The United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated by striking Israel and targets in Gulf states, intensifying the regional conflict. In India, flight cancellations and protests in Kashmir have followed.
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel initiated 'pre-emptive' strikes on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. U.S. President Donald Trump stated the campaign would last several weeks and urged Iranians to overthrow their government. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a 'gateway to peace' and cited Iran's new nuclear sites as justification.
Iran retaliated with strikes on Israel and Gulf targets, including a drone attack on the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 3, which caused limited fire and minor damage. Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched a drone and missile assault on a U.S. air base in Bahrain. Trump hinted at a 'soon' U.S. response to the Riyadh incident.
The conflict led to airspace closures across West Asia, disrupting global flights. In India, 42 flights were cancelled at Bengaluru's airport, while Delhi saw 36 departures and 44 arrivals cancelled. IndiGo operated 10 special flights from Jeddah, and SpiceJet ran four from Fujairah, UAE. Maharashtra and Jharkhand governments launched helplines for stranded residents.
In Kashmir, large-scale protests erupted against Khamenei's killing, with 75 rallies held and 14 people injured, including six security personnel. Restrictions continued for a second day, with schools closed and mobile internet throttled. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi criticized the Modi government's silence as an 'abdication' and called for a parliamentary debate.
Khamenei's wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh, also died from injuries sustained in the strikes. Gold prices rose 1% to $5,377.21 per ounce. The U.S. State Department advised citizens to depart immediately from 13 West Asian countries.
