Israel’s military says it has begun a new wave of air attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026. Reports of explosions have circulated, but many early details can’t be independently verified yet.
This live blog is built for fast, trust-first updates. Confirmed facts are labeled clearly, and claims stay labeled as claims. In breaking news, rumors can move faster than aircraft, so careful wording matters.
Bookmark this page for updates focused on four things: what’s happening, the latest confirmed status, key locations (confirmed only), and what we’re watching next, followed by the live feed.
Start here: the four blocks readers need before the live updates
What’s happening (what Israel says)
Israel says it launched a new wave of air attacks on Iran. Early reports mention explosions and claimed targets, but independent confirmation is limited.
Latest confirmed status (as of this post)
- Claim (official): Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces carried out strikes on Iran (statement reported in our current sourcing).
- Claim (official): US President Donald Trump said the United States joined Israel in attacks described as aimed at Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities (statement reported in our current sourcing).
- Not confirmed independently: Specific targets, damage assessments, and casualty figures.
Key locations mentioned (confirmed only)
- No specific Iranian city or site is confirmed by on-the-record sources in our current sourcing. Several locations are being widely reported, but we are not listing them here as confirmed.
What we’re watching next
- Iran’s official response: public statements, emergency steps, and any declared retaliation.
- Air defense and air activity: confirmed launches, interceptions, or verified impacts.
- Airspace and diplomacy: any confirmed airport or airspace changes, and verified diplomatic calls.
Note: Times are shown in UTC and local where possible (Tehran local time is UTC+3:30, Israel local time is UTC+2). Updates may change as verification improves.
How we report this live (verification, sourcing, and corrections)
How we report this live
We compile updates from official statements, reputable news agencies, and verified on-the-ground reporting.
We label claims and do not treat unverified social posts as fact.
Corrections policy: If we change an update, we publish a Correction with the time and what changed. We don’t silently delete major errors.
Live updates: Israeli army says a new wave of air attacks is underway
Each entry follows the same structure so it’s easy to scan quickly during fast-moving events. During peak moments, updates typically come every 5 to 15 minutes. If nothing new is confirmed, a short check-in stays posted to avoid filling gaps with guesswork.
Live update template plus example entries readers can scan fast
Update 1
- Timestamp: 12:05 UTC (15:35 Tehran, 14:05 Israel)
- Headline: Israel says a new wave of air attacks on Iran has begun.
- What we know
- Israeli officials say strikes are underway as part of a new wave.
- Early reports mention explosions, but details vary by outlet.
- Independent verification of locations and targets is not available in our current sourcing.
- Source(s): Statement attributed to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz (per our current sourcing).
- What’s not confirmed yet: The exact sites hit and the scale of damage.
Update 2
- Timestamp: 12:15 UTC (15:45 Tehran, 14:15 Israel)
- Headline: Trump says the US joined Israel in strikes on Iran.
- What we know
- President Donald Trump said the United States took part alongside Israel.
- He described the goal as hitting Iran’s missile and military capacity and stopping nuclear progress.
- Operation names are being reported as “Operation Roaring Lion” (Israel) and “Operation Epic Fury” (US), but naming can differ across outlets.
- Source(s): Statement by US President Donald Trump (per our current sourcing).
- What’s not confirmed yet: The operational scope, assets used, and whether additional US agencies have issued matching statements.
Update 3
- Timestamp: 12:25 UTC (15:55 Tehran, 14:25 Israel)
- Headline: Iran is reported to have launched missiles in response, verification is limited.
- What we know
- Some reports say Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Israel and toward US bases in parts of the region.
- No independent confirmation of launch counts or impact locations is available in our current sourcing.
- Any casualty figures circulating should be treated as preliminary until confirmed by authorities and a second credible source.
- Source(s): Iranian response claims reported in our current sourcing (no independent verification available).
- What’s not confirmed yet: Interceptions, confirmed impacts, and confirmed damage.
Update 4
- Timestamp: 12:35 UTC (16:05 Tehran, 14:35 Israel)
- Headline: Houthi group claims it will resume Red Sea attacks, not verified.
- What we know
- A statement attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement says attacks in the Red Sea would restart.
- Shipping risk often changes quickly after such statements, but official maritime advisories have not been confirmed in our current sourcing.
- Source(s): Houthi statement reported in our current sourcing.
- What’s not confirmed yet: Any specific incident, vessel targeting, or confirmed disruption tied to this claim.
Check-in
- Timestamp: 12:45 UTC (16:15 Tehran, 14:45 Israel)
- Headline: No new confirmed details on targets, damage, or airspace changes.
- What we know
- Official statements remain the main confirmed inputs in our current sourcing.
- Reports about specific sites and leadership status are circulating, but they remain unverified here.
- Source(s): Ongoing monitoring of official channels and reputable outlets.
- What’s not confirmed yet: Satellite-based damage claims, leadership status reports (including any claims involving Ali Khamenei), and detailed assessments.
Confirmed timeline so far: time, event, and who confirmed it
This timeline lists only items that meet a minimum standard in this live format. Timestamps can shift as agencies update reports and as official statements get posted with precise times.
Rolling confirmed timeline (based on current sourcing)
- 12:05 UTC → Israel says a new wave of strikes is underway → Israeli official statement attributed to Defense Minister Israel Katz (per current sourcing).
- 12:15 UTC → Trump says the US joined Israel in strikes on Iran → Statement by US President Donald Trump (per current sourcing).
Reported but not confirmed (keep caution)
- Time unclear → Reports of explosions in multiple Iranian cities → Reported in current sourcing, not independently verified here.
- Time unclear → Reports of strikes on senior leadership sites and claims about leadership status → Reported in current sourcing, not verified.
- Time unclear → Reports Iran launched missiles toward Israel and some US bases → Reported in current sourcing, not independently verified here.
Claim vs evidence box: what’s confirmed, what’s still a claim
| Claim | Who said it | Evidence available | Status | Last updated time (UTC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A new wave of Israeli air attacks on Iran is underway | Israeli officials (statement attributed to Defense Minister Israel Katz) | Official statement (in current sourcing), no second independent confirmation cited here | Unconfirmed beyond official claim | 12:05 |
| The US joined the operation | US President Donald Trump | Official statement by the president (in current sourcing) | Unconfirmed beyond official claim | 12:15 |
| Specific Iranian cities were struck | Various reports | No on-the-record confirmation of locations in our current sourcing | Unconfirmed | 12:45 |
| Damage to sensitive sites and leadership impacts | Various reports | No verified imagery or official confirmation in our current sourcing | Unconfirmed | 12:45 |
| Iran launched missiles in response | Iranian response reports | No independent confirmation of launches, impacts, or interception details in our current sourcing | Unconfirmed | 12:25 |
What leaders are saying and what it could change next (without guessing)
Early statements can shape what happens next, because they signal red lines, goals, and whether diplomacy stays open. Still, statements aren’t proof of results on the ground, so the key gap remains independent verification.
From Israel, the central signal is that the strikes are described as an ongoing wave, not a one-time action. If that posture continues, additional official briefings may follow, including clearer targeting goals or warnings.
From the United States, Trump’s statement signals direct involvement as he describes it. That may lead to follow-up confirmations, such as a Pentagon briefing or allied statements. Until then, the scale and command structure remain unclear.
From Iran, reported responses include missile launch claims and possible escalation steps. However, without confirmed on-the-record details in our current sourcing, the immediate practical meaning remains uncertain.
Independent verification still needed includes: confirmed damage assessments, confirmed casualty totals, and confirmed air defense activity (launches, interceptions, and impacts).
Key statements to watch: Israel, Iran, US, UN, and nearby states
- Israel: Further IDF or defense ministry statements describing objectives, duration, and any warnings.
- Iran: Government and military statements, plus emergency services updates on damage and public safety.
- United States: White House and Pentagon statements clarifying involvement and scope.
- UN: No confirmed on-the-record statement seen in our sourcing yet, monitoring continues.
- Neighboring states: No confirmed on-the-record actions (airspace steps or alerts) seen in our sourcing yet, monitoring continues.
For background on prior US action described in earlier coverage, see: US bombs Iran nuclear sites.
Practical impacts: flights, airspace, shipping, and oil, what’s confirmed
As of this update, no confirmed reports in our current sourcing show broad airspace closures, airport shutdowns, or verified shipping advisories tied to this specific wave. That can change quickly, and early claims are often wrong.
For travelers, the most reliable signals come from official notices and airline alerts, not social posts. If route disruptions begin, they may show up first as delays, re-routes, or last-minute cancellations.
For shipping and energy, watch for confirmed statements from maritime authorities and major market data providers. Price moves can also reverse fast once more verified detail emerges.
A short traveler checklist (practical, not speculative):
- Check airline apps and email alerts for re-routing and cancellation notices.
- Review government travel advisories for Iran, Israel, and nearby transit hubs.
- Follow local emergency guidance if already in the region, and rely on verified alerts.
Related context on markets in past Israel-Iran flare-ups is here: Oil prices surge from Israel-Iran strikes.
Explainer: what “new wave of air attacks” means in plain terms
A “new wave” usually means a fresh set of strikes after earlier strikes, often separated by time, targets, or tactics. It can refer to more aircraft sorties, new target lists, or follow-on attacks after an initial round.
In breaking news, confirmation has layers. A useful rule is to treat something as confirmed only when it has:
- An official statement, and
- A second credible source (a major wire, reputable broadcaster, or verified on-the-ground reporting), or strong open-source verification that is clearly described.
Common terms readers may see:
- Airstrike / air attack: weapons delivered from aircraft.
- Air defense: systems used to detect and intercept aircraft or missiles.
- Ballistic missiles: missiles that travel on a high arc, often fast and hard to stop.
When details are uncertain, careful language matters. “Israel says” and “Iran says” aren’t just style choices, they keep claims from turning into “facts” by repetition.
Conclusion
Confirmed points so far (in our current sourcing):
- Israel’s leadership, via a statement attributed to Defense Minister Israel Katz, says a new wave of strikes is underway.
- US President Donald Trump says the United States joined Israel in strikes on Iran.
- Many widely shared details about locations, targets, and damage remain unverified in this live format.
Still unconfirmed, and what would confirm it:
- Specific strike locations and targets, which would need on-the-record confirmations and a second credible report, or verified imagery with clear attribution.
- Missile response details (launch counts, impacts, interceptions), which would need official statements plus corroboration.
- Any casualty figures, which would need health authority or emergency service confirmation and follow-up reporting.
Refresh for updates as more verified reporting arrives. If any update changes, a Correction will be posted with the time and what changed. For people in affected areas, follow local authorities and verified emergency alerts.
You Can Read Live Updates on Al Jazeera.
Lebanon presidency says US assured it Israel will not escalate, if no attacks come from Lebanese territory
Lebanon’s presidency says it has received US assurances that Israel will not widen its military actions in Lebanon, provided there are no “hostile acts” launched at Israel from Lebanese territory.
According to Al Jazeera’s live coverage, which cited Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, President Joseph Aoun was told by US Ambassador Michel Issa that Israel would not step up its already frequent attacks on the country under that condition.
The update comes as Hezbollah has condemned the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, a close ally, but has not said whether it will enter the conflict directly by launching attacks on Israel or on US military positions in the region.
Turkish President Erdogan urges diplomatic efforts to establish ceasefire
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged the Islamic world to act urgently to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, according to remarks carried by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency.
Erdogan said Turkey will accelerate diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire and return to negotiations. He said he is “deeply” concerned about the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which he said began with “Netanyahu’s provocations.”
He also called Iran’s missile and drone attacks against Gulf countries “unacceptable,” regardless of the reason.
Source: Al Jazeera, citing Anadolu Agency.
Houthi leader condemns attacks, says Iran has “legitimate” right to target US bases
Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen’s Houthi movement, has condemned the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, calling them “cruel, blatant, criminal, and barbaric”, according to a statement reported by Al Jazeera.
Al-Houthi said the group is “on alert” for any developments, and claimed Iran is in a strong position and will respond decisively. The statement did not clearly say whether the Houthis would enter the conflict on Iran’s side.
He also argued that Iran is within its rights to target US military bases in the region if Americans are taking part in attacks against Iran.
Context: The Houthis are part of Iran’s network of allied armed groups across the region.
Source: Al Jazeera reporting on remarks from Abdul Malik al-Houthi.
Top US Democrats condemn Trump’s Iran strikes, cite need for congressional approval
Senior Democrats in Congress are criticising President Donald Trump’s decision to launch US military action on Iran, arguing that such strikes require approval from Congress.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Iran should be confronted over “human rights violations, nuclear ambitions, support of terrorism and the threat it poses to our allies like Israel and Jordan,” but added that, absent “exigent circumstances,” the administration must seek authorisation for what he called the preemptive use of force that “constitutes an act of war.”
Sen. Jack Reed (ranking member, Senate Armed Services Committee) said Trump has “thrust our nation into a major war with Iran,” arguing the president made no case to the public, sought no congressional authority, and has “no endgame.” Reed said he is calling for an immediate briefing and plans to use oversight powers.
Rep. Adam Smith criticised the strikes as an offensive use of force without congressional authorisation, calling it contrary to domestic and international law.
Sen. Dick Durbin warned on X that a war in Iran aimed at regime change could become another long-term military commitment with deadly consequences for US troops.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the conflict “unlawful” and “unnecessary,” and said she supports a War Powers resolution proposed by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie.
Source: NBC News live updates.
Middle East Airspace Disruptions Spread After US-Israel Strikes on Iran
Airlines suspend Middle East flights after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and the effects are showing up fast in airport apps and departure boards. Several governments have closed or restricted airspace, so airlines are canceling flights, rerouting planes, and, in some cases, turning aircraft back mid-journey.
Flight maps made the disruption easy to spot. Flightradar24 showed little to no traffic over Iran and Iraq, creating a visible blank gap where busy routes usually run. For travelers in Thailand and Southeast Asia connecting via Dubai or Doha, this is mainly a planning problem: check status early, expect longer routings, and be ready for missed connections.
According to Reuters, airlines changed operations after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, raised security concerns for civilian aviation. As governments reacted, carriers faced a simple choice: avoid the risk, or stop flying into the area.
An airspace closure is a government order that planes cannot fly through an area.
Airline advisories and air traffic controls then pushed traffic away from normal corridors. Even flights not landing in the region can be affected, because many Europe to Asia routes cross the Middle East. When a key corridor closes, planes need longer paths and more fuel, and schedules break like dominoes.
For the most detailed running summary of carrier changes, see Reuters’ reporting on flight suspensions and reroutes.
