AMMAN, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Jordan's military said its air force was conducting sorties on Saturday to protect the kingdom and its people, as Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran. "The sounds heard in the skies over a number of areas of the Kingdom are from aircraft belonging to the Royal Jordanian Air Force, which are carrying out routine flights as part of their operational duties," a military source said, after sirens were reported in Amman. "These sorties are part of aerial reconnaissance and inspection operations aimed at maintaining the safety of Jordanian airspace and ensuring that it is free from any attempts at infiltration or illegal activities," the source added.

JERUSALEM, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Israeli strikes on Iran were targeting"regime and military sites including ballistic missiles", the Kan publicbroadcaster reported, citing an Israeli official. "Israeli official: Regime targets and military sites are being attacked --including ballistic missiles," appeared on the ticker of the Kan 11television channel.

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has called for a review of the trade agreement signed with the United States by the outgoing interim government, warning that it may not serve the country’s long-term economic interests. At a press conference on Saturday, CPD Research Director Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem urged the new government to review the interim US trade deal to ensure it aligns with national interests. CPD claimed that the administration led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus finalized what it described as a discriminatory agreement with the US government at the end of its tenure, which could create pressure on future trade and economic policies. Speakers at the press conference said the new administration’s key challenge will be to formulate a coordinated and balanced trade policy that prioritizes national interests. They expressed hope that the government will carefully review the matter and take necessary steps to safeguard the country’s long-term economic interests.

The United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes against targets in Iranian cities on Saturday triggering explosions and columns of smoke in the capital Tehran. Iran, Iraq and Israel all closed their airspaces to civilian traffic once the strikes were underway, and the US embassies in Qatar and Bahrain urged US citizens to take shelter. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Israel for talks on Iran on Monday, the State Department said. Trump in his State of the Union address Tuesday alleged Iran was developing missiles that could strike the United States. Increasing pressure, Rubio on Friday designated Iran a state sponsor of wrongful detentions, a new blacklist, over jailings of US citizens.

TEHRAN, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is "safe and sound", state media reported on Saturday, following US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic. "President Masoud Pezeshkian is safe and sound and has no problems," the IRNA news agency reported, alongside the Mehr and ISNA agencies.

JERUSALEM, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The Jerusalem municipality ordered schools and workplaces to close on Saturday after Israel launched strikes on arch-foe Iran, saying the closure would be in effect until 1800 GMT on Monday. "In accordance with the assessment of the situation by the Home Front Command and the launch of a preemptive strike against Iran, it has been decided to change the guidelines and transition from full activity to essential activity throughout the country," it said in a statement. "There will be no educational activities, no gatherings, and no going to work, except for workers defined as essential. This policy is in effect from Saturday (2/28) at 8:00 am (0600 GMT) until Monday (3/2) at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT)".

Trump says US in 'major combat' to destroy Iran missiles, navyWEST PALM BEACH, United States, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - US President Donald Trump announced Saturday that "major combat" is underway to destroy Iran's missile forces and "annihilate" the country's navy. "The United States' military began major combat operations in Iran," Trump said in a video message posted on his social media site while he spent the weekend at his Florida golf club. "We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. We're going to annihilate their navy," Trump said. He offered the military there "immunity" or "certain death" and told Iranians the "hour of your freedom is at hand."

DOHA, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The US embassies in Qatar and Bahrain told their staff to seek shelter Saturday and advised US citizens to do the same after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The embassies said in two separate statements they were "implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel. We recommend all Americans do the same until further notice," and urged US citizens to "find a secure location within your residence or another safe building".

TEHRAN, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iranian state television on Saturday confirmed what it described as an "aerial aggression by the Zionist regime"on the country, following a series of blasts in Tehran. The Fars news agency meanwhile said "seven missile impacts were reported in the Keshvardoost and Pasteur districts" of Tehran, where the residence ofsupreme guide Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is located.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday said anyone involved in institutional corruption will not only lose their job but also face imprisonment. “If anyone tries to earn commission illegally, strict action will be taken against them,” he added. “If anyone uses substandard materials in road or infrastructure projects, their license will be canceled. The law minister said using substandard materials in infrastructure projects should result in the highest legal action against the contractor. Departments failing in their duties will see disciplinary action against the heads along with complaints to the Anti-Corruption Commission, he added.

Argentina’s Congress on Friday adopted President Javier Milei’s flagship labor reform, handing victory to the libertarian leader in his push to boost hiring by loosening rules on working hours, dismissals and overtime. The so-called “labor modernization law” allows working days of up to 12 hours, reduces severance pay, limits the right to strike and lowers employer taxes, among other provisions. Polls show Argentines divided on the reform, with 48.6% in favor and 45.2% against in a recent survey. The law is the centerpiece of Milei’s radical free market agenda. He insists that Argentina’s labor laws are outdated, too restrictive and discourage formal hiring.

Pakistan’s military, supported by artillery and air power, launched strikes deep inside Afghanistan overnight and into early Saturday, killing more than 300 Afghan forces in days of fierce border clashes, officials said. Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said over 331 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and more than 500 wounded. He added that Pakistan destroyed 102 Afghan posts, captured 22, and destroyed 163 tanks and armored vehicles at 37 sites. Authorities said hundreds of residents near the northwestern Torkham border have fled to safer areas, while dozens of Afghan refugees waiting at the border were transported to secure locations inside Pakistan. The Afghan Department of Information and Culture accused Pakistan of hitting civilian areas, destroying homes, and killing at least 11 people.

Inter Miami will visit the White House in March to mark the club's 2025 MLS Cup triumph, with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi expected to attend, the Miami Herald reported Friday. The newspaper cited an unnamed Inter Miami source saying "everyone" on the team will attend the ceremony with US President Donald Trump, two days before Inter plays DC United in the US capital on March 7. Trump's affinity for soccer has grown in recent months, with multiple meetings with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and a high-profile visit by Cristiano Ronaldo to the White House. Inter Miami wrapped up a slate of international friendlies on Thursday with a 2-1 victory over Independiente del Valle in Puerto Rico. They fell to Los Angeles FC in their MLS season-opener last weekend and face Orlando City on Sunday.

US carrying out strikes against Iran: mediaWASHINGTON, United States, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The United States hasstarted carrying out strikes on Iran, US media reported Saturday, afterIsrael said it had attacked its long-standing regional adversary. Multiple US media outlets, citing American officials, reported thatWashington had begun strikes on Iran in a joint operation with Israel, whichsaid it had also carried out strikes and closed its airspace. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

JERUSALEM, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Israel's main opposition leader, Yair Lapid, vowed to "stand together" with the ruling government and the military,after Israel launched strikes on arch-foe Iran on Saturday. "In moments like these we stand together -- and we win together. There is no coalition and no opposition, only one people and one IDF, with all of usbehind them," Lapid posted on X.