GCC Conflict: Iran Denies High-Level Assassinations Following US-Israeli Strikes
GCC Conflict: Iranian state media and government officials have officially denied reports that the country’s senior leadership or military heads were killed during the recent wave of US and Israeli airstrikes. President Masoud Pezeshkian is confirmed to be safe and in good health, a sentiment echoed by his son, Youssef Pezeshkian, who noted on Telegram that the latest assassination attempts had failed.
Despite earlier rumors of his death, Army Commander Major General Amir Hatami is also reported to be unharmed and at full operational readiness. Additionally, hardline news agencies have verified the safety of other top figures, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and SNSC head Ali Larijani, maintaining that the core political and military command remains intact.
UAE Authorities Target Online Misinformation in New Warning
The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued an urgent advisory for all residents to rely exclusively on official, verified sources for information and to strictly avoid circulating unconfirmed content or rumors online. This warning comes as authorities confirm that national defense systems remain fully operational 24/7 to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure against evolving threats. Officials emphasized that maintaining a secure digital environment is a collective responsibility, making it the duty of every individual to verify information before sharing it to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect the nation’s security.
UN Head Calls for Instant End to Conflict
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stern condemnation of the military escalation in the Middle East following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks. In an official statement on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the UN chief warned that this cycle of violence directly undermines international peace and security. Emphasizing that there is no viable alternative to a peaceful settlement, Guterres called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to return to the negotiating table to prevent a wider regional conflict with devastating consequences for civilians.
UAE Intercepts New Wave of Iranian Missiles and Drones: Military Remains on High Alert
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed late Saturday that its advanced air defense systems successfully intercepted and neutralized a third wave of Iranian missiles and drones targeting the country. This latest escalation follows a series of joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier in the day, which triggered retaliatory attacks against various regional targets.
While the Ministry praised the high efficiency of the interception operations, it was reported that debris from the downed projectiles fell in multiple residential and commercial areas across both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Specifically, fragments were noted in neighborhoods such as Saadiyat Island, Khalifa City, and Al Falah in the capital, while an explosion and subsequent fire were reported in a building on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, resulting in four injuries.
Despite these localized incidents and one earlier confirmed fatality, a Pakistani national in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry emphasized that the nation’s security remains firm and under full control. The statement characterized the attacks as a “blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law,” affirming the UAE’s legitimate right to take all necessary defensive measures to safeguard its territory and residents.
In response to the ongoing threat, the General Civil Aviation Authority has maintained a partial and temporary closure of UAE airspace, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights at Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain calm, avoid the circulation of unverified social media footage, and rely exclusively on official government sources for safety updates as the regional situation remains highly volatile.
Indian Embassy Steps In to Assist Stranded Citizens in UAE
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai have confirmed they are in active coordination with UAE authorities and airlines to assist Indian nationals currently stranded at airports following the precautionary closure of regional airspace on February 28, 2026. The mission has received assurances of full support from the UAE government and airline operators to prioritize the safety and well-being of all affected passengers. Indian citizens are urged to remain vigilant, stay indoors where possible, and strictly follow the latest safety advisories issued by local security forces and the Embassy.
Dubai Authorities Contain Palm Jumeirah Incident; Four Injured
Dubai Civil Defence has confirmed that a fire at a building on Palm Jumeirah is now under control after emergency response teams were immediately deployed to secure the site. The incident resulted in injuries to four individuals, all of whom have been transferred to medical facilities for treatment.
While the site remains secured, authorities emphasized that the safety of residents and visitors is the highest priority and that all necessary measures are being taken to protect the public. Residents are urged to remain calm, rely strictly on official government information, and refrain from sharing unverified videos or images of the incident on social media as the situation continues to be monitored.
Death Toll in Iranian Girls’ School Strike Rises to 85 Following Joint Military Action
The judiciary in Iran has confirmed that the death toll from a devastating strike on a girls’ school in the southern city of Minab has risen to 85. The attack occurred on Saturday, February 28, 2026, amid a massive wave of joint military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against targets across the Islamic Republic.
According to the judiciary’s Mizan Online website, the local prosecutor’s office has classified the victims as martyrs as rescue operations continue in the area. This tragic loss of life marks one of the highest civilian casualty counts reported since the escalation of hostilities, drawing international concern over the impact of the conflict on non-military infrastructure.
UAE Air Defence Thwarts Additional Wave of Iranian Missile and Drone Attacks
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its national air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed a new wave of Iranian missiles and drones launched toward the country on Saturday. Officials reported that the interception was carried out with high efficiency, resulting in no material damage or casualties within the targeted areas.
The Ministry reiterated its full readiness to deal with any external threats, affirming that all necessary measures are being taken to firmly protect the nation’s security and stability. While debris fell in parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the government emphasized that the safety of all citizens and residents remains the absolute top priority.
IDF Launches Massive Second Wave of Strikes Across Central Iran
The Israeli military confirmed late Saturday that the IDF has initiated an additional wave of targeted strikes against the Iranian regime’s strategic assets in central Iran. This second phase of the operation specifically focuses on neutralizing missile launchers and advanced aerial defense systems to further degrade Iran’s ability to launch retaliatory strikes.
According to an official military statement, these coordinated actions are part of a broader mission to dismantle the infrastructure used to threaten regional security, following the earlier escalation of hostilities between the two nations.
Israel Conducts Largest Air Raid in History with 200 Jets Striking Iran
The Israeli military confirmed that approximately 200 fighter jets completed a massive, unprecedented aerial offensive against Iranian military targets on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Described as the largest operation in the history of the Israeli Air Force, the mission utilized hundreds of munitions to strike roughly 500 strategic objectives across western and central Iran.
The extensive raids specifically targeted the Iranian regime’s sophisticated missile arrays and critical air defense systems. Military officials stated that the coordinated waves of attacks successfully neutralized key defensive infrastructures and launchers, marking a significant escalation in the regional conflict following joint operations with U.S. forces.
India’s External Affairs Minister Calls for Immediate Regional De-escalation
Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held urgent diplomatic consultations on Saturday with both Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi as regional tensions reached a critical breaking point. During his conversation with Minister Sa’ar, Jaishankar reiterated India’s consistent stance on the necessity of dialogue and diplomacy to halt the spiraling violence.
In a subsequent teleconference with Minister Araghchi, he expressed India’s profound concern regarding the recent military developments within Iran and the broader Middle East. By engaging both counterparts, the Indian government continues to advocate for a return to stability and a cessation of hostilities to prevent further catastrophic impacts on international security and the millions of expatriates living in the region.
UAE Catholic Bishop Calls for Unity and Prayer Amid Regional Tensions
In response to the escalating military situation in the Middle East, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, has officially directed all Catholic churches in the UAE and neighboring Gulf countries to incorporate special intentions for peace and security into their daily Masses.
In a pastoral message issued on Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Bishop urged the faithful to remain “calm and serene” while strictly adhering to all safety instructions provided by UAE civil authorities. Emphasizing the power of spiritual solidarity, he invited the community to pray the rosary daily for reconciliation, underscoring that now is a vital time for all residents to remain united in their commitment to peace for all people across the region.
Iran Reports Upwards of 200 Killed and 750 Wounded in Strikes
The Iranian Red Crescent Society has confirmed a staggering toll following joint military operations by the United States and Israel on Saturday, February 28, 2026. According to official state media reports, at least 201 people have been killed and 747 others injured in a series of coordinated strikes that impacted 24 of Iran’s 31 provinces. The attacks, codenamed “Operation Epic Fury” by the U.S. and “Operation Roaring Lion” by Israel, reportedly targeted over 500 military objectives, including ballistic missile launch sites and air defense batteries.
One of the most devastating incidents occurred in the southern province of Hormozgan, where a strike on a girls’ elementary school in Minab resulted in the deaths of dozens of students. Iranian authorities have characterized the offensive as an illegal and unprovoked act of aggression, while the U.S. administration maintains the strikes were a preemptive measure to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure.
Bahrain Civil Defence Responds to Residential Damage Following Drone Attacks
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that Civil Defence teams are managing damage across three residential buildings in Manama and Muharraq following drone strikes and falling missile debris.
