As the Middle East conflict entered its sixth day, Israel and Iran launched fresh rounds of strikes.
Israel said it carried out attacks in Lebanon and Iran, targeting a missile launcher in Qom and an aerial defence system in Isfahan. Explosions were also reported in Tehran.
Iran, meanwhile, launched attacks toward Israel. Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with blasts lighting up the night sky as incoming strikes were intercepted.
Separately, the first UK government-organised evacuation flight for citizens stranded in the region was postponed due to a technical fault. The flight, scheduled to depart from Oman last night, is now expected to leave later today. One passenger described the delay to the BBC as “a total farce.”
In the United States, lawmakers rejected a proposal that sought to curb President Donald Trump’s authority to order further military action against Iran.
On February 28, the Israel Defence Forces and the United States Armed Forces carried out coordinated air and missile strikes inside Iran. Israel dubbed the offensive Operation Lion’s Roar, while Washington called its role Operation Epic Fury.
The strikes targeted military bases, nuclear-linked facilities and senior leadership sites, including the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the assault.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, triggering air raid sirens in major cities, and also targeted US military installations and allied infrastructure across the Gulf. Iranian strikes were reported on ports, airfields and commercial facilities in countries such as Oman.
The escalation has drawn sharp international concern. A United Nations fact-finding mission said both the US-Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliatory attacks violated the UN Charter, highlighting significant civilian casualties.
What began as years of proxy tensions has now turned into direct military confrontation, widening the conflict across the region, involving Gulf states and raising fears over energy security and adherence to international law.
Khamenei’s killing has drawn widespread global responses, with reactions ranging from condemnation and calls for peace to protests and political statements. Major world powers like Russia strongly condemned the strikes, with President Vladimir Putin describing the killing as a “cynical violation” of international norms and unjustified aggression. China also criticised the attack, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and respect for national sovereignty. Many European leaders, including those from the European Union, urged a return to diplomatic talks and cautioned against further escalation, describing the situation as deeply uncertain.
Muslim groups and organisations labelled the killing a war crime and called for intervention to prevent broader conflict. Protests erupted in countries such as Pakistan and India, with demonstrators condemning the attack.
In areas of Srinagar and parts of central Kashmir, groups of mourners gathered to offer prayers and express solidarity with Iran. Religious leaders condemned the strike, describing it as an attack on Muslim leadership and a violation of international norms. Black flags were raised in some Shia-dominated localities, and small processions were reported, with participants raising slogans against the United States and Israel.
Authorities maintained a close watch in sensitive areas to prevent escalation. Police deployment was increased in parts of Srinagar’s downtown and in Budgam district, which has a sizeable Shia population. Officials urged restraint and appealed to community leaders to ensure that protests remained peaceful.
Mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir reacted cautiously, with some leaders calling for de-escalation and dialogue while avoiding direct alignment with either side. Security agencies monitored social media for inflammatory content to prevent unrest.
Overall, while emotions ran high in certain pockets, the situation largely remained under control, with no major incidents of violence reported.
