**Summary:** US President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social that the US destroyed and sank nine Iranian military vessels, some large and important, and significantly damaged the Iranian Navy headquarters in a separate attack. This follows prior Israeli and US military operations against Iran, which included Iranian missile retaliation against US bases.

**Key points:**
- Trump stated the US is pursuing the remaining Iranian vessels, threatening they will soon be at the bottom of the sea.
- The actions are part of a joint military operation between the US and Israel against Iran that began on February 28th.
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reportedly died as a result of the strikes, leading to plans for a Provisional Governing Council.
- 123 people, including citizens from Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and China, were evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan between February 28th and March 1st.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the loss of some commanders did not weaken Iran's military power and confirmed the process of selecting a new Supreme Leader.

**Why it matters:** The direct military claims by the US President regarding significant damage to Iran's naval assets escalate the ongoing conflict between the US/Israel and Iran, while Iran's internal leadership transition adds further instability.

Трамп сообщил об уничтожении штаба ВМС Ирана и девяти кораблей - Day.Az

Свыше 120 человек эвакуированы из Ирана в Азербайджан - Day.Az

ترامب: أغرقنا 9 سفن إيرانية وتم تدمير مقر البحرية - jordanzad.com

ЦАХАЛ заявил о ликвидации всего высшего руководства Ирана: Политика: Мир: Lenta.ru

Трамп сообщил об уничтожении иранских кораблей и штаб-квартиры ВМС Ирана: Конфликты: Мир: Lenta.ru

Trump Claims Destruction of 9 Iranian Naval Ships and Navy HQ

**Summary:** The Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and Canada, Anita Anand, held a phone conversation to express deep concern over the military escalation and rising security risks in the region. They also discussed potential future use of the Azerbaijani border for evacuating Canadian citizens from Iran if necessary.

**Key points:**
- Canada's Minister Anand thanked Azerbaijan for facilitating the transit of Canadian citizens through its territory during the military escalation in Iran in June of the previous year.
- Both sides stressed the importance of preventing further escalation, strengthening diplomatic efforts, and adhering to international law.
- The ministers exchanged views on possible prospects for using the Azerbaijani border for evacuating Canadian citizens from Iran, should the need arise.

**Why it matters:** The high-level discussion highlights Azerbaijan's role as a transit corridor and humanitarian partner for Western nations amidst heightened regional tensions following recent military actions involving Israel and the US against Iran.

Глава МИД Канады выразила благодарность Азербайджану - day.az

Azərbaycan və Kanada XİN başçıları İranda vəziyyətə dair müzakirə aparıb - day.az

Azerbaijan, Canada discuss situation in Iran - trend.az

Russian embassy thanks Azerbaijan - trend.az

Azerbaijan and Canada Discuss Regional Security and Iran Evacuation

**Summary:** The Arab League, through Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, strongly condemned Iranian missile attacks targeting Duqm Port and an oil tanker off the coast of Oman, denouncing the violation of sovereignty. Saudi Arabia also condemned the aggression and affirmed solidarity with Oman, which has been engaged in mediation efforts.

**Key points:**
- The Arab League condemned attacks on civilian facilities in Gulf Arab states, calling it a violation of sovereignty and international law.
- Tunisia condemned the aggression against Jordan and other Arab nations, expressing solidarity with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and Iraq.
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi spoke with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, strongly condemning the targeting of Duqm Port and commending Oman's mediation role between the US and Iran.
- Al-Sisi also spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani regarding attacks targeting Iraq, reaffirming support for Iraq's sovereignty.
- The attacks occurred following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, further heightening regional tensions.

**Why it matters:** The coordinated condemnation by major Arab bodies and nations highlights widespread rejection of Iranian military actions against sovereign Arab states, raising concerns about wider regional conflict and instability.

Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian aggression against Oman

الجامعة العربية تدين الاعتداءات الإيرانية على ميناء الدقم بسلطنة عُمان

تونس تدين الاعتداء على الأردن وباقي الدول العربية

Al-Sisi denounces attack on Oman’s Duqm port, reaffirms support for Arab sovereignty

Arab League and Saudi Arabia Condemn Iranian Aggression Against Oman

**Summary:** Iran launched fresh strikes across the Gulf on Sunday, vowing revenge for the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel, defying threats from US President Donald Trump. Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also reported killed in the preceding Israeli and US airstrikes, along with three bodyguards.

**Key points:**
- Blasts were heard in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Manama, as well as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
- Israel claimed its joint operation eliminated 40 senior commanders, including Khamenei, in one minute.
- The UAE intercepted 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 Iranian drones; three fatalities (Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi nationals) and 58 minor injuries were reported in the UAE.
- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian called Khamenei's killing a "declaration of war against Muslims."
- Protests following Khamenei's death in Pakistan resulted in at least nine people killed by gunshot wounds in Karachi during a storming attempt at the US consulate.

**Why it matters:** The event marks a severe escalation in Middle East tensions following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, leading to direct retaliatory strikes by Iran against Gulf states and US bases, and causing civilian casualties abroad.

trend.az - Former president of Iran killed in Israeli and U.S. airstrikes

dailypost.ng - One killed, several injured as Iranian missile debris hits UAE airports

citizen.co.za - Iran launches fresh strikes across Gulf after vowing revenge for slain leader

news18.com - Pakistani, Nepali & Bangladeshi Citizens Killed, Over 58 Injured In UAE Amid Iran's Drone Attack

Iran Launches Strikes After Leader's Assassination; Former President Killed

**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