Israel has resumed air strikes on Iran this morning as the United States confirms its first combat deaths during President Donald Trump's second term. In a series of extraordinary moves over the weekend, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during joint US and Israeli air strikes on Tehran - while US President Donald Trump has publicly called for regime change.
Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against American military in the Middle East, as well as at Israel. Dubai and Bahrain International Airports and the landmark Burj Al Arab hotel have been damaged during retaliatory strikes. Advice for New Zealanders stranded in the Middle East is to heed shelter-in-place advisories or leave if it is safe to do so. BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner has reported extensively from the Middle East for decades - he speaks to Kathryn.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a religious gathering in Tehran on 19 February, 2026. Photo: "AFP / Handout / Khamenei.ir
