Amid the raging conflict in West Asia, a dramatic moment unfolded on live television when a CNN anchor based in Abu Dhabi was forced to evacuate the studio during a live broadcast. Host Becky Anderson was providing breaking coverage of the escalating US–Israel–Iran conflict when the loud, undulating tone of the city’s emergency sirens became audible in the background of the studio feed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">CNN Host: With the alarms going off here suggesting we should seek immediate shelter. So we&#39;ll do that. Our breaking news coverage continues after this short break stay with us. <a href="https://t.co/2YUdvVeI3U">pic.twitter.com/2YUdvVeI3U</a>&mdash; Acyn (@Acyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/2027698430634824034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In a moment of professional composure under pressure, Anderson paused to acknowledge the sirens, informed viewers that the team was following safety protocols, and moved off camera. CNN briefly cut to a graphic or pre-recorded segment before switching coverage to its London or Atlanta bureaus.&nbsp;The sirens were reportedly triggered by the interception of ballistic missiles launched by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as part of retaliation for the joint US–Israel strikes on the Islamic Republic on Saturday.&nbsp;While the UAE’s air defences, &nbsp;including the Patriot and THAAD systems, reportedly intercepted most incoming threats, shrapnel from one interception was said to have caused a fatality and minor damage in the city.&nbsp;These developments come after the United States and Israel jointly struck targets across Iran following the failure of recent nuclear talks in Oman and Switzerland. The military strikes, named Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the United States, hit over 30 sites across Iran, including government buildings in Tehran and suspected nuclear facilities.&nbsp;In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated Operation True Promise 4, targeting Israel and American bases across West Asia. Tehran launched missiles toward the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Middle East.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

The sirens were reportedly triggered by the interception of ballistic missiles launched by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as part of retaliation for the joint US–Israel strikes on the Islamic Republic on Saturday.

Amid the raging conflict in West Asia, a dramatic moment unfolded on live television when a CNN anchor based in Abu Dhabi was forced to evacuate the studio during a live broadcast. Host Becky Anderson was providing breaking coverage of the escalating US–Israel–Iran conflict when the loud, undulating tone of the city’s emergency sirens became audible in the background of the studio feed.

The sirens were reportedly triggered by the interception of ballistic missiles launched by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as part of retaliation for the joint US–Israel strikes on the Islamic Republic on Saturday.

Watch: CNN host forced to evacuate live on air in Abu Dhabi as siren blares in studio

The imagery reveals catastrophic damage. The structures comprising Khamenei's immediate residence and surrounding security perimeters have been completely levelled. 

The imagery reveals catastrophic damage. The structures comprising Khamenei's immediate residence and surrounding security perimeters have been completely levelled.&nbsp;

Is Khamenei dead or alive? Shocking satellite images show his house completely destroyed after US-Israel bombings

Islamabad did not just condemn the US and Israel; it explicitly legitimised Tehran's military response. The Pakistani Foreign Office released a statement emphasising that “Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter.”



Islamabad did not just condemn the US and Israel; it explicitly legitimised Tehran's military response. The Pakistani Foreign Office released a statement emphasising that “Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter.”<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Brothers in terrorism? Pakistan defies US, backs Iran's 'Right to Retaliate' amid its own bombing campaign against Afghanistan

The US and Israel launched 'Operation Epic Fury', targeting key sites with massive bunker-buster bombs. Following the initial bombardment, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei survived the assault and was immediately evacuated to a highly secure, undisclosed location.

The US and Israel launched 'Operation Epic Fury', targeting key sites with massive bunker-buster bombs. Following the initial bombardment, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei survived the assault and was immediately evacuated to a highly secure, undisclosed location.

Khamenei escapes first wave of US‑Israel bombing: 5 places where he could be hiding right now

Israeli officials assess that the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, was likely killed in the strikes on Iranian targets Saturday morning, reported Times of Israel.Pakpour became head of the IRGC after Israel killed his predecessor, Hossein Salami, at the start of the June 2025 war.&nbsp;The Israeli officials also assess that Iran’s minister of defence and chief of intelligence were also likely killed in the strikes; however, the assessments have yet to be confirmed by Iran or by the IDF.&nbsp;Several top Iranian regime and military commanders were targeted in the strikes on Saturday morning, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The results of the strikes currently remain unclear until confirmed.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-to-resume-attacks-on-shipping-routes-and-israel-tonight-say-officials-of-rebel-group-1772274065602">Houthis to resume attacks on shipping routes and Israel ‘tonight’, say officials of rebel group</a>&nbsp;<h2>Pro-Iran Iraqi militia accuses US of bombing it, threatens attacks on American bases</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, a pro-Iran Iraqi militia has accused the United States of bombing it and vowed a response against American bases.Kataeb Hezbollah blamed the US for a strike that targeted an Iraqi military base that houses the pro-Iran militia.The Iraqi group says it will “soon start assaulting American bases in response to their attacks.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-warns-of-decisive-action-if-pakistan-continues-war-1772196518103">‘Our hand can reach their necks’: Afghanistan warns of ‘decisive’ action if Pakistan continues war</a><h2>National Security Council tells Israelis abroad to take precautions</h2>&nbsp;Israel’s National Security Council has called on Israelis abroad to exercise enhanced awareness and to take all necessary precautionary measures after the joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran.&nbsp;“The escalation with Iran increases the likelihood that the Iranian regime will intensify efforts to carry out terrorist attacks abroad against Israeli/Jewish targets, starting immediately,” it said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israel-planned-strikes-on-iran-for-months-despite-ongoing-talks-what-we-know-1772277999902">US, Israel planned strikes on Iran for months despite ongoing talks? What we know</a>&nbsp;“In addition, and based on past experience, the motivation to harm Israelis abroad may also increase among other terrorist elements, alongside local initiatives (including lone attackers),” the NSC warned.&nbsp;It also urges Israelis to not share real-time travel details on social media, avoid events identified with Israel or Judaism that are not secured, pay close attention to surroundings when in areas identified with Israel or Judaism, report any threat or attack to local security forces, and avoid areas known for hostility toward Israelis and Jews.

Israeli forces said several top Iranian regime and military commanders were targeted in the strikes on Saturday morning, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The results of the strikes currently remain unclear.

Israeli officials assess that the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, was likely killed in the strikes on Iranian targets Saturday morning, reported Times of Israel. Pakpour became head of the IRGC after Israel killed his predecessor, Hossein Salami, at the start of the June 2025 war. The Israeli officials also assess that Iran’s minister of defence and chief of intelligence were also likely killed in the strikes; however, the assessments have yet to be confirmed by Iran or by the IDF. Several top Iranian regime and military commanders were targeted in the strikes on Saturday morning, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The results of the strikes currently remain unclear until confirmed. Also Read: Houthis to resume attacks on shipping routes and Israel ‘tonight’, say officials of rebel group Pro-Iran Iraqi militia accuses US of bombing it, threatens attacks on American bases Meanwhile, a pro-Iran Iraqi militia has accused the United States of bombing it and vowed a response against American bases. Kataeb Hezbollah blamed the US for a strike that targeted an Iraqi military base that houses the pro-Iran militia. The Iraqi group says it will “soon start assaulting American bases in response to their attacks.” Also Read: ‘Our hand can reach their necks’: Afghanistan warns of ‘decisive’ action if Pakistan continues war National Security Council tells Israelis abroad to take precautions Israel’s National Security Council has called on Israelis abroad to exercise enhanced awareness and to take all necessary precautionary measures after the joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran. “The escalation with Iran increases the likelihood that the Iranian regime will intensify efforts to carry out terrorist attacks abroad against Israeli/Jewish targets, starting immediately,” it said. Also Read: US, Israel planned strikes on Iran for months despite ongoing talks? What we know “In addition, and based on past experience, the motivation to harm Israelis abroad may also increase among other terrorist elements, alongside local initiatives (including lone attackers),” the NSC warned. It also urges Israelis to not share real-time travel details on social media, avoid events identified with Israel or Judaism that are not secured, pay close attention to surroundings when in areas identified with Israel or Judaism, report any threat or attack to local security forces, and avoid areas known for hostility toward Israelis and Jews.

Israeli forces said several top Iranian regime and military commanders were targeted in the strikes on Saturday morning, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. The results of the strikes currently remain unclear.

Israeli officials believe IRGC chief Mohammad Pakpour killed in strikes

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Watch: CNN host forced to evacuate live on air in Abu Dhabi as siren blares in studio

Shocking satellite images shows Khamenie's house completely destroyed

Pakistan defies US, backs Iran's 'Right to Retaliate' amid bombing campaign

Khamenei survives first wave of US‑Israel bombing: 5 possible hiding spots

Israeli officials believe IRGC chief Mohammad Pakpour killed in strikes