The United Nations chief condemned the US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on Saturday and called for an immediate return to negotiations "to pull the region, and our world, back from the brink." Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that everything must be done to prevent further escalation. "The alternative," he warned, "is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability." Guterres said the US and Israeli airstrikes violated international law, including the UN Charter. He also condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The US ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, insisted the US military action was lawful. "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," he told the council. "That principle is not a matter of politics. It's a matter of global security. And to that end, the United States is taking lawful actions." Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon defended the airstrikes as necessary to stop an existential threat. "We are stopping extremism before it becomes unstoppable," he said. "We will ensure that no radical regime armed with nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles can threaten our people or the entire world." Amir Saeid Iravani, Iranian ambassador to the U.N., told the council that the airstrikes have killed and injured hundreds of Iranian civilians, which he called a war crime and a crime against humanity. He blasted the UN and the Security Council, its most powerful body, for not heeding Tehran's warnings about the "warmongering statements" by the US in recent weeks and urged the council to act now. "The issue before the council is straightforward: whether any member state may, including a permanent member of this council, through the use of force, coercion or aggression, determine the political future or system of another state or impose control over its affairs," Iravani said. During his speech, the Iranian diplomat did not mention or comment on statements from President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. The assassination of the second leader of the Islamic Republic, who had no designated successor, raised the prospects of a protracted conflict given Iranian threats of retaliation. Russia's ambassador condemned the US-Israeli airstrikes, while China's ambassador was more measured in his criticism. "We demand that the United States and Israel immediately cease their aggressive actions," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said. "We insist on the immediate resumption of political and diplomatic settlement efforts based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests." China's UN Ambassador Fu Cong said China was very concerned by "the sudden escalation of regional tensions" and supported Russia's call for a return to diplomatic negotiations. Five council members - Bahrain, which is the Arab representative on the council, France, Russia, China and Colombia - called for the emergency meeting. In a joint statement, the leaders of Britain and France - both veto-wielding members of the council - along with Germany's chancellor called for a resumption of US-Iranian talks on Tehran's nuclear program. The three countries, part of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, have led efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Trump pulled the US out of the deal in 2018. The three European leaders strongly condemned Iranian airstrikes in the region - not the US-Israeli airstrikes - and urged Iran's leaders to seek a negotiated solution, saying: "Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future." The Security Council meeting is taking place on the last day of the United Kingdom's presidency and a day before the United States takes over the rotating presidency for the month of March. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 March,2026 09:25 AM IST | United Nations | APSeveral waves of Iranian attacks targeting the airport and several other sites across the UAE kept people awake on Saturday night. Dubai's airport and the iconic Burj Al Arab were among the places hit by what the UAE officials described as drone attacks. A government of Dubai media office statement said - "drone caused its shrapnel to spark a fire at the Burj Al Arab hotel," and that it was brought under control. "No injuries" were reported. Authorities in Dubai also revealed that debris resulting from air interception operations caused a fire at one of the berths of Jebel Ali Port without causing any injuries. "Dubai Civil Defence teams immediately responded to handle the fire, while their efforts continue to control it," it said. The authorities also urged the public not to circulate video clips dating back to the Jebel Ali Port fire on July 7, 2021, and confirmed that more reliable information will be broadcast upon receipt. Amid silent alerts sounded across the country for possible missile attacks, an incident of one such attack taking place at the airport was reported. Â "Dubai Airports has confirmed an incident at Dubai International Airport (DXB) just moments ago. Emergency response teams have been activated immediately, and the incident is being handled in coordination with the relevant authorities," the statement said. It also said that the attack resulted in 4 injuries, and the necessary urgent medical assistance has been provided. "Updated information will be broadcast as soon as it is received," it added. Because of the ongoing fasting month of Ramzan and this being the weekend, people stayed awake late at night, tormented by intermittent sirens on the streets and alerts issued by the authorities. Local media reports claimed that Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport came under overnight attacks, resulting in the death of an unnamed Asian worker and seven injuries. The incident is yet to be confirmed by the government. A similar attack was reported at the Jebel Ali Port. However, no injuries were reported. The UAE's Ministry of Defence announced that, since the onset of the Iranian attack, the air force and air defence forces of the United Arab Emirates have successfully engaged and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched towards the country's territory, underscoring the high readiness of the air defence systems and their capability to address various threats. "The Ministry stated that, since the beginning of the attack, 137 Iranian ballistic missiles launched towards the UAE had been detected, of which 132 were destroyed, while five fell into the sea. A total of 209 Iranian drones were also detected; 195 were intercepted, while 14 fell within the country's territory and waters, causing some minor side damage," it said in a statement. Schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been asked to move to distance learning till Thursday. The UAE's General Authority of Civil Aviation has announced that the state will bear all costs of accommodation and sustenance for affected and stranded passengers, as the country's airports and national carriers have dealt with approximately 20,200 individuals impacted by the rescheduling of some flights. "Temporary accommodation has been provided, along with meals and beverages, in addition to facilitating rebooking procedures in accordance with the approved operational plans," it said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 March,2026 09:23 AM IST | Dubai | PTIThe United States and Israel clashed with Iran at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Saturday where the UN chief and many countries urged a halt to their attacks and a return to negotiations to prevent the conflict from spreading further into the region and beyond. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the council that everything must be done to prevent an escalation. "The alternative," he warned, "is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability." Guterres said the US and Israeli airstrikes violated international law, including the UN Charter. He also condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The US ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, insisted the US military action was lawful. "Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," he told the council. "That principle is not a matter of politics. It's a matter of global security. And to that end, the United States is taking lawful actions." Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon defended the airstrikes as necessary to stop an existential threat. "We are stopping extremism before it becomes unstoppable," he said. "We will ensure that no radical regime armed with nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles can threaten our people or the entire world." Amir Saeid Iravani, Iranian ambassador to the U.N., told the council that the airstrikes have killed and injured hundreds of Iranian civilians, which he called a war crime and a crime against humanity. He blasted the UN and the Security Council, its most powerful body, for not heeding Tehran's warnings about the "warmongering statements" by the US in recent weeks and urged the council to act now. "The issue before the council is straightforward: whether any member state may, including a permanent member of this council, through the use of force, coercion or aggression, determine the political future or system of another state or impose control over its affairs," Iravani said. During his speech, the Iranian diplomat did not mention or comment on President Donald Trump's statement that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes. The assassination of the second leader of the Islamic Republic, who had no designated successor, raised the prospects of a protracted conflict given Iranian threats of retaliation. Iranian and US ambassador have tense back-and-forth In a rare exchange, the US and Iranian ambassadors exchanged warnings and direct rebuffs toward the end of the emergency session as military aggression between their countries risked spilling into a regional war. After Waltz responded to Iranian claims that the US had violated international law, Iravani asked to speak again to issue a warning: "I advise to the representative of the United States to be polite. It will be better for yourself and the country you represent." Waltz responded immediately, saying, "This representative sits here, in this body, representing a regime that has killed tens of thousands of its own people, and imprisoned many more, simply for wanting freedom from your entire tyranny." Other Security Council members speak up Russia's ambassador condemned the US-Israeli airstrikes, while China's ambassador was more measured in his criticism. "We demand that the United States and Israel immediately cease their aggressive actions," Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said. "We insist on the immediate resumption of political and diplomatic settlement efforts based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests." China's U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong said China was very concerned by "the sudden escalation of regional tensions" and supported Russia's call for a return to diplomatic negotiations. The permanent observer of the 22-nation Arab League, Maged Abdelaziz, suggested Israel was being hypocritical in justifying its military attack by saying it was intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Abdelaziz, a former Egyptian ambassador to the UN, noted that Israel has refused to subject its own nuclear facilities to inspection by the U.N. nuclear watchdog. The emergency meeting was called by five council members: Bahrain, which is the Arab representative on the council, France, Russia, China and Colombia,. In a joint statement, the leaders of Britain and France - both veto-wielding members of the council - along with Germany's chancellor called for a resumption of US-Iranian talks on Tehran's nuclear program. The three countries, part of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, have led efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Trump pulled the US out of the deal in 2018. The three European leaders strongly condemned Iranian airstrikes in the region - not the US-Israeli airstrikes - and urged Iran's leaders to seek a negotiated solution, saying: "Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future." The Security Council meeting is taking place on the last day of the United Kingdom's presidency and a day before the United States takes over the rotating presidency for the month of March. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 March,2026 09:18 AM IST | United Nations | APIran's official media networks are yet to confirm or deny reports of the death of Supreme leader Ali Khamenei in the US-Israel led strikes. However, the Times of Israel cited Iran's state media reporting that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were killed in Israeli-US strikes. The Israeli newspaper said that there is no official word on the fate of Khamenei himself. Meanwhile, various reports emanating out of Iran suggest that crowds have come out on the streets to celebrate. CNN reported news of celebrations in several cities in Iran. According to the news report whistling and cheering and slogans of 'Death to the Islamic Republic' and 'Long live the Shah' were heard on the streets of the cities. Fox News posted a video and reported that Iranians were celebrating the death of Khamenei on the streets of Besat Town, a suburb of Karaj, Iran. Former Spokesperson for the state of Israel Eylon A Levy posted another celebration video on X saying, "Iranian women are dancing in the streets--without hair coverings--after hearing that Israel killed the tyrant Khamenei. So many Western leaders should feel ashamed at their cowardly response this morning. We will all remember." Iranian activist and Journalist, Masih Alinejad posted another video with the message, "A video of Iranian people celebrating inside Iran, Am I dreaming? Hello, new world." In another self made Video Alinejad further said, "Every morning I wake up reading that my people are being killed by Ali Khamenei. But this is the first morning in my life that I get the good news and I want to run. I want to just run and shout, and shout out of joy," Reports coming out of London also showed videos of expatriate Iranians and Israelis dancing and celebrating side by side on the streets of London. Earlier, exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to unite and support a "stable transition to a free and prosperous future" after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calling any attempt by the regime to appoint a successor "doomed to fail". He also warned that efforts to preserve the collapsing regime would not succeed. In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote, "My fellow compatriots, Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history. Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to fail from the outset. Whoever they place in his stead will have neither legitimacy nor longevity, and will undoubtedly be complicit in the crimes of this regime as well. To the military, law enforcement, and security forces: any effort to preserve a collapsing regime will fail. This is your final opportunity to join the nation, to help ensure Iran's stable transition to a free and prosperous future, and to take part in building that future." Pahlavi said the death of Khamenei could bring comfort to the families of those who lost their lives in Iran's Lion and Sun National Revolution, urging the people to remain vigilant and united. Earlier, the death of the Ayatollah was claimed by US President Donald Trump calling it justice for the people of Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS...The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD." Khamnei's death has not been confirmed or denied by any authority in Iran and the question remains if the regime will appoint a successor and if the reported death will bring closure to the conflict in West Asia. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 March,2026 09:14 AM IST | Tehran | ANIThe Congress on Saturday termed PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel “shameful”, saying it creates the perception of a political endorsement of military escalation on Iran. Congress general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said that two days after Modi “celebrated his visit to Israel”, Israel and the US began their joint assault on Iran. “He [Modi] declared that India stood with Israel and got himself an award for saying so. This Israel visit was shameful and it is even more so in light of the war that has been launched by two of Mr Modi’s ‘good friends’.” Salman Khurshid and Jairam Ramesh “The BJP government needs to be mindful that India has civilisational, economic, energy, geopolitical and diasporic ties not only with Israel, but also with Iran, Palestine,” Salman Khurshid, Chairman of the Congress Foreign Affairs said. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia reacted, “The Congress has stooped to nangai (extreme brazenness). It has become the Congress’s nature to make negative comments on any sensitive developing story.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 March,2026 09:10 AM IST | New Delhi | AgenciesPakistan’s military, backed by artillery and air power, struck more military installations deep inside Afghanistan overnight and into early Saturday, killing over 331 Afghan forces in dayslong border clashes, a government spokesman and officials said. Pakistani and Afghan forces have targeted each other’s military positions since Thursday night, when Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack in response to Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan last Sunday. Pakistan said it was targeting the outlawed Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. The group is separate but closely allied with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban. Afghanistan, however, said only civilians were killed in Sunday’s airstrike. After the Afghan attack, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared Friday: “Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us.” Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Saturday that Pakistan destroyed 102 Afghan posts, captured 22 others and destroyed 163 tanks and armoured vehicles at 37 locations, he said. The Afghan government’s deputy spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, said the claim of hundreds of Afghan forces killed and wounded “is untrue and we reject it.” 102Afghan posts destroyed as claimed by Pakistan This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 March,2026 09:00 AM IST | Islamabad | AgenciesUS and Israel launched a major attack across Iran on Saturday. US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to take cover during the strikes, but then, “When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take.” It was an appeal that suggested the allies could be seeking to end the country’s theocracy after decades of tensions. He claimed Iran has continued to develop its nuclear program and plans to develop missiles to reach the US. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that, “Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.” The death toll in an Israeli-US strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran rises to at least 51 people killed, the state-run IRNA news agency reported. At least 45 others had been wounded in the attack in Minab in Iran’s Hormozgan province. Russia and Pak condemn attacks Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar PIC/X@DPM_PK Kuwait’s national news agency says the Gulf country’s air defenses successfully repelled what it called a “heinous Iranian attack” earlier in the day. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday condemned what he described as “unwarranted attacks” on Iran. Russia’s Foreign Ministry called the strikes “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state.” EU pushes towards diplomacy European Council President António Costa European Union leaders issued a joint statement Saturday, calling for restraint and engaging in regional diplomacy. “Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. Red Cross calls for respect for rules of war Iranians flee Tehran as strikes hit cities. PIC/PTI “The military escalation in the Middle East is igniting a dangerous chain reaction across the region, with potentially devastating consequences for civilians,” International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric said. Spoljaric said civilian infrastructure, such as schools, homes and hospitals, must be spared from attacks. “In international armed conflicts, international humanitarian law, in particular all four Geneva Conventions, apply,” she said, referring to a key international guidebook on the rules of war. “Medical personnel and first responders must be allowed to carry out their work safely.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 March,2026 08:49 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesThe US and Israel’s attack on Iran disrupted flights across countries in West Asia. At least eight states declared their airspace closed as the conflict erupted Saturday, including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Syria also announced it had closed part of its airspace in the south along its border with Israel for 12 hours. In India, IndiGo and Air India temporarily suspended flights to and from West Asia in view of the evolving situation in Iran. State media in the United Arab Emirates said one person had been killed in Abu Dhabi, but gave no details. The UAE offered its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and relatives of the Pakistani victim who died as a result of Iranian attacks, stressing that targeting civilians and civilian objects is rejected by all legal and humanitarian standards. Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan, all of which have a US military presence, said they had intercepted the Iranian missiles. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 March,2026 08:43 AM IST | London | AgenciesAccording to Tara Woodcox, a content creator on Instagram, if you have ever run out of clean underwear on a trip, a coffee making machine may be your saviour. “Say you’re travelling and you didn’t pack enough underwear and you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, what am I going to wear tomorrow?’ Every room has a coffee pot thing in it. All you have to do is put your underwear where you put the coffee grounds, you close it, you press brew and it puts scorching hot water through it,” she explained in an Instagram Reel which has gone viral. For the next step in this caffeinated laundry sesh, Woodcox employs another hotel amenity. “The hair dryer in the bathroom? You blow-dry those bad boys and you’ve got yourself a cleaner pair of underwear to wear. I did not realise how many people already knew this hack. I learned it years ago from a friend that was a flight attendant and it’s brilliant,” she advised travellers. The Internet has reacted, predictably, negatively to Woodcox’s unusual tips and tricks. Commenters said, “Not brilliant. Let’s bring back having consideration for others! Make that cool again,” underneath Woodcox’s video. Others wondered why a sink with water and soap was not sufficient for Woodcox’s impromptu laundry. Culinary condoms People are using plastic wrap as a dietary condom for weight-loss in China Critics say that this leads to eating disorders. PIC/TWITTER@DEXERTO In a new viral weight-loss hack sweeping Chinese social media, people are putting plastic wrap in their mouths before putting food in, pretending to chew vigorously through the plastic, before taking the food out and throwing it away. The premise of this bizarre trend is pretty straightforward. The plastic wrap acts as a sort of mouth condom that prevents you from ingesting any calories, while at the same time allowing you to trick your brain into thinking that it is going to receive nutrition. This allegedly helps you feel satiated without actually consuming any calories. This shaadi, no barbaadi PIC/ISTOCK After a couple asked guests to pay for their dinners, a shocked invitee took to Reddit to ask whether she should even go. “So a ‘close’ friend of mine is getting married and just sent out the invite with a little note that says ‘to help offset costs, guests are kindly asked to pay $75 per person for their meal at the reception.’ NGL, I was flabbergasted,” the poster wrote. Cheapskate much? Monkey business Swedish home furnishing brand IKEA has sold out of its adorable Djungelskog orangutan soft toy in stores across the US, Japan, and South Korea, with the $20 (sold in India for Rs 879) toy fetching more than 10 times the retail price on eBay. The plushie has become a collectible after photos of Punch playing with it went viral online. Punch was abandoned by his mom at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, and used the toy for comfort. Drink and work A Spanish court ruled in a worker’s favour, who was fired for drinking beer during work breaks. The court said that the lunch breaks were not technically considered working hours, and that the company could not prove that the beer drinking had affected the man’s performance. Can’t chicken out A Canadian psychology professor, Sonia Kong, has found her own unusual therapy animal: an emotional support chicken to assist her with daily life. “I feel like she’s so smart. She can understand my emotions,” Kong said about the chicken who she named “Saturday”. She even crafted a special diaper for the feather baby for easy travel. Gande haath pakadna In a dash camera video posted online by the Huber Heights Police Department, Ohio, US, a sanitation worker can be seen getting an unexpected surprise as he opens a trash can with a man hiding inside, who had fled the police earlier. The video also shows the man climbing out and taking off running as an officer chases him. He was later caught and taken into custody without injury, police said. Worth the rent! PIC/AIRBNB Heated Rivalry fans will now be able to step into the shoes of Shane and Ilya by renting the finale episode’s cottage, which will go live on Airbnb soon.
01 March,2026 08:37 AM IST | Los Angeles | AgenciesEuropean leaders held emergency security meetings and scrambled to protect their citizens in the Middle East after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday that triggered global concerns of escalation into a broader conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting in response to the US and Israeli strikes in Iran. Germany and the UK are holding their own emergency meetings on Saturday to discuss the situation. The European Union is evacuating some staff from the region, and European leaders are planning to coordinate further responses. The responses come after the US and Israel launched a major attack on targets across Iran, and US President Donald Trump called on the Iranian people to "take over your government" - an extraordinary appeal that suggested they could be seeking to end the country's theocracy after decades of tensions. The strikes by the US create a dilemma for its democratic allies. While European leaders firmly oppose Iran's nuclear programme and crackdowns by its hard-line theocracy, they are loath to embrace unilateral military action by Trump that could breach international law and unleash a broader conflict. Trump's strikes on Iran last June and the arrest of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro last month caused a similar quandary. It was unclear whether US allies were given any advance warning of the attacks. The German government said it was only given notice Saturday morning. France's junior defence minister said France knew something would happen, but didn't know when. "The escalation underway is dangerous for everyone. Must it stop? Macron said in a statement. France, which has military presence in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan, would offer military aid to its partners in the Middle East, the president said. "The outbreak of war among the United States, Israel and Iran has serious consequences for peace and international security,? Macron said. He called on Iran's leadership to commit to negotiations on its nuclear and ballistic programmes. "The Iranian people should also be able to build their future freely. The massacres perpetrated by the Islamic regime disqualify it, and necessitate that the people be given a voice." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a meeting of the government's emergency committee on Saturday morning. "We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict," a UK government spokesperson said, reiterating Britain's support for a negotiated solution to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Britain was not involved in the strikes. The German government's crisis management team was also due to meet. Concern about "new, extensive" war Responding to the attack, the European Union's top diplomat called the conflict in the Middle East "perilous" and said she was working with Israeli and Arab officials to pursue a negotiated peace. "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," said Kaja Kallas, foreign policy chief of the 27-nation bloc, in a post on social media. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that he was concerned the failure of negotiations between the US and Iran meant a "new, extensive war in the Middle East" would happen. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Madrid rejected "the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order." He said Spain "likewise" rejected the actions of the Iranian regime. European Union leaders issued a joint statement Saturday calling for restraint and engaging in regional diplomacy in hopes of "ensuring nuclear safety." "We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. "Totally irresponsible" The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons condemned the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in harsher words. "These attacks are totally irresponsible and risk provoking further escalation as well as increasing the danger of nuclear proliferation and the use of nuclear weapons," said its executive director, Melissa Parke. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israeli strikes on Iran and accompanying US military action, warning that the escalating conflict has pushed the Middle East to the "edge of catastrophe." Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday condemned what he described as "unwarranted attacks" on Iran during a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi. Russia's Foreign Ministry called the strikes "a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state," demanding an immediate halt to the military campaign and a return to diplomacy. In a statement posted to Telegram, the ministry accused Washington and Tel Aviv of "hiding behind" concerns about Iran's nuclear programme while actually pursuing regime change. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
28 February,2026 09:12 PM IST | Brussels | APIndian embassies in parts of the Middle East have issued safety advisories for its citizens following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran on Saturday. The warnings come amid fears of tensions across the region after explosions and military actions centred on Tehran. The Embassy of India in Tehran on Saturday advised Indian nationals in Iran to remain indoors and exercise “utmost caution” following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel. In a post on X, the embassy urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay inside as far as possible in view of the developing regional situation. It also asked Indian nationals to closely monitor news updates, remain alert and wait for further guidance from the embassy. The advisory came after Israel launched what it described as a strike on Iran. US President Donald Trump said that the United States had begun “major combat operations” in Iran. He described the attacks as a “noble mission”, stating that they were aimed at countering Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons and long-range missile systems. The developments have heightened tensions across the region. Indians in Israel advised to register themselves The Indian Embassy in Israel also stated that it will provide necessary updates and assistance during the developing situation. It stated, "Indian nationals residing in Israel who have not yet registered with the Embassy are requested to kindly do so. Registration will enable the Embassy to contact you promptly and provide necessary updates and assistance during the developing situation." Advisory for Indians living in Baghdad The Indian Embassy in Baghdad on Saturday issued an advisory for its citizens present in Iraq. It said,m "In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in Iraq are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow, safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy and theIraqi authorities." The advisory further said that the Embassy of India, Baghdad and the Consulate General of India in Erbil are continuing to function normally and will issue updates as necessary. For any emergency query Indian nationals in Baghdad can contact the following numbers and details: Mobile Nos. +964 771 651 1185 (English & Hindi) and +964 770444 4899 (Arabic) - Website: https://www.eoibaghdad.gov.in - Emails: cons.baghdad@mea.gov.in - cons1.baghdad@mea.gov.in - pol.baghdad@mea.gov.in Advisory for Indians in UAE The Indian Embassy in UAE's Abu Dhabi on Saturday issued an advisory for Indian students in the country to avoid unnecessary travel. "In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy. The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are continuing to function normally and will issue updates as necessary," the advisory read. "For any emergency query, the Indian nationals in the UAE can contact the following numbers: Toll free number: 800-46342 WhatsApp: +971543090571 Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in and ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in." Advisory for citizens in Qatar Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Doha also issued a precautionary advisory for Indian nationals in Qatar following the attack on Iran. The mission advised citizens to take due care, follow updates issued by the embassy and local authorities, and remain informed about the evolving situation. The embassy confirmed that it continues to function as usual and shared its 24-hour helpline number and email address for assistance. Advisory for Indians in Saudi Arabia The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia also advised its citizens to be vigilant. "In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian Nationals currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to the safety guidelines prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and follow advisories issued by the local authorities and the Embassy. The Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are continuing to function normally and will issue updates and advisories as an when necessary," it stated. "The emergency contact 24/7 helpline numbers of the Embassy of India, Riyadh are as follows: 00-966-11-4884697 00-966-542126748 (Whatsapp only) 800 247 1234 (Toll-Free) Email: cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in."
28 February,2026 07:49 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1772291804327_d.png "US-Israel joint attack on Iran. Pic/AFP")
