Stay informed with real-time updates as Israel conducts air strikes on Iran. Follow our coverage for the latest developments, reactions, and implications of this escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has denounced the Israeli assaults on its military facilities, labeling them as a “blatant breach of international law and the UN Charter. This includes specifically violating the principle against threatening or using force to undermine a country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty,” according to a statement from Tehran’s foreign ministry.
The statement further emphasized that the Islamic Republic possesses the right to defend itself “against acts of external aggression.”
At 09:56 GMT, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iran to refrain from responding to the recent Israeli strikes and called for everyone to exercise restraint.
Starmer stated at a press conference in Samoa, during his attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting: “It is evident to me that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression. Simultaneously, it is crucial for us to prevent further regional escalation and encourage all parties involved to exercise restraint. Iran should refrain from responding.”
At 09:52 GMT, unverified social media reports claim that Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of three workers at a factory in Shamsabad, south of Tehran.
According to Al Araby TV, footage has emerged showing damage to the factory caused by Israel’s overnight strikes. Israeli media suggest that this facility may be involved in manufacturing military drones.
Earlier reports from Iranian media indicated that two soldiers lost their lives in the attacks.
09:08 GMT The Iranian army has announced in a statement that two of its soldiers were killed during Israeli attacks on Iran. Earlier, the military reported that they successfully defended the country against an IDF attack this morning.
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According to a report by Tasnim News Agency, which cited the military, two army personnel lost their lives while facing Israeli missiles “to protect the nation’s security and prevent damage to its interests.”
At 08:30 GMT, Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibis al-Saadawi confirmed that flights have resumed at all Iraqi airports after being temporarily suspended due to “regional tensions.”
The Transport Ministry announced in a statement that following the mitigation of all risks potentially impacting the security and safety of civil aviation in Iraq, the Minister of Transport has authorized the reopening of Iraqi airspace to civilian aircraft for overflights as well as arrivals and departures at Iraqi airports.
At 07:37 GMT, National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett stated that the White House is urging Iran to cease its attacks on Israel. This action aims to bring an end to the “cycle of fighting” without further escalation, following Israel’s announcement that it has completed its retaliatory strikes.
Savett emphasized that the United States had no involvement in the operation, asserting that their goal is to “accelerate diplomacy and reduce tensions” in the Middle East. He called on Iran to cease its attacks on Israel so this cycle of conflict can conclude without further escalation.
At 06:59 GMT, Malaysia urged an end to “the cycle of violence” following Israel’s overnight attacks on Iran. The country stated that these actions represent “a blatant violation of international law and seriously undermine regional stability.”
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry stated that “Israel’s ongoing impunity has significantly impacted, and will keep impacting, the security and future stability of the Middle East, pushing the region closer to a broader conflict.”
Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran at 06:35 GMT, stating that these actions violate the country’s sovereignty and contravene international laws and norms.
“The Kingdom reasserts its steadfast stance against ongoing escalation and the widening conflict in the region, which endangers both regional security and stability for nations and their citizens,” stated the Saudi Foreign Ministry.
They also called on all parties to “exercise the greatest restraint and de-escalate tensions,” cautioning about the repercussions of ongoing military conflicts in the region.
Iran has reopened its airspace following the recent series of Israeli air strikes, as reported at 06:03 GMT.
According to the country’s Civil Aviation Organization, flights recommenced at 9 a.m. local time (6 a.m. GMT).
05:46 GMT Israel cautioned Iran in advance of its retaliatory attack on Friday, advising against responding to the airstrikes. This information was shared by three sources with Axios.
Sources familiar with the matter told the outlet that Israel communicated to Iran via multiple intermediaries, warning them of unavoidable retaliation if any attacks occurred.
