**Summary:** Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have attacked the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with four ballistic missiles, though official statements did not confirm damage. This follows escalating military actions between the US, Israel, and Iran, including prior Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian missile launches toward Israel.

**Key points:**
- Nearly 200 tankers, including oil and LNG carriers, have accumulated near the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil supplies.
- Iran's newly formed Provisional Leadership Council began its activities, announced by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
- The UAE's Department of Culture and Tourism and Ras Al Khaimah authorities assumed responsibility for accommodating tourists stranded due to flight restrictions in the Gulf states.
- The IRGC also claimed to have shot down an American heavy drone previously.

**Why it matters:** The reported military escalation, including an Iranian missile attack on a US carrier and the formation of a new Iranian governing body, signals a severe deepening of the conflict in the Middle East.

У Ормузского пролива скопились почти две сотни танкеров

В Иране приступил к работе Временный руководящий совет - Пезешкиан

​​КСИР сообщил об атаке на авианосец USS Abraham Lincoln

Власти ОАЭ оплатят номера туристам в Абу-Даби, у которых отменили рейсы

Иран атаковал американский авианосец

Названы последствия объявления шиитским богословом джихада против США и Израиля

Iran's IRGC Claims Attack on US Aircraft Carrier Amid Regional Tensions

**Summary:** A direct missile strike, described as Iranian, hit a building in central Israel, specifically in the area of Beit Shemesh, resulting in the deaths of between six and eight people. Emergency services reported finding eight bodies and treating 28 injured individuals, two of whom were in serious condition.

**Key points:**
- The targeted building was classified by Israeli media as a shelter.
- Israeli emergency service 'Magen David Adom' (equivalent to the Red Cross) confirmed finding eight bodies.
- The Israeli army stated that air raid sirens sounded in a nearby area and announced an investigation into the incident.
- One source reported 27 settlers injured.

**Why it matters:** This event represents a significant escalation involving a direct missile strike attributed to Iran on Israeli territory, causing multiple casualties.

مقتل 8 إسرائيليين في قصف ملجأ غرب القدس - jordanzad.com

++ Condominio colpito nel centro d'Israele, sei morti e decine di feriti ++ - ansa.it

مقتل 6 أشخاص في قصف على إسرائيل - hespress.com

Missile strike on Israeli building kills 6 to 8 people

**Summary:** Following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli operation on February 28, 2026, Iran formed an interim ruling council to govern until a successor is chosen. Meanwhile, Israel continued military operations, claiming to strike Iranian missile launchers and air defense systems.

**Key points:**
- Ayatollah Alireza Araafi was appointed as the third and final member of Iran's temporary ruling council on March 1, 2026.
- The interim council includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei.
- Israel's military (IDF/Tsahal) published footage of strikes against Iranian ballistic missile launchers, drones, and air defense systems as part of Operation "Lion's Roar".
- Iran launched two missiles toward British military bases on Cyprus, though the UK Defence Secretary John Heale stated they were not targeted at the bases.
- Iran's leader Masoud Pezeshkian called Khamenei's death an open war against all Muslims, claiming he was killed by "the most malicious criminals in the world."

**Why it matters:** The death of Iran's Supreme Leader and the immediate formation of an interim council signify a major political transition amidst ongoing military conflict with Israel and the US.

Израиль продолжает уничтожать пусковые установки иранских баллистических ракет

Израиль уничтожил иранские боевые самолеты на авиабазе в Тебризе

Иран нанес удар по отелю Crown в Манаме

Иран выпустил ракеты в направлении Кипра

ЦАХАЛ показал удары по иранским пусковым установкам и системам ПВО

На Украине цинично отреагировали на сообщения о смерти Хаменеи

В Ірані сформували тимчасову керівну раду. Вона здійснюватиме управління країною до обрання наступника Хаменеї

Iran Establishes Interim Council After Supreme Leader's Death; Israel Continues Strikes

**Summary:** Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli missile strikes on February 28. Putin called the killing a "cynical violation of all norms of human morality and international law."

**Key points:**
- Putin stated Khamenei will be remembered in Russia for his contribution to Russian-Iranian relations and strategic partnership.
- The US President Donald Trump confirmed Khamenei was eliminated in a joint US-Israeli operation.
- Hamas condemned the attack as a "heinous crime" and mourned Khamenei's loss.
- Hezbollah called on regional states and peoples to resist the "aggression" against Iran.

**Why it matters:** The death of Iran's Supreme Leader following a US-Israeli attack has drawn strong condemnation from Russia, highlighting the deepening international tensions surrounding the event.

Путін назвав вбивство Хаменеї "цинічним порушенням людської моралі та міжнародного права"

Putin o napadima na Iran: Cinično ubistvo, kršenje međunarodnog prava

В скръбта за Хаменей: Путин се нареди до "Хамас" и "Хизбула"

Putin condemns Khamenei's killing as 'cynical violation' of law

**Summary:** The Israeli military announced it began striking targets deep inside Tehran on Sunday, following joint US-Israeli attacks that reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to launch the "fiercest attack in history" against Israel and the USA in retaliation.

**Key points:**
- The Israeli Air Force conducted extensive raids the previous day to establish air superiority and pave the way toward Tehran.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have executed dozens of retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli sites, including 27 US bases and the Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
- The Iranian President stated that Tehran considers revenge a "legitimate right and duty."
- Iranian media reported the appointment of Ahmad Vahidi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

**Why it matters:** These are the first officially recognized Israeli attacks on the Iranian capital during the current military escalation, marking a significant escalation in the regional conflict. Iran has vowed a decisive response.

جيش الاحتلال الإسرائيلي يعلن أنه يضرب أهدافا في "قلب طهران"

Israel anuncia su primera ola de bombardeos "contra el corazón de Teherán"

إيران تعلن بداية "الانتقام المشروع"

گزارش خبرگزاری ایسنا از دور جدید حملات اسرائیل به نقاطی از تهران/ شرق و غرب مورد هدف قرار گرفت

Israel announces strikes on targets in central Tehran

**Summary:** Hundreds of people stormed the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, smashing windows and setting part of the building ablaze following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated US-Israeli strikes. Clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in at least one protester killed and several wounded.

**Key points:**
- The attack on the consulate occurred hours after Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death in strikes carried out by Israel and the United States.
- Police and paramilitary forces used batons and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd in Karachi.
- The Iranian government announced a 40-day mourning period following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was 86.
- Protests also occurred outside the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, with demonstrators accusing Washington of fueling instability.
- The Iranian Embassy in Pakistan condemned the targeting of its leadership as a "cowardly, hideous and barbaric terrorist act."
- The Iranian Embassy pledged continuity of leadership and governance in accordance with its Constitution.

**Why it matters:** The violence in Karachi reflects regional outrage over the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, escalating tensions following the US-Israeli military action against Iran.

Протестующие напали на посольство США в Карачи - ВИДЕО

Iran embassy in Pakistan condemns 'barbaric' killing of Khamenei

Mob Barges Into US Consulate in Pakistan, Torches Portion of Building

Mob Storms US Consulate In Pakistan, Sets Parts Of Building Ablaze Over Khamenei's Death | World News - News18

Mob Storms US Consulate in Karachi Following Killing of Iran's Supreme Leader

**Summary:** Iran confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in recent joint strikes by Israel and the United States, leading to 40 days of national mourning and uncertainty over succession. Khamenei, who ruled since 1989, held ultimate authority over Iran's state institutions, military, and foreign policy.

**Key points:**
- Khamenei's death marks only the second political transition in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
- The 88-member Assembly of Experts, whose candidates are vetted by the Guardian Council, is tasked with electing a new Supreme Leader.
- Potential successors mentioned include Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, Hojjat-ol-Eslam Mohsen Qomi, Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, and Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei.
- US President Trump confirmed the death, calling Khamenei "one of the most evil people in history."
- Khamenei's rule was characterized by staunch opposition to Israel and US influence, and empowerment of the IRGC.

**Why it matters:** The demise of the Supreme Leader ends a consequential chapter in Iran's modern history, creating immediate uncertainty regarding the country's future leadership and direction.

japantoday.com - How succession works in Iran and who will be the country's next supreme leader?

News18.com - Who Was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? The Supreme Leader Who Ruled Iran For 36 Years

News18.com - Iran Faces Succession Crisis: Who Is Likely To Succeed Khamenei After His Death?

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in Joint US-Israel Strikes

**Summary:** Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transport route, amid escalating regional military tensions following attacks by the US and Israel against Iranian centers of power. The move has raised alarms in international energy markets and shipping.

**Key points:**
- The closure was announced by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) via the Tasnim News Agency, citing strategic importance.
- The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received multiple reports from ships about the closure warning, allegedly from the IRGC.
- The EU naval mission 'Aspides' confirmed receiving VHF radio messages from the IRGC stating no vessel is permitted to cross the Strait.
- The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is vital for transporting about 20% of global oil consumption.
- The US government urged commercial vessels to avoid the Middle East region following the recent military actions.

**Why it matters:** The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil export channel, and any prolonged disruption could immediately increase crude oil prices and risk energy supply interruptions in Asia and Europe.

হরমুজ প্রণালী বন্ধ করে দিচ্ছে ইরান - jagonews24.com

إغلاق مضيق هرمز أمام الملاحة البحرية - زاد الاردن الاخباري

Irán afirma que cerró el estratégico estrecho de Ormuz, en un paso audaz que incendia aún más la región - Clarín

Irán anuncia el inicio del cierre del estrecho de Ormuz y pone en alerta al comercio mundial de petróleo - Huffington Post

Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz amid regional military escalation