Iran has begun retaliatory strikes against Israel and US bases. Authorities of the UAE and Iran reported fatalities as a result of the attacks.
Context
Israel and the US launched a massive attack on Iran to hit its military industry. They struck dozens of facilities.
US President Donald Trump called on Iranian government forces to lay down their arms. Earlier, Israel’s defense minister said that Israel had launched a “preemptive attack” against Iran. This came after weeks of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
Updates on military actions
BBC reports on the latest developments. Israeli forces detected missiles launched by Iran. They said they are working to “intercept and strike threats where necessary.” Explosions were heard in Israel. There is no data yet on whether these were direct hits or interceptions.
Iran fired missiles at US bases in Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan. As a result, a US naval base in Bahrain was hit.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said it had “successfully countered a number of attacks targeting the country’s territory.” The largest US military facility in the region is located in Qatar – Al Udeid Air Base.
At the same time, the UAE condemned Iran’s attack on its territory. According to UAE authorities, debris from intercepted missiles killed one person.
Iran reported that a primary school for girls in the south of the country was hit. According to the data, 40 students were killed and 48 were injured. But information is not confirmed.
Before Iran’s counterattack, Israeli authorities warned citizens not to attend mass gatherings unless absolutely necessary. Some global airlines have suspended flights over Middle Eastern countries.
Reactions
UN
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on countries to return to the negotiating table.
“I deplore the military strikes across Iran this morning by Israel and the United States of America, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran,” Türk said.
He also stressed that in any armed conflict, civilians pay the highest price.
EU
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said that the European Union has imposed tough sanctions on Iran.
“Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security,” Kallas wrote.
She also noted that protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law remain priorities.
Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the US role. According to him, global security depends on American resolve.
“Although Ukrainians never threatened Iran, the Iranian regime chose to become Putin’s accomplice and supplied him with “shahed” drones, and not only the drones themselves, but also the technologies to produce them. Iran also provided other weapons to Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that more than one country has suffered from Iranian terror. Zelenskyy wrote that it is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of the terrorist regime.
Russia
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned what he called an unprovoked armed attack on Iran by the US and Israel. He said Russia is ready to seek a peaceful solution based on international law. Russia also urged its citizens to leave Israel.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Israel, together with the US, launched a large-scale preemptive military operation against Iran on the morning of February 28.
