industrial systems, and possibly direct offensive cyber operations.

Cynthia Kaiser, a former senior FBI cyber official now serving as senior vice president at anti-ransomware company Halcyon, reported increased Middle Eastern activity and observed calls to action from recognized pro-Iranian cyber operatives known for conducting hack-and-leak campaigns, ransomware deployments, and distributed denial-of-service attacks that overwhelm internet services.

CrowdStrike senior vice president of counter adversary operations Adam Meyers suggested the current digital activity might signal more aggressive future operations.

“CrowdStrike is already seeing activity consistent with Iranian-aligned threat actors and hacktivist groups conducting reconnaissance and initiating DDoS attacks,” Meyers stated.

Cybersecurity company Anomali reported in Saturday analysis shared with Reuters that Iranian state-sponsored hacking organizations had already begun executing “wiper” attacks designed to destroy data on Israeli targets before the military strikes occurred.

Despite US cyber officials frequently citing Iran alongside Russia and China as major threats to American digital infrastructure, Tehran’s past responses to attacks within its borders have been relatively restrained.

Following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, there was minimal evidence of the disruptive cyber retaliation often associated with Iran’s digital warfare capabilities, except for brief service interruptions in Albania’s capital city of Tirana, according to media coverage.

MILAN (AP) — At Milan Fashion Week’s closing event Sunday, Silvana Armani stepped forward with understated assurance to debut her inaugural signature line, marking the first collection created independently of her legendary uncle Giorgio Armani’s guidance.

The runway show drew notable attendees including actress Andie MacDowell, 67, who occupied a front-row seat for this historic moment in the Giorgio Armani fashion empire’s evolution, coming after the founder’s passing on September 4 at 91 years old.

“One of the things that is really important to me is representing women of a certain age, and showing that we still are fashionable and powerful and strong, and we enjoy life and looking beautiful,” MacDowell expressed upon her arrival, dressed in a black Armani ensemble featuring an intricate three-dimensional rose accent.

“I love this because I was born Rosalie Anderson MacDowell, and I thought this suit was made for me. It makes me feel really elegant,” she added.

The upcoming fall and winter women’s line embodied the fashion house’s core principles through flowing silhouettes, minimalist design, and modern appeal. Accessories were deliberately sparse, featuring only pins displaying the Cancer zodiac symbol — a tribute to her uncle’s astrological sign.

The presentation began with pieces in sophisticated urban gray tones, enhanced by silk tops adorned with decorative scarf details at the neckline. Rich burgundy belts provided both visual interest and structure, while precisely cut knitwear with subtle necklines demonstrated refined restraint. Floor-length outerwear swept dramatically across the catwalk.

Following her uncle’s design philosophy, Silvana Armani centered the collection around expertly crafted yet comfortable blazers, incorporating quilted pieces inspired by Japanese aesthetics and vibrant shearling outerwear. These were paired with flowing pants, some featuring side pleating for added dimension. Crisp winter white trousers combined with high-necked silk blouses and sporty jackets conveyed an active sensibility, complemented by comfortable knits, crossbody bags, and tinted glasses.

The color scheme transitioned into rich burgundy and deep navy — positioned as the contemporary alternative to black. Luxurious velvet pieces enhanced with beaded details offered sophisticated comfort, while evening pieces showcased shimmering bodices designed to sit elegantly away from the wearer’s form.

Notably, even the more formal pieces were styled with practical crossbody bags, indicating that the Giorgio Armani customer leads an active lifestyle rather than passively awaiting evening events.

Following the presentation, Silvana Armani revealed that the collection featured pieces she personally would choose to wear.

“Working with fluidity and simplicity came naturally to me, because that’s how I am,” Armani explained, echoing her uncle’s signature style by taking her final bow in navy knitwear and trousers.

Earlier in the week on Thursday, Silvana Armani partnered with Leo Dell’Orco as the brand’s creative successors to preview a sharp Emporio Armani unisex collection.

The Armani Theater featured wooden flooring designed to evoke a music academy atmosphere, serving as inspiration for designs that blended British formality with Italian flair. Formal tailcoats and vests suggested theatrical performance, while denim elements provided contemporary edge and youthful appeal.

The presentation concluded with a memorable sequence of crisp white shirts and flawless formal wear, earning enthusiastic and sustained applause for the creative partnership.

Italian Olympic medalists occupied prominent seating, wearing EA7 Emporio Armani athletic gear designed for the February 6-22 Games.

DUBAI – Iranian counter-attacks throughout Gulf nations have created the most severe economic disruptions the region has experienced since COVID-19, shuttering airports, stopping port activities, and creating turmoil in financial markets.

The Iranian offensive, conducted in retaliation for a combined American-Israeli operation against Iran, impacted all major Gulf states – an area that has worked for decades to establish itself as among the globe’s most dependable commercial centers. The attacks resulted in three deaths in the United Arab Emirates, while residents of Dubai and Abu Dhabi reported hearing explosive sounds for a consecutive day on Sunday.

These attacks represent an unparalleled escalation for Dubai, a metropolis that built its contemporary reputation on remaining separate from regional warfare. Starting as a modest fishing community, Dubai transformed limited oil income into developing harbors, aviation facilities, and commercial districts before shifting focus in the 1990s toward high-end tourism, property development, and banking services.

Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial, explained the regional economic effects: “Regionally, the impact across (Gulf) economies is mixed.”

He continued: “Elevated oil prices provide a fiscal cushion for producers such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar, strengthening revenues and liquidity. However, trade, logistics and tourism, particularly in the UAE, would face pressure if shipping risks rise or regional sentiment weakens.”

FINANCIAL MARKETS TUMBLE

Regional stock exchanges experienced significant declines when Sunday trading commenced, with Saudi Arabia’s primary index falling over 4% at opening before recovering to close down 2.2%. Oman’s market finished 1.4% lower while Egypt dropped 2.5%, both recovering from steeper early losses. Kuwait’s stock exchange made the rare decision to halt all trading indefinitely. UAE financial markets, which remain closed Sundays, are scheduled to resume Monday.

Mohammed Ali Yasin, chief executive of Ghaf Benefits, a Lunate company in Abu Dhabi, commented on market conditions: “Markets will continue to be fragile and volatile as long as the military actions are active.”

Yasin added: “Usually in such events, the international institutional investors are the ones that put the selling pressures initially… while local ones try and soften the drops by picking the leading stocks.”

Iranian forces targeted aviation hubs, defense facilities, shipping ports, and hospitality venues throughout the Gulf region. Both Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport suffered infrastructure damage, resulting in one civilian death and 11 injuries between the two locations. A section of Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port ignited following aerial defense activities.

Major UAE corporations include property developer Emaar Properties and retail giant Majid Al Futtaim. The nation has increasingly attracted international hedge funds and major banking institutions seeking access to substantial sovereign wealth managed by organizations like ADIA and Mubadala.

RAMADAN BUSINESS DISRUPTIONS

The timing of these disruptions proves especially problematic for Gulf commercial activities. The strikes occurred during Ramadan, Islam’s sacred month, when business iftar and suhoor gatherings – the shared meals ending and starting daily fasting – represent crucial networking opportunities throughout the region.

Reuters obtained correspondence showing that events organized by Dubai airline Emirates, Abu Dhabi renewable energy company Masdar, Mubadala, education provider GEMS, and the Department of Government Enablement have been canceled or delayed.

In a region where personal relationships form the foundation of commercial transactions, losing Ramadan’s networking period creates additional, though less apparent, economic damage beyond the visible disruption already occurring.

Attacks also struck residential neighborhoods near Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, igniting the Fairmont The Palm hotel and causing damage to the Burj Al Arab. The Fairmont had recently been purchased for $325 million by Kuwait’s Arzan Investment Management – a transaction viewed as indicating rising Gulf hospitality market demand – making this damage a prominent symbol of the impact on the region’s thriving tourism sector.

The United States, United Kingdom, and European Union released revised travel warnings for Gulf nations following the attacks, recommending citizens use extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel. Critical transportation airports, including those in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar’s Doha, were either closed or operating under severe restrictions Sunday as most regional airspace remained inaccessible.

International company employees are anticipated to follow local guidance regarding remote work arrangements in upcoming days. The UAE federal labor authority recommended companies establish work-from-home policies through March 3, encouraging them to keep employees away from outdoor locations, except for essential positions requiring on-site presence.

According to sources speaking with Agri-Pulse, Luke Lindberg, who currently holds the position of undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is being considered as a top candidate to lead the United Nations World Food Program as its executive director.

The UN World Food Program holds the distinction of being the planet’s most extensive humanitarian aid agency.

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon announced Sunday that American forces have destroyed an Iranian naval vessel and are demanding that Iran’s military personnel abandon their positions.

U.S. Central Command, which is directing current American military operations against Iran, reported that it destroyed a Jamaran-class corvette belonging to Iran’s navy. The vessel was struck while docked at a pier in Chah Bahar in the Gulf of Oman.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Central Command reinforced President Donald Trump’s Saturday message to Iranian forces. “As the President said, members of Iran’s armed forces, IRGC and police ‘must lay down your weapons.’ Abandon ship,” the command stated.

Multiple oil tankers were struck and damaged in Persian Gulf waters following military exchanges between the United States, Israel, and Iran, according to shipping industry officials and maritime security sources who reported the incidents Sunday.

Commercial vessel traffic faces dramatically heightened dangers in the region over the past day, with shipping data revealing more than 200 ships – including oil and liquefied gas carriers – have anchored near the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters.

Iranian authorities have declared the vital shipping corridor closed to navigation.

Jakob Larsen, who serves as chief safety and security officer for shipping organization BIMCO, warned that recent military actions have created severe risks for maritime operations.

“The U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran dramatically increases the security risk to ships operating in the Persian Gulf and adjacent waters,” Larsen stated.

“Ships with business connections to U.S. or Israeli interests are more likely to be targeted, but other ships may also be targeted deliberately or in error,” he added.

Among the damaged vessels, a Palau-flagged oil tanker under U.S. sanctions was struck Sunday near Oman’s Musandam peninsula, leaving four crew members injured, according to that nation’s maritime security center. Officials did not identify what struck the ship.

The Marshall Islands-flagged crude carrier MKD VYOM also took a projectile hit while carrying cargo off Oman’s coastline, maritime security sources confirmed Sunday. The vessel was struck approximately 44.4 nautical miles northwest of Muscat, according to one source.

Britain’s maritime agency UKMTO reported that a loaded merchant ship experienced an explosion in the same area.

A separate tanker docked at the United Arab Emirates’ Jebel Ali port narrowly avoided damage from falling debris during an aerial interception following overnight Iranian strikes on Gulf nations, maritime security sources reported.

A third oil-bunkering vessel sustained damage off the UAE coastline, shipping sources confirmed.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration issued guidance Saturday urging ships to avoid the Strait of Hormuz and broader Gulf of Oman region due to potential Iranian retaliation.

“Any U.S.-flagged, owned or crewed commercial vessels that are operating in these areas should maintain a standoff of 30 nautical miles from U.S. military vessels to reduce the risk of being mistaken as a threat,” the advisory stated.

Security sources also warned of possible mine deployment by Iranian forces in the narrow shipping channels within the Strait of Hormuz.

Two U.S. officials previously told Reuters in July that Iranian military forces had placed naval mines on vessels in the Persian Gulf during June, raising concerns in Washington about potential blockade preparations for the strait.

Maritime industry sources anticipate significant increases in war risk insurance premiums when underwriters reassess coverage Monday.

War risk insurance becomes mandatory when vessels enter dangerous zones, and Lloyd’s of London market has already designated Iran, the Gulf region, and portions of the Gulf of Oman as high-risk areas.

Dylan Mortimer from insurance brokerage Marsh projected substantial rate hikes ahead.

“We would estimate that near-term rate increases for marine hull insurance in the Gulf could range from 25% to 50%,” Mortimer said.

DUBAI, March 1 – When Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles toward Gulf nations in response to American and Israeli military actions, Dubai residents found themselves witnessing something many thought impossible in their adopted safe haven.

Social media influencer Hofit Golan captured the shock felt by many as she filmed smoke billowing from an explosion near Palm Jumeirah, the artificial island that represents Dubai’s luxury lifestyle.

“Oh my god … this is the view from my balcony,” Golan said with evident disbelief in her voice. “This is in front of my home. Oh my god,” she shared with her millions of online followers.

For years, Dubai has attracted residents fleeing regional conflicts and Westerners seeking low taxes and stability, all viewing the emirate as insulated from Middle Eastern turmoil.

That perception suffered a major blow when Iranian projectiles caused damage at Dubai’s most recognizable landmarks, despite most being successfully intercepted by defense systems.

The affected locations included the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel and Palm Jumeirah, where luxury resorts and upscale residences house many social media personalities who shared their panoramic views of the attack.

RESIDENTS DESCRIBE FEAR

Dubai-based trader Daniel Holmes, who has a substantial Instagram presence, said missile interceptions woke him and were visible from his apartment.

“All the locals are like ‘nah bro you’ve got nothing to worry about, it’s all good,’” Holmes posted online. “I’m like … there is genuine war around where you live here in Dubai. I’ve never dealt with that before.”

Similar conversations occurred throughout the city, which serves as the Middle East’s primary commercial and tourist center. While some residents discussed temporary departures, others maintained confidence in the UAE’s security capabilities.

Foreign nationals comprise approximately 90% of the UAE’s population.

A Western mother with two elementary-age children described feeling unsettled after hearing multiple explosions in rapid succession.

“They are really keeping us on our toes,” she messaged Reuters. “It’s almost as if their only purpose is to maintain the panic and fear.”

Another Dubai resident with experience in previous Middle Eastern wars said he never anticipated hearing drone interceptions in the UAE.

“I was not mentally prepared. I was terrified, I was actually (hiding) in the bathroom,” he said, requesting anonymity due to Dubai’s restrictive media policies.

However, Yamen Fadel, a 36-year-old Syrian living in Dubai, expressed confidence in government protection and communication efforts.

“I am seeing that there’s nothing much, just a few minor things,” Fadel said. “Nothing scary … because the government here, thank God, is protecting everyone.”

Dubai’s media office announced Saturday that outdated fire footage was circulating on social platforms and warned of legal consequences for sharing such material.

Several influencers reportedly removed their initial posts about the incidents.

CITY SHOWS STRAIN

By Sunday, as Iran’s retaliation expanded throughout the Gulf region, Dubai appeared noticeably quieter than usual, with typically congested weekend roads showing sparse traffic in many areas. The UAE’s human resources ministry advised private sector remote work through Tuesday.

Numerous small neighborhood businesses including barbershops, convenience stores, and local service providers remained closed.

Residents reported extended supermarket lines, delayed grocery deliveries, and unusually empty store shelves.

Social media platforms saw heated exchanges about emergency stockpiling.

“STOP! You are leaving no essentials for others,” one user wrote in a Dubai residents’ Facebook group.

“My husband was in the queue at are (sic) local shop and the person in front of him had 15 baguettes in their trolley, and there was absolutely no meat left,” another posted.

A third user responded: “During the war there are no rules. Each one for himself.”

Dubai’s leadership projected normalcy and continuity.

Saturday evening saw the emirate’s ruler attending Dubai’s premier horse racing event, Emirates Super Saturday, which state media described as “a special evening marked by thrilling races and strong competition.”

But Robyn, a British tourist who had stayed at the Fairmont Hotel earlier in the week before it sustained damage Saturday, said the attacks provided perspective.

“I always thought in the back of my mind that something will kick off someday and spread to the UAE and surrounding areas,” she said.

“But the fact that it happened is definitely very grounding, and you realize that not all that glitters is gold.”

A commercial ship traveling in waters off the United Arab Emirates was hit by an unidentified projectile on Sunday, according to maritime security officials.

The incident occurred approximately 17 nautical miles northwest of Mina Saqr port in the UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah emirate, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported.

The impact from the mysterious projectile sparked a fire aboard the vessel, but crew members were able to successfully extinguish the blaze, UKMTO officials stated. Despite the attack, the ship’s operators indicated they plan to proceed with their planned route.

The nature and origin of the projectile that struck the vessel remains unknown at this time.

Israeli emergency medical services confirmed on Sunday that six people died following a missile attack that struck the town of Beit Shemesh.

The fatal incident occurred as tensions continue to escalate in the region, with emergency responders confirming the casualties from the deadly strike.

Beit Shemesh, located in central Israel, became the target of the missile attack that resulted in multiple fatalities according to official reports from Israeli ambulance services.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi strongly condemned military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, labeling them “unacceptable” during discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday, China’s state news agency Xinhua reported.

Speaking about Saturday’s military operations, Wang characterized the “blatant killing of a sovereign leader” and efforts to provoke regime change as completely unacceptable. Iran has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died during Saturday’s bombardment.

Beijing is demanding an immediate halt to all military operations and pushing for a swift return to diplomatic discussions and negotiations, while jointly opposing unilateral military actions, the Chinese minister stated.

The joint U.S.-Israeli military operations began early Saturday morning, focusing on Iran’s military infrastructure and capabilities.

China’s foreign ministry had already voiced serious concerns about the strikes on Saturday, demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities and encouraging all parties to prevent further escalation while returning to diplomatic channels. Beijing emphasized that Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial boundaries must be honored.

By Sunday, China’s embassy in Israel had issued evacuation guidance for Chinese nationals, recommending they relocate to safer regions within Israel immediately or exit through Egypt using the Taba border crossing.

Chinese authorities also advised their citizens currently in Iran to depart “as soon as possible” on Sunday, providing four overland evacuation routes through Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey and Iraq.

In Sunday editorial commentary, China’s official Xinhua news agency condemned the military action, describing it as “brazen aggression against a sovereign nation” and an example of “power politics and hegemony.”

Xinhua characterized Washington’s military pressure tactics as a “flagrant violation” of United Nations Charter principles and a break from “fundamental norms of international relations.”

Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based Cathay Group announced Saturday that it was halting Middle East operations, impacting passenger services to and from Dubai and Riyadh, plus cargo operations through Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, according to a company statement from Cathay, which owns Cathay Pacific Airways.

The airline company indicated it is redirecting flights that normally travel through the conflict zone.

The regional conflict has triggered extensive flight disruptions and cancellations across the aviation industry.

ATHENS – Over 1,300 anti-war demonstrators gathered in the Greek capital on Sunday, staging protests outside both the United States and Israeli diplomatic missions following recent military strikes against Iran.

The crowd, consisting primarily of members and supporters of Greece’s Communist Party, carried signs with messages including “Hands off Iran” and demands to “close Souda base,” referring to the strategic U.S. naval facility.

Greek authorities had increased security measures at the Souda naval installation on Crete’s coast just one day earlier on Saturday. The base serves as a crucial strategic location for American military operations throughout the eastern Mediterranean region.

Law enforcement officials established security perimeters around both embassy locations using multiple rows of blue police vehicles to separate protesters from the diplomatic buildings.

According to police estimates, the demonstration drew more than 1,300 participants who marched through Athens streets to voice their opposition to the military actions.

BRUSSELS – The European Union’s foreign policy leader believes Iran has reached a pivotal moment following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it a historic turning point for the nation.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, described the situation as offering new possibilities for Iran’s future. “What comes next is uncertain. But there is now an open path to a different Iran, one that its people may have greater freedom to shape,” Kallas wrote on the social media platform X on Sunday.

The EU official emphasized her efforts to coordinate with international allies to reduce tensions in the region. “I’m in contact with partners, including those in the region that bear the brunt of Iran’s military actions, to find practical steps for de-escalation,” she stated.

According to Iranian state media reports, Khamenei died Saturday when Israeli and U.S. airstrikes destroyed his compound in central Tehran.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also weighed in on the developments, revealing she had spoken with Jordan’s King Abdullah. Von der Leyen expressed Europe’s complete support for Jordan following Iranian attacks on the kingdom.

“With Khamenei gone, there is renewed hope for the people of Iran. We must ensure that the future is theirs to claim and shape,” von der Leyen posted on X.

However, the European leader cautioned about potential consequences of the current situation. “At the same time, this moment carries a real risk of instability that could push the region into a spiral of violence,” she warned.

Military confrontations between Israel and Iran extended into a second consecutive day Sunday, with both nations launching fresh attacks against each other’s territories.

Israeli officials confirmed they conducted additional military operations against Iranian targets, while Tehran’s forces simultaneously carried out strikes against Israeli positions. The Iranian military also expanded its operations to include attacks on American facilities located in Gulf states, Iraq, and Jordan.

The escalating situation has created widespread instability throughout the Middle East region, with multiple countries now involved in the growing conflict. The exchange of strikes marks a significant intensification of tensions between the longtime adversaries.

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan authorities reported Sunday they successfully prevented Pakistani military aircraft from conducting bombing runs against Bagram Air Base, the once-major American military installation located north of Kabul, as border hostilities between the two nations entered their fourth consecutive day.

The current hostilities represent the most intense military confrontations between these neighboring countries in recent years, with Pakistan’s leadership stating the nations are engaged in “open war.” International observers have expressed growing concern about the escalating violence, especially given the region’s continued presence of extremist organizations such as al-Qaida and ISIS, which have been attempting to regain influence.

Pakistani officials have accused Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership of providing sanctuary to militant organizations that launch attacks on Pakistani soil, while also claiming Afghanistan has formed partnerships with Pakistan’s longtime adversary, India. Previous border skirmishes in October resulted in numerous fatalities among military personnel, civilians, and suspected militants before Qatar helped broker a temporary ceasefire. However, multiple diplomatic discussions held in Turkey during November failed to establish a permanent peace agreement, and sporadic exchanges of gunfire have occurred since then.

According to a Sunday statement from Parwan province’s police command, where Bagram is situated, multiple Pakistani warplanes violated Afghan airspace “and attempted to bomb Bagram Air Base” around 5 a.m. The statement indicated that Afghan military units deployed “anti-aircraft and missile defense systems” and successfully prevented the assault.

Pakistani officials have not yet responded to these allegations.

Bagram served as America’s primary military installation throughout its Afghanistan operations. Taliban forces assumed control of the facility during their rapid territorial gains following the disorganized American military departure in 2021. Former President Donald Trump indicated last year his interest in reestablishing American operations at the location.

The present conflict erupted when Afghan forces initiated extensive cross-border operations Thursday evening, claiming the actions were retaliation for Pakistani aerial bombardments conducted the previous Sunday.

Pakistan had stated its airstrikes targeted the banned Pakistani Taliban organization, known as TTP. Afghan officials maintained that only civilian casualties resulted from those strikes.

The TTP militant organization, while distinct from Afghanistan’s governing Taliban, maintains close ties with the ruling group and conducts operations within Pakistan, where authorities blame the group for hundreds of deaths through bombing campaigns and other violent attacks spanning multiple years. Pakistani leadership accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of offering protected territory within Afghanistan for TTP operations, which Afghan officials reject.

Following Thursday’s Afghan military action, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif announced that “our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us.”

Throughout the ongoing hostilities, both nations claim to have eliminated hundreds of opposing forces while reporting significantly lower casualty figures for their own military units.

Afghan representatives confirmed that combat operations continued through the night and into Sunday across border regions.

Said Tayyeb Hammad, spokesman for Nangarhar province’s police command, reported that anti-aircraft missiles were deployed from the provincial capital Jalalabad and nearby locations against Pakistani fighter aircraft conducting overflights Sunday morning.

Defense Ministry spokesman Enayatulah Khowarazmi stated that Afghan military units conducted sniper counterattacks across the border from Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost and Kandahar provinces during overnight operations. He alleged that two Pakistani unmanned aircraft were destroyed and numerous Pakistani soldiers were killed.

Deputy government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat reported that Pakistani drone strikes targeted civilian residences in Nangarhar province late Saturday evening, resulting in the deaths of one woman and one child, while mortar fire killed another civilian when it struck a home in Paktia province.

Pakistani officials have not immediately addressed these allegations.

Within just one hour of American and Israeli missiles hitting Iranian targets, President Donald Trump delivered a direct message encouraging political upheaval. In a video address aimed at Iranian citizens, Trump declared, “Now is the time to seize control of your destiny. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.”

The concept appears straightforward at first glance. With Iran’s widely disliked leadership weakened by devastating air attacks, key officials either killed or unaccounted for, and Washington offering its backing, overthrowing an oppressive government might seem achievable.

Historical precedent suggests otherwise.

America’s track record with toppling foreign governments spans decades and continents. The list includes Vietnam during the 1960s and 70s, Panama in 1989, Nicaragua throughout the 1980s, Iraq and Afghanistan following September 11th, and Venezuela in recent weeks.

Iran itself experienced American-backed regime change before. In 1953, the CIA orchestrated the removal of Iran’s democratically chosen prime minister, installing Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi with sweeping authority. Yet like the Shah, who fell during Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution after growing increasingly unpopular over decades, government overthrows seldom proceed according to plan.

American efforts to install friendly administrations typically begin with noble goals, whether promoting democracy in Iraq or supporting anti-Communist leadership in Congo during Cold War tensions. However, these missions frequently become mired in political chaos where democratic aspirations devolve into civil warfare, once-cooperative dictators become liabilities, and American service members come home in coffins.

Trump has frequently referenced this troubled history. “We must abandon the failed policy of nation building and regime change,” he stated in 2016.

During a 2025 address in Saudi Arabia, Trump criticized previous administrations, saying, “In the end, the so-called ‘nation-builders’ wrecked far more nations than they built.” He condemned American efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, arguing that “interventionists were intervening in complex societies that they did not even understand.”

Following Saturday’s military action, a crucial question arises: Does the current administration comprehend the complexity of its undertaking?

Iran faces severe economic turmoil, and popular dissent persists despite brutal government suppression of January protests that killed thousands and imprisoned tens of thousands more. The country’s primary military allies and proxy forces — including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Syria’s Assad regime — have suffered significant losses or elimination. Early Sunday reports from Iranian state media confirmed that Israel and the United States had eliminated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Washington has not articulated a post-conflict strategy and may not seek complete governmental overthrow. Similar to the Venezuelan situation, potential allies within Iran’s existing power structure might be willing to fill leadership voids.

Jonathan Schanzer, who leads the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank highly critical of Iran’s government, explained the challenges ahead. “But there’s a lot that needs to happen between now and a possible scenario along these lines. There needs to be a sense that there is no salvation for the regime as such, and that they will need to work with the United States.”

In a nation where core leadership remains bound by shared ideology and religious conviction, achieving such cooperation may prove exceptionally challenging.

“The question to my mind right now is have we been able to penetrate the ranks of the regime that are not true believers that are more pragmatic,” Schanzer noted. “Because I don’t believe that the true believers will flip.”

Determining whether political momentum is building in Tehran remains premature. Future leaders might prove equally oppressive or face domestic rejection as American puppets.

Phillips O’Brien, who teaches strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, cautioned about expectations. “We’ll see whether elements of the regime start moving against each other. Air power can damage a leadership, but it can’t guarantee that you’ll bring in something new.”

America’s intervention history in Latin America extends back over two centuries, beginning when President James Monroe declared the hemisphere part of America’s sphere of influence.

While the Monroe Doctrine initially aimed to exclude European powers from the region, by the 1900s it justified everything from Central American coups to the unsuccessful 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba. Historians note that such interventions frequently resulted in violence, bloodshed, and widespread human rights abuses.

Christopher Sabatini, a senior fellow for Latin America at London’s Chatham House, argues that direct American involvement has rarely “resulted in long-term democratic stability.” He cites Guatemala, where 1950s U.S. intervention sparked a four-decade civil war that claimed over 200,000 lives.

Nicaragua presents another example, where American support for Contra rebels fighting the Sandinista government during the 1980s fueled prolonged civil conflict that devastated the economy, caused tens of thousands of deaths, and intensified political divisions.

Though large-scale American involvement in Latin America largely ended with the Cold War, Trump has revived this approach.

Since taking office, Trump has authorized naval strikes against Caribbean drug traffickers, imposed a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports, and intervened in electoral processes in Honduras and Argentina. On January 3rd, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, transporting him to face American drug and weapons charges.

The aftermath in Caracas may preview White House expectations for Tehran. Many anticipated American support for María Corina Machado, Venezuela’s prominent opposition figure. Instead, Washington marginalized her while demonstrating willingness to collaborate with President Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Maduro’s deputy.

Schanzer observed the distinction: “There are those who could claim that what we did in Venezuela is not regime change. The regime is still in place. There’s just one person that’s missing.”

North Korea has strongly criticized recent military actions by Israel and the United States against Iran, with a foreign ministry representative condemning the operations as unlawful acts of aggression that violate Iran’s national sovereignty, according to a Sunday report from the Korean Central News Agency.

The North Korean spokesperson characterized the U.S. military action against Iran as being “within the range of expectations,” describing it as a predictable result of what they termed America’s “hegemonic and gangster-like” behavior.

According to the statement, any “war of aggression” conducted by the United States and Israel cannot be justified under any conditions.

The North Korean official also called on Middle Eastern nations and other countries with common interests to step up and take action to restore peace and stability throughout the region.

These condemnations follow Israel’s announcement Sunday that its forces had conducted extensive strikes in central Tehran. The Israeli military reported carrying out a major operation that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sparking concerns about potential widespread unrest across the Middle East.

LONDON – Iranian state media has confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following joint strikes by American and Israeli forces that targeted the country on Sunday, March 1st.

The announcement has prompted responses from leaders across the globe, with reactions varying significantly based on international relationships and regional interests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his sympathies, stating: “Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.”

Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard struck a more measured tone, acknowledging the potential implications while warning of continued regional instability.

“Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been confirmed dead. This could open a window of opportunities. But there are still many uncertainties remaining,” Stenergard said. “Iran’s future must belong to the people. But the road there is long. The risk of a spiral of violence in the Middle East remains great.”

Indonesia’s Muslim Clerical Council, known as the Ulema Council, issued a statement condemning the February 28th attack while questioning American involvement in Middle Eastern peace efforts.

“The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) expressed its deepest condolences for the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as a result of the Israeli-American attack on February 28,” the organization stated.

The council went further, challenging U.S. peace initiatives in the region: “The United States, which is playing a central role in managing the Palestinian conflict through the BoP (Board of Peace), faces a major question: is this strategy truly aimed at a just peace, or is it actually strengthening an unequal security architecture and burying Palestinian independence? Therefore, the MUI urges the Indonesian government to revoke its membership from the BoP.”

The strikes represent a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions, with the full implications of Khamenei’s death yet to be determined.

The passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has revealed stark divisions across the nation, as citizens responded with both mourning and celebration following his death after 36 years in power.

Iranian state television broke the news during the early morning hours on Sunday, with the announcer’s voice filled with emotion while confirming that Khamenei had perished in Saturday’s U.S.-Israeli strike. Video from Tehran captured crowds of mourners gathering in a public square, many wearing black clothing and visibly weeping.

However, social media footage revealed contrasting scenes of jubilation across various Iranian cities. In Dehloran, located in Ilam province, people cheered as they brought down a statue. Residents of Karaj city in Alborz province danced in the streets, while celebrations erupted in Izeh within Khuzestan province.

In the southern Iranian town of Galleh Dar, citizens destroyed a memorial dedicated to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of Iran’s Islamic Republic in 1979, according to verified social media video.

“Am I dreaming? Hello to the new world!” a man can be heard shouting in the video, as fires burned on a traffic circle where the monument was toppled, prompting cheers and applause.

Additional footage showed people celebrating in the southern town of Lapuee outside the residence of Pooya Jafari, a 15-year-old who was fatally shot during anti-government demonstrations in January.

The January protests resulted in thousands of Iranian deaths during government crackdowns, marking the most deadly period of civil unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Following Saturday’s announcement of the Iranian attack, President Donald Trump called on Iranian citizens to take advantage of the situation to overthrow their government.

At a memorial gathering for Khamenei in Tehran, one attendee expressed that the news had filled him with animosity “towards Israel and America. We must avenge the blood of the leader.”

“We said last night until the morning that God willing, it is a lie. Unfortunately, it was the truth,” said a woman mourning Khamenei’s death, in a pool report via WANA.

Throughout Khamenei’s leadership, Iran experienced multiple periods of civil disorder, including student demonstrations in 1999 and 2002, upheaval in 2009, and the recent “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in 2022, which began after a young woman died while in morality police custody.

A 33-year-old Isfahan woman told Reuters she wept from both happiness and shock upon learning of Khamenei’s death. Speaking from Iran, she described joining street celebrations to “share my happiness with my people,” hoping his death would signal the end of the Islamic Republic. She requested anonymity due to safety concerns.

However, Atousa Mirzade, an elementary school educator in Shiraz, said she couldn’t celebrate their leader’s death at the hands of foreign forces.

“I also cannot be happy because I don’t know what will happen to our country. We saw what happened in Iraq — chaos and bloodshed. I would prefer the Islamic Republic to that situation.”

Hossein Dadbakhsh, a 21-year-old university student in Mashhad, vowed that Iran would seek retribution for its leader.

“I am ready to sacrifice my life for Islam and for my Imam Khamenei. The Zionist regime and Trump will pay a heavy price for the martyrdom of my leader,” he said by phone, his voice trembling with emotion.

LONDON – The United Kingdom’s Defense Secretary John Healey stopped short of endorsing weekend military strikes conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran, telling reporters Sunday that America must “set out the legal basis of the action it took.”

Iranian state media has confirmed that the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in Saturday’s air strikes.

Speaking to BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, Healey emphasized that Britain had no involvement in the military action, though the UK shares Washington’s goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capabilities.

When pressed about whether the strikes complied with international law, Healey responded: “It is for the U.S. to set out the legal basis of the action that it took.”

The Defense Secretary described Iran’s response as increasingly reckless, noting that Iranian forces have been targeting civilian infrastructure including airports and hotels alongside military installations.

“We have strengthened the UK defences in the region, we are active in regional defence operations,” Healey stated during an interview with Sky News.

He confirmed that British military aircraft stationed at bases in Qatar and Cyprus are currently conducting operations to intercept drone attacks aimed at allied forces and installations in the region.

MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday condemned the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it a “cynical” assassination that breaks international law and basic human decency.

In an official message to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian released by the Kremlin, Putin expressed his condolences, stating: “Please accept my deep condolences in connection with the murder of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, committed in cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law.”

According to Iranian state media reports, the 86-year-old Khamenei died Saturday during military strikes carried out by Israeli and American forces.

Putin praised the deceased Iranian leader’s role in strengthening ties between Moscow and Tehran, saying: “In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a huge personal contribution to the development of friendly Russian-Iranian relations and bringing them to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.”

The Russian president concluded his statement by extending sympathy to Iran’s leadership and citizens: “I ask you to convey my most sincere sympathy and support to the family and friends of the Supreme Leader, the government and the entire people of Iran.”

A commercial oil vessel sustained damage near Oman’s coastline on Sunday, leaving four crew members wounded, according to the nation’s maritime security officials. The incident followed separate drone attacks on Oman’s Duqm commercial port facility.

These attacks represent the initial strikes targeting Omani territory or nearby waters amid escalating regional tensions following retaliatory actions by Tehran against Gulf nations. The broader conflict stems from coordinated U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, which have sparked a new phase of warfare in the region.

The vessel, named Skylight and registered under Palau’s flag, had its entire 20-member crew evacuated following the assault, which took place approximately 5 nautical miles north of Khasab Port on the Musandam peninsula, according to Oman’s Maritime Security Centre’s social media announcement. Officials did not identify what weapon struck the tanker.

Four crew members sustained injuries of different degrees of severity, maritime authorities reported. The ship’s crew consisted of 15 Indian nationals and five Iranian citizens.

The Musandam peninsula, where Oman is located, jointly controls the Strait of Hormuz with Iran. This narrow waterway serves as a crucial shipping lane for approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.

Earlier the same day, Oman’s official news service confirmed that two drones struck the Duqm commercial port, wounding one foreign worker.

Wreckage from an additional drone landed close to fuel storage tanks at the Duqm facility, though this incident resulted in no injuries or property damage, according to the news agency.

The world’s major oil-producing nations are weighing a substantial increase in crude output this weekend following disruptions to shipping lanes caused by escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

According to two sources within the OPEC+ alliance, the group will contemplate boosting production beyond previously anticipated levels during Sunday’s emergency meeting. The discussions come after Iran issued warnings that effectively shut down navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy shipments.

The oil cartel has traditionally responded to supply disruptions by ramping up production, though energy experts note that most member countries currently lack significant unused capacity to meaningfully increase output. Only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates possess substantial spare production capability.

Sources indicate that Saudi Arabia has already begun increasing both production and exports in recent weeks, anticipating potential U.S. military action against Iran.

Maritime traffic carrying oil, natural gas, and other commodities through the Strait of Hormuz ceased on Saturday after shipping companies received Iranian advisories declaring the waterway closed to vessels.

Sunday’s OPEC+ meeting will examine raising daily production by 411,000 barrels or potentially more, sources revealed to Reuters. This represents a significant jump from initial projections of just 137,000 barrels per day.

Energy markets reacted sharply on Friday, with oil prices climbing to $73 per barrel – the highest point since July. The increase reflects growing concerns about broader Middle Eastern conflict and potential supply shortages through Hormuz, which handles more than 20% of worldwide oil transportation.

Veteran OPEC analyst Helima Croft from RBC reported that Middle Eastern officials have cautioned Washington that military action against Iran could drive oil prices above $100 per barrel. Barclays analysts have issued similar warnings about potential price spikes.

However, Croft emphasized that any large-scale OPEC production increase would have minimal market impact due to limited actual production capabilities beyond Saudi Arabia’s reserves.

The emergency session scheduled for 1100 GMT Sunday will include eight key OPEC+ members: Saudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Iraq, Algeria, and Oman. While OPEC+ encompasses the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus allies like Russia, these eight nations have handled most production adjustments in recent years.

The eight-member group had previously agreed to boost production quotas by approximately 2.9 million barrels daily from April through December 2025 – roughly 3% of global demand – before temporarily suspending increases for January through March 2026 due to seasonal market conditions.

KARACHI, Pakistan — Deadly violence erupted in Pakistan’s largest city Sunday when hundreds of angry demonstrators launched an assault on the United States Consulate, resulting in at least six fatalities and approximately a dozen injuries during confrontations with law enforcement and paramilitary units, according to local officials.

The deadly unrest followed reports that American and Israeli forces had conducted an operation that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Medical personnel at a Karachi hospital confirmed that around eight individuals sustained injuries during the fierce confrontations.

Dr. Summaiya Syed Tariq, serving as police surgeon at the city’s primary government medical facility, verified that six deceased individuals and numerous wounded protesters were transported to the hospital. Karachi serves as both the capital of Sindh province in southern Pakistan and the nation’s most populous urban center.

According to senior law enforcement official Irfan Baloch, demonstrators temporarily breached the consulate’s outer security perimeter before being pushed back by authorities. “The situation is now fully under our control,” Baloch stated.

Baloch refuted unverified claims suggesting portions of the consulate facility had been set ablaze. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that protesters had burned down a nearby police station and damaged consulate windows before security personnel arrived to restore order.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that numerous Shiite demonstrators continued to gather approximately one kilometer away from the diplomatic compound, encouraging additional participants to join their cause. Pakistan’s Shiite population comprises roughly 15% of the country’s 250 million residents, representing among the world’s most significant Shiite communities. While anti-American and anti-Israeli demonstrations have occurred previously, violent confrontations of this magnitude remain uncommon.

Similar protests also took place near the American Consulate in Lahore, the capital city of Punjab province in eastern Pakistan, law enforcement reported. Senior police official Faisal Kamran explained that demonstrators attempted to stage protests outside the diplomatic facility but were prevented from doing so. Authorities dispersed the gathering when protesters tried to march toward the consulate building, he confirmed.

Iran has declared a 40-day period of national mourning following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during coordinated military strikes conducted by the United States and Israel this past Saturday.

The Iranian leadership confirmed the death of their highest-ranking official after the joint military operation targeted Iran. President Trump has since issued a stern warning to Tehran, advising against any retaliatory measures in response to Khamenei’s death.

The strikes mark a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the Western allies, with the death of the Supreme Leader representing a major blow to Iran’s theocratic government structure.

Airlines around the globe continued suspending Middle Eastern routes on Sunday following military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a fresh regional crisis.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed nearly empty skies across Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar, while ongoing military operations forced major aviation hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha to either close completely or operate under severe limitations.

Here’s how individual carriers are responding to the crisis, organized by airline:

AEGEAN AIRLINES: Greece’s flagship carrier halted service to Tel Aviv, Israel; Beirut, Lebanon; and Erbil, Iraq through March 2.

AIR ASTANA: The airline group suspended all Middle Eastern routes until March 3.

AIR CANADA: Canadian flights to Israel remain grounded through March 8, while Dubai service is cancelled until March 3.

AIR EUROPA: Spain’s Air Europa scrapped Tel Aviv flights for Sunday and Monday, with Tuesday operations under review.

AIR FRANCE KLM: Air France eliminated Saturday flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut. KLM’s Dutch operations cancelled weekend service to Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh, while moving up the suspension of Amsterdam-Tel Aviv routes to Saturday.

AIR INDIA: The carrier scrapped Sunday departures from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar to London, New York, Chicago, Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris, plus additional European destinations including Birmingham, Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, Vienna and Copenhagen.

AZERBAIJAN AIRLINES: Service to Dubai, Doha, Jeddah and Tel Aviv remains suspended.

BRITISH AIRWAYS: The IAG subsidiary cancelled Tel Aviv and Bahrain flights through March 3, along with Saturday’s Amman service.

CATHAY PACIFIC: Hong Kong’s Cathay Group suspended regional operations affecting Dubai and Riyadh passenger flights, plus cargo service at Dubai’s Al Maktoum airport.

EMIRATES: Dubai’s flagship carrier halted all operations until 3 p.m. UAE time on March 2 due to widespread airspace restrictions.

ETIHAD: UAE’s Etihad suspended Abu Dhabi departures until 2 p.m. local time Sunday.

FLYDUBAI: The budget carrier temporarily grounded all Dubai flights until 3 p.m. local time Sunday.

IBERIA EXPRESS: The Spanish subsidiary cancelled Saturday’s 5 p.m. Tel Aviv departure.

INDIGO: India’s largest airline extended suspension of select international routes using Middle Eastern airspace through Monday.

ITA AIRWAYS: Italy’s carrier suspended Tel Aviv service and banned use of Israeli, Lebanese, Jordanian, Iraqi and Iranian airspace until March 7, while Dubai flights remain cancelled through March 1.

JAPAN AIRLINES: Saturday’s Tokyo Haneda-Doha flight and Sunday’s return service were cancelled, according to Nikkei reports.

LOT POLISH AIRLINES: Tel Aviv service remains suspended until March 15, with Dubai and Riyadh flights cancelled through March 2.

LUFTHANSA: Germany’s flag carrier suspended Tel Aviv, Beirut and Oman routes until March 7, cancelled weekend Dubai flights, and banned use of Israeli, Lebanese, Jordanian, Iraqi and Iranian airspace through March 7.

NORWEGIAN AIR: The Nordic carrier suspended Dubai service through March 4, though Tel Aviv and Beirut routes remain unaffected as they operate only during summer months.

PEGASUS AIRLINES: Turkish carrier cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon through March 2.

QATAR AIRWAYS: All flights remain suspended due to Qatari airspace closure, with updates expected by 9 a.m. local time Monday.

SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES: Saturday’s Copenhagen-Tel Aviv flight was cancelled, with future dates under review.

TURKISH AIRLINES: Saturday flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE and Oman were cancelled, along with service to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan through March 2.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC: The British carrier is avoiding Iraqi airspace, causing flight rerouting, and cancelled Saturday’s London Heathrow-Dubai service.

WIZZ AIR: Hungary’s budget airline immediately suspended flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman through March 7, with ongoing schedule reviews as conditions change.

KARACHI, Pakistan — Violent confrontations between Pakistani authorities and demonstrators outside the U.S. consulate in Karachi resulted in nine fatalities on Sunday, as crowds responded to reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran.

Similar demonstrations took place near Baghdad’s Green Zone in Iraq, where the American Embassy is situated, as supporters of Iran expressed their outrage.

Both Pakistan and Iraq contain the world’s second and third largest populations of Shi’ite Muslims, following Iran itself.

In Karachi, demonstrators managed to breach the exterior barrier of the consulate before being repelled by security forces, according to a local government representative. The crowd ignited a car near the facility’s main entrance during the confrontation with police.

Authorities confirmed that nine individuals lost their lives during these violent encounters.

News reporters on the scene documented the sound of weapons fire and witnessed law enforcement deploying tear gas throughout the area surrounding the diplomatic compound. Video evidence captured flames burning under a bridge in the vicinity.

Officials reported no injuries from the street violence itself.

Neither the Karachi consulate nor the U.S. Embassy press office in Islamabad provided responses to media inquiries.

Demonstrations of significant size also took place throughout other regions of Pakistan.

In Skardu, located in the northern Gilgit Baltistan area known for its mountainous terrain and tourism, angry crowds set fire to a United Nations facility. This region typically remains calm and has a Shi’ite majority population.

Local government representative Shabbir Mir confirmed to reporters that demonstrators had assembled at the UN office in the region and destroyed the structure through arson, though no injuries occurred.

Earlier that day in Lahore, hundreds gathered near the American consulate in Pakistan’s central region. While minor altercations with law enforcement took place, no violent incidents were documented.

Eyewitness Aqeel Raza described the scene, stating: “Some of the protesters tried to damage the security gate, hundreds of yards away from the Consulate. However, police stopped them without use of force.”

In Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad, law enforcement blocked all routes to the red zone containing diplomatic buildings and the parliament, preventing vehicle and pedestrian access.

A seasoned Iranian political figure has stepped into a leadership vacuum after announcing Sunday that a temporary governing council will take charge following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an airstrike.

Ali Larijani, who has risen to become one of Iran’s most influential security officials over the past year, has been handling a wide range of critical issues including nuclear diplomacy, regional relationships, and the government’s harsh response to domestic protests.

The establishment veteran, who comes from a prominent religious family, had been leading Iran’s attempts to negotiate a nuclear agreement with America – this came just one month after the U.S. imposed sanctions on him in January for his alleged role in violently suppressing anti-government demonstrations.

On Sunday, Larijani blamed the United States and Israel for attempting to “plunder and disintegrate Iran” and issued warnings to “secessionist groups” about severe consequences if they take action, according to state television reports. This statement came nearly a full day after attacks against Iran commenced.

Iranian state media also reported that Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi died in the strikes.

Since taking over as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council in August, Larijani has maintained senior positions throughout his career, earning recognition for his unwavering loyalty to Khamenei and his skill at working with competing factions within the system.

His position as a trusted advisor to Khamenei became clear last month when he traveled to Oman, which serves as a mediator, to lay groundwork for indirect nuclear discussions with the United States. This occurred as Washington increased its military presence in the Middle East to pressure Iran before launching strikes.

In recent months, Larijani has also made multiple visits to Moscow, Iran’s important ally, to discuss various security partnerships, demonstrating his return to high-level international diplomacy.

LARIJANI VIEWS NUCLEAR DISPUTE AS ‘SOLVABLE’

Having previously led the SNSC two decades ago, Larijani returned to this leadership position after last year’s 12-day aerial conflict between Iran and Israel, which also involved the United States, bringing him back to the center of Iran’s security apparatus.

His public comments regarding nuclear issues have often reflected a practical approach.

“In my view, this issue is resolvable,” Larijani stated to Oman state television last month about the U.S. negotiations. “If the Americans’ concern is that Iran should not move toward acquiring a nuclear weapon, that can be addressed.”

However, following January’s widespread anti-government protests, Washington criticized his security council position.

A U.S. government statement announcing sanctions against Larijani and other officials for their response to the protests described him as leading the effort to suppress the demonstrations that occurred across Iran in January.

“Larijani was one of the first Iranian leaders to call for violence in response to the legitimate demands of the Iranian people,” stated a U.S. Treasury announcement on January 15, noting that Larijani acted on Khamenei’s orders.

Human rights organizations report that thousands died during the government’s crackdown on the protests, marking Iran’s most severe internal unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

‘TRADING A PEARL FOR CANDY’

While Larijani, like other Iranian officials, showed some sympathy for demonstrations driven by economic difficulties, he condemned violent actions that he claimed were encouraged by Israel, Iran’s primary adversary.

“Popular protests must be completely separated from these terrorist-similar groups,” state media quoted him as saying on January 10. “The rioters are an urban quasi-terrorist group,” he was reported as saying on January 26.

A former Revolutionary Guards member, Larijani worked as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator from 2005-2007, defending Tehran’s claimed right to uranium enrichment. He famously compared European offers to halt nuclear fuel production to “exchanging a pearl for a candy bar.”

During that period, Iranian experts believed he tried to convince Western nations through diplomatic means and was viewed as a moderate.

The United States and Israel maintain that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons that could endanger Israel’s survival. Iran insists its nuclear activities are entirely for peaceful purposes.

From 2008 to 2020, Larijani served as parliament speaker. While in this role, Iran reached a nuclear agreement with six global powers in 2015 following nearly two years of complex negotiations. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of this carefully negotiated deal in 2018 during his first presidency.

WORKING WITH PUTIN

Larijani has warned that Iran’s nuclear capabilities “can never be destroyed.”

“Because once you have discovered a technology, they can’t take the discovery away,” he explained to PBS Frontline in September 2025. “It’s as if you are the inventor of some machine, and the machine is stolen from you. You can still make it again.”

Through frequent trips to Moscow and meetings with President Vladimir Putin, Larijani has helped Khamenei maintain relations with a crucial ally and global power that balances pressure from Trump.

Larijani also oversaw negotiations with China that resulted in a 25-year cooperation deal in 2021.

He ran for president unsuccessfully in 2005 and later attempted to compete in the 2021 and 2024 presidential races but was rejected both times by the Guardian Council, which pointed to concerns including personal conduct standards and family connections overseas.

Born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1958 into a prominent Iranian religious family, Larijani relocated to Iran during childhood and eventually obtained a philosophy doctorate. Multiple brothers have also served in high-ranking government positions, including in the court system and foreign ministry.

In January, one of Larijani’s daughters lost her medical teaching job at Emory University in the United States after Iranian-American activists protested her father’s involvement in suppressing that month’s demonstrations.

LONDON — Military strikes targeting Iran have created widespread travel chaos throughout the Middle East, forcing the closure of major airports and leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded worldwide as the conflict entered its second day Sunday.

Major transportation hubs across the region remained shuttered Sunday following the joint U.S.-Israeli operation. Emirates Airlines halted all Dubai operations until at least Sunday afternoon, while Qatar Airways announced its airport would stay closed through Monday morning. Israeli airspace also continued its closure Sunday.

The widespread airspace restrictions have affected hundreds of thousands of travelers globally.

On Saturday, massive travel disruptions began when Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain all sealed their airspace to civilian aircraft. The United Arab Emirates implemented what officials called a “temporary and partial closure” of its airspace, effectively grounding all flight operations, according to flight monitoring service FlightRadar24.

The closures shuttered critical aviation hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, resulting in more than 1,800 flight cancellations by major Middle Eastern carriers. The three primary airlines serving these airports — Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad — normally handle approximately 90,000 daily passengers through their hubs, plus countless additional travelers bound for Middle Eastern destinations, aviation data company Cirium reports.

UAE authorities reported direct impacts at two of their airports, condemning what they described as a “blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles” on Saturday.

Dubai International Airport — the UAE’s largest facility and among the world’s busiest — confirmed four people sustained injuries, while Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport reported one fatality and seven injuries from a drone attack. Kuwait International Airport also experienced strikes.

While Iran has not officially acknowledged responsibility, the retaliatory strikes that Gulf states blame on Iran went beyond the American military installations Iran had previously threatened to target.

“For travelers, there’s no way to sugarcoat this,” stated Henry Harteveldt, airline industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group. “You should prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as these attacks evolve and hopefully end.”

Airlines operating Middle Eastern routes must now redirect flights around the conflict zone, with many aircraft routing south through Saudi Arabian airspace. These longer flight paths will add hours to journey times and increase fuel consumption, raising operational costs that airlines must absorb. Extended conflicts could drive ticket prices higher.

The increased air traffic will strain Saudi Arabia’s air traffic control systems, potentially requiring slower traffic flow to maintain safety standards. Meanwhile, countries with closed airspace will lose revenue from overflight fees that airlines typically pay.

However, Mike McCormick, former Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control overseer and current Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor, believes partial airspace reopening may occur within days once American and Israeli officials share military flight information and Iran’s remaining missile capabilities with airlines.

“Those countries then will be able to go through and say, okay, we can reopen this portion of our space but we’ll keep this portion of our airspace closed,” McCormick explained. “So I think what we’ll see in the next 24 to 36 hours how the use of airspace evolves as the kinetic activity gets more well defined and as the capability of Iran to actually shoot missiles and create additional risk is diminished due to the attacks.”

The duration of flight operation disruptions remains uncertain. For reference, the Israeli and U.S. military action against Iran in June 2025 continued for 12 days.

Rapidly changing conditions prompted airlines to advise passengers to verify flight status online before traveling to airports.

Several carriers have issued travel waivers allowing affected passengers to reschedule flights without additional fees or fare increases.

Jonathan Escott and his fiancé discovered their situation firsthand Saturday when they reached Newcastle, England’s airport only to learn their direct Emirates flight to Dubai had been canceled, stranding all passengers.

Escott returned to family accommodations an hour from the airport but remains uncertain about future travel plans.

“No one knows,” Escott said. “No one really knows what’s going on with the conflict, really. Not Emirates, Emirates don’t have a clue. No one has a clue.”

Flight tracking service FlightAware recorded at least 145 aircraft diverted to alternate airports in Athens, Istanbul, and Rome after being rerouted from destinations like Tel Aviv and Dubai early Saturday. Other flights returned to their departure points, including one aircraft that spent nearly 15 hours airborne after leaving Philadelphia, reaching Spain before turning back to its starting location.

Multiple airlines suspended weekend international service to Dubai as India’s civil aviation authority classified much of the Middle East — including airspace over Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon — as high-security risk zones at all flight levels.

Air India canceled all Middle Eastern flights. Turkish Airlines suspended service to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan until Monday, while also halting flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

The carrier warned of potential additional cancellations, joining numerous other airlines suspending regional service through the weekend.

American carriers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines paused Tel Aviv flights at least through the weekend. Dutch carrier KLM had already announced earlier this week its suspension of Tel Aviv service.

Lufthansa, Air France, Transavia and Pegasus eliminated all Lebanon flights, while American Airlines suspended Philadelphia-to-Doha service.

Virgin Atlantic announced it would avoid Iraqi airspace, potentially extending flight times to and from India, the Maldives and Riyadh. The airline, already avoiding Iranian airspace, said all flights would carry extra fuel for potential short-notice rerouting.

British Airways suspended Tel Aviv and Bahrain flights until next week, while canceling Saturday’s Amman, Jordan service.

“Travelers should anticipate that there will be a lot of disruptions,” Harteveldt warned. “To be honest, if you haven’t left home, chances are you won’t be leaving home if you’re supposed to travel to or through these destinations for at least several days, if not longer. And if you are returning home, you will have to be very creative about how you get home.”

International air travel faced severe disruptions Sunday as ongoing military strikes forced the closure of critical Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai – the world’s busiest international airport – creating one of aviation’s most significant disruptions in recent memory.

Major transit hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, along with Doha in Qatar, either closed completely or operated under heavy restrictions as regional airspace remained largely inaccessible. The Gulf region continues dealing with instability following U.S. and Israeli military operations that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday.

Israeli forces announced additional strikes against Iran on Sunday, while explosive sounds echoed for the second consecutive day near Dubai and above Doha, following Iran’s retaliatory aerial attacks on neighboring Gulf nations.

Iran’s assault caused structural damage to Dubai International Airport, with facilities in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait also suffering hits. Flight tracking service FlightAware reports thousands of flights throughout the Middle East have been impacted since U.S. forces initially struck Iran on Saturday.

The consequences extend well beyond Middle Eastern borders. Dubai and Doha serve as crucial connection points for east-west aviation routes, managing long-distance traffic between Europe and Asia through carefully coordinated flight networks. With these major hubs offline, planes and flight crews remain displaced, creating worldwide airline scheduling problems.

“It’s the sheer volume of people and the complexity,” explained John Strickland, a UK-based aviation analyst.

“It is not only customers, it is the crews and aircraft all over place.”

Airlines throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East have canceled flights or changed routes to bypass closed airspace, resulting in longer travel times and increased fuel expenses. The situation worsened with the loss of flight paths over Iran and Iraq, routes that became more valuable after the Russia-Ukraine conflict forced carriers to avoid those nations’ airspace.

According to Ian Petchenik, communications director at Flightradar24, the Middle Eastern airspace restrictions are forcing airlines into tighter flight corridors, while ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan present additional risks.

“The risk of protracted disruption is the main concern from a commercial aviation perspective,” Petchenik stated.

“Any escalation in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan that results in the closure of airspace would have drastic consequences for travel between Europe and Asia.”

Residents of Dubai and Doha reported hearing powerful explosions throughout Sunday, marking the second consecutive day of Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting Gulf region locations following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.

While Iranian officials had initially indicated their focus would be on American military installations in the area, the strikes have expanded to include various civilian and commercial locations throughout major Gulf cities.

In Dubai, two residents sustained injuries when debris from intercepted drones crashed into residential properties, according to an official statement from Dubai’s Media office.

The attacks caused significant damage to several of Dubai’s most recognizable sites, including the busy international airport, the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, and the exclusive artificial Palm Jumeirah Island development.

Dark smoke clouds remained visible rising from the Jebel Ali port district, where a dock facility ignited Sunday morning due to falling debris from a missile that was shot down during an aerial interception.

As the Middle East’s largest center for tourism and commerce, Dubai operates one of the globe’s most heavily trafficked airports for international travel.

Officials from Qatar’s interior ministry confirmed Sunday they were addressing a contained fire at an industrial facility caused by falling debris from a successfully intercepted missile.