BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a sharp condemnation on Sunday following a massive US-Israeli offensive that has killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several high-ranking officials.

In a statement posted to its website, the ministry said:

“Brunei Darussalam strongly condemns the attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran on February 28, 2026. These attacks resulted in the loss of innocent civilian lives and provoked retaliatory strikes in the Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“These escalations constitute a serious violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity and risk triggering a dangerous spiral of violence with severe and lasting repercussions for the region and beyond.”

A region in crisis

The offensive, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” involved strikes on over 1,000 sites across Iran. Reports indicate more than 200 deaths, including children who were killed as a bomb exploded near a girls’ school in Minab.

In retaliation, Iran also fired drones and missiles at Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE — all of which have a US military presence. The Pentagon confirmed the deaths of three American servicemen in Kuwait.

The escalating conflict has also paralysed regional travel. Airspace across much of the Middle East has been closed, forcing Royal Brunei Airlines to suspend all flights to Jeddah, Dubai, and London until further notice.

Diplomatic efforts sidelined

The Brunei government noted the timing of the US-led attacks was “especially regrettable”, occurring during the holy month of Ramadan and amid Omani-led efforts to broker a US-Iran nuclear deal.

“The continuation of hostilities in such circumstances raises serious concerns about good faith and undermines prospects for a negotiated solution,” MFA said, reiterating its firm opposition to the use of force.

While the US previously bombed three Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025, this campaign is significantly more expansive.

US President Donald Trump attempted to justify the assault by claiming there was an “imminent threat” posed by the Iranian regime, without providing clear evidence and without seeking approval from the United States Congress.

He has since called for Iranians to overthrow the government now that its leadership has been weakened.