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February 28, 2026

Iran sends text messages urging residents to leave Tehran

Iran sends text messages urging residents to leave Tehran

This image grab taken from Iranian state television broadcasted on February 28, 2026, show what it says is the site of deadly US and Israeli strikes that hit a girls’ elementary school in Minab, in the southern Iranian province of Hormozgan near the strategic sea route of the Strait of Hormuz. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, sparking fears of regional war with explosions reported across the Middle East as the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles. (Photo by IRIB TV / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / IRIB / HANDOUT” – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Iranian authorities on Saturday sent text messages urging residents to evacuate the capital Tehran, after Israel and the United States launched strikes across the Islamic republic.

“In view of the joint operations launched by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran and other major cities, if possible and while remaining calm, head towards other cities,” said the text messages received by residents and seen by AFP journalists.

AFP