Tehran/Washington/London, 28 February (H.S.): The Middle East teeters on the brink of all-out war as Iran launched unprecedented counterstrikes following joint US-Israel military operations targeting its top leadership, with explosions rocking Gulf states and a devastating school attack claiming 40 lives.

Israel claimed its precision assaults hit locations linked to Iran's Supreme Leader, President, and armed forces chief. Sources indicate the US plans sustained attacks over several days. President Donald Trump described the campaign as extensive and ongoing, warning of potential American casualties while urging Iranians to rise against their government.

In a bold retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel and US bases across the Middle East. Reports emerged of blasts in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar. Dubai suspended all flights temporarily as a precaution. Qatar's Defense Ministry claimed it intercepted a third wave of Iranian missiles, while Bahrain's Interior Ministry began evacuating residents near the US naval base in Juffair, southeast of Manama.

Iran's official IRNA news agency reported that an Israeli strike on a girls' primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, killed at least 40 people and injured 45 others. Detailed casualty information remains undisclosed.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened an emergency COBRA meeting, stating Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and prioritizing British citizens' safety in the region. Britain, Germany, and France issued a joint appeal for Iran to halt indiscriminate attacks, refraining from direct comment on US-Israel actions.

French President Emmanuel Macron demanded an emergency UN Security Council session, calling the escalation dangerous for all. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen deemed the developments gravely concerning, stressing nuclear safety.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned the strikes on Iran as breaches of international law. UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk appealed to all sides to cease bombings and return to talks.

Singapore's Acting Minister for Muslim Affairs Faisal Ibrahim expressed concern over attacks in Iran and Lebanon, blaming diplomatic failure for rising tensions and civilian suffering. These strikes during the holy month of Ramadan deepen the pain for many, he noted on February 28, adding Singapore is closely monitoring and backing de-escalation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy backed decisive US action against Iran, linking it to Russia's ally supplying 57,000 Shahed drones used against Ukraine. He called on Iranians to overthrow their terrorist regime, suggesting the lesson applies to Russians too, while cautioning against broader war.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared Iran will deliver appropriate lessons to aggressors, labeling US-Israel moves illegal and provocative. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Operation Lions' Roar as essential to eliminate existential threats from Iran.

Experts warn current dynamics could spiral into full-scale regional war, severely impacting global energy markets, diplomatic balances, and international security. Amid appeals for restraint, ground realities shift rapidly.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar