March 1, 2026 UPDATE 1
News update
Lăcrămioara Simion, 01.03.2026, 11:01
Iran – New explosions were heard in Tehran today after US President Donald Trump warned that intense and precise bombing would continue, despite the officially confirmed death of Iran’s supreme religious leader, Ali Khamenei. The United States Central Military Command released a video of US missiles hitting their targets, while the Israeli military announced that it had launched another wave of attacks with dozens of aircraft on air defense systems, missile launchers and military command centers in Iran. These come after a day of US-Israeli bombings and Iranian retaliations on surrounding Arab countries that host US military bases. Authorities in Tehran announced seven days of non-working and 40 days of mourning following the death of Ali Khamenei, as well as a team to ensure the transition of power, led by the country’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. Images have appeared on social media of Iranians rejoicing over the death of the religious leader who ruled the country with an iron hand for nearly four decades. President Donald Trump reiterated in a message on his own platform that this is the great chance for the Iranian people to reclaim their country and again called on Iranian forces to lay down their arms in exchange for total immunity.
Reactions – UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation in the Middle East and warned that international peace and security were being undermined, but at an emergency meeting of the Security Council, the United States and Israel argued that the attacks in Iran were aimed at removing an imminent danger posed by the Islamic regime, through its nuclear and ballistic programs. The Iranian Foreign Minister criticized the joint attacks by the US and Israel, calling them completely unprovoked, illegal and illegitimate. Russia, an ally of Tehran, condemned the aggression against Iran, describing it as irresponsible. In turn, France and Germany called on Iran, in a joint statement, to seek a negotiated solution, and the European Union, through its leaders, urged the parties to show restraint and protect civilian lives. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is ready to act alongside its partners to protect stability in the region. (LS)
