Israel-Iran war LIVE | Israel warns Iranians in two villages to evacuate

The Israeli military advised Iranians in two villages to leave early Thursday before it carried out strikes on "military infrastructure".

"The IDF issues an urgent warning to residents, workers and those present in the area of the two Iranian villages of Arak and Khondab, in the areas marked on the map, to evacuate immediately before the IDF targets military infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime," it wrote in a Telegram post in Arabic and Farsi using the military's official acronym.

Israel's military said it was carrying out a "series of strikes" around the Iranian capital Tehran and other areas of the country on Thursday.

There were no immediate details on the intended targets of the strikes, which came after Israel said it had intercepted a "suspicious aerial target" launched from Iran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (Jun 19) said that a deal to end the conflict between Iran and Israel was possible. He added that Israeli strikes on Tehran have led to a “consolidation” of Iranian society around its leadership.

“We see that today in Iran there is a consolidation of society around the country's political leadership,” Putin told reporters at a press conference in Saint Petersburg.

“This is a delicate issue, and of course we need to be very careful here, but in my opinion, a solution can be found,” he said.

Read more here.

Iran has not asked its ally Russia for military help amid its escalating air war with Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

"Our Iranian friends have not asked us about this," Putin said in response to a question from an AFP reporter at a televised press conference in Saint Petersburg.

North Korea on Thursday slammed Israel's launching of strikes to spark its conflict with Iran, and warned US and European powers against "fanning up the flames of war," according to a foreign ministry spokesperson.

"The DPRK expresses serious concern over the Israel's military attack and resolutely denounces it," the spokesperson said in a statement carried by state-run news agency KCNA, adding that Israel's killing of civilians was "an unpardonable crime against humanity."

"The illegal act of state-sponsored terrorism by Israel (is) raising the danger of a new all-out war in the Middle East region." 

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday his country has remained committed to "diplomacy" but will continue to act in "self-defence" following Israel's surprise attack nearly a week ago.

"Iran solely acts in self-defence. Even in the face of the most outrageous aggression against our people, Iran has so far only retaliated against the Israeli regime and not those who are aiding and abetting it," said Araghchi in a post on X.

"With the exception of the illegitimate, genocidal and occupying Israeli regime, we remain committed to diplomacy," he added. 

Putin says Iranians 'consolidating' around leadership amid Israeli strikes

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that a deal to end the fighting between Israel and Iran was possible, and that Israel's strikes on Iran had led to a "consolidation" of Iranian society around its leadership.

"We see that today in Iran... there is a consolidation of society around the country's political leadership," Putin told foreign journalists, including AFP, in a televised event.

"This is a delicate issue, and of course we need to be very careful here, but in my opinion, a solution can be found," he added, referring to a possible deal that was in the interests of both Israel and Iran.

Sirens are sounding across central Israel amid an Iranian ballistic missile attack.

Civilians in areas where sirens are sounding are instructed to remain in bomb shelters until further notice.

The Israeli Air Force completed a wave of airstrikes on some 20 Iranian nuclear and weapon production sites in Tehran, the military announces.

Some 60 fighter jets were involved in the strikes, which the IDF says hit “weapons production sites, centrifuge production sites, as well as research and development sites of the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons development project.”

The nuclear-related sites “were designated to allow the Iranian regime to expand the scale and pace of its uranium enrichment purpose of developing nuclear weapons,” the military says in a statement.

The other targets included “factories producing raw materials and components for missile assembly, as well as sites for the production of Iran’s air defense systems,” the IDF says.

The United Nations Security Council will convene Friday to discuss the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, council president Guyana said.

Following a first, urgent meeting after Israel attacked last Friday, this second session was requested by Iran, with support from Russia, China and Pakistan, a diplomat told AFP on Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he has not yet made a decision on whether to join Israel in bombing Iran and warned that the country's current leadership could fall as a result of the war.

A change in Iran's government "could happen," he told reporters at the White House.

Iran's foreign ministry summoned on Wednesday the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests in the Islamic republic, over recent remarks by President Donald Trump.

"Following the irresponsible and threatening statements of the American president, the Swiss ambassador, as the guardian of this country's interests in Tehran, was summoned to the ministry of foreign affairs," state TV reported, without elaborating.

Iran's foreign ministry summoned Germany's ambassador to Tehran on Wednesday over remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supporting Israel's attacks on the Islamic republic.

"Following the shameful statements made by the German Chancellor in support of Tel Aviv's aggression against our country, the country's (Germany's) ambassador was summoned to the foreign ministry," state TV reported.

France's President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday urged Israel to end strikes on targets in Iran not linked to nuclear activities or ballistic missiles, his office said.

Addressing a national security council meeting, he "noted his concern over the current escalation, with Israeli strikes increasingly hitting targets not linked to Iran's nuclear or ballistic programme, and a mounting number of civilian victims in Iran and Israel", it said.

Macron said it was "necessary to urgently end these military operations, which pose significant threats to regional security".

Several television broadcasts in Iran were apparently hacked with pictures and calls for an uprising and urging the public to rise and hit the streets against the government.

The opposition-linked Iran International quotes officials as saying it only affected those receiving the broadcasts via satellite, suggesting interference with the satellite signal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Donald Trump for US support, calling him “a great friend of the State of Israel,” in a televised address in Hebrew on Wednesday.

“I thank him for standing by our side, and I thank him for the support that the United States is providing us in defending the skies of Israel. We talk continuously, including last night. We had a very warm conversation. I would like to thank President Trump for his support,” Netanyahu said.

Iran was on Wednesday in a “near-total national internet blackout” as tensions deepened between Tehran and Israel, a London-based online watchdog said.

“Live network data show Iran is now in the midst of a near-total national internet blackout; the incident follows a series of earlier partial disruptions and comes amid escalating military tensions with Israel after days of back-and-forth missile strikes,” NetBlocks wrote on X.

The US ambassador to Israel on Wednesday announced plans for evacuating Americans by air and sea as Israel’s war with Iran continued to rage for the sixth day in continuation.

The embassy is “working on evacuation flights & cruise ship departures” for “American citizens wanting to leave Israel,” Ambassador Mike Huckabee posted on X.

“Urgent notice! American citizens wanting to leave Israel-  US Embassy in Israel @usembassyjlm is working on evacuation flights & cruise ship departures.

You must enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step) You will be alerted w/ updates,” Huckabee said in the post.

A huge plume of white smoke was seen over southeast Tehran late Wednesday afternoon after a new series of powerful explosions, AFP journalists reported. The blasts came on the sixth day of the worst confrontation ever between Israel and Iran. The target was not immediately known.

President Donald Trump left the question of whether the United States will join Israeli strikes on Iran up in the air Wednesday, as he said that Tehran had reached out to seek negotiations. "I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do," Trump told reporters as he supervised the installation of a new flagpole on the White House South Lawn.

Israel's military said it has destroyed five Iranian AH-1 attack helicopters at a base in western Iran in the Kermanshah area.mThe Israelis published black-and-white video of the bombing destroying the helicopters. Iran did not immediately comment.

The air force is currently attacking military targets of the Iranian regime in the Tehran area: IDF

Blast heard in north Tehran, main road partially closed: AFP

Israel will ease domestic restrictions imposed on its population due to the ongoing war with Iran and will "reopen its economy", Defence Minister Israel Katz said

Israel to ease domestic restrictions imposed due to Iran war

Russia foreign ministry says that Russia and US are in contact over developments in Middle East

Multiple explosions were heard in the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday, AFP journalists said, with black smoke seen rising in the east. The series of blasts was heard shortly before 3:30 pm (1200 GMT), on the sixth day of the most intense exchange of fire between arch-foes Iran and Israel

Britain said on Wednesday it was temporarily withdrawing the family members of staff who work at the country's embassy and consulate in Israel due to the significant risks posed from the conflict between Iran and Israel.

“We have witnessed a cyberattack targeting two of our banks—Bank Sepah and Bank Pasargad,” Iran said

The first evacuation flight of Indian nationals from Iran is likely to  arrive in India around 2 am. tonight. The flight from Yerevan is expected to land from Yerevan at 2 am
 

“The Zionist regime has committed a serious mistake and must prepare to face the consequences. Iran will neither forgive the breach of its airspace nor forget the blood of its martyrs. They should know that Iran will not surrender and any US strike will have serious irreparable consequences,” Ali Khamenei said

The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advisory for Israel, announcing the temporary withdrawal of family members of staff from the British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate in Jerusalem. “Family members of staff at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate in Jerusalem have been temporarily withdrawn as a precautionary measure. The Embassy and Consulate continues with essential work including services to British nationals,” the UK Foreign Office said.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed that government institutions in the Iranian capital, Tehran, were under attack. Comparing the events to a "tornado" sweeping over the Iranian capital, Katz said that the strikes marked the beginning of the collapse of a “dictatorship.” In a post on X, Katz wrote, “A tornado passes over Tehran. Symbols of government are being bombed and destroyed - from the Broadcasting Authority and soon other targets, and crowds of residents are fleeing. This is how dictatorships collapse.”

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that two key Iranian nuclear-related sites, the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center have been struck. Sharing a post on X, IAEA wrote, “The IAEA has information that two centrifuge production facilities in Iran, the TESA Karaj workshop and the Tehran Research Center, were hit. Both sites were previously under IAEA monitoring and verification as part of the JCPOA. At the Tehran site, one building was hit where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested. At Karaj, two buildings were destroyed where different centrifuge components were manufactured.”

Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed on Wednesday its 11th round of missile attacks against Israeli marks "the beginning of the end" for Israel's air defences. Col. Iman Tajik, spokesman for Operation True Promise 3, said Iran had used a Fattah ballistic missile during the strike that successfully passed through Israel's air defences, calling it a message to the United States.

China reacts after US President Donald Trump boasted that the United States could easily assassinate Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Guo Jiakun, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said, "China is deeply worried about developments in the current situation and expresses grave concern. China opposes any violation of the aims and principles of the UN Charter and any infringement on the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of other countries." 

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that one of its remotely piloted aircraft was downed over Iranian territory during an operational mission. In a post on X, the IDF said, “During an operational activity, surface-to-air missiles were fired at an Air Force remotely piloted aircraft. The device fell in Iranian airspace, there were no casualties and there is no fear of information leaking.”

Iranian state television on Wednesday (June 18) reported that the country’s army air defence units brought down a Hermes drone in central Isfahan province early this morning. State broadcaster IRIB also aired footage showing the wreckage of the surveillance drone. Separately, the official IRNA news agency stated that Iranian forces had also targeted and destroyed a hostile F-35 fighter jet in the Javadabad region of Varmint city, located in Tehran province.

Almost 800 Chinese citizens have been evacuated from Iran since Israel launched military strikes against the country last week, Beijing said on Wednesday (June 18). "Currently... 791 Chinese nationals have been relocated from Iran to safe areas," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular news conference, adding some Chinese nationals have also safely evacuated from Israel.

According to a report by the Iranian Labour News Agency, police forces in Iran have intercepted 14 drones allegedly linked to Israel. Spokesperson Saeed Montazerolmahdi stated that authorities also uncovered hostile drone-producing workshops and drone-carrying vehicles across various provinces.

Beijing has initiated the evacuation of Chinese nationals from Iran. The first group of evacuees left Tehran on Tuesday (June 17), travelling into Turkmenistan, the state-run outlet China News Service reported.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday (Jun 17) warned that any military actions used in an attempt to force a regime change in Iran would result in “chaos”. This comes after US President Donald Trump made threats against Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Macron made the remarks while talking to reporters at the Group of Seven summit in Canada shortly after Trump said he knows the exact location of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but will not target him, at least for now.

Read more here.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday (Jun 17) that the ongoing conflict with Iran could bring “a different Middle East”. He added that the military confrontation could facilitate the Abraham Accords normalisation agreements between Israel and Arab states.

In an interview aired on Channel 14 in Hebrew, Netanyahu was asked whether regime change in Tehran is a goal of his military campaign. He responded by saying that he “sees this through a historical lens…Cyrus freed the Jews, and today the Jewish state might free the Persians. Not in the sense that we’re doing it for them…In the end, they have to rise up themselves, but we are creating the conditions. And that’s why it could be consequential.”

Read more here.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said Wednesday that hypersonic missiles were used during the latest attack on Israel, as fighting between the archfoes entered a sixth day.

"The 11th wave of the proud Operation Honest Promise 3 using Fattah-1 missiles" was carried out, the Guards said in a statement carried by state television, claiming that Iranian forces "have gained complete control over the skies of the occupied territories".

The US Embassy in Jerusalem said it will close until Friday and directed government employees to shelter in place as Israel and Iran battle each other.

In a statement posted to its website, the embassy said Tuesday evening the closure was "a result of the current security situation and ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just wrapped up a phone call with US President Donald Trump, an Israeli official says.

Netanyahu said yesterday that he has spoken with Trump almost every day since the Israel-Iran conflict broke out last week.

Comments from Trump over the past day have raised speculation that the US could join Israel in striking Iran.

Medics are responding to reports of several missile impacts in central Israel, following Iran’s latest attack.

Magen David Adom says it has not received any immediate reports of injuries.

At least 15 missiles were launched from Iran in the attack, according to preliminary IDF estimates.

The Home Front Command says civilians in areas where sirens sounded can now leave bomb shelters.

Sirens are sounding across central and northern Israel amid an Iranian ballistic missile attack.

Civilians in areas where sirens are sounding are instructed to remain in bomb shelters until further notice.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Jun 17) held a National Security Council meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, the White House said. This comes amid reports that the US leader is considering whether to join Israel’s military operations against Tehran.

AFP reported, citing a White House official, that the meeting in the White House Situation Room lasted around one hour and 20 minutes. The official did not add further details.

Following the meeting, administration officials told NBC News that Trump is considering various options, including a US strike.

Read more here.

Iranian security forces arrest ‘terrorist team’ linked to Israel with explosives in a town southwest of the capital Tehran, Iranian state media reported.

Air raid sirens rang in a large swath of northern Israel on Tuesday warning of an incoming barrage of Iranian missiles, the military said.

"A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel," the military said in the seventh such warning since midnight (2100 GMT on Monday).

Washington is setting up a round-the-clock task force to help Americans in the Middle East amid the Israel-Iran conflict, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Tuesday.

"The Department of State has established the Middle East Task Force to help coordinate support for us, citizens, our US diplomatic missions and personnel and diplomatic engagement," she told a press briefing.

"The task force is operating 24 hours a day over the past week to help keep us citizens informed. We have issued more than 30 security alerts to countries in the region and updated travel advisories for Iraq and Israel," she said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Donald Trump had a critical role in restarting diplomacy with Tehran and said he believed the US leader favors a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

"I believe we need the United States of America to bring everyone back around the table," Macron told reporters at a Group of Seven summit in Canada.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday warned any attempt to change the regime in Iran would result in "chaos" as US ally Israel traded fire with its arch foe.

Macron was speaking at a G7 summit in Canada shortly after President Donald Trump said the United States would not kill Iran's supreme leader "for now."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being "the biggest threat" to the Middle East region, in a phone call with Qatar's emir on Tuesday, his office said.

Erdogan said that he "will continue his efforts to end the spiral of violence, and that Netanyahu has shown once again that he is the biggest threat to the security of the region," according to the presidency. 

Loud blasts were heard Tuesday across Tehran, AFP reported, as intense fighting raged between Iran and Israel for the fifth consecutive day.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being "the biggest threat" to the Middle East region, in a phone call with Qatar's emir on Tuesday, his office said. 

Erdogan said that he "will continue his efforts to end the spiral of violence, and that Netanyahu has shown once again that he is the biggest threat to the security of the region," according to the presidency. 

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launched on Tuesday an attack targeting Israeli air bases from which they claim fighter jets have taken off to strike the Islamic republic.

"In the new wave of attacks, a large-scale missile operation was carried out against the air bases of the Zionist regime's army, which are the bases from which the regime's fighter jets take off towards our beloved country," the Guards said in a statement carried by state TV. 
 

United States President Donald Trump is meeting with his national security team in the Situation Room this afternoon, according to a White House official.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (17 June) claimed that the United States knows the exact location of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but will not target him, at least for now.

“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,” Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

He warned, however, that US patience is wearing thin. “But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

The Iranian armed forces launched another wave of missiles and drones on Israel on Tuesday. 

According to the local media in Iran, the missiles and drones were fired towards the Israeli regime from regions across Iran.

Initial reports suggest that sirens were triggered in different parts of occupied territories after Iran's fresh missile and drone attack.

Iranian media reported widespread internet disruption on Tuesday as Israel and Iran traded fire for a fifth straight day.

“Internet users in several provinces are reporting widespread internet disruption,” the Ham Mihan newspaper reported. Other media outlets also carried similar reports.

It was not immediately clear as to what caused the internet disruption. Iran has also imposed internet restrictions since Israel launched its unprecedented aerial campaign against Iranian military and nuclear facilities last Friday.

A series of loud explosions were heard in north Tehran on Tuesday, as Israel continued its strikes on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities for a fifth day, reported an AFP journalist.

It was not immediately clear whether the blasts were the result of incoming Israeli strikes or Iranian air defence fire.

Meanwhile, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported Israeli airstrikes around the city of Isfahan in the afternoon, with air defence also firing. It did not elaborate on the targets. A series of explosions and anti-aircraft fire also boomed throughout Tehran just before 6:30 pm local time.

The Israeli Defence Services said that the Israeli Air Force conducted a wave of airstrikes on ballistic missile launchers in western Iran.

The Israeli military said that the IAF fighter jets hit dozens of ballistic missile launchers and other facilities in Iran, impacting the Islamic Republic's firepower.

Besides, since Tuesday morning, the IDF says it struck Iranian air defense systems and radar sites in western Iran.

Iran accused the Group of Seven nations on Tuesday of siding with Israel in its call for "de-escalation" in their intensifying conflict, now in its fifth day.

"The G7 must give up its one-sided rhetoric and tackle the real source of the escalation -- Israel's aggression," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.

At a G7 summit in Canada on Monday, leaders including US President Donald Trump had called for "de-escalation" of the conflict while stressing Israel had the right to defend itself.

China's Xi 'deeply worried' about Israel's military action against Iran.

Two loud explosions were heard from central and north Tehran on Tuesday, AFP correspondents reported, as the Iranian capital came under Israeli bombardment for a fifth straight day.

There was no immediate word on the cause or precise whereabouts of the twin blasts, which came after the Israeli military struck state television headquarters on Monday, causing significant damage and killing at least three people, the broadcaster said.

Russia said Tuesday it was ready to act as a peace broker between Israel and Iran, but that Israel was showing reluctance to accept outside mediation.

"At present, we see a reluctance, at least on the part of Israel, to resort to any mediation services or to embark on a peaceful path towards a settlement," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Jordan's King Abdullah II warned in an address to the European Parliament Tuesday that Israel's "attacks" on Iran threatened "a dangerous escalation of tensions in my region and beyond."

"With Israel's expansion of its offensive to include Iran, there is no telling where the boundaries of this battleground will end," Abdullah told lawmakers. “And that, my friends, is a threat to people everywhere.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they struck a centre of the Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence service, in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports.

In a statement aired on state television, the Guards said they “struck the military intelligence centre of the Zionist regime’s army, Aman, and the Zionist regime’s terrorist operations planning centre, the Mossad, in Tel Aviv”.

The Guards added that the centre was “currently on fire”.

Amid the ongoing war with Tehran, the Israeli Defence Force, IDF, claimed that it has killed a top Iranian commander. IDF said on Tuesday (June 17) that the head of IRGC’s Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, Ali Shadmani, has been assassinated in an attack on Tehran.

CBS reported Trump saying that he wants 'a real end' to Iran's nuclear programme, adding that Tehran is 'very close' to having a nuclear weapon

India has urged its citizens to leave Tehran, while some nationals have already fled across the Iranian border as the country comes under Israeli bombardment, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP).

With Israel vowing to keep up its attacks four days after launching its assault on Iran, which has launched retaliatory strikes, New Delhi said Indian students have already left Tehran.

The foreign ministry said in a statement, “Residents who are self-sufficient in terms of transport have also been advised to move out of the city in view of the developing situation.” 

Amid the ongoing war with Tehran, the Israeli Defence Force, IDF, claimed that it has killed a top Iranian commander. IDF said on Tuesday (June 17) that the head of IRGC’s Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, Ali Shadmani, has been assassinated in an attack on Tehran.

This came just days after Shadmani was appointed to the post after the assassination of the predecessor by Israel.

Read full story here: https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-claims-it-has-killed-top-iranian-commander-ali-shadmani-in-overnight-airstrike-1750141671157

Loud booms were heard over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Tuesday, AFP journalists reported, after air raid sirens sounded in several parts of Israel and the military warned of incoming Iranian missiles.

"A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel," the military said in a statement, adding that the air force was "operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat."

After leaving the G7 Summit in Canada abruptly, US President Donald Trump said that he did not leave to work on the Israel-Iran ceasefire.

"Publicity-seeking President Emmanuel Macron, of France, mistakenly said that I left the G7 Summit, in Canada, to go back to D.C. to work on a “cease fire” between Israel and Iran. Wrong!" Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

"He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that. Whether purposely or not, Emmanuel always gets it wrong. Stay Tuned!" he added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of G7 summit in Canada later today. The Indian PM to hold meetings with, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

The Israeli military claims it destroyed “dozens of ground-to-ground missile storage and launch facilities, as well as ground-to-air missile launchers” in western Iran overnight. In a post on X it added, “Air Force fighter jets completed several waves of strikes last night targeting dozens of military targets of the Iranian regime in western Iran." 

It was not possible to verify the claim.

As we reported earlier, one target of Israeli strikes on Monday night was the state broadcaster. Journalists are considered civilians under international humanitarian law and deliberately targeting them is a war crime.

"The Chinese mission in Israel reminds Chinese nationals to leave the country as soon as possible via land border crossings, on the precondition that they can guarantee their personal safety," said the Chinese Embassy in Israel on WeChat.

"It is recommended to depart in the direction of Jordan," it added.

US President Donald Trump left a G7 summit in Canada a day early on Monday, heading back to the White House as Israel and Iran traded missile fire for a fifth straight day.

Trump's helicopter lifted off from the summit venue in the Canadian Rockies to take him to his plane shortly after he warned residents to evacuate the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Geopolitical tensions roiled the opening of the Paris Air Show on Monday as French authorities sealed off Israeli weapons industry booths amid the conflicts in Iran and Gaza, a move that Israel condemned as "outrageous".

Black walls were installed around the stands of five Israeli defence firms at the trade fair in Le Bourget, an airfield on the outskirts of Paris.

G7 leaders attending a summit in Canada on Monday issued a joint statement calling for "de-escalation" on Iran, while stressing Israel had the right to defend itself in the escalating Middle East crisis.

"We affirm that Israel has a right to defend itself," the statement said. "We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.

"We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza."

A 24x7 Control Room has been established in the Ministry of External Affairs in view of the ongoing developments in Iran and Israel. The contact details of the control room are as under:

1800118797 (Toll free)
+91-11-23012113
+91-11-23014104
+91-11-23017905
+91-9968291988 (WhatsApp)
situationroom@mea.gov.in

In addition, the Embassy of India in Tehran, Iran, has set up a 24x7 emergency helpline with contact details below

For call only :
1. +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109
For WhatsApp:
2. +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, +91 8086871709.
3. Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036
4. Zahedan: +98 9396356649
cons.tehran@mea.gov.in

Israel's army warned early Tuesday that it had detected new missiles launched from Iran, but swiftly dropped an alert and said people no longer needed to take cover.  

"It is now permitted to leave protected spaces in northern Israel," the Israeli army said on Telegram.

It had previously warned that missiles launched from Iran were heading toward northern Israel, saying it was working to intercept the threat. 

French President Emmanuel Macron called for strikes against civilians in Iran and Israel to end, and said the US has put forward a ceasefire proposal.

Macron told reporters at the G7 summit that there “is indeed an offer to meet and exchange. An offer was made especially to get a ceasefire and to then kickstart broader discussions,” he says. “We have to see now whether the sides will follow.”

Israel's army warned early Tuesday that it had detected new missiles launched from Iran, as the arch foes exchanged fire for a fifth day.

"A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas in northern Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel," the Israeli army posted on Telegram, adding it was working to intercept the threat. 

US forces in the Middle East remain in a "defensive posture, and that has not changed," the White House said Monday as Israel and Iran traded heavy strikes for a fourth day.

"We will defend American interests," White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer added in a post on social media.

China's embassy in Israel on Tuesday urged its citizens to leave the country "as soon as possible", after Israel and Iran traded heavy strikes.

"The Chinese mission in Israel reminds Chinese nationals to leave the country as soon as possible via land border crossings, on the precondition that they can guarantee their personal safety," the embassy said in a statement on WeChat.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for strikes against civilians in Iran and Israel to end, as he warned against forcing regime change in Tehran.

"If the United States can achieve a ceasefire, that's a very good thing," Macron told reporters at a G7 summit in Canada, just as the White House announced President Donald Trump would leave the event early due the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

Macron called on both Israel and Iran to "end" strikes against civilians and warned that aiming to overthrow Tehran's clerical state would be a "strategic error."

"All who have thought that by bombing from the outside you can save a country in spite of itself have always been mistaken," he said.

Macron says forcing regime change in Iran would be ‘strategic error’

Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth on Monday (Jun 16) announced that the United States is reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East to enhance its “defensive posture”. This comes as the deadly ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran continued for the fourth night.

“Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility,” Hegseth posted on X. “Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region.”

Shortly after, the White House announced that Trump will be leaving the G7 summit a day early due to developments in the Middle East.

Read more here.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Jun 17) urged residents of Tehran to leave, reiterating Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's warnings amid the military conflict between Israel and Iran.

"Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social account during a Group of Seven summit in Canada, without providing further details.

“Iran should have signed the “deal” I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” the US president said.

Read more here.

A US official says US President Donald Trump will not sign a draft statement from Group of Seven leaders calling for de-escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict.

The draft statement, seen by Reuters, also commits to safeguarding market stability, including energy markets, says Iran must never have a nuclear weapon, and that Israel has the right to defend itself.

Canadian and European diplomats say G7 attendees are continuing discussions on the conflict at the summit in Canada, which ends tomorrow.

US President Donald Trump will leave a Group of Seven summit Monday night, a day early, due to the Israel-Iran war, the White House said, after he warned the residents of Tehran to flee.

"Because of what's going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote on X.

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged residents of Tehran to leave, backing warnings from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who has launched a massive attack on Iran.

"Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social account during a Group of Seven summit in Canada, without providing further details.

Iran's Foreign Minister and chief nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi said Israel's strikes against his country "deal a blow" to diplomacy during a call Monday with his French, British, and German counterparts.

"The Israeli aggression against Iran in the midst of nuclear negotiations with the United States is a blow to diplomacy," Abbas Araghchi said during a call reported by his ministry with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, the United Kingdom's David Lammy, Germany's Johann Wadephul, and the European Union's head of foreign affairs Kaja Kallas.

These three countries and the EU, along with China and Russia, signed a nuclear deal with Iran in 2015, but the United States later unilaterally withdrew.

The United States is reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East to enhance its "defensive posture," Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth said Monday, as arch-rivals Iran and Israel ramp up their deadly conflict.

"Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility," Hegseth posted on X. "Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region."

The Israeli army issued a brief air raid warning for Tel Aviv and Beersheva in the south early on Tuesday due to incoming Iranian missiles before dropping the alert.

Sirens "sounded in several areas of Israel" at around 12:30am local time (2130 GMT), the army said, before it issued a second message saying that it was "now permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas across the country." 

Israeli army lowers alert, says residents can leave shelters

US deploying 'additional capabilities' to Mideast: Pentagon chief

Israel warns of Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv 

Air defence activated 'at high level' in Tehran: state media

Iran will strike Israel "without interruption until dawn" overnight from Monday to Tuesday, its Revolutionary Guards announced.

"The ninth wave of combined drone and missile attacks has begun and will continue without interruption until dawn," said the Guards' spokesman, Ali Mohammad Naini, according to the official IRNA news agency.

Three Iranian red crescent workers were killed in Israeli strike during rescue operations in Tehran, as per Mehr news agency

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday (June 16) Israel had to remove any nuclear threat posed by Iran and he was not surprised by reports that Iran is seeking to return to negotiations. At a news conference, Netanyahu said Israel had previously pursued diplomacy, only to see Tehran act against it. Asked about the reported Israeli strike on Iran’s state television headquarters, Netanyahu said the Iranian people “strive to break free from this tyrannical regime can discover the truth, and that is important.”

The Bazan Group, said that as a result of the Iranian strike on its oil refinery in the Haifa Bay, all its facilities have been shut down. Three people were killed in an Iranian missile strike on the refinery overnight . In a statement to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, Bazan says that “ as a result of damage to the facilities, the power plant was significantly damaged, and therefore all of the refinery’s and subsidiary companies’ facilities were shut down. ” Bazan says it is working with the Israel Electric Company to resume electric supply to the facility.

On late Monday night (June 16), Iranian state media reported that Iran launched fresh wave of strikes targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa. 

An Israeli army spokesman confirmed an airstrike on an Iranian state television studio in Tehran on Monday, claiming it was part of the country's military operations. Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said the state broadcaster was operating under the "direct guidance" of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. During a live broadcast, an anchor at the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network was seen hurrying off-camera as the screen behind her cut out when the studio was hit.

A plane carrying 73 people evacuated from Israel via Jordan landed in Bratislava on Monday (June 16), as Israel and Iran launched waves of air strikes and missiles at each other for a fourth day. Thirty Slovakian nationals were on the flight, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said, 25 tourists and five embassy staff. Fifteen Polish nationals, 14 Czech, two Slovenian, nine Austrian and one national each of Estonia, Spain and Malaysia were also on the flight.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Iranians' perception of their government had changed, saying they now saw it was "much weaker than they thought".

"They understand that the regime is much weaker than they thought -- they realise it, and that could lead to results," the prime minister said during a press conference.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson announces that he will be postponing next week’s Israel visit to address the Knesset amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. “Due to the complex situation currently unfolding in Iran and Israel, [Knesset] Speaker [Amir] Ohana and I have made the decision to postpone the special session of the Knesset,” Johnson says in a statement. “We look forward to rescheduling the address in the near future and send our prayers to the people of Israel and the Middle East,” he adds.

Iran has issued evacuation warnings for Israeli news channels after Israel attacked the building of Iran's state broadcaster, Iranian state TV reported on Monday.

"Iran has issued an evacuation warning for the N12 and N14 channels of Israel. This order comes in response to the hostile attack of Zionist enemy against the Islamic republic of Iran's broadcasting service," state TV said.

A large plume of smoke rose over the Iranian capital Tehran on Monday (June 16) after Israel attacked the offices of Iran's state broadcaster. Israel said it had hit Iran's broadcasting authority, and footage showed a newsreader hurrying from her seat as a blast struck. Iran's State News Agency also reported the strike. Israel's defence minister said Israel had attacked the broadcaster after the evacuation of local residents.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel was "changing the face of the Middle East" with its military campaign against Iran.

"We are changing the face of the Middle East," he told a press conference in which he outlined Israel's strikes against Iranian nuclear and military targets. "We are eliminating them, one after the other," he said of Iran's military leadership.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says that the Group of Seven leaders share a concern about the risk of escalation between Israel and Iran. Speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, Starmer tells reporters that the talks will focus on de-escalation. Additionally, Starmer says he will discuss the final stages of the UK-US trade deal with US President Donald Trump. Starmer also comments on the UK's decision to toughen laws to stop the "scourge" of child grooming gangs. 

Iraqis gathered in Baghdad on Monday (June 16) to protest against ongoing Israeli strikes on Iran.

The demonstration, attended by supporters of the Iraqi Shiite group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, followed Israel’s largest-ever aerial assault on Friday (June 13), targeting Iranian commanders, nuclear scientists, military installations, and suspected nuclear sites.

Tehran, which insists its uranium enrichment is for peaceful purposes, retaliated by firing hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that the United States could stop Israel's attacks on the Islamic republic with "one phone call".

"If President (Donald) Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping this war, next steps are consequential. Israel must halt its aggression, and absent a total cessation of military aggression against us, our responses will continue," Araghchi said in a post on X.

"It takes one phone call from Washington to muzzle someone like (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu. That may pave the way for a return to diplomacy," he added.

Israel's ambassador to Iran, Danny Danon on Monday said, “We will continue to target Millitary sites in Iran. We have nothing against the Iranian civilians. We are targeting the nuclear sites, military sites not civilians.”

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that Iranian forces will "pummel" Israel until the attacks against the Islamic republic stop.

"Our powerful Armed Forces are making clear to the world that the war criminals hiding in shelters in Tel Aviv will not go unpunished for their crimes," said Araghchi in a post on X. "We will continue to pummel the cowards for as long as needed to make sure that they are no longer firing at our people," he added.

Today, in a phone call with the President of Turkey, I emphasized that we did not start the war, but we will respond to the crimes of the Zionists with strength, and at whatever level they attack, they will receive a response at the same level. 

We are not seeking to escalate the war, but we will respond to any aggression against Iran in a way that makes them regret it.

A short time ago, alerts were activated in several areas in the north of the country following the detection of missiles launched from Iran toward Israeli territory.  

The public is requested to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.  

At this time, the Air Force is operating to intercept and strike wherever necessary to neutralize the threat. The defense is not hermetic, and therefore, it is necessary to continue following the instructions of the Home Front Command.

Iranian state TV briefly went off-air on Monday after an Israeli airstrike struck the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) building in Tehran, cutting short a live programme. Iran has condemned the attack as ‘war crime’

Today, the Air Force conducted a targeted strike, guided by precise intelligence from the Intelligence Directorate, on the communication center used by Iran's armed forces for military activities.

This center was used by the armed forces to advance military operations under a civilian guise, utilizing its means and assets.

Prior to the strike, the IDF effectively warned the population, including through phone calls. Additionally, the strike was carried out in a targeted manner to minimize harm to uninvolved individuals as much as possible.

US President Donald Trump said Monday that Iran was not winning its conflict with Israel and should re-enter negotiations "before it's too late."

"They have to make a deal, and it's painful for both parties, but I'd say Iran is not winning this war, and they should talk, and they should talk immediately, before it's too late," Trump told reporters at a G7 summit in Canada.

Iran state TV resumed live coverage after Israel's attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) building on Monday.

"The Zionist regime the enemy of the Iranian nation minutes ago conducted a military operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran news network", part of IRIB, said a senior official at the broadcasting service Hassan Abedini. 

"The regime (Israel) was unaware of the fact that the voice of the Islamic revolution and the great Iran will not be silenced with a military operation."

An IDF spokesperson said, “Following alerts that were activated regarding the intrusion of hostile aircraft into the southern Golan Heights at 6:00 PM, the Air Force intercepted a suspected aerial target that crossed into Israeli territory from the east. The alerts were activated according to policy.”

Israel : 24 killed, 300 injured

Iran's health ministry says at least 224 people have been killed and more than 1,200 wounded.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (June 16) at G7 Summit said, “We've always supported Israel and Israel is doing very well here.”

The IDF attacked and eliminated earlier on Monday, using an aircraft, a terrorist from the Hezbollah terror organization in the Hula area of southern Lebanon.

An Iranian missile struck an oil refinery in Israel's coast city of Haifa on Sunday, killing three people, an Israeli official said after a gag order was lifted.

The confirmation on Monday removed reporting restrictions imposed by Israel's military censorship on the attack, part of the most intense confrontation in history between longtime foes Iran and Israel.

Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said on Monday that Iran's state television and radio were "about to disappear" after an evacuation warning was issued for the district in Tehran where the broadcaster is based.
"The Iranian propaganda and incitement megaphone is about to disappear," he said in a statement. "Evacuation of nearby residents has begun."

Loud blasts were heard Monday in western Tehran, an AFP journalist said, as a rapidly escalating air war between Iran and Israel raged for the fourth consecutive day.

A large cloud of black smoke billowed over the area of the Iranian capital, the journalist said.

Eyewitness video shot from a moving vehicle shows smoke rising from highway near Saveh, southwest of Iranian capital Tehran.

The Israeli Defence Forces in a post on X said, “We just published an evacuation warning in Farsi for civilians in Tehran. Israeli civilians do not get evacuation warnings before running to shelters. We aren’t the same.”

Residents in Tel Aviv inspect damaged to streets, buildings and shops after Iran launched missiles at Israeli cities on Monday following Israeli strikes deep inside the Islamic republic, raising Israel's death toll by 11 on day four of an escalating air war. "After three nights of missiles from Iran it's been super scary to live here. I have a very small baby at home...hopefully we wake up in morning and nothing happens", says Shelly, who has had both her properties hit by strikes.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said, “The Israeli Air Force controls the skies of Tehran. We are striking the regime's targets – not civilians. This is the difference between us and Iran's terror regime, which aims to murder women and children.”

“On behalf of the people of Israel – I salute you. You are bringing victory,” he further added.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visit the site of an Iranian missile strike on a building in Petah Tikva, central Israel. Iran launched missiles at Israeli cities after Israeli strikes deep inside the Islamic republic, raising Israel's death toll by 11 on day four of an escalating air war.

US President Trump's Ambassador to Israel 2025 Mike Huckabee in a post on X said," Our @usembassyjlm US Embassy in Israel & Consulate  will officially remain closed today as shelter in place still in effect. Some minor damage from concussions of Iranian missile hits near Embassy Branch in @TelAviv but no injuries to US personnel."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Israel of threatening security in the Middle East, which he said cannot tolerate another war, in a phone call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday, his office said.

Erdogan was quoted saying: “The spiral of violence that began with Israel's attacks on Iran has put the security of the entire region at risk, (and) that the lawless attitude of the (Israeli premier Benjamin) Netanyahu government poses a clear threat to the international system, and that the region cannot tolerate a new war.”

Russia is ready to mediate between Israel and Iran, and to accept Iran's uranium, said Kremlin

Israel's military spokesperson Effie Defrin says Israel killed the head of the Revolutionary Guards' intelligence branch and his deputy, during a media briefing on the fourth straight day in which Israel and Iran traded heavy fire.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog said Monday there was "no indication of a physical attack" on the underground section of Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment site following Israeli strikes that destroyed the plant's above-ground section.

Iranian media said that a hospital in the country's west suffered serious damage after an Israeli strike in the area on Monday.

"Following the Zionist criminal regime's attack on a nearby workshop in Kermanshah city, Farabi Hospital also suffered serious damage," the Tasnim news agency reported.

Fars news agency carried a video of the hospital showing shattered glass, collapsed ceilings, and extensive damage in patient rooms.

Israel's military on Monday said it had destroyed one third of Iran's surface-to-surface missile launchers, as strikes between the two arch foes entered a fourth day.

The Israeli military released a video on Monday that it claimed to be striking “surface-to-air missile launch troops and the dismantling of the launcher” in Iran.

In a statement, the army said “in a rapid response, the IAF identified and eliminated surface-to-air missile launch troops seconds before they reached a launcher south of Tehran. The troops were eliminated and the launcher was dismantled.”

Iranian media reported a new Israeli strike on western Iran Monday, the latest in a series of attacks since fighting began four days ago.

"The Zionist regime has brutally attacked the fire department building at the Musiyan municipality" in the western province of Ilam, the Tasnim news agency reported, publishing a video of smoke rising from the site.

A synagogue in central Israel was damaged during an Iranian missile attack overnight into Monday (June 16), located near a school building which collapsed in a populated area of Bnei Brak. Israeli police said projectile parts fell in the area, causing damage to residential and community buildings.

Israel said Monday it deported the last three remaining activists from an aid flotilla that attempted to reach the war-torn Gaza Strip last week.

"The last three participants remaining from the "Selfie Yacht" (flotilla) were transferred this morning to Jordan via the Allenby Crossing," the foreign ministry said in a statement, adding they included one Dutch and two French nationals.

Iran urged the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency to condemn Israeli attacks on nuclear sites in the Islamic republic during an emergency meeting on Monday.

"We expect the (IAEA) Board of Governors and the Director General to take a firm position in condemning this act (attacking nuclear facilities) and holding the regime (Israel) accountable," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a weekly press briefing.

China urged Iran and Israel to "immediately" take steps to reduce tensions on Monday, after Tehran unleashed a barrage of missile strikes on Israeli cities and Israel struck military targets deep inside Iran. 

"We urge all parties to immediately take measures to cool down the tensions, prevent the region from falling into greater turmoil, and create conditions for returning to the right track of resolving issues through dialogue and negotiations," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.

Iran on Monday urged Britain, France and Germany to pressure Israel to stop its deadly attacks on Iran as fighting raged between the two foes for a fourth day.

"Germany, France and England should have very clearly condemned the Zionist regime's crimes, especially against the Natanz nuclear facility," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, adding that European powers should focus on "stopping the aggression" and holding Israel "accountable".

President Donald Trump told a news network on Sunday it remains possible the United States will become involved in the Iran-Israel conflict and that he would be "open" to Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin being a mediator.

Click here to read more

Israel's military said a missile launched from Yemen on Monday fell before entering Israeli territory, after sirens sounded in several areas of the country.

"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in several areas in Israel, a missile launched from Yemen fell prior to crossing into Israeli territory," the military said in a statement.

Iranian missiles have killed at least 24 people in Israel since Friday, the Israeli prime minister's office said in an updated toll following the latest attacks.

The toll issued on Monday includes 11 deaths recorded since midnight, the office said, including four in Petakh Tikva near Tel Aviv, three in Haifa and one in the Bnei Brak suburb of Tel Aviv. It also includes two bodies retrieved following a previous strike on Bat Yam and one more killed in an unspecified location.

Iran's chief justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei on Monday vowed swift trials for people arrested on suspicion of collaborating with Israel, as intense fighting raged between the two sides.

"If someone is arrested for having ties to and collaborating with the Zionist regime, their trial and punishment should be carried out and announced very quickly, in accordance with the law and given the war conditions," Ejei said, quoted by Tasnim news agency.

China urges Iran, Israel to ‘immediately’ take steps to cool tensions, AFP reported. 

India said on Monday its diplomats were helping some Indian students relocate to safer places in Iran, AFP reports.

“The Indian Embassy in Tehran is continuously monitoring the security situation and engaging Indian students in Iran to ensure their safety,” a foreign ministry statement said.

Amid the escalating conflict, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran has granted permission to the Indian Embassy in Tehran to escort Indian students to the Norduz border of Armenia via buses. The Indian Embassy will begin relocating Indian students including many from Kashmir from Urmia to Armenia to ensure their safety.
 

Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, on Monday warned that Tehran’s residents would “pay the price” for Iranian strikes on Israeli civilians, after overnight missile attacks killed several.

“The boastful dictator from Tehran has turned into a cowardly murderer, deliberately firing at Israel’s civilian home front in an attempt to deter the (Israeli military) from continuing the offensive that is crippling his capabilities,” Katz wrote on his Telegram channel, as reported by AFP. “The residents of Tehran will pay the price - and soon.”

Iran has executed a man who was found guilty of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Monday, as reported by Reuters

Iran does not intend to develop nuclear weapons but will pursue its right to nuclear energy and research, president Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday, as reported by Reuters.

Pezeshkian was reiterating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s religious edict against weapons of mass destruction.

Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said Monday that the toll from Iran's latest missile strikes had risen to four dead and 87 injured, updating a previous figure of three deaths.

IDF says its air force has attacked the Quds force headquarters in Tehran.

The Israeli army took to X and wrote, "Air Force fighter jets struck Quds Force headquarters of the Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian army, guided by precise intelligence from the Intelligence Directorate. In these headquarters, Quds operatives planned terrorist operations against Israel through proxies of the Iranian regime in the Middle East.”

Iran said it "successfully" struck Israel with a salvo of missiles on Monday, as Israeli rescuers reported three deaths and damage to residential buildings in multiple cities. 

"A new wave of air-to-air missile attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps... enabled missiles to successfully and effectively hit" targets in Israel, the Guards said in a statement quoted by the official IRNA news agency. 

Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said Monday that three people were killed and 74 wounded following Iran's latest missile attack. 

It said two women and one man had been killed, without giving a precise location, but adding rescue operations were ongoing in two places.  

On X, MDA said: “Following the latest barrage, from all rocket strike sites, MDA teams have so far evacuated 29 people with physical injuries, including 3 in moderate condition and 26 in mild condition. Search and rescue efforts are still actively ongoing at all sites.”

Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency service, reported that 29 people were hurt as a result of Iranian strikes in Israel.

On X, the agency said, “Following the latest barrage, from all rocket strike sites, MDA teams have so far evacuated 29 people with physical injuries, including 3 in moderate condition and 26 in mild condition. Search and rescue efforts are still actively ongoing at all sites.”
 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised in a telephone call Sunday to do more to bring aid into war-ravaged Gaza.

"I insisted and urged that humanitarian aid that is not reaching Gaza has to go into Gaza. He promised that this is the case and that this will be the case," she told reporters at a Group of Seven summit in Kananaskis, Canada.

Von der Leyen said she would follow up on the promise after the three-day summit.

She said she will seek to find out on humanitarian aid "how it reaches Gaza, whether it gets into Gaza, what we can do to make sure that humanitarian aid reaches its peak in Gaza."

Loud explosions rang out in Jerusalem early Monday, reports AFP, citing its journalist.

It came shortly after Israel's army warned of a new missile salvo from Iran and advised the public to take cover until further notice.

Israel's military warned Monday that it had detected a new missile salvo from Iran, saying its defensive systems were working against the threat.

"A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel," the army said on Telegram, adding the public was "instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice".

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a telephone call Sunday that diplomacy was ultimately best on Iran, but stopped short of calling for an immediate ceasefire.

"Iran should not have a nuclear weapon, without any question. Of course, I think a negotiated solution is, in the long term, the best solution," she said at a press briefing.

Loud explosions can be heard in central Israel as air defences work to intercept missiles. Initial reports indicate an Iranian missile may have impacted in northern Israel.

The cabinet approves extending the nationwide state of emergency declared by Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday until June 30.

The extension requires further approval of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, chaired by Likud MK Yuli Edelstein.

The state of emergency allows the cabinet to issue regulations that override Knesset legislation

US President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social that both Iran and Israel should make a deal. He said he would want to broker a deal between Iran and Israel, just like he did for India and Pakistan as well as between Serbia and Kosovo during his first term.

“Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make, in that case by using TRADE with the United States to bring reason, cohesion, and sanity into the talks with two excellent leaders who were able to quickly make a decision and STOP,” read the post.

He said that the Former US President Joe Biden has hurt the prospects of peace many times, but he is trying to restore it. 

“Another case is Egypt and Ethiopia, and their fight over a massive dam that is having an effect on the magnificent Nile River. There is peace, at least for now, because of my intervention, and it will stay that way! Likewise, we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place. I do a lot, and never get credit for anything, but that’s OK, the PEOPLE understand. MAKE THE MIDDLE EAST GREAT AGAIN!” said Trump.

The IDF Home Front Command instructs civilians in central and northern Israel to remain close to bomb shelters until further notice, as Israel anticipates a ballistic missile attack from Iran.

“Movement in public areas should be minimised, and public gatherings must be avoided. Upon receiving an alert, enter a protected space and remain there until an official update is issued,” the IDF says.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Iraq on Sunday to block Israel from using its airspace and territory to launch attacks on the Islamic Republic.

"We emphasise that the Iraqi government must exercise greater vigilance and protection of its borders and airspace so that Iraqi territory is not misused against the Islamic Republic of Iran," said Pezeshkian in a call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, according to the Iranian presidency website.

Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has threatened a “more decisive and severe” response should Israel continue its “hostile actions” towards Tehran, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency, the official Iranian news agency. 

Iran said that an Israeli air strike has killed seven top generals of its Revolutionary Guard, along with the head of its missile program. 

Earlier, Iran had acknowledged the death of Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of its Guard’s aerospace division, in Israeli strikes on Friday. 

The Guard stated that among those killed were Generals Mahmoud Bagheri, Davoud Sheikhian, Mohammad Bagher Taherpour, Mansour Safarpour, Masoud Tayyeb, Khosro Hasani, and Javad Jarsara.

Iranian media reported a blast in central Tehran on Sunday (June 15), as Israel kept up its attacks on Iran for a third day. The Tasnim news agency shared footage of the explosion site, saying it occurred near the central Valiasr Square. The video showed columns of smoke rising from the area, with debris and shattered glass scattered across the scene. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (June 15) said that Iran would pay "a very heavy price" for killing Israeli civilians. During a visit to the site of a missile strike on a residential building in the coastal city of Bat Yam near Tel Aviv on Sunday, PM Netanyahu said, "Iran will pay a very heavy price for the premeditated murder of civilians, women and children. I am here in Bat Yam with the Home Front Command forces, the rescue forces. On behalf of the entire people of Israel, I express sorrow for the loss of life that occurred here. Our hearts are with the families.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday (June 15) accused American forces of supporting Israeli military operations in the region. Speaking at a news conference in Tehran, Araghchi said, “We have well-documented and solid evidence of the support provided by American forces in the region and their bases for the military attacks of the Zionist regime.” 

"We are determined to change the fate of the region, to lead it towards peace by undermining Iran's capability to threaten us existentially," says Israeli President Isaac Herzog as he visits the site of an Iranian ballistic missile strike in the coastal city of Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv. 

Israel's military said on Sunday that its air force had targeted "more than 80" positions in Iran's capital Tehran in the third day of the most intense confrontation yet between the two arch-foes.
The strikes were conducted "throughout the night", the military said in a statement, and "targeted more than 80 objectives, including the headquarters of the Iranian Ministry of Defense, the headquarters of the nuclear project (SPND), and additional targets where the Iranian regime hid the nuclear archive".

Fresh explosions were heard in the Iranian capital Tehran on Sunday (June 15), as Israeli strikes entered their third consecutive day, an AFP journalist reported. Iranian news outlets Khabar Online and Ham Mihan reported that air defence systems were activated over the western and northwestern parts of the city "to counter new attacks". Meanwhile, Shargh daily released a video showing columns of smoke rising from Tehran’s eastern part.

The Israeli military has struck a nuclear facility in Iran’s Isfahan, a military spokesperson said in a post on X on Sunday (June 15), according to a report by Reuters. The spokesperson did not provide a time frame for the attack. However, Iran’s oil ministry had said earlier that there was no incident at the Isfahan refinery and that operations were continuing without disruption, as per the state media. 

Israeli defence minister Israel Katz holds a situation assessment with the Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Mossad chief David Barnea, and army officials. Israel pressed its intense bombardment campaign on Iran on Sunday (June 15), striking a defence facility and fuel depots as the two arch foes kept up their most intense confrontation in history.

The death toll has climbed to 10 in Israel following retaliatory strikes by Iran, according to a report by the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, Iranian media claims that at least 80 people, including 20 children, have been killed over the past two days.

Two members of the Mossad terrorist team who were building bombs, explosives, explosives and electronic equipment in Savojbolagh were arrested by the Alborz Provincial Intelligence Agency forces, Tasnim News agency reports

Israel’s Oil Refineries said its pipelines and transmission lines in Haifa had been damaged by missile strikes by Iran, according to a regulatory filing to the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that the attacks on Israel will end once Israel halts its military campaign against the Islamic Republic.
"We are defending ourselves; our defence is entirely legitimate," said Araghchi in a meeting with foreign diplomats, adding that "this defence is our response to aggression. If the aggression stops, naturally our responses will also stop."

Iran's Parliament's Security Committee Spokesperson said that "time has come to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," Hebrew media reported. 
 

Israel says airspace remains closed for third day amid Iran fighting.

Germany, France and Britain are ready to hold immediate talks with Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme in a bid to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, German foreign minister Johann Wadephul said.

Iranian news agencies report that operations at the Tehran refinery are continuing, without disruption to fuel production or distribution.

"The fire in the Shahran oil depot and fuel tank in the south of Tehran has been brought under control," IRNA quoted the Oil Ministry as saying.

Iran-backed Houthi said it targeted Israel with ballistic missiles in coordination with the Islamic nation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday (June 15) that Israel had "crossed a new red line" by targeting Iran's nuclear sites in strikes that began on Friday.

"The Zionist regime crossed a new red line in international law, and it was attacking nuclear facilities," said Araghchi during a meeting with foreign diplomats broadcast on state TV.

Israeli emergency teams clear the rubble at the site of an Iranian strike on Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv. Iranians and Israelis woke to smoke and rubble on Sunday after the arch-rivals expanded their attacks overnight, with Israel striking Tehran's defence ministry, and Iran unleashing a deadly barrage of missiles.

The death toll has risen to 6 in the building hit by an Iranian missile in Bat Yam. Two bodies were recovered by rescuers from under the rubble of the building that was hit by an Iranian ballistic missile in Bat Yam, first responders say.

The Israeli army said Sunday that a soldier had been killed in battle in Gaza one day earlier, as its war with Palestinian militant group Hamas enters its 20th month.

"Noam Shemesh aged 21 from Jerusalem... fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement. About 430 soldiers have been killed since Israel's ground operation in Gaza began on October 27, 2023.

A very sad and difficult morning. Our sisters and brothers were murdered and injured during the night by criminal Iranian attacks against the civilian population in Bat Yam, Tamar and other communities. Jews and Muslims, veteran citizens and new immigrants, including children and the elderly, women and men. I share in the heavy mourning of the families and grieve the terrible loss. I pray for the recovery of the injured and the finding of the missing. We will mourn together. We will overcome together.

Israel's attack on Iran has jolted financial markets, as fears grow of a regional conflict that could disrupt oil supplies. The tensions come at a time of heightened uncertainty, driven by Trump's tariff policies.

Click here to read the story

Iran on Saturday night launched a barrage of dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel, with one missile impacting in the Arab city of Tamra, east of Haifa, killing four people. The barrage was Iran’s first since the early morning hours. The salvo sent most of the country into shelters, with Home Front Command pushing phone alerts shortly after 11 p.m., but sirens were then only activated in the north and the Haifa area, as air defenses were activated to intercept the incoming attack.

Smoke billows over a building as emergency first responders are deployed on the site of an Iranian missiles strike in Rehovot, some 20 kilometres south of Tel Aviv. Waves of overnight Iranian strikes on Israel killed at least eight people, including children, according to emergency services, after air raid sirens sent millions across the country scrambling into shelters.

Israeli rescue teams continued search and rescue mission in the coastal city of Bat Yam on Sunday morning (June 15), where an overnight Iranian missile attack killed resulted in "dozens" of casualties, according to Israeli rescue personnel. Bat Yam's mayor later told Reuters that four were killed in the attack on the coastal town, and 100 were wounded. Israeli media said at least 35 people were missing in the coastal town after the attack. A spokesperson for the emergency services said a missile hit an 8-story building there and while many people were rescued, there were fatalities.

A drone infiltration siren is sounding in Beit She’an and several nearby towns in northern Israel, close to the border with Jordan. The IDF says it is investigating.

Israel's emergency services said three people were killed and more than 130 wounded after Iranian rocket strikes hit two sites early Sunday. A 69-year-old woman, an 80-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy were killed, while 100 others were wounded in a rocket strike "in the central region", according to a spokesperson for Magen David Adom. In Shfela region, another 37 people were wounded, the spokesperson added.

The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday (Jun 15) confirmed that it “completed an extensive series of strikes on targets in Tehran related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons project.”

The IDF said that the targets included the Iranian Ministry of Defense headquarters and the SPND nuclear project headquarters.

“The targets included the Iranian Ministry of Defense headquarters, the headquarters of the SPND nuclear project, and additional targets, which advanced the Iranian regime’s efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon and where the Iranian regime hid its nuclear archive," it said in a statement on X.

Read more here.

Air raid sirens and booms rang out in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv early Sunday, AFP journalists said, as Israel and Iran exchanged fire for a third day.

Israel's military wrote in a post on X that millions of Israelis were "running for shelter as sirens sound" in dozens of cities and communities around the country.

Iran fired a fresh barrage of missiles at Israel, state television announced early Sunday, as the rivals exchanged fire for a third day.

"A new wave of Operation Honest Promise 3 began a few minutes ago," Iranian state TV reported at around 03:10 am (2340 GMT Saturday), while broadcasting live images of Israel.

A series of blasts were heard in Tehran at around 2:30 am (2300 GMT) Sunday, but the origin was not immediately known, as Iran and Israel exchange drone and missile fire.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said early Sunday that the country had struck sites used by Israeli warplanes for refuelling, in retaliation for strikes carried out by Israel since Friday.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said early Sunday that the country had struck sites used by Israeli warplanes for refuelling, as the two rival states bombarded each other for a second day.

"Installations producing fuel for fighter planes and the (Israeli) regime's energy supply centres were targeted by a multitude of drones and missiles," the Guards said in a statement.

"The Iranian armed forces' offensive operations will continue more fiercely and more broadly if the depravity and attacks (against Iran) continue."

Israeli first responders said Sunday that a woman was killed when an Iranian missile attack damaged a house near the northern city of Haifa.

"Teams have confirmed the death of a woman in her 20s who was rescued from the rubble", emergency service providers Magen David Adom said in a statement, adding that surrounding homes also sustained damage.

Iranian news agency Tasnim reported early Sunday that an Israeli strike had targeted the country's defence ministry headquarters in Tehran and damaged one of its buildings.

In "an attack on Tehran this evening by the air force of the Zionist regime, the headquarters of the defence ministry was targeted. One of the headquarters' buildings was lightly damaged," the agency said.

The defence ministry did not comment.

Israeli strikes hit two fuel depots in Tehran, the Iranian oil ministry said Sunday, shortly after Iran announced the launch of a new wave of strikes against Israel.

According to the oil ministry, the oil depots at Shahran northwest of Tehran and another reservoir south of the city were hit.

An AFP journalist saw the depot at Shahran on fire.

Jordan announced the closure of its airspace late Saturday for a second time since the start of the most intense direct confrontation between arch-foes Israel and Iran.

The civil aviation authority in Jordan, which borders Israel, announced in a statement the closure until further notice of the country's airspace, as well as the suspension of all takeoffs, landings and transit.

Israel's emergency services said Saturday that an Iranian missile hit on a home in the country's Haifa region left 14 people injured, including one in a critical condition.

"Teams have reported 14 casualties at a two-storey home in the Western Galilee, including one in critical condition and the rest with varying levels of injury," Israel's Magen David Adom agency said in a statement.

Israel's firefighting service said Saturday that residential buildings were hit and a fire started in the country's coastal and northern districts after Iran launched a new barrage of missiles.

"Several incidents have been reported to the Israel Fire and Rescue Services command centres in the Coastal and Northern Districts, with hits on residential buildings and a fire in an open area", Israel Fire and Rescue Services spokesman Tal Volbovitz said in a statement.

Iran said Saturday it would limit its cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog, while criticising it for its silence over Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

"It makes no sense that these peaceful sites come under attack and that the agency remains silent," Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said.

"Iran will no longer cooperate with the agency... as it once did," he added.

Israel announced on Saturday it was launching a fresh wave of missiles towards Israel in retaliation against Israeli attacks.

"A new wave in Operation Honest Promise 3 has begun," state television said, referring to strikes launched by Iran against Israel last year.

The Israeli military said Saturday that it is carrying out air strikes in Tehran while simultaneously working to intercept missiles launched from Iran toward Israel.

"While the (Israeli military) is operating to intercept missiles launched from Iran, the (Israeli air force) is currently striking military targets in Tehran," the military said, adding that sirens sounded in several areas across Israel.

The Israeli military said Iran had launched a new salvo of missiles on Saturday and urged citizens to head to shelters. "A short while ago, the IDF (military) identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the military said. "Upon receiving an alert, the public is instructed to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes his security cabinet in Jerusalem as Israel continues its strikes in Iran.

Iran’s state TV says there would be “heavy and destructive” attacks against Israel, which are expected within the coming hours.

US President Donald Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed in a phone call on Saturday that the conflict between Iran and Israel "should end."

"He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end," Trump said on Truth Social, referring to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Iranian media said air defences were activated Saturday over Tehran and six other provinces, on the second day of Israel's air campaign against the Islamic republic.

News agency Tasnim said air defences were responding to "hostile targets" over Tehran and in the provinces of Hormozgan in the country's south, Kermanshah and Lorestan in the west, Qom in the centre, West Azerbaijan in the northwest, and Khuzestan in the southwest. State TV reported air defence activity in the same areas.

Another news agency, Fars, shared images of what it said was the "destruction of two Israeli aircraft in Tehran".

Israel army says struck underground missile facility in West Iran

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday (June 14) that Britain is moving additional military assets, including fighter jets, to the West Asia to provide support across the region, amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. 

France's President Emmanuel Macron urged his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian to "quickly" resume negotiations over his country's nuclear programme, in talks Saturday as a conflict between Tehran and Israel escalated.

UN expected to meet on Israel's strikes against Iran
 

Iran state TV says air defences activated around strategic port of Bandar Abbas

Iran president says will not join nuclear talks if Israeli attacks continue (

Avner Netanyahu’s wedding, set for Monday, has been canceled amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, Hebrew media reports. The prime minister’s son’s wedding caused controversy, drawing ire from some anti-government protesters, who denounced the Netanyahu family for holding a celebration while Israeli hostages are still held in Gaza under the premier’s watch.

Two Revolutionary Guards were killed on Saturday in an Israeli strike on a base in central Iran, the Tasnim news agency reported.

"Following the brutal attack by the Zionist regime on the Zarandiyeh Basij base, two members of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were martyred," the news agency said, citing the Guards.

Baghdad has asked Tehran not to target US interests on Iraqi soil, a senior security official said Saturday, as Washington's ally Israel and Iran traded blows, heightening tensions across the region.

The government in Baghdad is a close ally of Tehran but also a strategic partner of Iran's arch-foe the United States, which has some 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of an anti-jihadist coalition.

Fearing being caught up in a regional escalation, the Iraqi government asked Tehran not to strike in its territory, a senior Iraqi security official told AFP.

Esmaeil Baqaei, minister of foreign affairs, Islamic Republic of Iran in a statement on X said, “This is an egregious act of aggression. Period. Appalling to see #Israel's backers & apologists trying to spin this blatant aggression as justified. They're reducing themselves to willing accomplices in the grave crimes Israel commits daily.”

Israel's military on Saturday said it was "currently" launching attacks on several sites across Iran as it kept up its campaign targeting the Islamic republic's military and nuclear sites.

"We are currently launching attacks on several sites in Iran," military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said in a televised press conference after Iran responded to Israeli strikes with waves of drones and missile barrages.

Also, the Israeli military said that its ongoing air campaign in Iran had now given it the required "aerial freedom" for actions from west Iran to Tehran, where 70 fighter jets carried out strikes overnight.

"We have created aerial freedom of action from west Iran all the way to Tehran... Tehran is no longer immune," military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin told journalists, adding that the air force "launched a massive strike involving more than 70 fighter jets, targeting objectives in Tehran" overnight.

Images released by the Russian Foreign Ministry show a bus evacuating Russian citizens from Iran, carrying them across the Iran-Azerbaijan border into Azerbaijan. According to the Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan, a total of 88 Russians were evacuated from Iran and have now entered Azerbaijani territory. It comes after Israel struck Iranian nuclear and military facilities with a barrage of missiles on 13 June, prompting a counter-attack by Iran. 

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has issued a statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran.

We urge that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation and it is essential that the international community undertake endeavours in that direction.

The External Affairs Minister too discussed this matter with his Iranian counterpart yesterday and conveyed the deep concern of the international community at the turn of events. He also urged the avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy.

The overall position of India as stated above was communicated to other SCO members. Keeping that in mind, India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement.

On Friday evening, Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. During the conversation, Jaishankar extended deep sympathies of the government and people of India to the government and people of Iran following the Israeli regime’s attacks, which led to the loss of innocent lives.

Jaishankar referred to his recent phone consultations with his French counterpart and stressed the importance of strengthening international efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

Araghchi appreciated India’s solidarity with Iran and its condemnation of the Israeli regime’s aggression. He said, “We were in the middle of a diplomatic process and engaged in consultations with our Omani counterpart to prepare for a new round of talks with representatives of the US government but the Israeli regime’s acts of aggression including attacking Iran, assassinating military commanders, and killing civilians and academic elites derailed the diplomatic path”.

An Iranian missile strike wounded seven soldiers in central Israel overnight, a military spokesperson said Saturday, one of several barrages launched in response to Israel's attack on military and nuclear sites.

"Seven... soldiers were lightly injured last night, as a result of an Iranian missile hit to central Israel," the spokesperson said. Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv is in central Israel and the city hosts the defence ministry and military headquarters.

Authorities have confirmed that Iranian retaliatory strikes have killed three and have injured over 170 in Israel

Israel has killed three more Iranian nuclear scientists, state television reported Saturday, bringing to nine the overall number slain in Israel's attack on the Islamic republic.

"Three of the country's nuclear scientists -- Ali Bekaei Karimi, Mansour Asgari, and Saeed Borji -- were martyred during the Zionist regime's terrorist attacks," the broadcaster said. Iranian media had said earlier that six others were killed in the Israeli attack.

The Israeli military said on Saturday its air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities the previous day resulted in the deaths of nine leading Iranian nuclear scientists.

"During the Israeli air force strikes at the onset of Operation Rising Lion, nine senior scientists and experts, who advanced the Iranian regime's nuclear weapons programme, were eliminated," the military said in a statement, listing the names of those killed.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed a new head of the Revolutionary Guards air arm on Saturday to replace the one killed by an Israeli strike.

In a decree, Khamenei named Majid Mousavi to replace Amirali Hajizadeh as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps aerospace force.

Defence Minister Israel Katz on Saturday warned that "Tehran will burn" if Iran fired more missiles at Israel, as the arch foes traded fire for a second day.

"The Iranian dictator is turning the citizens of Iran into hostages and bringing about a reality in which they –- especially the residents of Tehran -– will pay a heavy price because of the criminal harm to Israeli civilians," Katz was quoted as saying in a statement.

"If (Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles toward the Israeli home front –- Tehran will burn."

Iranian media reported new Israeli strikes on Saturday in cities in the west and northwest which house key defences and military bases.

The Fars and Mehr news agencies said the strikes hit the northwestern city of Tabriz as well as parts of the western provinces of Lorestan, Hamedan and Kermanshah.

Iran’s state TV reported on Saturday that around 60 people, including 20 children, were killed in an Israeli attack on a housing complex in Iranian capital Tehran. 

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday called on Israel and Iran to show responsibility and reason, as the two arch-foes clashed in their largest conflict.

"The situation in Iran and Israel has seriously deteriorated at such a delicate moment. I wish to forcefully renew an appeal for responsibility and reason," the pope said in a statement.

"The commitment to build a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through a respectful meeting and sincere dialogue," he said. "No-one should ever threaten the existence of the other."

Iran's civil aviation authority has declared the country's airspace closed "until further notice," state media reported Saturday, as Israel and Iran continued to trade fire for a second day. "No flights will be operated at any airports in the country in order to protect the safety of passengers... until further notice," the official IRNA news agency said.

Indian Embassy in Palestine has issued an advisory amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

Iran has yet to decide whether to join a sixth round of nuclear talks with the United States on Sunday, state media reported, as Israel and Iran traded fire for a second day. "It is still unclear what decision we will make for Sunday," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said of the talks in Oman, quoted by the official IRNA news agency on Saturday.

Iran confirms that its Fordo nuclear facility sustained limited damage following recent Israeli attacks, the semi-official ISNA news agency reports, citing a spokesperson for the country’s atomic energy organization.

“There has been limited damage to some areas at the Fordow enrichment site,” state atomic energy agency spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi says. “We had already moved a significant part of the equipment and materials out, and there was no extensive damage and there are no contamination concerns.”

Two senior Iranian generals have been killed in Israeli strikes, state television reported Saturday, as Israel kept up its assault on Iran's military and nuclear capabilities.

General Gholamreza Mehrabi, deputy head of intelligence of the armed forces general staff, and General Mehdi Rabbani, deputy head of operations, "were martyred", the broadcaster said.

In a post on X, Air India said, “Due to the emerging situation in Iran and parts of the Middle East, the subsequent closure of airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, some of our flights are operating on alternative extended routes. We are doing our best to minimise any inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen airspace closure. We would like to reiterate that at Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority. Please check your flight status here http://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html… or call our customer centre on 011 69329333, 011 69329999 or visit our website http://airindia.com”

Airlines steered clear of much of the Middle East on Friday after Israeli attacks on Iranian sites forced carriers to cancel or divert thousands of flights in the latest upheaval to travel in the region.

About 1,800 flights to and from Europe had been affected so far on Friday, including approximately 650 cancelled flights, according to Eurocontrol.

India Embassy in Israel issues advisory. In a post on X it said, “*In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the Israeli authorities and home front command (https://oref.org.il/eng). *Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters. We are continuously monitoring the evolving situation including the safety of Indians nationals. In case of any emergency, please contact the 24*7 helpline of the Embassy: *Telephone* +972 54-7520711 +972 54-3278392 *Email* cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in”

India has issued emergency numbers for its nationals in Iran. The numbers are: +98 9128109115 and +98 9128109109

Israeli emergency services said rocket fire on a residential area killed two people in the coastal plain on Saturday after Iran launched barrages of missiles. "Among the casualties: a woman around 60 was rescued without signs of life, a man around 45 was evacuated in critical condition... and was later pronounced dead," Magen David Adom said in a statement, adding that 19 others were wounded.

As Iran launched fresh barrage of missiles on Israel, the headquarter of Israeli Defence Force (IDF) was struck.

Airspace over Iran and surrounding areas, continue to be unavailable. Certain flight paths may need adjustments, leading to extended travel durations or delays: IndiGo

At least two people have been killed and several injured after Iran launched a fresh wave of strikes on Israel on Saturday (June 14), Times of Israel reported.  

Two people were trapped in a collapsed building and at least 14 injured after Iran's strike in the central Israel, Hebrew media repored. 

Several people were injured and multiple houses were damaged after Iran's retliation in the central Israel. 

Iranian state media reported that Iran has launched a fresh wave of attack on Israel on Saturday (June 14). 

Amid the escalating tensions and military operations in Iran and Israel, blasts were reported at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport early Saturday (Jun 14). Fire and heavy smoke billowed from the airport, reported AFP.

According to Fars News Agency, two projectiles struck the airport. The explosion comes as Israel and Iran exchange missile attacks for the second night.

Read more here.

The Israeli military briefly called on residents Saturday to take shelter after detecting fresh missiles launched from Iran towards Israel.

"A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles from Iran toward the State of Israel," the military said on Telegram at 4:40 am (0140 GMT), adding that the air force was "operating to intercept and strike where necessary to eliminate the threat".

About 10 minutes later, the military said: "it is now permitted to leave protected spaces and to remain near them" following a "situational assessment".

China condemns Israel’s violations of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and urges Israel to immediately stop all risky military actions, China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong has said, according to a report by state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Iran will target military bases of any country that tries to defend Israel, a senior Iranian official tells CNN. “Iran reserves the right – under international law – to respond decisively to this regime,” the official says. “Any country that attempts to defend the regime against Iran’s operations will, in turn, see its regional bases and positions become new targets.”

The UN chief called Friday for Israel and Iran to halt their escalating conflict, after the two countries exchanged a barrage of missiles.

"Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail," Antonio Guterres said on X after Israel's "preemptive" strikes on Iran and Tehran's counter-attack.

Several explosions just heard in Tehran, Iranian state media outlets report

Fire and heavy smoke billowed from Mehrabad airport in the Iranian capital early Saturday, an AFP reported, as local media reported a blast in the area.

The local ISNA news agency shared a video showing columns of heavy smoke rising from the area of the airport in western Tehran while Mehr news agency reported a "blast" there.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has held separate phone conversations with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid escalating tensions following Israeli military strikes on Iran, according to a statement from the Kremlin

An Israeli Navy Sa’ar 6-class corvette stationed in the Red Sea shot down five drones from Iran since yesterday, the latest just an hour ago, the military says. Separately, another drone was shot down by the Israeli Air Force over Syria a short while ago, the IDF adds.

Iran has launched fresh wave of missile attacks - this time in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as part of retaliatory action against Israel's ‘pre-emptive’ strike

IDF said that  alerts were activated in several areas of the country following another missile launch from Iran

An Israeli official rejected reports that Iran had shot down two Israel fighter jets as "fake news" after Israel carried out a wave of air strikes on the Islamic republic's military and nuclear sites Friday. "The reports circulating about two Israeli warplanes being shot down are fake news," the official said on condition of anonymity after Iranian state media reported that Iran's forces had downed the two jets in Iranian skies.

Israel’s strikes have killed 78 people, including senior military officials, and injured 329 others, Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, told the United Nations Security Council on Friday.

Power outages in several areas due to Iranian missiles, Israeli media report.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has told his Russian counterpart that Tehran did not seek nuclear weapons, in a phone call after a wave of Israeli strikes.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always maintained that it does not seek to acquire nuclear arms and that it is always ready to provide guarantees on this issue to the competent international authorities,” Pezeshkian told Vladimir Putin, according to a statement from the Iranian presidency

“Iran's air defense forces have shot down two Israeli F-35 fighter jets and intercepted several hostile drones,” the X handle of Iran's embassy in India claimed

Iran fired fewer than 100 missiles toward Israel on Friday night, and made a “few hits,” the Israeli military has claimed.

Some of those hits were from interception debris, Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, said in a video statement.

Israel Defense Forces in a post said that Israeli civilians are being targeted by the Iranian regime. “The world cannot stay silent,” it added
 

Iran launched retaliatory missiles into Israel after strikes at nuclear facilities. X handle of Iran's Embassy in India has shared the video of Iranian strike on Tel Aviv

Watch here https://x.com/Iran_in_India/status/1933598933386707127

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call with US President Donald Trump earlier this afternoon, a White House official confirms. It’s their second call in two days, amid Israel’s massive strike against Iran and Tehran’s counter-launch of two barrages of ballistic missiles.

IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin says less than 100 ballistic missiles were fired from Iran at Israel in the two barrages. He says most of the missiles were intercepted by air defenses or fell short before reaching the country. “There are a limited number of impacts on buildings, some were caused by interception fragments,” he says.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched the “True Promise 3” operation on Friday night, the military force said in a statement. The statement said the operation targeted “dozens of sites, military centers, and air bases of the usurping Zionist regime in the occupied territories” in retaliation for recent Israeli airstrikes.

The IRGC said it delivered a "crushing, precise response" following Israeli attacks that resulted in "the martyrdom of a group of high-ranking commanders of the armed forces, prominent scientists and innocent citizens, especially children."

Russia’s UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya during UN Security Council meeting said Israel’s attacks on Iranian territory, including the strikes on nuclear sites, “cannot be justified in any way”.

“The international community cannot, and should not, stand idly by when such a provocation presents itself,” Nebenzya added

Two seriously injured people were trapped in a building in the greater Tel Aviv area, the Israeli ambulance service added.

Iran's atomic energy agency said Friday there was limited damage to the Fordo nuclear site south of Tehran and another site in the country's centre after Israeli attacks.

The United States is helping Israel intercept Iranian missiles, Axios reported on Friday, citing a senior U.S. official.

Addressing the Iranian people directly in a video released Friday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged civilians to “stand up and let your voices be heard,” saying Israel’s fight is not against them but against the Iranian government.

Explosions were heard over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as sirens sounded on Friday night across Israel following what the country's military spokesman said was the firing of missiles from Iran.

Iran's state news agency IRNA said hundreds of ballistic missiles had been launched in retaliation for Israel's biggest ever attacks on Iran, blasting Iran's huge underground nuclear site at Natanz and wiping out its top military commanders.

Israeli rescuers said that seven people were injured on Friday in the centre of the country, shortly after Iran fired a salvo of missiles at Israel.

Speaking on Israel's Channel 12, Eli Bin, the spokesman for the Magen David Adom rescue service, said that seven people were lightly injured in central Israel. Images on Channel 12 showed what appeared to be a building hit by a missile. 

Israel's military sirens sounded across the country late Friday after a new salvo of Iranian missiles was identified, with AFP journalists hearing blasts over Jerusalem.

Israel's Home Front Command application used to warn the public of incoming projectiles said that sirens sounded across the country.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Friday they launched an attack on dozens of targets in Israel after its large scale attack on the Islamic repiblic.

"The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps... has executed its decisive and precise response against tens of targets, military centres and airbases of the usurping Zionist regime in the occupied territories," the Guards said in a statement carried by state media. 

Iranian state television said the country's forces launched "missile attacks" at Israel on Friday, in response to a wave of Israeli attacks on its territory.

The announcement of the "start of Iranian missile attacks" on state TV, confirming earlier reports, came shortly after a televised speech by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in which he promised that "the Islamic Republic will prevail over the Zionist regime".

Iranian state media said the country's forces downed two Israeli fighter jets on Friday, during a massive Israeli air raid.

"At least two Israeli fighter jets were shot down in Iranian skies," the official IRNA news agency reported, without elaborating.

Israel's military said Friday that dozens of "additional missiles" were launched, shortly after a salvo of missiles from Iran were intercepted or made impact throughout the country.

"The attack is ongoing. Dozens of additional missiles were launched toward the State of Israel," the military said in a statement, informing the public that "the explosions you are hearing are from interceptions or fallen projectiles".

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Friday that Israel's deadly attacks on his country will "bring it to ruin", vowing retaliation.

"The armed forces of the Islamic republic will inflict heavy blows upon this malevolent enemy," Khamenei said in a televised speech, adding that the consequences of the Israeli attack "will bring it to ruin".

A thick plume of smoke billowed over the coastal Israeli city of Tel Aviv on Friday after Iranian missile fire, an AFP reported, following a wave of Israeli attacks on Iran.

The smoke towered over the city's skyscrapers as blasts echoed across the city, the journalist said.

An Israeli military official said Iran launched on Friday dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel, as sirens sounded and AFP journalists reported loud blasts heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

"Dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles are en route to Israel. The people of Israel have been instructed to remain in bomb shelters until further notice," the official said in a statement delivered to journalists on condition of anonymity.

Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem and loud blasts were heard Friday, AFP journalists reported, as the Israeli military said it had detected a missile launched from Iran.

"A short while ago, sirens sounded in several areas across Israel following the identification of missiles from Iran toward the State of Israel," the military said in a statement, with AFP journalists reporting booms over Jerusalem, similar to those heard during past interceptions.

Israel's military on Friday said it identified missiles fired from Iran towards Israel, and ordered all citizens to head to shelters.

"A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel," it said in a statement, adding the public should enter protected shelters "and remain there until further notice".

Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi on Friday called on the United Nations to act against Israel's "warmongering", following a wave of massive Israeli attacks on the Islamic republic.

"Araghchi emphasised the need for the United Nations to take immediate action to confront the Zionist regime's aggression and warmongering," said a readout of his phone call with UN chief Antonio Guterres released by the Iranian foreign ministry.

A short time ago, alerts were activated in several areas across the country following the detection of missiles launched from Iran toward Israeli territory.

At this time, the Air Force is operating to intercept and strike wherever necessary to neutralize the threat.
The public is requested to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.
The defense is not hermetic, and therefore, it is necessary to continue adhering to the Home Front Command.

A televised briefing from Israel's military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin was stopped on Friday, with an Israeli official saying it was due to an incoming Iranian attack.

 Amir Hatami appointed Commander-in-Chief of Iran Army 

Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei in a televised address said, “The armed forces will act with strength and will bring down the vile Zionist regime. The Zionist regime will not escape unscathed from this crime.The Iranian nation can be assured that there will be no shortcomings in this regard.”
 

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to address the country in a short while

 Sound of explosions were also heard in Tehran. Reports indicated a bombing at the Isfahan reactor.

The IDF identified that a missile was launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory. Alerts were activated in several areas across the country following a launch from Yemen. Sirens were sounded in the Jerusalem area and in Judea

Moments ago, the sound of 2 explosions was heard from the area of the Fordo site, and 2 points on the ground in the Fordo area were targeted.

The Fordo nuclear site is located several hundred meters underground.

Trump is not concerned about regional war breaking out in the Middle East, he told Reuters in a phone interview. The US 'knew everything" about Israel's strike on Iran, he said, adding "I tried to save Iran humiliation and death."

A new explosion occurred in Tehran and Qom, APA reports citing local media.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Israel and Iran to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions and destabilize the West Asian region.

An exceptional meeting of the UN nuclear watchdog's board of governors will be held to discuss Israel's strikes on Iran after at least one country on the board requested one at Friday's regular, quarterly session of the body, diplomats said to Reuters

Any country on the board can call a meeting under its rules. Iran, which is not on the board, requested a meeting and its call was supported by board members Russia, China and Venezuela, diplomats said. The diplomats gave differing accounts as to which board member was the first to clearly make the request.

Iran has summoned envoy representing US in Tehran: state media

Israeli forces impose a security cordon on the occupied West Bank, closing access points and blocking entrances and exits with metal barriers following Israeli strikes on Iran.

The United States is shifting ships and other military resources in the Middle East in response to Israel’s strikes on Iran and a possible retaliatory attack by Tehran, two US officials said Friday.

The Navy has directed the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner to begin sailing toward the Eastern Mediterranean and also has directed a second destroyer to begin moving forward, so it can be available if requested by the White House.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Israel has planned military operations and strikes against Iran over the next 14 days

Iran’s U.N. Mission said it has asked for an emergency meeting of the Security Council following the Israeli attacks. No time has been set yet.

US President Donald Trump said Iran might still have a “second chance” to reach a nuclear agreement, just hours after Israeli airstrikes hit key military and nuclear sites in Iran. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region and ahead of a planned sixth round of talks in Oman.

Israeli embassies in the United States and the United Kingdom were among several to close around the globe on Friday following deadly Israeli strikes in Iran.

"In light of recent developments, Israeli missions around the world will be closed and consular services will not be provided," read a message posted by the country's embassies in the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Nigeria, Russia, Ukraine and France.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian says his nation would “strongly take action” against Israel after its attacks on the country.

In a televised address Friday, Pezeshkian urged people to unite behind its theocratic government.

The “Islamic Republic of Iran will give a severe, wise and strong answer to the occupier regime,” he said, referring to Israel.

Fire broke out at Tabriz airport in northwestern Iran on Friday after an Israeli strike, Iranian media reported. Mehr news agency published a video showing fire and smoke billowing from the airport in East Azerbaijan province with the caption: "Tabriz airport now.

Russia said that Israeli strikes on Iran were unprovoked and in breach of the United Nations charter, accusing Israel of wrecking diplomatic efforts to strike a deal to allay Western concerns about Tehran's nuclear programme.

Major General Ali Shadmani was appointed Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, following the assassination of General Gholamali Rashid. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posthumously praised General Rashid’s martyrdom as proud and honorable and recognized Shadmani’s proven leadership and experience.

US President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to say that ”Iran must make a deal before there is nothing left.”

A fresh round of explosions was heard in northwestern Iran on Friday, state television reported, after Israel carried out a wave of strikes on multiple cities.

"A few minutes ago, new explosions were heard in East Azerbaijan," the broadcaster said, as the Tasnim news agency said an earlier wave of strikes had hit 10 sites in the province, killing at least three people.

Sirens blared in Amman on Friday (June 13) morning, as the Jordanian Public Security Directorate issued a statement saying that it will sound sirens to alert citizens in the event of any missiles or drones entering Jordanian airspace, urging them not to gather in the streets or approach any falling objects until the arrival of the appropriate teams.

France on Friday (June 13) called for restraint after Israel struck Iran, but said Israel had the right to defend itself against all attacks and that Paris had repeatedly expressed its concerns over Iran's nuclear program.

China says it is "deeply concerned" over Israeli strikes on Iran -- including nuclear and military sites -- condemning "violations" of the country's sovereignty, and offering to help ease tensions.

"The Chinese side... is deeply worried about the severe consequences that such actions might bring," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, urging "relevant parties to take actions that promote regional peace and stability and to avoid further escalation of tensions".

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday urged both Israel and Iran to avoid any "further escalation" after Israel launched a wave of strikes on the Islamic republic.

Both sides should refrain from steps that could "destabilise the entire region," said Merz, adding that he had been briefed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the raids and had convened a meeting of Germany's security cabinet.

The IDF has completed a large-scale strike against the aerial defense array of the Iranian regime in Western Iran. In recent hours, Israeli Air Force fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence from the Intelligence Directorate, completed a large-scale strike against the aerial defense array of the Iranian regime in western Iran.

As part of the strikes, dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers were destroyed.
Throughout the war, the IDF has systematically targeted the aerial defense systems of the Iranian regime and its proxies across the Middle East. These strikes enhance the Israeli Air Force's freedom of aerial operation.

Air raid sirens sounded in the Jordanian capital on Friday after Israel pounded Iran, while the public security directorate called on people to stay in their homes.

"Adhere to the guidelines and stay in your homes," was the announcement made through loudspeakers in Amman, an AFP correspondent said.

Pakistan strongly condemns unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Israeli military strikes violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and clearly contravene the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. Iran has the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Pakistan stands in resolute solidarity with the people of Iran and unequivocally denounces these blatant provocations, which constitute a grave danger and a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the entire region and beyond, with serious implications.

The international community and the United Nations bear responsibility to uphold international law, stop this aggression immediately and hold the aggressor accountable for its actions.

Israeli Air Force fighter jets have started to shoot down the drones launched at Israel from Iran earlier this morning. The drones are being intercepted outside of Israel’s borders, a military official said. Those that are not intercepted early are expected to reach Israel within an hour or so.

Major General Mousavi, Commander of Army has said, “We have been tasked by the Leader of the Revolution to take revenge. Our people can rest assured — the flag raised by my martyred comrades will never fall. The blood of the martyrs will not be in vain. The savage nature of the Zionist regime is no secret to the world.”

Japan "strongly" condemns Israel's air strikes on Iran, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya told reporters in Tokyo, calling for restraint from all parties. "Peace and stability in the Middle East region are extremely important to Japan, and we urge all parties involved to exercise the utmost restraint and calm the situation," he said.

As per reports, Khamenei's senior advisor seriously wounded in assassination attempt

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday called Israel's strikes against Iran a "unilateral action" and said Washington was not involved while also urging Tehran not to target U.S. interests or personnel in the region.

Iran's oil ministry said key refineries and fuel depots were unaffected by Israel's deadly attack on Friday, with operations continuing nationwide without disruption.

"No damage was caused to the country's refining facilities and oil depots, and currently the activities of these facilities and fuel supply are ongoing in all parts of the country without interruption," the ministry said in a statement.

Nuclear talks host Oman has condemned 'dangerous escalation' after Israel attacks Iran.

Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace and in view of the safety of our passengers, the following Air India flights are either being diverted or returning to their origin:

AI130 – London Heathrow-Mumbai – Diverted to Vienna
AI102 – New York-Delhi – Diverted to Sharjah
AI116 – New York-Mumbai – Diverted to Jeddah
AI2018 – London Heathrow-Delhi – Diverted to Mumbai
AI129 – Mumbai-London Heathrow – Returning to Mumbai
AI119 – Mumbai-New York – Returning to Mumbai
AI103 – Delhi-Washington – Returning to Delhi
AI106 – Newark-Delhi – Returning to Delhi
AI188 – Vancouver-Delhi – Diverting to Jeddah
AI101 – Delhi-New York – Diverting to Frankfurt/Milan
AI126 – Chicago-Delhi – Diverting to Jeddah
AI132 – London Heathrow-Bengaluru – Diverted to Sharjah
AI2016 – London Heathrow-Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
AI104 – Washington-Delhi – Diverted to Vienna
AI190 – Toronto-Delhi – Diverted to Frankfurt
AI189 – Delhi-Toronto – Returning to Delhi

We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption and are making every effort to minimize it, including providing accommodation for passengers. Refunds on cancellation or complimentary rescheduling is also being offered to guests who opt for it. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly passengers to their destinations.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed revenge after the killing of its chief Hossein Salami on Friday in Israeli attacks on the country.

The attacks "will not remain unanswered and (Israel) must await harsh and regrettable revenge", said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in a statement read on state TV.

The UN nuclear watchdog confirmed Friday that Israeli strikes were targeting an Iranian uranium enrichment site, saying it was "closely monitoring the deeply concerning situation".

"The IAEA is closely monitoring the deeply concerning situation in Iran. Agency can confirm Natanz site among targets," International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi said in a post on the agency's X feed, as the IAEA's board of governors meets this week in Vienna.

"The agency is in contact with Iranian authorities regarding radiation levels. We are also in contact with our inspectors in the country," he added.

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that Israel would suffer severe consequences after launching deadly attacks on the Islamic republic on Friday, including Tehran and nuclear sites.

"With this crime, the Zionist regime has set itself for a bitter and painful fate and it will definitely receive it," Khamenei said in a statement.

A fresh wave of explosions were heard in Iran's capital on Friday morning amid a deadly Israeli attack on the country, state television reported.

"New explosions were heard in Tehran; aerial defence responding," the broadcaster said. The explosions were also heard by AFP correspondents in the city. 

Senior Revolutionary Guards commander Gholam Ali Rashid and top nuclear scientists were killed in Israel's attack on Iran on Friday, Iranian media reported.

"The martyrdom of... Major General Gholam Ali Rashid is confirmed," state television said, while Tasnim news agency reported nuclear scientists Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi "were targeted and martyred".

Iran vowed a "strong response" to deadly Israeli air strikes that hit multiple areas across the country on Friday, including nuclear facilities.

"The armed forces will certainly respond to this Zionist attack," said Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the general staff of the armed forces, adding that Israel "will pay a heavy price and should await strong response from the Iranian armed forces."

Oil prices surged more than 12 percent Friday after Israel said it carried out strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, fuelling fears of war in the crude-rich Middle East.

West Texas Intermediate, the main US oil contract, soared 12.6 percent to $76.61 per barrel, while Brent North Sea crude jumped 12.2 percent at $77.77.

Iran shut its airspace until further notice after Israel carried out air strikes on multiple targets across the country, including the capital, Tehran, state TV reported.

"Public relations of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced the closure of the country's airspace until further notice by issuing aeronautical notices (NOTAM)," state TV reported. 

A new explosion was heard Friday morning at a key uranium enrichment site in central Iran, state television reported, after Israel launched air strikes against the Islamic republic.

"New explosion heard at Natanz uranium enrichment facility" in Isfahan province, the broadcaster reported, showing thick black smoke rising from the facility.

US President Donald Trump will attend a National Security Council meeting Friday morning, the White House said, after Israel launched a wave of strikes against Iran, prompting fears of regional war.

The schedule for Trump, who had yet to comment publicly on the major attack, said the rare meeting of top security chiefs from across the US government would be held at 11:00 am (1500 GMT) in the White House Situation Room.

Israel's attack on Iran Friday hit a key uranium enrichment facility in the country's centre multiple times, state TV reported.

The "Natanz enrichment facility has been hit several times," state TV reported, showing footage of heavy smoke billowing from the site. 

Israel's army chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, said Friday that the military's strikes on Iran may not achieve "absolute success" and warned citizens to prepare for a potential Iranian response.

"I can't promise absolute success –- the Iranian regime will attempt to attack us in response, the expected toll will be different to what we are used to," Zamir said in a statement, while calling the strikes on Iran a "historic campaign unlike any other".

Israeli air space was closed Friday, the country's transport ministry said in a statement shortly after Israel announced it was conducting strikes on Iran.

"Air space is closed to takeoff and landing until further notice," the ministry said, as airport authorities asked travellers not to head to the country's main airport, Ben Gurion.

Iranian state media confirms death of Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami

Fire and smoke were seen at a key site for Iran's Revolutionary Guards in Tehran after Israeli strikes, state TV reported.

"A fire and smoke is being seen at IRGC General Command Headquarters in Pirouzi Street in the east of Tehran," state TV said. 

An Israeli security official said Israeli strikes against Iran on Friday had "likely eliminated" Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Islamic republic's armed forces.

"It is likely that the Iranian chief of staff and senior nuclear scientists were eliminated in the initial strike," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

Israeli strikes on residential buildings in the Iranian capital on Thursday killed a number of civilians including children, Iranian state media said.

"A number of people including women and children were martyred in a residential complex in Tehran," the official IRNA news agency reported. 

Residential buildings in the Iranian capital were hit in an Israeli attack Friday morning, state media reported.

"Several buildings in Tehran... have been targeted by attacks," the official IRNA news agency said, naming neighbourhoods in multiple locations in the capital. 

The top Democrat on the US Senate Armed Services Committee sharply criticized US ally Israel on Thursday for its strikes on Iran, accusing it of putting the region and American forces at risk.

"Israel's alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence," Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island said in a statement.

Blasts were heard Friday morning in Natanz city in Iran's central province of Isfahan, where a key nuclear site is located, state TV reported.

"Loud explosions were heard in Natanz", which hosts one of the main uranium enrichment facilities, state TV reported.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's attack on Iran would "continue for as many days as it takes" after Israel announced it had carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.

"This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat," Netanyahu said in a video statement, naming the operation "Rising Lion".

"We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme. We targeted Iran's main enrichment facility at Natanz... We also struck at the heart of Iran's ballistic missile programme," he said, adding that Israel had also hit Iranian nuclear scientists "working on the Iranian bomb".

Iraq closed its airspace and suspended air traffic across the country on Friday, state media said, after Israel said it carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear and military sites.

"The ministry of transport closes Iraqi airspace and suspends air traffic at all Iraqi airports," the Iraq News Agency reported.

"We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says in a video statement. "We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear weaponization programme. We targeted Iran's main enrichment facility in Natanz. We targeted Iran's leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb. We also struck at the heart of Iran's ballistic missile programme."

The Israeli military said Friday it had completed a "first stage" of strikes that hit Iranian military and nuclear sites.

"A short while ago, dozens of IAF (Israeli Air Force) jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran," the Israeli military said in a statement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran late Thursday not to respond to Israeli strikes by hitting US bases, saying Washington was not involved.

"Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel," Rubio said in a statement.

An Israeli military source told journalists on Friday that Israel struck Iranian nuclear targets and other military sites across Iran.

"The strikes we are conducting are dozens of strikes targeting military targets and targets related to the nuclear programme in different areas of Iran," the Israeli military official said, adding that the Israeli army believed that Iran had the ability to strike Israel "any minute".

Iran suspended flights Friday morning at the capital's main international airport Imam Khomeini after loud blasts were heard around Tehran, state TV reported.

"Flights from Imam Khomeini Airport have for now been suspended," state TV reported, citing the airport's public relations department. 

Iran's air defence was activated Friday morning at full capacity, state TV reported, after a series of blasts were heard in Tehran.

"Iran's air defence says it is at 100 percent operational capacity," state TV reported, adding the reason behind the blasts remains unknown.

Israel's defence minister Israel Katz said early Friday that the country had conducted a "preemptive strike against Iran".

Oil prices surged more than six percent on Friday as Israel launched what it called a "preemptive strike" on Iran.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the main US oil contract, was trading 6.3 percent higher at $72.29 per barrel, while Brent North Sea crude was up 5.7 per cent at $73.29.

Israel launched a "preemptive strike" on Iran, the country's defence minister said early Friday.

"Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future," Israel Katz said.