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NEWS TODAY

Air War Against Iran Enters Week Two (Updated)

Mar 8, 2026 News Desk

Over the last seven days, we have watched a joint air campaign unlike what we have ever seen before. New capabilities and evolved threats have made headlines as the world watched much of the Middle East become a free-fire zone. At the same time, many questions surrounding how long the war will take and its true scope and goals grow louder. These calls for clarity are becoming more pronounced globally, as well, as the Strait of Hormuz is experiencing a heart attack of sorts, with energy shipments stopped on the strategic waterway’s northern edge.

While missile and drone launches have decreased significantly, these weapons continue to score major hits. Beyond U.S. military-related sites in Gulf Arab states, Iran continues to pummel energy production infrastructure. There are real concerns about the ability to defend against these attacks over the long term as interceptor stocks dwindle.

The London insurance market is willing and able to cover vessels looking to transit the Strait of Hormuz, according to Gallagher https://t.co/rUogubsv6g

— Bloomberg (@business) March 5, 2026

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NEWS TODAY

Gulf Arab States Under Pressure As Iranian Attacks Grind On (Updated)

Mar 4, 2026 News Desk

Iran appears to be increasingly focusing its retaliatory attacks against energy production infrastructure in Gulf Arab States. The U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran is also continuing at a significant tempo, including a major new wave of Israeli strikes going after leadership targets in Tehran.

Readers can catch up on previous developments in the ongoing conflict in our previous rolling coverage here.

Increased targeting of Gulf Arab States’ oil and natural gas production is part of a clear Iranian strategy to put pressure on those countries to, in turn, create complications for the United States. As the economic pressure builds, the idea is that these countries will seek to end the conflict, and/or that relations with the U.S. will sour. The prospect of major, long-term disruptions in energy exports from the region has global ramifications, as well, which could bring immense external pressure to end the conflict. There is also the aspect of drawing Arab countries into the conflict, which would complicate it politically and militarily. In addition, some energy targets are not as well defended as U.S. bases in the region, for instance, and scoring hits with the now finite weapons Iran has on hand becomes easier.

Iranian attack drones struck oil storage infrastructure in Fujairah, UAE, this morning, causing a large fire.

Notably, Fujairah is the only major oil export terminal in the UAE that avoids the now-closed Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/DdAbVOyRoc

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 3, 2026

So, it’s not surprising that Iran has morphed its tactics in this manner. How this will all play out is unknown. But if the war continues on for a prolonged period, and interceptors run low while Iran’s stocks of drones and missiles don’t dry up, this entire issue could become greatly magnified.

So far, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the United States, have pushed back on reports that interceptor stocks are dwindling and the U.S. is resisting replenishing them due to its own stockpile concerns. It isn’t clear if this is a case of strategic counter-messaging or if indeed stockpiles remain in the green, although from everything we understand about the stockpile issue overall, the former seems far more likely.

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Apple introduces updated budget iPhone 17e

Mar 2, 2026 News Desk

Apple unveiled the iPhone 17e on Monday, the budget phone in its iPhone 17 line-up, with an upgraded camera, faster chips and MagSafe to more easily snap chargers and accessories onto the back of the phone. Photo courtesy of Apple

March 2 (UPI) — Apple on Monday introduced the iPhone 17e, the budget model in its iPhone lineup, with upgraded cameras, a stronger scratch resistant screen and MagSafe to improve attaching chargers and accessories to the phone.

The 17e will be available in three colors — black, white and pink — for pre-order on Wednesday. It is expected to hit stores on March 11, with a starting price of $599 for the 256GB-storage model, Apple said in a press release.

“iPhone 17e combines powerful performance and features our users love at an exceptional value, making it a compelling option for customers looking to upgrade to the iPhone 17 family,” Kaianne Drance, vice president of worldwide iPhone product marketing at Apple, said in the release.

“With A19 for incredible performance, double the entry storage, a smarter camera system and enhanced durability, iPhone17e is designed to stay fast, secure and valuable for years to come,” she said.

Apple launched the iPhone 16e just over a year ago in February 2025 as a lower-priced model of the iPhone 16 to replace the SE budget-level iPhone, which had been discontinued after three generations in 2022.

The 17e comes with upgrades over last year’s edition, with a 48MP fusion camera that enables optical-quality 2x telephoto and 4K Dolby Vision video, Apple said.

The new Super Retina XDR screen is said to have 3x stronger scratch resistance and reduced glare, satellite features for satellite communication when off network and Apple has added MagSafe, which allows accessories such as charges, stands and cases to more easily snap onto the back of the phone.

The 17e also includes Apple Intelligence, which is expected to include a new version of the Siri assistant on the phone, and will be powered by Google‘s Gemini AI.

Apple and many phone carriers offering trade-in deals for customers who would like to upgrade, with the oldest models available for trade-in credit starting with the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 13.

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NEWS TODAY

Black Tomahawk Cruise Missile Seen For The First Time In Strikes On Iran (Updated)

Mar 2, 2026 News Desk

The Navy has posted its first pictures from Operation Epic Fury, showing a variety of actions that have been taken so far, especially the launches of RGM-109 Tomahawk Land-Attack Missiles (TLAMs) from its Arleigh Burke class destroyers. One image, in particular, caught our eye. It shows a glossy black TLAM unlike any we have seen before.

To date, we have never seen a black Tomahawk before. Today, the missiles are usually painted in the same haze gray tone we have been accustomed to seeing on pretty much everything in the U.S. Navy. All the other TLAMs shown being fired appear to be painted in this standard scheme, so what we are seeing appears genuinely new.

Other images and videos from the strikes show TLAMs in their standard gray color. (USN)

The dark color of the TLAM in question fits with that of another missile in the U.S. Navy’s inventory, the stealthy AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM). These advanced cruise missiles are delivered, at least in part, not in the flat gray tone as seen on their land-attack cousins, the AGM-158 JASSM, but instead with a glossy black coating. This appears to be the case for earlier testing models and at least some operational ones. It’s our best guess that a very similar coating is now being applied to the latest TLAMs coming off the production line for the Navy.

A LRASM undergoing flight testing. (USN)

A LRASM seen before a test flight. (USN)

As for why black is the new gray, as it would seem, we would expect this to be a low observable coating aimed at enhancing the survivability of the weapon, especially for strikes against maritime targets. It can also make the missile harder to spot while skimming low over the water. Having radar-absorbent and infrared suppressive properties could also be a major benefit. This is especially true for the TLAM, which has been around for decades and has been continuously improved upon to keep it relevant and effective. That has included adding low observable features, such as the chined crease in its nose section that reduces its radar cross-section from the critical front aspect. It’s also worth noting that the small v-shape gray portion of this black TLAM is the inlet door that retracts once the missile is boosted to sustained speed shortly after launch.

Block V TLAM seen with its ‘chined’ nose cone. (USN)

This new coating would appear to be part of the upgrades likely included on the latest Maritime Strike Tomahawk, otherwise known as the MST, which has a long-range anti-ship function.

The Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST) is a subvariant of the latest Block V variant of the Tactical Tomahawk (TACOM), and is also known as the Block Va. Though the Block IV TACOM already has a demonstrated anti-ship capability, MST has additional features to optimize it for this role. This most notably includes a new multi-mode guidance system that reportedly includes an imaging infrared seeker. All Block V Tomahawks also come with a two-way data link, allowing them to receive course correction and other targeting updates, as well as be entirely retasked, during flight.

A set of unclassified briefing slides that Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) released last year lends additional credence to the black-colored Tomahawk being an MST. One slide includes a mention of MST along with a very low-resolution picture showing a dark-colored missile.

An unclassified NAVAIR briefing slide giving an overview of the different elements of the Tomahawk Weapon System program, including the MST variant. *USN*

A close-up look at the image used to illustrate the MST section of the 2025 briefing slide, showing a distinctly dark-colored missile. *USN*

It isn’t clear when the first MSTs were delivered, but unless this coating is being put on past variants of the missile, this may be the first time we have seen one of these new Tomahawk variants in action.

Update:

We are also seeing video showing what appear to be TLAMs with forward swept wings. If these are indeed TLAMs, this would likely be another measure to reduce the missile’s radar cross-section and making it more survivable, and thus battlefield relevant. It’s also possible that this is a long-range Israeli cruise missile that has not been identified, although this seems less likely. Still, Israel does have the Popeye Turbo cruise missile that is nuclear-armed and used as a second strike deterrent aboard its diesel electric submarines. It is possible that this is a conventional version of that weapon.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com

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NEWS TODAY

B-2 Spirits Join Iran Air War, Pummel Underground Missile Caves (Updated)

Mar 2, 2026 News Desk

Just as we expected, B-2 Spirits have entered the air campaign against Iran last night. Flying global airpower missions from their home base in Whiteman, Missouri, America’s stealth bombers arrived over Iranian airspace in the early morning hours and targeted Iran’s missile caves. These facilities are built deep under mountains and are primarily used for storage, but some of them actually have the ability to launch ballistic missiles through fissures in their ceilings.

Yesterday, I wrote on X what was to come for the B-2 and the air war, stating:

B-2s will likely show up tonight, making direct attacks on key targets in a way no other platform can. Yes this could include MOPs, but also lots of JDAMs against less fortified targets. They can achieve massive effects in a single sortie. One B-2 can carry 80 500lb JDAMs. Entire airfield’s infrastructure gone on a single pass. They would not be employed until the night and they now have the benefit of highly degraded air defenses and disrupted command and control. This is when the air campaign will change.

B-2s will likely show up tonight, making direct attacks on key targets in a way no other platform can. Yes this could include MOPs, but also lots of JDAMs against less fortified targets. They can achieve massive effects in a single sortie. One B-2 can carry 80 500lb JDAMs. Entire… pic.twitter.com/d0ztfmHYVN

— Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) February 28, 2026

There were some indications that B-2 movements were underway, including tanker sorties from the Azores that didn’t have a visible ‘customer.’

Prioritizing missile cave complexes as a target for America’s ‘silver bullet’ stealth bomber force is an obvious decision. As we have stated for years, destroying these complexes is challenging. They are made up of different chambers that can be sealed off from one another. So very complex weaponeering and a large quantity of specialized munitions would be needed to even attempt destroying them completely.

Iran is responding to external threats by releasing a new video showcasing one of its underground missile tunnel systems, packed with missile engines, mobile launchers, and a range of advanced weaponry. The footage prominently features the Paveh cruise missile, the Ghadr-380… pic.twitter.com/ILsdlrPtQy

— Basha باشا (@BashaReport) March 25, 2025

On the other hand, these facilities have a massive vulnerability. You don’t need to destroy them to put the missiles and launchers stored inside totally out of action. You just need to seal them off and keep them sealed off during a conflict. This can be done by striking near the entrances to the fortified caverns. By keeping an eye on these openings using remote sensing after initial strikes, deciding if and when further strikes are needed can be done with high confidence, as efforts to open the entrances back up can be seen and responded to.

So, just by bottling these facilities up, you make the arsenals held within them useless. In addition, some of the entrances have rock formations that climb more gradually above them, meaning penetrators can actually burrow to a depth where the tunnels themselves exist, not just entrance areas. Striking here makes reopening the caverns even more challenging.

There is one complicating factor when trying to put these facilities out of action — some of them have apertures in their ceilings that allows ballistic missiles to be launched without them leaving the facility. Some even have automated rapid-loading systems to fire the missiles off quickly. This means that missiles can still be fired from them even if the entrances are temporarily sealed. The good news is that the overhead doors that protect the launch bays can be penetrated, and the bays themselves destroyed. This would specifically be a good job for the B-2.

⚠️ 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 ⚠️

🇮🇷 | 𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 “𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆” 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀…

Iran’s Space Command has released a video of one of hundreds of these underground missile cities.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀… pic.twitter.com/7a93vWUBmB

— Iran Spectator (@IranSpec) August 5, 2024

Iran has even experimented with automated loading systems for the aperture launch concept, as seen above. (Iranian State Media)

By going after these cave complexes, scores of launchers and missiles can be taken off the table. That means fewer missiles to hunt for in the open, which is a very challenging and resource-consuming kind of interdiction mission, to say the least. As such, these installations would be among the highest priority of targets, along with Iranian command and control capabilities. There is currently a race on when it comes to the supply of missiles and counter-missile capabilities. As we have discussed at length, interceptor stocks are not in a good place. For every missile kept out of the fight, that is one (or more) less interceptors that does not need to be expended.

תיעוד נוסף ממבצע “שאגת הארי”

צה”ל פועל בריכוז מאמץ לסיכול איומים לעבר עורף מדינת ישראל וכן סיכל משגרים רבים שהיו מוכנים לשיגור מיידי לעבר אזרחי מדינת ישראל.

במסגרת תקיפות חיל האוויר במערב איראן, זוהו פעילים מיחידת טילי הקרקע-קרקע של משטר הטרור האיראני מחמשים משגר במערב איראן… pic.twitter.com/X3HUAxcFYH

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) February 28, 2026

The B-2 has unique conventional weapons capabilities that have become famous. A single Spirit can carry 80 500-pound JDAMs that can all fly miles from their launch point and hit individual targets with exacting precision. A single pass from one B-2 over an airfield can destroy all of the base’s non-hardened infrastructure, for instance. But it’s the B-2’s bunker-busting capabilities that get the most attention.

The Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOP) used to attack Fordow in June are the ultimate non-nuclear bunker buster. But these 30,000-pound weapons are very few in number, and only two can be carried by each B-2. Because of the compartmentalized nature of some of the missile caves, just how effective they would be at destroying the complexes is questionable. If intelligence existed that would allow for perfect weapons placement, it’s possible they would have been used.

More likely, the B-2s would have used more common bunker busters for this kind of mission. These include 2,000-pound-class BLU-109-warhead equipped GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM). The BLU-109-equipped JDAMs are common across American combat aircraft, but the B-2 can carry 16 of them, not a couple like a fighter would, on a typical mission. The B-2’s arsenal may also now include new GBU-72 5,000-pound-class bunker busters, a bomb developed to bridge some of the gap between the BLU-109 and the MOP. A mix of these weapons can be carried in order to tailor the damage to different areas of a missile cave complex.

The smaller weapons would likely have been capable of collapsing runner entrances and destroying the missile launch apertures at the limited number of sites equipped with them.

Airmen assigned to the 7th Munitions Squadron prep inert BLU-109 penetrator bombs during the Bomber Agile Combat Employment exercise at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 11, 2019. The exercise helps in practicing Dyess AFB’s ability to leverage logistics in order to quickly deploy and sustain the force when called upon to do so. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mercedes Porter) — Airmen assigned to the 7th Munitions Squadron prep inert BLU-109 penetrator bombs during the Bomber Agile Combat Employment exercise at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 11, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mercedes Porter) Staff Sgt. Mercedes Bizzotto

Then there is another question some are bound to ask, why use a B-2? Why not a B-52 or B-1? The answer there is multi-fold, but the biggest driver in this regard is the B-2’s stealth capabilities. The airspace over Iran is not fully secured. There are still threats, some of which are novel to Iran, and others are road mobile and can pop up at any time. Taking every advantage — careful mission planning based on the latest intelligence, electronic warfare, and cyber support, and escorts that can take out counter-air threats in real time — is still a necessity. Also, the B-2 crews train for just this type of mission and likely have familiarity with the target sets in mind. So they will be used for direct bomber attacks for the foreseeable future.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit aircraft departs Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Oct. 2, 2025. The B-2 is capable of penetrating heavily defended air spaces and delivering conventional and nuclear munitions anywhere on the globe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Hastings) Staff Sgt. Joshua Hastings

As to why the B-2s flew such a long mission instead of operating from a forward location, the answer there is relatively clear. As we reported last week, the United Kingdom has not allowed the U.S. to launch strikes from its bases against Iran. This includes two locations that are fully equipped to sustain bomber operations and are relevant in proximity to the Iranian mission — RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. While the B-2 community has been training to launch limited operations from other forward locations in recent years, these locales are not equipped to sustain sorties. So, flying from home, at least at this point, was clearly the best option.

We will likely be seeing more of the B-2s in the coming days, especially as the air war moves from targeting immediate threats and focuses on destroying Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and its military industrial complex — especially the parts of it that develop and construct ballistic missiles and other standoff weaponry that threaten Israel and Iran’s neighbors.

UPDATE: 4:47 Eastern –

The U.K. government has more details about the revised level of support it is willing to provide the United States in its campaign directed against Iran. The United Kingdom is now offering the U.S. military use of its bases for strikes targeting Iranian missile sites. You can read more about why this became an issue in our story about the controversy here.

In a video shared on social media Sunday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and it’s my duty to protect British lives.

“We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes.

“But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source — in their storage depots or the launchers which used to fire the missiles. The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose.

“We have taken the decision to accept this request — to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk and hitting countries that have not been involved.”

Given Starmer’s new stance, it is possible we could see movements of B-2s and other bombers to either or both of the bases at the center of the controversy. As we have already noted, the U.S. has beefed up Diego Garcia with F-16 Fighting Falcons.

However, we don’t know the timeline for Operation Epic Fury. If it only lasts a few days, it is possible that the B-2s and other bombers could continue to fly from bases in the U.S. We just don’t know yet.

UK’s Keir Starmer:

The only way to stop the threat is to destroy Iranian missiles at source, in their storage depots or the launchers which are used to fire the missiles.

The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive… pic.twitter.com/iUFRlFALZz

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026

A flight of four B-2 Spirit stealth bombers returning to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri after bombing Iran had to divert to Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. The aircraft — PETRO41, PETRO42, PETRO43 and PETRO44 — reportedly altered their course due to weather issues at Whiteman.

You can see some of the jets landing in the following video.

The Pentagon has confirmed that the B-2s used 2,000lb bunker busters on their missions. Also, bomb damage imagery collected by commercial satellites shows the entrances to some of the missile caves have been collapsed over night.

Last night, U.S. B-2 stealth bombers, armed with 2,000 lb. bombs, struck Iran’s hardened ballistic missile facilities. No nation should ever doubt America’s resolve. pic.twitter.com/6JpG73lHYW

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com

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NEWS TODAY

U.S.-Israeli War With Iran Enters Day Two (Updated)

Mar 1, 2026 News Desk

The joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran has entered its second day. The Iranians, as well as their regional proxies, continue to retaliate in kind against multiple countries in the region.

Readers can catch up first on the events of the first day of the war with our initial rolling coverage here.

The death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, now confirmed by Iranian authorities, has created a new dimension to the conflict. The regime in Tehran has pledged to avenge Khamenei, and has also announced 40 days of public mourning.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement mourning the death of Ali Khamenei.

The IRGC framed his death as a sign of divine acceptance and victory, vowing severe and decisive revenge against those responsible.

It pledged that the Guards, Iran’s armed forces, and…

— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) March 1, 2026

Public Relations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps:

• The heaviest offensive operation in the history of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will begin in moments towards the occupied territories and the bases of the American terrorists.

— NoctuMind (@noctu_mind) March 1, 2026

40 DAYS OF PUBLIC MOURNING ANNOUNCED IN IRAN AFTER KHAMENEI’S DEATH – STATE MEDIA

— Phil Stewart (@phildstewart) March 1, 2026

Israel’s Channel 12 has reported that 30 munitions were dropped on the Supreme Leader’s compound.

BREAKING: 30 missiles were dropped on the Iranian Supreme Leader’s compound and Khamenei is ‘almost certainly’ dead, according to Israel’s Channel 12.

— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) February 28, 2026

Speaking with CBS News‘ Robert Costa by phone earlier tonight, President Donald Trump suggested that a new diplomatic resolution to the conflict may now be within reach. It is “much easier now than it was a day ago, obviously, because they [the Iranians] are getting beat up badly,” he said.

“Yes, I think so. There are some good candidates,” Trump added when asked if he had someone he would like to see lead Iran now. He also said he knew who was running Iran following Khamenei’s death, “but I can’t tell you.”

“It’s what we expected. Less than we thought, actually. We thought it’d be double,” the President also said about Iran’s retaliatory attacks so far.

Asked by @costareports who is calling the shots in Iran now following Ayatollah Khamenei’s death, Trump said, “I know exactly who, but I can’t tell you.”

On whether there’s someone he wants to see lead Iran now, Trump said, “Yes, I think so. There are some good candidates.”

— Sara Cook (@saraecook) March 1, 2026

As for Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel and U.S. assets and allies in the region, Trump told @costareports, “It’s what we expected. Less than we thought, actually. We thought it’d be double.”Though he said he is keeping watch and the situation remains fluid. @CBSNews

— Sara Cook (@saraecook) March 1, 2026

The rest of our new rolling coverage continues below, with the most recent updates at the top.

UPDATE: 11:06 AM EST—

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the first U.S. casualties of the conflict.

“Three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury,” according to an official statement. “Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.”

The statement does not say where these casualties occurred.

CENTCOM Update

TAMPA, Fla. – As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions — and are in the process of being…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026

CENTCOM has also confirmed that Iran targeted the U.S. Navy’s supercarrier USS Abraham Lincoln, but says that the missiles “didn’t even come close” to the ship.

🚫Iran’s IRGC claims to have struck USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles. LIE.
✅The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn’t even come close. The Lincoln continues to launch aircraft in support of CENTCOM’s relentless campaign to defend the American people by… pic.twitter.com/AjaeHMemtA

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026

Reports are now emerging about U.S. Air Force B-2s having struck targets in Iran sometime overnight. Flight trackers and others had already been pointing to growing signs that a flight of the bombers had flown sorties in support of Operation Epic Fury.

The B-2s are on their way back to Whiteman AFB as PETRO41 flight. They checked in earlier this morning with SEVILLE CONTROL over the Straight of Gibraltar just like Op Midnight Hammer. I love how the Spanish controller say’s to them, “Adios” 😎🇺🇸💪 pic.twitter.com/IuiTAxkrf5

— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) March 1, 2026

#OperationEpicFury #FreeIran
“OPERATION EPIC FURY” BOMBER MISSION
At last, I can confirm that overnight a flight of 4 B-2A “Spirit” bombers flew non-stop from the United States to Iran to attack targets belonging to the regime.

I am releasing this information now as the bombers… pic.twitter.com/5mmiU4QXl4

— DefenceGeek 🇬🇧 (@DefenceGeek) March 1, 2026

Fox News is also reporting that the bombers dropped 2,000 bombs rather than the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP bunker busters employed during Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iran last year. TWZ has previously noted that B-2s were likely to make an appearance in Operation Epic Fury last night, but also highlighted that the bombers could bring immense conventional firepower to bear even without carrying MOPs.

NEW: 4 B2 bombers flew round trip from the US- dropped dozens of 2000 lb bombs on underground ballistic missile sites in Iran: US defense official tells me.

— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) March 1, 2026

B-2s will likely show up tonight, making direct attacks on key targets in a way no other platform can. Yes this could include MOPs, but also lots of JDAMs against less fortified targets. They can achieve massive effects in a single sortie. One B-2 can carry 80 500lb JDAMs. Entire… pic.twitter.com/d0ztfmHYVN

— Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) February 28, 2026

NPR has obtained satellite imagery from Planet Labs that looks to show no damage to an AN/FPS-132 early warning radar in Qatar that Iran reportedly targeted yesterday.

The IDF is now saying that it destroyed the General Staff headquarters of Iran’s Internal Security Forces, as well as the command center responsible for coordinating the defense of Tehran.

IDF:

The “Tharallah” headquarters, which served as the command responsible for defending Tehran against military threats, was destroyed. pic.twitter.com/fwjO3N67Yn

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026

“We have eliminated the tyrant Khamenei and dozens of senior figures from the oppressive regime, and our forces are now hitting the heart of Tehran with growing intensity, a campaign that will only ramp up in the coming days,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said in a new video statement.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, speaking from the roof of the Kirya in Tel Aviv, said that “we have eliminated the tyrant Khamenei and dozens of senior figures from the oppressive regime, and our forces are now hitting the heart of Tehran with growing intensity, a campaign that will… pic.twitter.com/jea6COl1tx

— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump has told CBNC that operations against Iran are currently proceeding “ahead of schedule.”

TRUMP TELLS CNBC THAT IRAN MILITARY OPERATIONS ARE ‘AHEAD OF SCHEDULE’

— Phil Stewart (@phildstewart) March 1, 2026

An image is circulating online that is said to show an Iranian attack on an oil platform off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

Reports coming in that Iranian fire has hit an Emirati offshore oil platform in the Gulf.

Would be a direct attack on the Gulf’s energy infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/0PUeEAHQ58

— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) March 1, 2026

Multiple outlets have also now reported that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency provided key intelligence that enabled Israel’s strike on Supreme Leader Khamenei’s compound.

UPDATE: 9:50 AM EST—

U.S. Central Command has now issued a formal statement regarding the targeting of what it calls an Iranian “Jamaran class corvette.” This is how the U.S. military refers to Iran’s Moudge class warships, which are also often described as frigates. Satellite imagery provider Vantor had initially assessed the ship that was struck to be an Alvand class warship, from which the Moudge class is derived. You can read more about this in TWZ‘s previous reporting here.

An Iranian Jamaran-class corvette was struck by U.S. forces during the start of Operation Epic Fury. The ship is currently sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman at a Chah Bahar pier. As the President said, members of Iran’s armed forces, IRGC and police “must lay down your… pic.twitter.com/NzsR3dI2Hs

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026

Imagery circulating points to Iranian attacks in the vicinity of France’s naval base in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

There are reports that another ship has been struck, this time off the United Arab Emirates on the Persian Gulf side of the Strait of Hormuz. The crew of the vessel was reportedly able to extinguish the resulting fire and are continuing their voyage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi has told Al Jazeera that the country’s Assembly of Experts could elect a new Supreme Leader to succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the next few days. A U.S. official has also told that outlet that it is still unclear how Khamenei may impact Iran’s actions going forward.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi:

Maybe in one or two days, the Assembly of Experts will elect a new leader for the country. pic.twitter.com/6PU0fJrK86

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026

U.S. official to Al Jazeera:

It is not yet clear how Khamenei’s death will affect Iran’s military capabilities or its response.

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026

“My message to the remaining officials of this republic of terror is this: surrender to the Iranian nation. Declare your loyalty to my plan and our transition framework, and hand over power without further bloodshed,” Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, and now an opposition figure to the regime in Tehran living in exile, has written in a post on X. “Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to failure in advance. Whoever they place in his position will not only lack legitimacy, but will also be a partner in the crimes of this regime.”

“To the military, law enforcement, and security forces, I say: your weapons must be used to defend the great nation of Iran, not the republic of crime, thuggery, and its anti-Iranian criminals. Join the people of Iran and the Lion and Sun Revolution,” he added. “Use your arms to protect Iranians against the mercenaries of the Islamic Republic so that this 47-year nightmare may end more swiftly.”

My compatriots,

Ali Khamenei, the Zahhak of our time — the demon who, only weeks ago, issued the order for the massacre of tens of thousands of Iran’s finest sons and daughters — is gone.

With his disgraceful death, and that of many of his appointees and affiliates, the Islamic… https://t.co/dFxweIJIjF pic.twitter.com/IzGDbIs6Jt

— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) March 1, 2026

Pakistani authorities have confirmed the violent clashes around the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, sparked by the war on Iran, have left several dead and dozens wounded.

The ongoing conflict continues to cause major disruptions in general air traffic through the region, with the airspace over multiple countries restricted or closed entirely.

UPDATE: 8:44 AM EST—

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has released additional imagery of ongoing activities as part of Operation Epic Fury.

First 24 hours of Operation Epic Fury:

“The President ordered bold action, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are answering the call,” – Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM Commander pic.twitter.com/McrC7xeM0A

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 1, 2026

The IDF has released a video showing Iranian F-4 and F-5 combat jets being targeted on the ground in Tarbiz.

🎯STRUCK: Two F5 and F4 fighter jets at the airport of Tabriz in western Iran, as the jets were prepared for takeoff

The strike was conducted to degrade the Iranian Air Force’s activities and to further expand the degradation of their aerial defense. pic.twitter.com/lEvpyiPI5M

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026

“For the first time in Operation Roaring Lion, air force aircraft are operating in ‘stand-in’ over the skies of Tehran in a powerful strike against regime and repression targets.” Defense Minister Israel Katz has said. There will be “continuous powerful strikes” on targets in the Iranian capital, he added. The IDF has also released a new video outlining the phases of its operation that it says has now given it total air superiority over Tehran

Defense Minister Israel Katz says the Israeli Air Force is striking Tehran with “stand-in” munitions, meaning those dropped directly over their targets.

“For the first time in Operation Roaring Lion, air force aircraft are operating in ‘stand-in’ over the skies of Tehran in a…

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026

‼️ The video outlines the phases of the operation: targeting air defense systems and missile launchers in western Iran, then paving the way toward Tehran and establishing aerial superiority over the capital. pic.twitter.com/STDYyyZvG3

— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) March 1, 2026

‼️WATCH: For the first time since the start of Operation ‘Roaring Lion’, the IAF is striking targets belonging to the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran.

Over the past day, the IAF conducted large-scale strikes to establish aerial superiority and pave the path to… pic.twitter.com/DN2MkGCfWc

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026

The IDF says its strikes have killed the Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces, Abdolrahim Mousavi, as well as dozens of other senior officials.

🔴ELIMINATED: Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Iranian Chief of Staff of the armed forces.

Additionally, the IDF struck & eliminated 7 members of the top Iranian security leadership in Tehran and 40 senior commanders. pic.twitter.com/0a4wf3dk9N

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026

The IDF is also continuing to target Iranian ballistic missiles, as well as air defenses and drone capabilities. Israeli authorities assess that Iran still has approximately 2,500 ballistic missiles of all types, which “constitutes an existential threat,” according to The Times of Israel.

The IDF publishes a new batch of footage showing strikes against Iranian ballistic missile launchers, air defenses, and drones pic.twitter.com/dUNmmbapXS

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026

The Israeli military assesses that Iran currently possesses some 2,500 ballistic missiles.

Ahead of June 2025’s war, the IDF said it identified efforts by Iran to significantly accelerate the production rate of ballistic missiles and increase its stockpile from around 3,000 to…

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026

IDF jets have already dropped more than 1,200 munitions on targets in Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Katz has also said strikes on Iran “will continue for as long as necessary” and until “the objectives are achieved.”

Israeli Air Force fighter jets dropped over 1,200 munitions during strikes in Iran over the past day, the military says. pic.twitter.com/jSnZNwJK6u

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026

Defense Minister Israel Katz says the strikes on Iran “will continue for as long as necessary” and will not stop “before the objectives are achieved.”

“The elimination of Khamenei is a turning point. We all hope that the activity will also lead to the outcome we want, that the… pic.twitter.com/yei2lnwqUz

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026

Iranian missiles have struck Beit Shemesh in Israel, causing casualties.

The Iranian Regime directly fired missiles toward the civilian neighborhood of Beit Shemesh, killing innocent civilians.

The Iranian regime purposely targets civilian targets while we precisely target terror targets. This is who we’re operating against—a regime who uses… pic.twitter.com/9W8Fp4T2tH

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026

פגיעה ישירה במבנה בבית שמש – נקבע מותם של חמישה בני אדם, פונו 18 פצועים בדרגות שונות

מפקד מחוז ירושלים הגיב לזירה ומקיים הערכת מצב עם כלל גופי החירום וההצלה, להמשך פעולות מצילות חיים.

שוטרי מחוז ירושלים ולוחמי מג”ב פועלים בזירה ומסייעים לגופי החירום וההצלה בסריקה אחר לכודים,… pic.twitter.com/wcAQ2plSla

— משטרת ישראל (@IL_police) March 1, 2026

Footage shows the aftermath of the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Beit Shemesh which killed at least six and wounded over 20.

The video shows that the missile caused extensive damage to a bomb shelter.

The Home Front Command is set to investigate the circumstances of the… pic.twitter.com/bVj7QIvodO

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026

Some 20 people were injured, including four in serious and critical conditions, by the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Beit Shemesh, medics say.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service says it is taking 17 victims to hospitals, including two in serious condition, one person… pic.twitter.com/Vzz6yxhFgw

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026

Skylight, a small Palau-flagged oil tanker, has reportedly been struck in the Gulf of Oman, resulting in injuries to members of its 20-person crew (said to include 15 Indian and 5 Iranian nationals). This tanker has been under U.S. sanctions for links to Iran’s Ministry of Defense since December. There are no indications that it was attempting to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, but the exact circumstances surrounding the attack are unclear.

SKYLIGHT (9330020) wasn’t passing through the Strait of Hormuz. She’s been anchored in the Musandam governorate of Oman (north of UAE at 26.288021, 56.266388) since 2026-02-22. This small 11K DWT tanker, mostly used for fueling other tankers, has been blacklisted by the US since… https://t.co/pDLmmXVnwO

— TankerTrackers.com, Inc. (@TankerTrackers) March 1, 2026

UPDATE: Note this small oil tanker is known as part of the Iranian oil refined products smuggling operation, and was put under US sanctions in December (US Treasury linked it to the Iranian Ministry of Defense). So the reported “hit” may not be what it looks at first glance. https://t.co/JB0SbpVLUl

— Javier Blas (@JavierBlas) March 1, 2026

يُعلن مركز الأمن البحري عن تعرض ناقلة النفط (SKYLIGHT) وتحمل علم جمهورية (بالاو) للاستهداف، على بعد (٥) أميال بحرية شمال ميناء خصب بمحافظة مسندم، وتم إخلاء جميع طاقم الناقلة المكون من (۲۰) شخصا، بينهم (١٥) شخصا يحملون الجنسية الهندية، و(٥) أشخاص من الجنسية الإيرانية.

كما تفيد… pic.twitter.com/LD9s94LEVR

— مركز الأمن البحري| MARITIME SECURITY CENTRE (@OMAN_MSC) March 1, 2026

At least three people were killed and dozens wounded in another round of Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to that country’s Ministry of Defense. UAE authorities have previously said that some injuries sustained as a result of Iranian attacks have come from falling debris as a result of interceptions of incoming threats.

NEW: UAE Ministry of Defense says 3 people were killed and 58 suffered minor injuries in the Iranian attack, including Emirati citizens and several foreign nationals.

— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026

Authorities confirmed that debris from drones intercepted by air defences fell in the courtyards of two homes in Dubai, resulting in two injuries. The injured have received the necessary medical care. Authorities also clarified that the sounds heard across the emirate were the…

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 1, 2026

“The Ministry of Defence has announced that the UAE air force and air defence forces have so far dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones since the start of the Iranian attack,” according to an official statement. “The ministry said that on the morning of the second day of the attack, UAE air force and air defence forces destroyed 20 ballistic missiles, while eight missiles fell into the sea. They also destroyed two cruise missiles and 311 drones. However, 21 drones struck civilian targets. The ministry affirmed the capability of the UAE air force and air defence to address various threats.”

The Ministry of Defence has announced that the UAE air force and air defence forces have so far dealt with 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles and 541 Iranian drones since the start of the Iranian attack.

The ministry said that on the morning of the second day of the… pic.twitter.com/rj8e5iXrQ5

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 1, 2026

Kuwaiti authorities now say intercepted 97 and 283 drones launched from Iran.

The Kuwaiti Army says its air defenses have intercepted 97 Iranian missiles and 283 drones since the start of what it describes as Iranian aggression.

— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 1, 2026

British authorities say that missiles that Iran has fired missiles in the direction of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean. U.K. Defense Minister John Healey says he does not believe the launches were directly aimed at British forces on the island, but that “it shows how indiscriminate” Iran’s retaliatory attacks have been. Authorities in Cyprus have pushed back on this, saying there are no indications the country was ever under threat.

BREAKING: Britain reveals: Iran launched two missiles at Cyprus

British Defense Secretary: Two missiles launched from Iran were fired towards Cyprus, where the kingdom maintains strategic military bases. He clarified that London believes the missiles were not aimed directly at…

— Iris (@streetwize) March 1, 2026

Statement by the Government Spokesperson @SpokespersonCY @letymbiotis

In relation to statements and media reports referring to the launch of missiles towards the direction of Cyprus, it is clarified that this is not the case and there is no indication whatsoever that the… pic.twitter.com/4ylQKyWsRf

— Προεδρία της ΚΔ (@CYpresidency) March 1, 2026

UPDATE: 3:44AM EST—

Israel is pounding a number of targets in Tehran with heavy munitions. The strikes appear to be focused on regime targets. The IDF also says the strikes are aimed on securing air superiority and creating a clear route to Tehran. This is likely in reference to manned fighter getting the ability to make direct attacks en masse with minimal risk. This would open up the skies to larger scale bombardment of the capital by relying less on standoff munitions.

The Israeli Air Force is carrying out an extensive wave of airstrikes against “targets of the Iranian terror regime in the heart of Tehran,” the military says.

The military says the IAF carried out extensive strikes in the past day “to establish air superiority and open the way…

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 1, 2026

Iran has hit Oman for the first time in the conflict, striking the port of Duqm on the Arabian Sea, facing the Indian Ocean. Apparently, long-range kamikaze drones were used. This is something of a surprise as Oman has provided diplomatic facilitation between the U.S. and Iran.

Iran has struck Oman for the first time, with at least two Iranian attack drones hitting the port of Duqm, wounding one worker.

Oman had been acting as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. pic.twitter.com/2PhNHkjgJ7

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026

40 buildings have been damaged by Iranian strikes in Tel Aviv.

The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality reports that 40 buildings were damaged by the Iranian missile strike overnight, and more than 200 residents have been evacuated to hotels. pic.twitter.com/5M4xE5qqAE

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026

At least six people were killed in the violent protest at the U.S. consulate in Pakistan that we previously mentioned.

Police say at least 6 people have been killed in clashes as hundreds of protesters stormed the U.S. Consulate in Pakistan following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader. https://t.co/ghGtH9K8Dv

— The Associated Press (@AP) March 1, 2026

Iran’s internet outage continues, which has limited visibility into the country to some degree during the crisis.

⚠️ Update: #Iran‘s internet blackout has now passed the 24-hour mark with national connectivity flatlining at 1% of ordinary levels.

The measure limits civic engagement at a key moment for the country’s future after the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei in US and Israeli airstrikes. pic.twitter.com/W4jDgds1Ty

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) March 1, 2026

UPDATE: 2AM EST—

An Iranian National Security Council member says a temporary leadership council will be established today. Another official said there were plans in place for exactly this scenario.

The power vacuum that exists in the country is clearly one of the key pressure points the U.S. and Israel would hope to exploit, although what comes next could end up with a negative outcome. Trump has stated that he has an idea who will take over in Iran that will be a positive for the U.S., but he did not elaborate.

Iranian National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani:

The temporary Leadership Council will be formed today.

Preparations for establishing the Leadership Council have been completed. pic.twitter.com/jOxCFeSoYg

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf:

We have prepared ourselves for all scenarios, and plans have even been made for after the martyrdom of Imam Khamenei.

You will see that with the formation of a Leadership Council, authority will take shape among the people…

— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 1, 2026

UPDATE: 1:20AM EST —

President Trump has just posted that the threat from the IRGC that it will be executing an unprecedented reprisal operation will be met with an even larger amount of force.

🚨🚨Trump on Truth Social: Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever been hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Thank you for your attention to…

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) March 1, 2026

President Trump just posted a new threat targeting Iran:

“WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE!” pic.twitter.com/ZJol0SmVg3

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026

It is clear that Iran’s playbook is to target civilian areas as well as U.S.-related military areas in Arab gulf states. Doing so puts pressure on the governments that the U.S. is clearly trying to assuage. At the same time, some of these areas are less defended than those near U.S. installations, which makes scoring hits more probable. How long defenses in these areas can hold out is an increasingly important question.

An Iranian missile hit Dubai International Airport this morning, with smoke seen rising near the north end of the airfield. pic.twitter.com/keBhRAsuAf

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026

After a night of many celebrating the death of the Supreme Leader, there are now demonstrations in Iran vowing revenge.

We are also beginning to activity emerge at U.S. embassies and consulates, such as in Pakistan:

UPDATE: 1AM EST—

The IDF says it has struck more than 30 new targets in Iran as part of continuing operations, “including aerial defense systems, missile launchers, regime targets and military command centers.”

🎯 ONGOING STRIKE: 30+ targets so far, in western and central Iran, including aerial defense systems, missile launchers, regime targets and military command centers.

The IDF will continue to degrade the Iranian terror regime’s capabilities until they can no longer threaten our… pic.twitter.com/hygz4sgUlM

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026

A video U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released earlier today looks to show a strike targeting some of Iran’s Russian-made MiG-29 fighters. The full video shows U.S. forces striking drones, air defense sites, shore defense radar installations, and more.

As the President stated, our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.

The President ordered bold action. CENTCOM forces are delivering an overwhelming and unrelenting blow. pic.twitter.com/B0k5gV4YnU

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 28, 2026

CENTCOM has also now released a video indicating the employment of ground-launched Army Tactical Missile System (ATACM) short-range ballistic missiles as part of ongoing strikes on Iran.

CENTCOM has also denied various claims that had been circulating earlier in the day, including about U.S. casualties, an attack on a U.S. naval vessel, and the severity of damage to U.S. facilities in the region.

🚫The Iranian regime claims to have killed 50 U.S. service members. LIE.
✅There have been no reported U.S. casualties.

🚫The IRGC claims that a U.S. Navy ship was struck by missiles. LIE.
✅No U.S. Navy ship has been struck. The Armada is fully operational.

🚫The Iranian… pic.twitter.com/qGsZ45EmzD

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 28, 2026

The IDF says that there have been at least 20 waves of Iranian missiles in the past 24 hours. The IDF has also assessed that Iran has launched at least 150 ballistic missiles at Israel since the start of the new conflict, according to The Times of Israel. This would be just slightly less than the number of missiles the Iranians fired at Israeli targets on the first night of the 12 Day War. Experts have also highlighted a notable difference in the size and coordination of individual Iranian barrages in the current conflict. While clearly, Iran’s command and control is disrupted, this could also be attributed, at least partially, to different tactics and decentralizing the command and control process in preparation for major disruptions that this conflict would bring.

🚨For the 20th time in the last 24 hours, millions of Israelis run to shelter across Israel under Iranian missile fire🚨

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 1, 2026

That MIGHT be a function of changes the IRGC made to its command structure post 12 Day War to prevent the paralysis that seemed to grip them at the time.

— Decker Eveleth (@dex_eve) February 28, 2026

So far that campaign seems to be having the precise opposite effect, but that may change if this really does last weeks.

— Decker Eveleth (@dex_eve) February 28, 2026

Imagery has emerged showing the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain being subjected to additional Iranian attacks. Civilian sites in Bahrain also continue to be hit. Authorities in Bahrain say they have intercepted at least 45 missiles and nine drones launched from Iran.

Satellite imagery circulating online, attributed to Chinese firm MizarVision, shows plumes of black smoke rising from at least two separate locations at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. At least one of these areas appears to be a fuel storage facility. TWZ has not yet been able to independently confirm any damage to the base.

🔴 High-resolution Chinese satellite imagery shows that Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait was attacked by Iran, with thick smoke rising. pic.twitter.com/XpvxCOPcBm

— NoctuMind (@noctu_mind) March 1, 2026

The video below is said to show Patriot surface-to-air missiles being fired at Iranian missiles targeting Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base.

Another footage of interceptors launched from Patriot air defence batteries defending Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base against Iranian missiles.

One interceptor missile appears to have failed. pic.twitter.com/tCWwlawaaT

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 28, 2026

The port of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the target of another Iranian strike.

Iranian-backed militants in Iraq have claimed responsibility for an attack on the airport in Erbil, the capital of that country’s northern autonomous Kurdish region. Pro-Iran protesters have also reportedly been trying to force their way to the U.S. Embassy inside Green Zone in Baghdad.

Chaos in Baghdad this morning as pro-Iran regime protestors attempted to breach the Green Zone, reportedly trying to get to the U.S. embassy. pic.twitter.com/OpZPZUL3Oq

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026

The U.S. Airbase at Erbil International Airport in Iraq is burning this morning after an Iranian drone/missile attack. pic.twitter.com/lUGFbg8r0X

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 1, 2026

“The [UAE’s] Ministry of Defense announced that the Air Force and Air Defense forces of the United Arab Emirates have succeeded, since the start of the Iranian attack, in intercepting and destroying 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched toward the country’s territories, confirming the high readiness of air defense systems and their capability to handle various threats,” according to a machine translation of official statement. “The Ministry clarified that since the start of the attack, 137 Iranian ballistic missiles were detected and launched toward the country, with 132 of them destroyed, while 5 fell into the sea. Additionally, 209 Iranian drones were detected, 195 of which were intercepted, while 14 fell within the country’s territories and waters, causing some collateral damage.”

الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية تتعامل مع 137 صاروخاً و209 طائرة مسيرة

أعلنت وزارة الدفاع أن القوات الجوية والدفاع الجوي لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة نجحت منذ بدء الهجوم الإيراني، في التعامل مع وتدمير 137 صاروخاً باليستياً و209 طائرة مسيّرة أُطلقت باتجاه أراضي الدولة، مؤكدةً… pic.twitter.com/93XmWy7AgE

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) February 28, 2026

Joe Kent, the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, has put out a statement about monitoring for potential threats to the homeland. The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly concerned about the potential for cyberattacks from “Iranian-aligned” actors, according to CBS News.

As the Iran conflict continues to unfold, @ODNIGov’s National Counterterrorism Center is engaged and operating at full capacity, 24/7. We are tracking developments in real time, assessing any potential risks to the homeland, identifying emerging threats, and providing timely,…

— NCTC Director Joe Kent (@NCTCKent) February 28, 2026

DHS says in notice it is “most concerned” in the short-term about cyberattacks from “Iran-aligned hacktivists” on U.S. digital infrastructure. – CBS

— Apex (@Apex_WW) March 1, 2026

Questions remain about the real state of progress in Omani-mediated talks between the United States and Iran over the latter’s nuclear program in the weeks leading up to the conflict.

They took as suspicious proposals that Iran saw as concessionary.

— Laura Rozen (@lrozen) February 28, 2026

Am not saying what Iran proposed would have been enough, I dont know, but it seems US negotiators did not have the expert guidance to understand it correctly

— Laura Rozen (@lrozen) February 28, 2026

Contact the author: joe@twz.com

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NEWS TODAY

Tankers Vacate Al Udeid Air Base As U.S. Citizens Are Urged To Leave Israel Immediately (Updated)

Feb 28, 2026 News Desk

Amid the apparent movement of U.S. Air Force refueling aircraft from an airbase in Qatar, the United States has urged its citizens to leave Israel immediately as the threat of a strike on Iran looms ever larger. U.S. President Donald Trump has assembled two carrier strike groups in the region as part of a significant military build-up and has continued to express doubt that Iran is serious about ending its nuclear program.

You can get a good sense of the state of play and the possible questions surrounding possible military action in our previous story here.

Available satellite imagery from yesterday indicates that the aerial refueling aircraft formerly present at Al Udeid, the major U.S. Air Force hub in Qatar, have been moved. In previous days, imagery had revealed between seven and 15 KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at the base. However, C-17A Globemaster III transports can still be seen at the base, which would be consistent with supplies flowing in ahead of a contingency. C-130 Hercules-series transports also seen on the tarmac are likely part of the special operations presence at the airbase. Moving assets out of Al Udeid, which would be among the highest-priority targets for Iran if hostilities break out, would be expected ahead of a major U.S. operation against Tehran, as was the case last year.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) declined to provide TWZ with any more information on movements at Al Udeid.

Meanwhile, dozens of KC-46 Pegasus and KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft are now stationed across Europe and the Middle East, including at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel.

At least nine American refueling tankers arrived at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport overnight as part of the United States’s massive buildup of military forces in the Middle East.

In all, 14 US refuelers arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in the past week. pic.twitter.com/POICMrC8DT

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 27, 2026

U.S. Air Force activity at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

• 16 KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft remain deployed

• 6 KC-46A Pegasus tankers are still in place

• 3 E-11A BACN aircraft were visible in yesterday’s imagery, with one observed on the runway

• 6 E-3 Sentry… https://t.co/WI2P0qwgUJ pic.twitter.com/kuXuFGCeW3

— Egypt’s Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) February 27, 2026

U.S. citizens should “consider leaving Israel while commercial flights are available,” the U.S. Department of State said in an advisory message.

On February 27, 2026, the Department of State authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of U.S. government personnel from Mission Israel due to safety risks.

In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S.… pic.twitter.com/aWzX6Gk36x

— U.S. Embassy Jerusalem (@usembassyjlm) February 27, 2026

Meanwhile, Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, sent a message to non-essential embassy staff in the country, saying that those who wanted to leave should “do so TODAY.”

Huckabee sent the email to embassy staff at 12:04 a.m. local time, urging them to book flights for themselves and their families anywhere they could.

This “will likely result in high demand for airline seats today,” Huckabee wrote. “Focus on getting a seat to any place from which you can then continue travel to DC, but the first priority will be getting expeditiously out of the country.” It is also worth noting that a similar evacuation was ordered eight days before Operation Midnight Hammer, the U.S. strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran on June 22, 2025.

Other countries have also issued similar warnings to their officials in the region, including the withdrawal of staff from the U.K. Embassy in Iran.

The official warnings came after the end of discussions between the United States and Iran over the future of Tehran’s nuclear program. These took place in Geneva yesterday but proved inconclusive. The key U.S. negotiators, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner, did not issue a statement after the talks.

There is now a possibility that further discussions could be held next week.

Speaking today, Trump said that, while he doesn’t want to use force, such measures are sometimes necessary. He added that he was yet to make a decision on the Iran issue, but said he wasn’t happy with their negotiating.

He adds that he doesn’t want to use force, but sometimes you have to.

— Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) February 27, 2026

In the meantime, the foreign minister of Oman, Badr Albusaidi, who has been the main mediator in the U.S.-Iran talks, has flown to Washington. This appears to be a last-ditch attempt to persuade the Trump administration to hold back from military action against Iran.

The speed with which Albusaidi departed Geneva for Washington would also seem to indicate just how close a potential U.S. military operation might be.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi
who mediated US-Iran talks in Geneva yesterday, is now en route to Washington to meet Vice President JD Vance.

— Alistair Bunkall (@AliBunkallSKY) February 27, 2026

Albusaidi was expected to brief U.S. Vice-President JD Vance on the progress that has been made in the talks so far. Vance has apparently been identified as the most senior member of the U.S. administration to harbor significant doubts about launching a military campaign against Iran. Speaking to The Washington Post, Vance said: “The idea that we’re going to be in a Middle Eastern war for years with no end in sight — there is no chance that will happen.”

Oman’s Foreign Minister is meeting today with Vice President JD Vance after saying that “significant progress” was made during nuclear talks on Thursday.

While diplomatic efforts unfold, additional U.S. military assets are deploying to the Middle East, and the State Department… pic.twitter.com/nt4QMBfm7L

— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) February 27, 2026

A key sticking point between the two sides in the talks has been Iran’s refusal to yield to specific U.S. demands.

Iran has refused to hand over its highly enriched uranium stockpile and has said it’s unwilling to completely terminate its right to enrich uranium domestically. Last year, Tehran said it would no longer cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and that inspectors would only be allowed to return to the country if its “right to enrich” was recognized.

Also under discussion is the fate of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, amounting to around 900 pounds. One option would be to ‘downblend’ it so that it’s no longer suitable for weapons production. Reports indicate that the Iranian nuclear program has made little progress since the U.S. airstrikes on its key nuclear facilities last year.

Despite White House warnings that Iran could produce weapons-grade nuclear material within days, nuclear experts and UN officials say Iran’s nuclear program has largely stalled since U.S. and Israeli strikes on key facilities last June.

Satellite imagery and international… pic.twitter.com/zaQVH7lpx2

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 26, 2026

Meanwhile, U.S. military assets continue to flow into the wider region.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, together with its carrier strike group, is due to arrive near the coast of Israel in the coming hours. The USS Abraham Lincoln is already sailing in waters south of Iran. The naval force in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean is the largest in the region since five carrier battle groups assembled at the outset of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, according to Washington-based think-tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

In terms of U.S. Air Force fighters, F-35A stealth jets and F-15E Strike Eagles arrived at RAF Lakenheath in England yesterday, after making transatlantic flights. From here, the fighters are well positioned to stage forward to the Middle East. The arrival at Lakenheath of 12 F-35s from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, was confirmed by open-source flight tracking data and aircraft spotters. They were joined there by 12 F-15Es from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

If these assets move to the Middle East, they would follow the 11 F-22A Raptor jets that are now at the Israeli Air Force base of Ovda, in the south of that country, according to satellite imagery. At least six more F-22s also arrived at Lakenheath earlier this week, while one of the jets from the first package was forced to turn back from its trip to Israel, apparently due to a maintenance issue. The Raptors have been deployed from Joint Base Langley Eustis, Virginia.

Also already in the Middle East are approximately 30 F-35As from Lakenheath’s 48th Fighter Wing and the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing, deployed to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. Other Air Force assets in the region include two more squadrons of F-15Es, as well as F-16 fighters and A-10 attack jets. Additional aircraft are deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, in the Indian Ocean, multiple F-16s are currently deployed to Diego Garcia, satellite images show. These would be key assets in defending the island from a possible Iranian attack. As we reported last week, the United Kingdom has apparently said it would not allow the use of the island for strikes on Iran, although this position may well change. There is also significant transport activity on the island, which could indicate a larger deployment, likely of bombers, is imminent.

In the past days, U.S. military forces in the region have grown to the highest levels seen since the lead-up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003, but it remains the case that there are not enough assets in place for an extended, multi-week air campaign. The full inclusion of the Israeli Air Force could and likely would change this calculus. Nevertheless, with Ford now in the Eastern Mediterranean and additional assets trickling into the region, the window for a major air operation is now cracked open.

Update: 4:41 PM Eastern –

Rubio designated Iran “as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention.”

“For decades the Iranian regime has cruelly detained innocent Americans and citizens of other nations to use as political leverage,” he announced on X. “Iran must end this abhorrent practice and immediately free all unjustly detained Americans.”

Today I designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. For decades the Iranian regime has cruelly detained innocent Americans and citizens of other nations to use as political leverage. Iran must end this abhorrent practice and immediately free all unjustly detained…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 27, 2026

Negotiators from the U.S. and Iran have made “substantial progress” toward a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi told CBS News on Friday.

“Albusaidi — who has mediated several rounds of U.S.-Iran talks over the last month — told Face the Nation moderator Margaret Brennan that a ‘peace deal is within our reach.‘

He said Iran has agreed that it will ‘never, ever have … nuclear material that will create a bomb,’ which he called a ‘big achievement.’ The country’s existing stockpiles of enriched uranium would be ‘blended to the lowest level possible’ and ‘converted into fuel, and that fuel will be irreversible,’ according to Albusaidi.

And Iran is willing to grant inspectors from the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency ‘full access’ to its nuclear sites in order to verify the terms of the deal, said Albusaidi.

‘There would be zero accumulation, zero stockpiling, and full verification,’ he said. Albusaidi said that if there is a fair and endurable deal in place, he is ‘quite confident’ that even American inspectors will have access at some point in the process.

Asked if he believes enough progress has been made to avert U.S. strikes on Iran, Albusaidi responded: ‘I hope so.’ But he said ‘we need a little bit more time’ to iron out some details. Technical talks are scheduled for Monday in Vienna, and Albusaidi said he hopes that he can meet with Witkoff and Kushner a few days afterward.“

WATCH: After meeting with Vice President JD Vance, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi – a key mediator in the U.S.-Iran nuclear talks – tells @margbrennan “the peace deal is within our reach.” He also said, “I don’t think any alternative to diplomacy is going to solve this… pic.twitter.com/zOuSPxLy5j

— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) February 27, 2026

Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed displeasure with Iran.

“They don’t want to say the key words, ‘We’re not going to have a nuclear weapon,’ and they just can’t get there… So I’m not happy with the negotiation,” Trump proclaimed.

“They don’t want to say the key words, ‘We’re not going to have a nuclear weapon,’ and they just can’t get there… So I’m not happy with the negotiation,” says @POTUS on Iran. pic.twitter.com/XN0S4ObS2x

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 27, 2026

Trump insisted that Iran not enrich any uranium.

Trump on Iran:

I say no enrichment — not 20%, 30%. They always want 20%, 30%. They want it for civil; I think it is uncivil.

I am not happy. pic.twitter.com/24ga9tOi9V

— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 27, 2026

Asked if there is a risk that an attack on Iran could turn into a long conflict in the Middle East, the president said “When there’s war, there is a risk in anything, both good and bad. “I’ve had tremendous luck myself.”

Doocy: Is there a risk that a strike could turn into a long, drawn out conflict in the Middle East?

Trump: When there’s war, there is a risk in anything, both good and bad. I’ve had tremendous luck myself. pic.twitter.com/XGBNvG55D1

— Acyn (@Acyn) February 27, 2026

More countries cancelled flights to Israel and Iran.

Air India will cancel all flights to Israel starting on Sunday, according to N12 News. The flights will be cancelled for 1 week before reassessing the situation

— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) February 27, 2026

Meanwhile, FCDO is advising against all but essential travel to Israel.

Travel Advice Update 🚨

FCDO travel advice has changed and now advises against all but essential travel to Israel.

Full details 👇https://t.co/n9MSwGiTzn

— UK in Israel 🇬🇧 (@ukinisrael) February 27, 2026

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com

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NEWS TODAY

U.S. And Israel At War With Iran (Updated)

Feb 28, 2026 News Desk

Israel has launched an attack on Iran, striking targets in Tehran.

A U.S. official has confirmed to TWZ that the U.S. is attacking Iran. Including strikes from air and sea, the official said. See updates down below.

Details remain extremely limited at this time, but what we know is that Israel struck targets as part of what it is calling a preemptive strike. Images from the capital show smoke plumes rising in urban areas. In addition, we have seen video from Iraq showing what appear to be low flying cruise missiles or possibly fighter aircraft. Iraq has been the primary access point for the Israeli Air Force in past strikes on Iran.

BREAKING: Israel says it launched a preemptive strike against Iran and declares a nationwide state of emergency. Reports of explosions across the Iranian capital, Tehran. pic.twitter.com/mRXNHj3Yy8

— Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) February 28, 2026

Some on the ground are saying the strikes targeted Iranian leadership installations in the city, particularly those used by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, although we cannot confirm that at this time. Geolocation info will soon be coming that should shed light on the target set.

The IDF posted the following on X, stating:

The State of Israel has launched a preemptive attack against Iran. Israel’s Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, declares a special and immediate state of emergency throughout the state The State of Israel has initiated a preemptive attack against Iran to remove threats directed against the State of Israel. As a result, missile and drone launches against the State of Israel and its civilian population are expected in the very near term. Therefore, pursuant to his authority under the Civil Defense Law, Minister of Defense Israel Katz has now signed a special order mandating the imposition of a special state of emergency in the Home Front throughout the State of Israel, effective immediately. The instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities must be followed, and individuals must remain in protected areas.

U.S. Central Command has declined to comment on the strikes in response to our direct inquiry to them.

This is a rapidly developing situation and we are going into rolling coverage on it below. Newest updates will be posted on top.

UPDATE: 5:45 AM EST—

It appears that Iran attacked U.S.-related sites in Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait. We are also hearing Saudi Arabia, but that is not confirmed. We are now getting responses from these countries condemning the attacks and some saying they reserve to right to respond. This is exactly how this conflict would quickly widen, as we have discussed for years, and most recently in this in-depth feature.

🚨Statement:Bahrain confirms attacks on sites within the Kingdom launched from outside its territory,a blatant violation of sovereignty. Authorities activated emergency plans. We condemn the attacks & reserves the right to respond in coordination w/ allies https://t.co/Ht7DjE8ZvD

— Abdulla R. Al-Khalifa (@AbdullaRAK) February 28, 2026

الإمارات تعلن التصدي “بنجاح” لعدد من الصواريخ الإيرانية على الدولة

أعلنت وزارة الدفاع تعرض دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة اليوم لهجوم سافر بصواريخ باليستية إيرانية، حيث تعاملت معها الدفاعات الجوية الإماراتية بكفاءة عالية وتم التصدي بنجاح لعدد من الصواريخ.

كما تعاملت الأجهزة… pic.twitter.com/R0WkOLHQ8k

— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) February 28, 2026

MIM-104 “Patriot” Surface-to-Air Missile Batteries with the U.S. Army attempting to down Iranian ballistic missiles over Erbil in Kurdistan, Northern Iraq. pic.twitter.com/NmY9xe0IxA

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) February 28, 2026

We are seeing video of flaming missile bodies on the ground in Syria and other locales. Whether they are a part of the ballistic missile or the interceptor isn’t clear in most cases.

One of the interceptor missiles fell a short while ago in the city of Inkhil in the countryside of #Daraa. The skies over Daraa Governorate are still witnessing continuous aircraft activity as a result of the war between #Iran and the United States. pic.twitter.com/OHWvL3YZvr

— Mohammad Alasakra (@mohammed_asakra) February 28, 2026

A major set of strikes appear to have done significant damage to a mountainside facility in eastern Iran that that is related to IRGC ballistic missile capabilities. Destroying the entrances to the missile caves is critical to lock as many of the weapons inside.

UPDATE: 5:15AM EST—

Fox News reports a U.S. official says American forces are not targeting regime targets. Instead they are going after military, industrial, especially missile-related ones. Israel is going after the regime.

US official: Israel is targeting Iranian leadership. The US is targeting military targets and ballistic missile sites that pose an “imminent threat.” The US military is not targeting Iran’s leadership.

— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) February 28, 2026

IDF reportedly is now stating it is going after the top of the regime:

🚨🚨Israeli officials say the IDF has conducted strikes against Iranian senior commanders and political leaders including Supreme Leader Khamenei and President Pezeshkian

— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) February 28, 2026

IDF has warned Iranians near military-related industry in Iran:

“Urgent Warning to All Individuals Located Inside or Near Military Industrial Factories and Military Infrastructure Across Iran. You are in proximity to weapons and facilities that are dangerous. Dear Citizens, for the sake of your safety and health, we kindly request that you immediately evacuate these areas and remain outside them until a new announcement is issued. Your presence in these locations puts your life at risk.”

‼️هشدار فوری به کلیه افرادی که در داخل یا حوالی کارخانجات صنایع نظامی و زیر ساخت های نظامی در سراسر کشور ایران قرار دارند.
شما در مجاورت با تسلیحات و تاسیساتی هستید که خطرناک می باشند.
شهروندان گرامی، بمنظور امنیت و سلامت شما خواهشمندیم فورا از این اماکن خارج شده و تا انتشار… pic.twitter.com/rPrS97Dm4J

— ارتش دفاعی اسرائیل | IDF Farsi (@IDFFarsi) February 28, 2026

Video shows F-15C Bazs taking off on a sortie for today’s operation. It is armed with AIM-7 Sparrows, still not uncommon for IAFs F-15A-Ds. Still, a bit odd for the general mission. It also does not have external tanks. Possibly on domestic counter-drone duty, if indeed the video depicts what it claims.

UPDATE: 5AM EST —

From an IDF official to TWZ: “Confirm on attacks in Bahrain and Qatar. We are being striked and missile attack all over Israel. We are being informed that Bahrain Qatar and Jordan are being attacked as well.”

Videos show intercept occurring over Dubai:

UPDATE: 4:50 AM EST—

We are seeing a sizable impact from an Iranian missile on the 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain.

New footage appears to show smoke rising from a secured compound in Bahrain with visible perimeter walls and communications infrastructure. The location appears consistent with a military facility in the Juffair area. pic.twitter.com/sgOHekkzF4

— WarMonitor (@TheWarMonitor) February 28, 2026

We are also seeing videos claiming to show smoke rising in the UAE.

A number of the USAF tankers that were in Tel Aviv have taken off:

U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tankers, staged at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, have sortied.

They will likely support ongoing US/Israeli strike operations on Iran. pic.twitter.com/a4Z9Emoni7

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 28, 2026

A video that shows an armada of fighters over Syria from this morning has surfaced:

UPDATE: 4:26 AM EST—

Iran is striking back across the Middle East, including Israel and U.S. interests along the Persian Gulf:

UPDATE: 4:10AM EST—

Iran appears (still unconfirmed) to have struck the Navy’s facility in Bahrain, the epicenter of the 5th Fleet.

Iran just attacked the U.S. Navy’s Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, with explosions and a large smoke plume reported within Mina Salman port. pic.twitter.com/eqqu3WZUvt

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 28, 2026

A statement from the IDF gives a better overview of what the campaign seeks to accomplish:

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit announces that the IDF and the US Armed Forces have launched a broad and joint operation to thoroughly degrade the Iranian terrorist regime and to remove existential threats to the State of Israel over time.

The strike targeted dozens of military targets and was carried out as part of a broad, coordinated, and joint operation against the regime.

The Iranian regime has not abandoned its plan to destroy Israel. In recent months, and despite the severe blow it sustained during Operation “Rising Lion”, the IDF identified that the regime continued efforts to advance production, fortify, and conceal its nuclear program, alongside rehabilitating its missile production processes.

In addition, the regime has continued financing, training, and arming its proxies positioned on Israel’s borders. These actions constitute an existential threat to the State of Israel and pose a danger to the Middle East and the world as a whole.

In the months preceding the strike, close and joint planning was conducted between the IDF and the U.S. military, enabling the execution of the broad strike in full synchronization and coordination between the two militaries. The IDF, across all its branches, carried out a meticulous and long-term preparation process for this operation — both in defensive systems and in various offensive plans.

Video claiming to show an TLAM over Tehran:

UPDATE: 4AM EST—

Netanyahu has now made an address, it states in part:

My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, just an hour ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran. I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership. For 47 years, the Ayatollahs’ regime has chanted “Death to Israel,” “Death to America.” It has spilled our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people. This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity.

Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands. The time has come for all parts of the Iranian people—the Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch, and Ahwazis—to cast off the yoke of tyranny and bring freedom and peace-loving values to Iran.

I call on you, citizens of Israel, to heed the instructions of the Home Front Command. In the coming days, during Operation “Lion’s Roar,” we will all be called upon to show patience and strength of spirit. Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.

אחיי ואחיותיי אזרחי ישראל, לפני שעה קלה יצאנו ישראל וארה״ב למבצע להסרת האיום הקיומי מצד משטר הטרור באיראן.

אני מודה לידידינו הגדול הנשיא דונלד טראמפ על מנהיגותו ההיסטורית.

במשך 47 שנים קורא משטר האייתוללות ״מוות לישראל״, ״מוות לאמריקה״. הוא הקיז את דמינו, רצח אמריקנים רבים וטבח… pic.twitter.com/itTF5b4jB4

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 28, 2026

Right on time, the Houthis are now saying they are closing the Bab El Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

🚨 BREAKING: Houthi movement announces the closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea and warns that they will target U.S. and Israeli ships.

— The Middle East (@A_M_R_M1) February 28, 2026

U.S. Mission in UAE and the Embassy in Jordan have also sent shelter-in-place alerts:

Subject: Security Alert – Shelter-In-Place – U.S. Mission UAE, Feb. 28, 2026

Location: UAE

Event: Due to regional hostilities, the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai have instructed staff to shelter-in-place (i.e., take cover). We recommend all Americans… pic.twitter.com/UurG3PY6Ol

— US Mission to UAE (@USAinUAE) February 28, 2026

The U.S. Embassy in Jordan is implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel. We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice.

Actions to Take:
•Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and… pic.twitter.com/lC7Tneb4b8

— U.S. Embassy Amman (@USEmbassyJordan) February 28, 2026

One of Israel’s prized submarines, which alas carry the country’s undeclared second strike nuclear deterrent, was seen booking it out of Haifa:

Hezbollah in Lebanon also got struck this morning.

Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnel shafts and rocket launchers, were targeted in a wave of Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon this morning, the IDF says.

According to the military, Hezbollah was recently working to restore its military capabilities at the… pic.twitter.com/6XkF1hfP63

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 28, 2026

A prayer app that is popular in Iran has been hacked:

An Iranian app for tracking Muslim prayer times has been hacked.

Messages are encouraging armed forces to defect and “protect your compatriots. They will protect you in return.”

Another message says, “Help has arrived.”

Another, “It’s the time for reckoning.”

Via @Vahid pic.twitter.com/qoddvmE8W0

— Khosro K Isfahani (@KhosroIsfahani) February 28, 2026

An unexploded Tomahawk warhead is seen on the ground in Iraq:

UPDATE: 3:39 AM EST—

Pentagon has named this campaign Operation Epic Fury.

OPERATION EPIC FURY 🇺🇸

— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) February 28, 2026

Reports are coming in that ballistic missiles hit Haifa in Israel:

BREAKING; Reports that Iranian ballistic missile hit Haifa.

At least 2 missiles were launched and 1 impacted and another was intercepted. pic.twitter.com/ABvIhKWzuq

— Global Surveillance (@Globalsurv) February 28, 2026

Air travel in the region is highly disrupted, with flights trying to figure out how to reroute around the conflict zone:

The IRGC has put out a statement:

“In the name of God, the Crusher of the Tyrants: In response to the hostile and criminal enemy’s aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the first wave of extensive missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the occupied territories has begun.”

Iran’s Ministry of Interior condemns the strikes and states:

“It brings to the attention of the great people of Islamic Iran that the criminal enemy, once again violating all international laws and during the negotiations, has again attacked our beloved homeland.”

UPDATE: 3:26 AM EST—

The IDF says a barrage of missiles is inboard from Iran.

❗️An additional barrage of missiles was launched toward Israel.

The Aerial Defense Array is currently identifying and intercepting threats.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 28, 2026

Internet traffic in Iran has plummeted. Meanwhile Iranian state news says checkpoints are being set up and not to post any images or videos of targeted areas. It also warns of extreme instability in the coming hours.

⚠️ Confirmed: Network data show #Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout with national connectivity at 4% or ordinary levels. The incident comes amid US and Israeli combat operations and matches measures used during last year’s war with Israel. pic.twitter.com/1XunOr4Q19

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 28, 2026

UPDATE: 3:01 AM EST—

There are reports that major Iranian Navy/IRGC Navy bases on the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea have been hit. This would make perfect sense to preempt a mining operation or attempted closure of the strait.

Reports that US forces have struck the Iranian IRGC Naval base at Asaluyeh this morning.

Explosions were also reported in the vicinity of the port at Chabahar. pic.twitter.com/OUcKGNFLEq

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 28, 2026

We are also getting more indications of what was hit in Tehran. Regime, nuclear, and security apparatus targets.

From unconfirmed reports, it appears that the initial strikes have targeted leadership (Office of the Supreme Leader, Presidency), repression (Judiciary), military (MODAFL, missiles), nuclear (AEOI, potentially residual facilities)

— Nicole Grajewski (@NicoleGrajewski) February 28, 2026

Now the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain is sending a shelter-in-place alert. Bahrain is a major center of gravitas for the U.S. military and home of the 5th Fleet.

Message for U.S. Citizens

Subject: Bahrain Security Alert – Shelter-In-Place
Month DAY, 2026

Location: Bahrain

Event: The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain is implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel. We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice.

Actions to… pic.twitter.com/MGjgxsS711

— U.S. Embassy Manama (@USEmbassyManama) February 28, 2026

Images are emerging showing spent boosters of Israel’s air-launched ballistic missiles laying in fields in Eastern Iraq. This is customary for IAF attacks on Iran at this point, with these weapons largely used to destroy air defenses and hit critical command and control related targets deep in Iran without putting manned aircraft at risk. We were first to report on these launches during Israel’s first direct strikes on Iran, which you can read about here. You can also read more about the latest of this unique class of weapon in the IAF’s inventory here.

Israeli KC-707 supposedly spotted refueling fighters over Syria:

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whose fatally ill father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, fled Iran ahead of the 1979 Islamic revolution, is now living in exile in the U.S. He has been instrumental in urging Iranians to protest the regime.

In a statement on X, Pahlavi urged Iranian military, police and security forces to take action against the regime to protect the people.

“You have sworn an oath to protect Iran and the Iranian people—not the Islamic Republic and its leaders. Your duty is to defend the people, not a regime that has taken our homeland hostage through repression and crime. Join the people and help bring about a stable and secure transition. Otherwise, you will go down with Khamenei’s sinking ship and his regime.”

هم‌میهنان عزیزم،

لحظاتی سرنوشت‌ساز پیشِ روی ماست.

کمکی که رئیس‌جمهور ایالات متحده به مردم شجاع ایران وعده داده بود، اکنون رسیده است. این یک مداخله بشردوستانه است؛ و هدف آن، جمهوری اسلامی، دستگاه سرکوب و ماشین کشتار آن است؛ نه کشور و ملت بزرگ ایران.

اما، با وجود رسیدن این کمک،… pic.twitter.com/kRiamgeCpS

— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) February 28, 2026

UPDATE: 2:45 AM EST—

Trump has addressed what he calls a “major combat operation inside Iran.” He lists Iran’s history of nefarious operations against the U.S. and others for decades and says he “isn’t going to put up with it anymore.” Trump says Iran will never have nuclear weapons and he will destroy their missiles and their missile industries, annihilate their Navy, and they will no longer be able to support proxies across the Middle East. He says there may be casualties as part of the operation. Trump tells Iranian troops and security forces that they will get immunity if they lay down their arms, or the alternative is they “will face certain death.” He tells the Iranian people to stay home as “bombs will be dropping everywhere” and the government will be theirs for the taking.

UPDATE: 2:27AM EST—

Israel’s N12 is reporting that the operation name is “Roar Of The Lion.”

שם המבצע באיראן: “שאגת הארי”

— החדשות – N12 (@N12News) February 28, 2026

N12 also claims a source said the Supreme Leader is in a secure hideout. Reuters also reported this.

המנהיג העליון של איראן נלקח למקום מסתור. גורם ישראלי: אנחנו הולכים על הכול, תכננו את זה במשך חודשים

— החדשות – N12 (@N12News) February 28, 2026

Strikes are occurring at sites throughout Iran. While these could be targeting time sensitive targets, many of these strikes would be used to prepare the battlefield for aircraft operations over Iran. In other words, degrading and destroying what’s left of Iran’s air defenses so strike aircraft can more safely operate over the country. These operations would likely occur tonight under the cover of darkness, where direct attacks on targets can be made. So tonight will look nothing like what we are seeing today.

UPDATE: 2:15AM EST—

A U.S. official has confirmed to TWZ that the U.S. is attacking Iran.

Meanwhile the Mossad is asking Iranians to “return Iran to its glorious days.”

As Israel launches strikes on Iran, the Mossad spy agency on its official Persian-language Telegram channel calls on Iranians to help “return Iran to its glorious days.”

“Our Iranian brothers and sisters, you are not alone! We have launched a highly secure and dedicated Telegram… pic.twitter.com/jnL937YR8e

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 28, 2026

We are getting unconfirmed reports that Israel has assassinated Iran’s defense minister.

UPDATE: 1:55AM EST—

Israel is preparing for a reprisal strike:

In the last few minutes, sirens were sounded all throughout Israel, with an advance instruction alert directly to cellular devices to stay within proximity to protected spaces. This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward the State of Israel. The IDF emphasizes that the public is requested to stay in proximity to protected spaces.

In the last few minutes, sirens were sounded all throughout Israel, with an advance instruction alert directly to cellular devices to stay within proximity to protected spaces.

This is a proactive alert to prepare the public for the possibility of missiles being launched toward…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 28, 2026

Flights are currently diverting away from the region and Iran has closed its airspace.

It appears USAF transport aircraft are trying to leave the ground prior to any kind of reprisal strikes. One ACARS message told a C-17 crew to remain on the ground in Jordan for as little time as possible not long before the strikes.

It’s looking like a U.S. strike on Iran could go down at any moment

A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter with identification number 06-6166 en route to King Abdullah II Air Base in Jordan has been instructed to keep its ground time to an absolute minimum.… pic.twitter.com/1GIXRN14jt

— Egypt’s Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) February 28, 2026

The daytime nature of the attacks would point to time sensitive targets being hit.

CNN is reporting that the U.S. was at least in coordination with Israel on the strikes, but that is not surprising at all even if Israel acted unilaterally in the kinetic action itself. There had been reports that the Trump administration favored Israel striking first so that it could then jump in once Iran responded with its own strikes.

A shelter-in-place order has been broadcasted in Qatar, home to the U.S. military’s largest installation in the region and what is presumed (and previously demonstrated) as the top U.S. target of Iran.

Message for U.S. Citizens:

The U.S. Embassy in Qatar is implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel. We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice.

Actions to Take:

– Find a secure location within your residence or another safe building. Have a supply of… pic.twitter.com/ENogjpfK5r

— U.S. Embassy in Qatar (@USEmbassyDoha) February 28, 2026

An Israel KC-707 was seen departing today, likely to support the strike operation. Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant posted simply “Good luck” with U.S. and Israeli flags on his X account along with an image of an IAF F-15D and him talking to crews.

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SPORT

High school soccer: Thursday’s boys’ and girls’ playoff scores, updated schedule

Feb 20, 2026 Sports Desk

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER PLAYOFFS
THURSDAY’S RESULTS

CITY SECTION
BOYS
SEMIFINALS

OPEN DIVISION
#1 El Camino Real 1, #4 Palisades 0 (OT)
#6 Marquez at #2 South East, Friday at 6 p.m.

Note: Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.

GIRLS
SEMIFINALS

OPEN DIVISION
#1 Cleveland 4, #5 Palisades 0
#7 Granada Hills 3, #6 New West Charter 0

Note: Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.

QUARTERFINALS

DIVISION I
#1 Birmingham 2, #8 Van Nuys 0
#5 Chatsworth 1, #4 Granada Hills Kennedy 0
#3 Wilmington Banning 2, #11 LA Hamilton 1
#7 Eagle Rock 3, #15 King/Drew 2

DIVISION II
#8 Mendez at #1 South East
#13 Lakeview Charter 1, #5 Animo Bunche 0
#19 Bravo at #6 LA Roosevelt
#7 Garfield 8, #2 Gardena 3

DIVISION III
#9 Maywood CES 0, #1 Fairfax 0 (MACES wins 4-2 in shootout)
#4 Marquez 1, #5 Reseda 0
#6 Verdugo Hills 1, #3 Huntington Park 1 (VH wins 3-0 in shootout)
#2 Angelou 4, #7 Santee 1

DIVISION IV
#9 Aspire Ollin 3, #16 Franklin 2
#12 Monroe 2, #13 Arleta 0
#6 Animo De La Hoya 1, #3 Camino Nuevo 1 (DLH wins in shootout)
#10 Sun Valley Poly 2, #2 Fremont 0

Note: Semifinals Tuesday; Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.

FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE
(Games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

CITY SECTION
BOYS

QUARTERFINALS
DIVISION I
#9 Angelou at #1 Chavez
#5 Chatsworth at #4 Granada Hills, 4 p.m.
#19 LA Marshall vs. #6 Cleveland, 6 p.m. at Taft
#15 Granada Hills Kennedy at #7 Legacy

DIVISION II
#17 Canoga Park at #9 Santee, 4 p.m.
#20 Neuwirth Leadership vs. #12 Arleta, 7 p.m. at Birmingham
#14 Taft at #6 Garfield
#23 Huntington Park at #15 RFK Community

DIVISION III
#9 Franklin at #1 LACES
#13 Foshay at #12 North Hollywood
#6 Animo Pat Brown at #3 Gardena
#23 Sun Valley Magnet at #2 LA Hamilton

DIVISION IV
#8 LA Roosevelt at #1 Mendez
#5 East Valley at #4 Maywood Academy
#19 Lakeview at #6 Panorama
#18 Port of Los Angeles at #7 Aspire Ollin

Note: Semifinals Wednesday; Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.

SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE
SOUTHERN SECTION
(Games at 5 p.m. unless noted)

BOYS
SEMIFINALS

OPEN DIVISION
#8 Orange Lutheran at #4 Placentia Valencia
#6 JSerra at #2 Mater Dei

Note: Finals Feb. 28.

DIVISION 1
Santa Monica vs. Anaheim Canyon, 5:45 p.m. at El Modena
Fontana at Sultana, 6 p.m.

DIVISION 2
Downey at Newport Harbor
Citrus Hill at Bishop Amat

DIVISION 3
Los Alamitos vs. Godinez at Santa Ana Valley Stadium
Calabasas at Channel Islands

DIVISION 4
Indian Springs at Granite Hills
Irvine University at Oxnard Pacifica

DIVISION 5
Santa Ana Valley at San Marcos
Camarillo at Esperanza, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 6
Bishop Montgomery vs. Animo Leadership, 2:45 p.m. at Edward Vincent
Ontario Christian at Vista del Lago

DIVISION 7
Cerritos at Pasadena Poly
Oakwood at Palmdale Academy Charter, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 8
Orange County Pacifica Christian at San Jacinto Leadership
Rio Hondo Prep at Thacher, 3 p.m.

Note: Finals Feb. 27 or 28.

GIRLS
SEMIFINALS

OPEN DIVISION
#4 Oaks Christian at #1 Santa Margarita, 4 p.m.
#3 Mater Dei at #2 Redondo Union

Note: Finals Feb. 28.

DIVISION 1
Westlake at Newport Harbor, 7 p.m.
Eastvale Roosevelt at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame

DIVISION 2
Ayala at San Marino
Millikan at Bonita

DIVISION 3
Paloma Valley at Crescenta Valley, 3 p.m.
Quartz Hill at Simi Valley

DIVISION 4
Arcadia at San Jacinto, 3 p.m.
Immaculate Heart at Chino

DIVISION 5
Coachella Valley at Artesia
Del Sol at Sultana, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 6
Ocean View at Palmdale Aerospace
Grace at Segerstrom

DIVISION 7
Santa Monica Pacifica Christian vs. Savanna at Anaheim
Cate at Azusa, 2 p.m.

DIVISION 8
Mountain View at Buckley, 1 p.m.
Webb at Big Bear

Note: Finals Feb. 27 or 28.

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SPORT

High school soccer: Wednesday’s boys’ and girls’ playoff scores, updated schedule

Feb 19, 2026 Sports Desk

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER PLAYOFFS
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

CITY SECTION
BOYS
SECOND ROUND

DIVISION I
#1 Chavez 0, #17 King/Drew 0 (Chavez wins 3-1 in shootout)
#9 Angelou 2, #8 LA University 0
#5 Chatsworth 3, #12 Sun Valley Poly 3 (Chatsworth wins in shootout)
#4 Granada Hills 2, #13 Van Nuys 1
#19 LA Marshall 2, #3 Diego Rivera 1
#6 Cleveland 1, #11 San Pedro 0
#7 Legacy 3, #10 Carson 1
#15 Granada Hills Kennedy 15, #2 Roybal 1

DIVISION II
#17 Canoga Park 2, #1 New West Charter 1
#9 Santee 1, #8 South Gate 0
#12 Arleta 3, #5 Annenberg 2
#20 Neuwirth Leadership Academy 2, #4 Orthopaedic 0
#14 Taft 3, #3 Fremont 2
#6 Garfield 3, #22 Elizabeth 1
#23 Huntington Park 5, #7 Alliance Health 0
#15 RFK Community 3, #2 Locke 3 (RFK wins 5-4 in shootout)

DIVISION III
#1 Los Angeles 2, #17 West Adams 1
#9 Franklin 4, #8 Alliance Bloomfield 0
#12 North Hollywood 3, #5 SOCES 1
#13 Foshay 2, #4 San Fernando 1
#3 Gardena 2, #14 Hollywood 1
#6 Animo Pat Brown 2, #11 Grant 1
#23 Sun Valley Magnet 2, #7 Collins Family 1
#2 LA Hamilton 2, #15 Bernstein 0

DIVISION IV
#1 Mendez 5, #16 Smidt Tech 0
#8 LA Roosevelt d. #24 New Designs University Park, forfeit
#5 East Valley 3, #12 MSCP 1
#4 Maywood Academy 1, #13 Animo South LA 0
#19 Lakeview Charter 2, #3 Downtown Magnets 0
#6 Panorama 2, #11 Triumph Charter 1
Aspire Ollin 0, #10 Alliance Levine 0 (Aspire Ollin wins 4-3 in shootout)
#18 Port of LA 2, #2 Belmont 1

Note: Quarterfinals Friday; Semifinals Feb. 25; Finals Feb. 27 or 28.

GIRLS
SEMIFINALS

OPEN DIVISION
#1 Cleveland 4, #5 Palisades 0
#6 New West Charter at #7 Granada Hills, 7 p.m.

Note: Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.

SOUTHERN SECTION
QUARTERFINALS

OPEN DIVISION
Pool Play
#1 Santa Margarita 1, #4 Oaks Christian 0
#3 Mater Dei 1, #2 Redondo Union 0

DIVISION 1
Westlake 4, Rosary Academy 0
Newport Harbor 0, Orange Lutheran 0 (Newport Harbor wins 4-2 in shootout)
Eastvale Roosevelt 0, Etiwanda 9 (Roosevelt wins 3-2 in shootout)
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 3, Harvard-Westlake 1

DIVISION 2
Ayala 1, Saugus 0
San Marino 3, Portola 0
Millikan 1, Warren 0
Bonita 2, Riverside King 0

DIVISION 3
Crescenta Valley 0, Valencia 0 (Crescenta Valley wins 5-4 in shootout)
Paloma Valley 2, La Salle 1
Quartz Hill 4, La Canada 0
Simi Valley 1, Flintridge Prep 0

DIVISION 4
San Jacinto 1, Patriot 1 (San Jacinto wins 4-3 in shootout)
Arcadia 0, Granite Hills 0 (Arcadia wins 7-6 in shootout)
Immaculate Heart 2, Laguna Hills 1
Chino 1, Arlington 0

DIVISION 5
Artesia 1, Anaheim 1 (Artesia wins 5-4 in shootout)
Coachella Valley 4, Grand Terrace 3
Sultana 2, La Palma Kennedy 1
Del Sol 3, Alemany 2

DIVISION 6
Ocean View 4, Adelanto 2
Palmdale Aerospace 1, St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy 1
Segerstrom 1, Arroyo Valley 0
Grace 1, Mayfair 0

DIVISION 7
Savanna 3, Nuview Bridge 0
Santa Monica Pacifica Christian 3, Ganesha 1
Cate 5, Santa Rosa Academy 1
Azusa 1, San Gabriel 1 (Azusa wins 4-3 in shootout)

DIVISION 8
Mountain View 3, CAMS 1
Buckley 2, Milken 1
Big Bear vs. Environmental Charter, Thursday at 2:20 p.m. at Galaxy Soccer Complex
Webb 4, Miller 0

Note: Semifinals Saturday; Finals Feb. 27 or 28.

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE

CITY SECTION
BOYS
SEMIFINALS
(Games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

OPEN DIVISION
#4 Palisades at #1 El Camino Real
#6 Marquez at #2 South East, 6 p.m.

Note: Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.

GIRLS
QUARTERFINALS
(Games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

DIVISION I
#8 Van Nuys at #1 Birmingham
#5 Chatsworth at #4 Granada Hills Kennedy
#11 LA Hamilton at #3 Wilmington Banning
#15 King/Drew at #7 Eagle Rock

DIVISION II
#8 Mendez at #1 South East
#13 Lakeview Charter at #5 Animo Bunche
#19 Bravo at #6 LA Roosevelt
#7 Garfield at #2 Gardena

DIVISION III
#9 Maywood CES at #1 Fairfax
#5 Reseda at #4 Marquez
#6 Verdugo Hills at #3 Huntington Park
#7 Santee vs. #18 Manual Arts / #2 Angelou

DIVISION IV
#16 Franklin at #9 Aspire Ollin
#13 Arleta at #12 Monroe
#6 Animo De La Hoya at #3 Camino Nuevo
#10 Sun Valley Poly at #2 Fremont

Note: Semifinals Feb. 24; Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.

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NEWS TODAY

C-32A ‘Air Force Two’ Jet Emerges Wearing Trump’s New Air Force One Paint Job (Updated)

Feb 18, 2026 News Desk

One of the U.S. Air Force’s C-32A VIP aircraft has re-emerged wearing a new red, white, and blue paint scheme. The same livery has recently been appearing on other U.S. government executive jets, and is nearly identical to one President Donald Trump had previously chosen for the future VC-25B Air Force Ones. The C-32As are commonly referred to as “Air Force Twos,” a callsign used when they carry the Vice President, but they are often used to transport the President, as well as other high-level officials and diplomats.

The C-32A with the new paint job was caught flying from Majors Airport in Greenville, Texas, yesterday by an aircraft spotter who goes by the handle @tt_33_operator on Instagram. The aircraft was using the callsign Vader 20 at the time. Online flight tracking data shows that the jet is serial number 99-0003. The Air Force’s Boeing 757-based C-32s are regular visitors to Majors Airport, home of L3Harris’ Mission Integration plant, which is a hub for conversions, upgrades, and other work related to large special mission aircraft.

The jet’s new paint scheme is white over dark blue, separated by red and gold cheat lines. The livery also includes a large American flag, depicted blowing in the wind, on the side of the tail. The flag has the same general style as the one on the tail of Trump’s personal 757, also commonly called “Trump Force One.” “United States of America” is in large lettering and a standard U.S. military ‘stars-and-bars’ insignia is also painted on the side of the fuselage of the C-32A. There is no readily visible serial number, which is in keeping with a policy that Air Mobility Command (AMC) enacted under President Joe Biden’s administration, ostensibly intended to improve operational security.

Another look at the C-32A spotted in Greenville, Texas, wearing the new livery. *@tt_33_operator*

99-0003 has been at Majors Airport since at least last December, according to available tracking data. Spotters caught the aircraft arriving in Greenville on December 8, at which time it was wearing the blue, white and gold scheme typically seen on Air Force C-32s. Earlier this month, it was sighted completely stripped of paint.

The Air Force currently has some eight C-32As in its inventory. The service also operates a fleet of more secretive C-32B Gatekeeper personnel transports, which have overall white paint schemes.

TWZ has reached out to the Air Force for more information about the new livery on 99-0003 and what plans there might be now for applying it to the rest of the C-32 fleet or other aircraft.

For decades now, the Air Force’s C-32As have worn the same white-over-blue paint scheme, which is also found on Boeing 737-based C-40 Clippers. Other business jet-based executive aircraft the service operates wear similar liveries.

A stock picture of a C-32A wearing the blue-over-white livery. *USMC*

The typical C-32A livery shares distinct similarities with the one currently worn by the Boeing 747-based VC-25A Air Force One aircraft, but there are differences. The famed Air Force One scheme dates back to President John F. Kennedy’s administration, and was created with the help of legendary designer Raymond Loewy at the urging of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

In 2019, during his first term in office, President Trump unveiled a new red, white, and blue scheme for the forthcoming VC-25B Air Force One aircraft. As already noted, the scheme is essentially the same as the one now seen on 99-0003.

A rendering of a VC-25B with the livery President Trump had selected. *Boeing*

President Biden subsequently reversed that decision, with the Air Force rolling out new renders of the VC-25B wearing a version of the Kennedy-era livery in 2023. In August 2025, following Trump’s re-election, the Air Force told Inside Defense it was “implementing a new livery requirement for VC-25B,” but did not elaborate.

A rendering of a VC-25B wearing the same paint scheme as the current VC-25A Air Force One aircraft. *USAF* A rendering of a future VC-25B Air Force one jet. USAF

There are certainly growing signs that the red, white, and blue livery that has now emerged on an Air Force C-32 is becoming a standard for executive jets across the U.S. government. The first aircraft to appear with this paint scheme was a 737 Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) with a luxurious interior and clear ties to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Details about that jet, which carries the civil registration number N471US, and has been flying around the United States and to destinations abroad since December, remain limited.

N471US seen at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., in December 2025. *David Lee*

The U.S. Coast Guard, which falls under the purview of DHS, has now received the first of two modified Gulfstream 700 (G700) jets wearing this livery, as well. Also known as Long Range Command and Control Aircraft (LRCCA), the G700s provide VIP transport for the Secretary of Homeland Security (currently Kristi Noem), as well as other senior DHS and Coast Guard officials. The aircraft also fit into continuity of government plans in place to ensure U.S. authorities can keep functioning in the event of a host of different severe contingency scenarios, including major hostile attacks and devastating natural disasters. The Coast Guard already operates two LRCCA jets based on older, out-of-production Gulfstream models, which it says are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. Older Gulfstream types are still in widespread service elsewhere across the U.S. government, including with the Air Force.

The first of two G700-based LRCCA aircraft delivered to the US Coast Guard. *Lennon Popp*

Separate from any deliberations over paint schemes, the Air Force has similarly been exploring various options for ultimately replacing the C-32As in recent years. The very last 757 rolled off Boeing’s production line in 2004, and the type has been in declining use by airlines and other operators globally, which has impacts on residual supply chains.

The Air Force had previously considered rolling a C-32 replacement effort into work on successors for the E-4B Nightwatch and E-6B Mercury command and control aircraft, but subsequently decided against that course of action. The Boeing 747-based E-4Bs are now set to be succeeded by E-4C Survivable Airdrop Operations Centers (SAOC) converted from newer 747-8i airframes, which could also take over some of the roles now performed by the E-6B. The E-4s and E-6s are commonly referred to as ‘doomsday planes’ because of the role they could play in launching nuclear strikes.

A proposed plan to augment the C-32 fleet with additional “large commercial derivative aircraft” was also put forward in the past. Most recently, the Air Force has laid out the possibility of supplanting its C-32s, as well as at least a portion of its C-40s, with a single common platform. Doing so would offer a way to simplify executive airlift operations compared to how things stand now with the two fleets of different narrow-body airliner types.

One of the US Air Force’s Boeing 737-based C-40 Clippers. *USAF*

In the meantime, the Air Force has continued to upgrade its C-32 fleet, including making critical improvements to the jets’ secure communications capabilities and installing new interiors. You can read more about the latter, specifically, here.

There has been a surge of new executive aircraft developments under the current Trump administration, in general. This has been particularly visible in the acquisition of additional 747s in relation to the much-delayed VC-25B program. This includes the purchase of second-hand 747s from German flag carrier Lufthansa to provide training support and as sources of spare parts for the future VC-25Bs. The Air Force is also repurposing a highly-modified ex-Qatari VVIP 747-8i, ostensibly gifted to the U.S. government, as what is now being called a VC-25 bridge aircraft. TWZ has previously raised significant questions about the feasibility of using that aircraft in the Air Force One role.

Time will tell what the future may hold now for the Air Force’s C-32s, but at least one of the jets is now flying with a new paint scheme that is seeing growing use across the U.S. government. By the time the VC-25Bs enter service, they will likely be surrounded by identically painted executive airlift aircraft.

Update: 4:25 PM EST –

The U.S. Air Force has now confirmed that other C-32As are set to receive the new red, white, and blue paint scheme, and that this livery will also be applied to the future VC-25Bs and the ex-Qatari 747-8i.

“The Air Force is implementing a new paint scheme requirement (red, white, gold and dark blue) for VC-25B as well as the additional executive airlift fleet, which will include the new 747-8i and four C-32 aircraft,” a spokesperson for the service told TWZ. “The C-32s will be painted during regularly scheduled maintenance. The first C-32 has been painted and is expected to be delivered to the Air Force in the next few months.”

CBS News had first reported these details, citing anonymous sources, earlier today, following the publication of our initial story.

Special thanks again to @tt_33_operator for sharing the pictures of the C-32A wearing the new paint scheme.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com

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SPORT

High school soccer: Updated playoff schedule

Feb 17, 2026 Sports Desk

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER PLAYOFFS
TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE

SOUTHERN SECTION
BOYS
QUARTERFINALS
(Games at 5 p.m. unless noted)

OPEN DIVISION
Pool Play
#4 Placentia Valencia at #8 Orange Lutheran
#2 Mater Dei at #6 JSerra

DIVISION 1
Anaheim Canyon at Torrance
Santa Monica at Servite, 3:30 p.m.
Sunny Hills at Sultana
El Segundo at Fontana, Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

DIVISION 2
Downey at El Dorado, 6 p.m.
Newport Harbor vs. Crossroads, 6 p.m. at Belmar Park
Bishop Amat at Culver City, 3 p.m.
Patriot at Citrus Hill, 5:30 p.m.

DIVISION 3
West Torrance at Los Alamitos
Godinez at Palmdale, 3 p.m.
Channel Islands at Littlerock
Knight at Calabasas, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 4
Cypress at Granite Hills
Indian Springs at Sierra Vista
Santa Paula at Irvine University
Oxnard Pacifica at Lakewood

DIVISION 5
Crespi at Santa Ana Valley
San Marcos at Mountain View
Tustin at Esperanza, 6 p.m.
Westlake at Camarillo

DIVISION 6
Viewpoint vs. Bishop Montgomery at South Torrance
Coachella Valley vs. Animo Leadership, 4 p.m. at Edward Vincent Field
Vista del Lago at Cerritos Valley Christian
Lakeside at Ontario Christian, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 7
Maranatha vs. Cerritos, 5:30 p.m. at Gahr
Edgewood vs. Pasadena Poly at San Marino
Oakwood at Ganesha
Palmdale Academy Charter at Pioneer

DIVISION 8
San Jacinto Leadership vs. Fairmont Prep, 3 p.m. at Great Park
Bishop Diego vs. OC Pacifica Christian, 3 p.m. at Vanguard University
Holy Martyrs vs. Rio Hondo Prep, 3 p.m. at Kare Park
de Toledo at Thacher, Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Note: Semifinals Saturday; Finals Feb. 27 or 28.

WEDNESDAY’S SCHEDULE
CITY SECTION
BOYS
SECOND ROUND
(Games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

DIVISION I
#17 King/Drew at #1 Chavez
#9 Angelou at #8 LA University
#12 Sun Valley Poly at #5 Chatsworth
#13 Van Nuys at #4 Granada Hills
#19 LA Marshall at #3 Diego Rivera
#11 San Pedro at #6 Cleveland
#10 Carson at #7 Legacy
#15 Granada Hills Kennedy vs. #2 Roybal, 2:30 p.m. at Contreras

DIVISION II
#17 Canoga Park vs. #1 New West Charter, 2p.m. at Dignity Health Park
#9 Santee at #8 South Gate, 4 p.m.
#12 Arleta at #5 Annenberg
#20 Neuwirth Leadership Academy at #4 Orthopaedic
#14 Taft at #3 Fremont
#22 Elizabeth at #6 Garfield
#23 Huntington Park at #7 Alliance Health
#15 RFK Community at #2 Locke

DIVISION III
#17 West Adams at #1 LACES
#9 Franklin at #8 Alliance Bloomfield
#12 North Hollywood at #5 SOCES
#13 Foshay at #4 San Fernando
#14 Hollywood at #3 Gardena
#11 Grant at #6 Animo Pat Brown
#23 Sun Valley Magnet at #7 Collins Family
#15 Bernstein at #2 LA Hamilton

DIVISION IV
#16 Smidt Tech at #1 Mendez
#24 New Designs University Park at #8 LA Roosevelt
#12 MSCP at #5 East Valley
#13 Animo South LA at #4 Maywood Academy
#19 Lakeview Charter at #3 Downtown Magnets
#11 Triumph Charter at #6 Panorama
#10 Alliance Levine vs. #7 Aspire Ollin, 2 p.m. at Boyle Heights Sports Center
#18 Port of LA at #2 Belmont

Note: Quarterfinals Friday; Semifinals Feb. 25; Finals Feb. 27 or 28.

GIRLS
SEMIFINALS

OPEN DIVISION
#5 Palisades vs. #1 Cleveland, 5 p.m. at Taft
#6 New West Charter at #7 Granada Hills, 7 p.m.

Note: Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.

SOUTHERN SECTION
GIRLS
QUARTERFINALS
(Games at 5 p.m. unless noted)

OPEN DIVISION
Pool Play
#1 Santa Margarita at #4 Oaks Christian
#2 Redondo Union at #3 Mater Dei

DIVISION 1
Rosary Academy vs. Westlake, 7 p.m. at Cal Lutheran
Newport Harbor at Orange Lutheran
Etiwanda at Eastvale Roosevelt, 6 p.m.
Sherman Oaks Notre Dame at Harvard-Westlake, 5:30 p.m.

DIVISION 2
Saugus at Ayala
San Marino at Portola, 3 p.m.
Millikan at Warren, 3 p.m.
Riverside King at Bonita, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 3
Crescenta Valley at Valencia
La Salle at Paloma Valley, 3 p.m.
La Canada at Quartz Hill, 3 p.m.
Simi Valley at Flintridge Prep, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 4
Patriot at San Jacinto, 3 p.m.
Arcadia at Granite Hills, 3 p.m.
Laguna Hills vs. Immaculate Heart, 5:30 p.m. at Glendale College
Chino at Arlington, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 5
Artesia at Anaheim, 3 p.m.
Grand Terrace at Coachella Valley
La Palma Kennedy at Sultana, 3 p.m.
Alemany vs. Del Sol at Rio Mes

DIVISION 6
Adelanto at Ocean View
Palmdale Aerospace at St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy
Segerstrom at Arroyo Valley, 3 p.m.
Mayfair at Grace, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 7
Nuview Bridge at Savanna
Ganesha vs. SM Pacifica Christian, 3 p.m. at Airport Soccer Complex
Cate at Santa Rosa Academy
San Gabriel at Azusa, 3 p.m.

DIVISION 8
CAMS at Mountain View, 3 p.m.
Buckley at Milken, 3 p.m.
Big Bear at Environmental Charter, 3 p.m.
Miller at Webb, 3 p.m.

Note: Semifinals Saturday; Finals Feb. 27 or 28.

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE
CITY SECTION
BOYS
SEMIFINALS
(Games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

OPEN DIVISION
#4 Palisades at #1 El Camino Real
#6 Marquez at #2 South East, 6 p.m.

Note: Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.

GIRLS
QUARTERFINALS
(Games at 3 p.m. unless noted)

DIVISION I
#8 Van Nuys at #1 Birmingham
#5 Chatsworth at #4 Granada Hills Kennedy
#11 LA Hamilton at #3 Wilmington Banning
#15 King/Drew at #7 Eagle Rock

DIVISION II
#8 Mendez at #1 South East
#13 Lakeview Charter at #5 Animo Bunche
#19 Bravo at #6 LA Roosevelt
#7 Garfield at #2 Gardena

DIVISION III
#9 Maywood CES at #1 Fairfax
#5 Reseda at #4 Marquez
#6 Verdugo Hills at #3 Huntington Park
#7 Santee vs. #18 Manual Arts / #2 Angelou

DIVISION IV
#16 Franklin at #9 Aspire Ollin
#13 Arleta at #12 Monroe
#6 Animo De La Hoya at #3 Camino Nuevo
#10 Sun Valley Poly at #2 Fremont

Note: Semifinals Feb. 24; Finals Feb. 27 or 28 at TBA.

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High school basketball: Friday's playoff scores and updated pairings

Feb 14, 2026 Sports Desk

CIF City Section and Southern Section high school boys’ and girls’ basketball playoff scores and playoff schedule.

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