Iran-Israel Tensions Highlights: Will 'exact price' from Tehran 'when time is right,' Israeli minister Gantz says

Amid fears of retaliation to airstrike on Iranian embassy, Hezbollah fires dozens of missiles towards northern Israel

CNN reports that the US has observed Iran 'moving military assets around internally, including drones and cruise missiles'

Credit: X/@spectatorindex

Lufthansa stops using Iran airspace and keeps halt on Tehran flights, reports AFP

German airline Lufthansa on Friday extended a suspension on flights to and from Tehran amid soaring Middle East tensions as it said that it planes would no longer use the airspace in Iran.

"Due to the current situation, Lufthansa is suspending its flights to and from Tehran up to and including Thursday, 18 April," a company spokesperson said Friday.

(Source: AFP)

Israel pounds Gaza as Iran attack threat puts region on edge

Heavy firing was reported in Gaza on Friday as the regioal tensions soar in Israel after Iran threatened reprisals over a strike in Syria this month that killed two Iranian generals.

(Source: AFP)

Fear that Iran could soon launch an attack on Israel has prompted the United States to announce that it was sending reinforcements to the Middle East

US President Joe Biden told on Friday that he expected Iran to launch an attack on Israel “sooner than later”.

Reportedly imminent Iran attack on Israel is viable threat: White House

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby added that the United States is looking at its own force posture in the region in light or Tehran's threat and is watching the situation very closely.

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How has the United States reacted to reports that Iran could soon launch an attack on Israel?

• The US dispatched its top military commander for the Middle East to Israel on Thursday, after President Joe Biden stated that, despite recent friction, American support for Israel “is ironclad” in the event of an attack by Iran.

• Even though Biden has become increasingly critical of Netanyahu’s conduct of the war in Gaza, he has emphasized that American support for Israel in the face of danger is unconditional.

• "We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," Biden had said.

• Meanwhile, White House spokesperson John Kirby said the United States was looking at its own force posture in the region in light or Tehran's threat and was watching the situation very closely.

• The US has also restricted its employees in Israel and their family members from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be'er Sheva areas amid Iran's threats to retaliate against its regional adversary.

How have other countries reacted to Iran's looming attack on Israel?

Russia, Germany and Britain have urged countries in the Middle East to show restraint and Israel said it was preparing to "meet all its security needs" in a region on edge over an Iranian threat to strike Israel.

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As Iran threatens an attack on Israel, how has the latter reacted?

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Thursday that Israel would respond directly to any attack by Iran.

“A direct Iranian attack will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran," Gallant told US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, according to remarks issued by his office.

(Soruce: Reuters)

Let's Recap | What has led to Iran's retaliation against Israel?

• Suspected Israeli warplanes bombed Iran's embassy in Syria on April 1 in a strike that Iran said killed seven of its military advisers, including three senior commanders, marking a major escalation in Israel's war with its regional adversaries.

• This week, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Israel "must be punished and it shall be", saying it was tantamount to an attack on Iranian soil. Israel has not confirmed it was responsible, but the Pentagon has said it was.

• The attack, which killed a top Iranian general, marked an escalation in the violence that has spread through the region since the Gaza war began. Tehran has carefully avoided any direct role in the regional spillover, while backing groups which have waged attacks from Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon.

(Source: Reuters)

Biden says he expects Iran to attack Israel soon, warns: 'Don't'

US President Joe Biden.

Qantas reroutes Perth-London flights on Middle East tensions

Australia's Qantas Airways (QAN.AX) said on Saturday it had temporarily rerouted flights between Perth and London on concerns about the Middle East, as expectations rose of an attack by Iran on Israel.

(Source: Reuters)

The Netherlands to close embassy in Tehran on Sunday as precaution

The Netherlands will close its embassy in Tehran on Sunday as a precaution, the Dutch Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday, citing the rising tensions between Iran and Israel.

The Ministry added that it would decide on Sunday whether the embassy would reopen on Monday. 

(Source: Reuters)

Explosive device blows up car in Damascus near Iran embassy, says reports

An explosive device blew up a car in Damascus, Syrian state media said on Saturday.

Security incidents, including blasts targeting military or civilian vehicles, occur intermittently in Damascus. It was not immediately clear who was responsible for the blast or who it targeted.

(Source: AFP)

Iran and Israel have a long history of clandestine attacks

For decades, Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war across the Middle East, trading attacks by land, sea, air and in cyberspace.

Iran has largely used foreign proxies to strike Israeli interests, while targeted assassinations of Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists have been a key part of Israel’s strategy.

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Video shows helicopter raid on ship near Strait of Hormuz, reports AP.

Iran Guards have seized vessel 'related' to Israel, state media says

MSC is the manager and commercial operator of a vessel seized on Saturday by Iranian authorities, international shipping company Zodiac Maritime said in a statement.

"MSC is responsible for all vessel activities including cargo operations and maintenance. Title to the vessel is held by​Gortal Shipping Inc as financier and she has been leased to MSC on a long-term basis. Gortal Shipping Inc is affiliated with Zodiac Maritime," said the company, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. (Reuters)

Iran attack on Israel? All you need to know

US President Joe Biden on Friday said he expects Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" as he warned Tehran not to proceed with the same.

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Iran will bear consequences for any escalation: Israeli military

"Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further. Israel is on high alert. We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond," Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. (Reuters)

KLM to stop flying over Israel, Iran, amid tensions

Dutch airline KLM will no longer fly over Israel and Iran, Dutch press agency ANP reported on Saturday, citing a KLM spokesperson.

KLM, the Dutch arm of Air France-KLM, said the move was a precaution, referring to the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, but added that it would continue flying to Tel Aviv, on Israel's Mediterranean coast. (Reuters)

After sending 6000 Indians to Israel, Modi govt now issuing advisory about travel to Iran and Israel, Owaisi slams Centre

To a query on the Centre's advisory to Indians not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice, Owaisi pointed out that the union government had signed an agreement with Israel as per which 6,000 Indian workers had gone to that country. "After sending 6,000 Indian citizens into the jaws of death, you issue an advisory. What type of humanity is this by the Narendra Modi government?" he asked. He demanded that the government immediately call back those 6,000 Indian citizens. Lashing out at the Israeli government, Owaisi said it was committing a "genocide" against Palestinians. (PTI)

Iran committing piracy, Israeli foreign minister says after vessel seizure

Teheran is conducting piracy and should be sanctioned for it, Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday, after Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The Ayatollah regime of Khamenei is a criminal regime that supports Hamas' crimes and is now conducting a pirate operation in violation of international law," Katz said. "I call on the European Union and the free world to immediately declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guards corps as a terrorist organization and to sanction Iran now." (Reuters)

25 crew members onboard vessel seized by Iran: MSC

'We regret to confirm that MSC Aries... has been boarded by Iranian authorities via helicopter as she passed the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 0243 UTC this morning', MSC said, adding, 'She has 25 crew onboard, and we are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure their wellbeing, and safe return of the vessel.' (AFP)

Israel in 'complete panic' over Syria attack response: Iran

Yahya Rahim Safavi, senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said "It has been a week that the Zionists are in complete panic and are on alert," adding, "They don't know what Iran wants to do, so they and their supporters are terrified."

"This psychological, media and political war is more terrifying for them than the war itself, because they are waiting for an attack every night and many of them have fled and gone to shelters," he further said. (AFP)

17 Indians are onboard the Israeli-linked vessel seized by Iran

The vessel was reportedly headed to the Jawaharlal Nehru port in India, and was slated to dock on April 15.

Iraq PM heads to meet Biden in shadow of Iran's threat

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani is headed to Washington to meet US President Joe Biden.

The trip comes after Iran's threat to retaliate for deadly strikes, blamed on Israel, on its consulate in Damascus. (AFP)

Declare Iran's Revolutionary Guards 'terrorist organisation', Israel urges EU

This comes amid an Israeli-linked vessel being captured by Iran. Earlier in the day, the Israeli foreign minister accused Iran of piracy and the current government of supporting terrorism by extending support to Hamas.

Why the Strait of Hormuz matters

The Strait of Hormuz, where Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized the Israeli-linked vessel, is located between Oman and Iran, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

It is considered to be the world's most crucial oil chokepoint due to the sheer volumes that pass through the strait.

A chokepoint is narrow channel along widely used global sea routes, and are critical to global energy security.

In 2022, an average of 21 million barrels of oil per day flowed through the strait, as per US Energy Information Administration. This makes up 21 per cent of the global petroleum liquids consumption.

Only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have operating pipelines that can circumvent the Strait of Hormuz.

Amid Iran threat, Canada warns citizens against all travel to Israel and Gaza

'With a heightened risk of attacks on Israeli territory, the regional security situation remains highly volatile & could escalate without notice,' Foreign Minister Melanie Joly posted.

Dutch foreign minister urges Iranian counterpart to 'de-escalate' Israel situation

"During the conversation I also expressed my great concerns about the ship that was hijacked in the Strait of Hormuz and that these types of actions must stop," Dutch foreign minister Hanke Bruins Slot said.

Biden cuts weekend trip short as Iran threatens Israel

The White House announced that US President Joe Biden was cutting short his weekend trip to Delaware to return to Washington, where he will consult with his national security team about the events in the Middle East, as Iran threatens action against Israel.

Israel can count on 'full US support' against Iran attacks, promises Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

Austin made it clear that US would help Israel defend itself against attacks from Iran and its regional proxies.

Iran must release seized ship 'immediately', directs White House

"We call on Iran to release the vessel and its international crew immediately. Seizing a civilian vessel without provocation is a blatant violation of international law, and an act of piracy by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps," said National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson. (AFP)

Monitoring 'planned attack' by Iran, proxies: Israel

Israel is "closely monitoring a planned attack" against it by Iran and Tehran's allies in the region, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Saturday, without giving further details on the threat.

In the statement, Gallant said Israelis should heed any orders that might be issued by the military's Homefront Command, which maps incoming missiles and other aerial threats so as to let the public know whether to take shelter. (Reuters)

Israel says monitoring 'planned attack' against it by Iran, proxies

Israel is "closely monitoring a planned attack" against it by Iran and Tehran's allies in the region, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Saturday, without giving further details on the threat.

In the statement, Gallant said Israelis should heed any orders that might be issued by the military's Homefront Command, which maps incoming missiles and other aerial threats so as to let the public know whether to take shelter. (Reuters)

Israel calls off school trips, puts forces on full alert amid Iran threat

Israel called off on Saturday school trips and other youth activities planned for the coming days, the beginning of the Passover festival, and placed the armed forces on full alert due to a possible attack by Iran.

Announcing the measures in a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of combat planes were airborne as part of the state of readiness. (Reuters)

Israel says Iran launched drone salvo at it, air defences poised

srael said on Saturday that a salvo of Iranian pilotless aircraft had been launched at it and that defence systems were poised to shoot them down or to sound sirens ordering residents in any threatened areas to take shelter.

The drones' flight time would take several hours, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised briefing. He confirmed media reports that "Wing of Zion", Israel's version of the US "Air Force One", was airborne, saying this was due to operational considerations. (Reuters)

Drones seen flying from direction of Iran over Iraq’s Sulaymaniya

A number of drones were seen flying from the direction of Iran over Iraq's Sulaymaniya province, three security sources told Reuters on Saturday

Jordan to temporarily close airspace, reports Reuters, citing state media.

Iran launched UAVs from within its territory toward Israel a short while ago.

The IDF is on high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation. The IDF Aerial Defense Array is on high alert, along with IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels that are on a defense mission in Israeli air and naval space. The IDF is monitoring all targets.(Source: X/@IDF)

Iran launches drones towards Israel, says IDF; 'malicious Zionist regime will be punished' warns Khamenei

People of Israel are strong: Netanyahu's message before news of Iran's drone launch

White House says Iran has begun airborne attack against Israel

Iran has begun an airborne attack against Israel that is likely to unfold over a number of hours, the White House said on Saturday.

President Joe Biden is being regularly updated by his national security team and is in constant communication with Israeli officials as well as U.S. partners and allies, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement. (Reuters)

Biden to meet top national security staff on Middle East, White House says

President Joe Biden will meet with national security officials and Cabinet members at the White House on Saturday afternoon to discuss events in the Middle East, the White House said as Israel reported Iran has launched a drone attack. (Reuters)

Israel El Al Airlines cancels 15 flights on April 13-14

Israel El Al Airlines has cancelled 15 flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, the carrier said on Saturday as hostilities with Iran surged and Israel closed its airspace as a precaution.

Foreign destinations affected include Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Milan, Bucharest, Sofia, Athens, Dubai and Moscow, the El Al statement said. (Reuters)

Lebanon announces temporary closure of its airspace, Lebanon's Al Jadeed TV says

Lebanon announced the temporary closure of its airspace, Lebanon's Al Jadeed TV said late on Saturday, amidst threats of an Iranian attack on Israel. (Reuters)

Iran warns countries against allowing Israeli attacks via airspace or territory, Mehr news agency says

Iranian Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani warned that Tehran will firmly respond to any country that "opens its airspace or territory for attacks on Iran by Israel", Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported on Sunday. (Reuters)

Kuwait airways diverts all flights away from 'areas of tension'

Kuwait Airways said early on Sunday it decided to divert all incoming and outgoing flights away from "areas of tension" in view of the security situation in the region and concern for the safety of its passengers. (Reuters)

Iran's UN mission: attack on Israel is a conflict between Iran and Israel

The United States must stay away from the conflict between Iran and Israel, Iran's mission to the United Nations said on social media platform X on Sunday, warning Tehran's response would be more severe if Israel retaliates.

" ... Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded," the mission said on X.

"However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US MUST STAY AWAY!."  (Reuters)

US shoots down Iranian drone aircraft bound for Israel-US officials

The US military has shot down Iranian drone aircraft headed toward Israel on Saturday, three US officials said, without disclosing how many drones were shot down or the precise locations.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said it launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel in an attack that may trigger a major escalation between the regional archenemies. (Reuters)

US House to consider pro-Israel bill next week, lawmaker says after Iran attack

The U.S. House of Representatives will make a change in its schedule to consider legislation that supports Israel and holds Iran accountable, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in a statement on Saturday.

"The House of Representatives stands strongly with Israel, and there must be consequences for this unprovoked attack," he said in a statement. More details will follow, he said. (Reuters)

Israel sounds sirens in southern locations, parts of West Bank

 Israel's military sounded sirens in multiple locations in the south of the country as well as in parts of the occupied West Bank early on Sunday, an alert app showed, warning of incoming aerial threats. (Reuters)

Iran's Guards warn US, Israel over harming Tehran's interests

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday any threat from the United States and Israel will be met with Tehran's reciprocal response, state TV reported, hours after Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones against Israeli targets.

"Any threat by the United States and the Zionist regime originating from any country will result in a proportional and reciprocal response from Iran towards the origin of the threat," the Guards said in a statement.   (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia expresses deep concern over military escalations in the region

Saudi Arabia expressed the Kingdom's deep concern regarding military escalations in the region and the seriousness of their repercussions, a statement from the Kingdom's Foreign Ministry said early on Sunday.

The Kingdom called on all parties to exercise the 'utmost levels' of restraint and spare the region and its people the dangers of wars. (Reuters)

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency says Tehran has fired ballistic missiles at targets inside Israel, reports AP

Israel aviation authorities will close Israeli airspace to all flights ahead of impending Iranian drone strike, reports AP

Prime Minister of Israel tweets, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently speaking with US President Joe Biden, following the deliberations of the Security Cabinet and the War Cabinet."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz tweets, "The air strike on Israeli territory that Iran launched last night is irresponsible and cannot be justified in any way. Iran is risking a conflagration. We stand closely by Israel's side and will now discuss everything further with our allies."

Secretary General of the UN, Antonio Guterres tweets, "I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by Iran. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities. Neither the region nor the world can afford another war."

Thousands of Israelis rallied against their government, with some demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu call off the half-year-old war in Gaza amid a deadlock in diplomatic efforts to retrieve hostages held there by Hamas, reports Reuters.

Iran seized a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which it said was linked with Israel. Tehran has warned it would retaliate for a suspected Israeli strike on its Syria consulate, reports Reuters.

MEA 'seriously concerned' at the escalation of hostilities, calls for 'immediate de-escalation'

Credit: X/@MEAIndia

US shoots down dozens of Iranian missiles bound for Israel: US officials

The US military shot down dozens of Iranian missiles bound for Israel as part of its assistance in defending the close Middle East ally against attack, three US official said late on Saturday.

Two of the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some of the missiles were shot down by the US Navy.

(Source: Reuters)

Biden, Netanyahu speak by phone after Iran attack

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone on Saturday night, the White House said, after Iran launched a retaliatory drone and missile attack on Israel.

The White House said it would provide a summary of the call.

Israeli military signals end of Iran threat, revises shelter standby

Israel's military said on Sunday that it was not advising any residents of the country to prepare to take shelter, revising an earlier alert in what appeared to signal the end of the threat seen from incoming Iranian missiles and drones.

US President Joe Biden condemns Iran's attack on Israel; to convene convene G7 leaders' meeting on response

China 'deeply concerned' about escalation after Iran strikes Israel

China is deeply concerned about escalation after Iran launched drones and missiles against Israel, a foreign ministry spokesperson said in remarks published on the ministry's website on Sunday.

"China calls on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions," the spokesperson said in response to a question about Iran's strikes.

(Source: Reuters)

Iranians react after the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran

Iran ally Venezuela follows 'worrying events' in Middle East

The government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is following the "worrying events" in the Middle East, it said on Saturday, but it did not condemn Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel earlier in the day.

Venezuela is an ally of Iran, Russia and China. Its communication with the United States has somewhat improved in the past two years as Maduro's government has promised the U.S. it will allow greater participation by the political opposition in upcoming elections.

(Source: Reuters)

Israel airspace reopens, airports authority says

Israel reopened its airspace as of 7:30 a.m. (0430 GMT) on Sunday, the country's airports authority said after an overnight attack by hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones.

It said flight schedules from Tel Aviv were expected to be affected and travellers should check flight times.

Japan strongly condemns Iran attack on Israel, calling it "escalation"

Japan strongly condemned a retaliatory attack by Iran on Israel, calling it an escalation of events and saying it was deeply concerned at the situation, in a statement released by the foreign minister on Sunday.

"This attack is one that further worsens the current Middle East situation. We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this sort of escalation," the statement said.

Seriously concerned over hostilities between Israel and Iran: India

India on Sunday said it is seriously concerned over escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, and called for immediate de-escalation of the situation.

Iran has launched a missile attack on Israel as part of its retaliation to a suspected Israeli air strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1.

"We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

"We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy," it said in a statement.

Israel says 99% of more than 300 Iranian drones, missiles were intercepted, calls it a 'significant strategic success', reports AP.

Iran warns Israel of a larger attack on its territory should it retaliate against Tehran's overnight drone and missile attack on Sunday, adding that Washington has been warned not to back Israeli military action.

Flights from Israel resume after airspace reopened

Israeli airlines said operations were returning to normal on Sunday after an overnight attack by Iranian missiles and drones closed the airspace and led to flight cancellations.

Israel reopened its airspace as of 7:30 a.m. (0430 GMT) on Sunday, adding that flight schedules from Tel Aviv were expected to be affected and travellers should check flight times before going to Ben Gurion International Airport.

(Source: Reuters)

Ambassador of Israel to India Naor Gilon calls Iran, 'financer, trainer of Hamas'

Kerala couple waiting for safe return of son from cargo ship seized by Iran

An elderly couple in this northern Kerala district is facing anxious moments thinking about the safety of their son onboard a seized Israel linked cargo ship in the gulf region and praying for his return.

Shyamnath, their son, was among the 17 Indians onboard an Israeli-linked cargo ship seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.

Indian mission in Israel issues fresh advisory, no country evacuating its nationals so far following Iran salvo

The Indian mission in Israel on Sunday issued a fresh "important advisory" for its nationals after attacks on the Jewish State by Iran with hundreds of projectiles, advising them to stay calm and adhere to safety protocols.

In an unprecedented attack, Iran and its proxies launched 330 missiles and drones on Israel on Saturday in retaliation to an alleged attack by Israel on a diplomatic installation of the Islamic Republic in Damascus in which several people were killed, including two top commanders.

Russia calls for restraint after Iranian strikes on Israel

Russia said on Sunday it was extremely concerned by Iranian strikes on Israel and called on all parties to exercise restraint but said tensions would remain high until the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians was resolved.

"We express our extreme concern over another dangerous escalation in the region," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement on the Iranian attacks. "We call on all parties involved to exercise restraint."

(Source: Reuters)

Several Iranian domestic flights cancelled until Monday morning: Reports

G7 leaders to discuss Iranian attack in Sunday video call

Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7, has called a video meeting of G7 leaders on Sunday to discuss Iran's attack on Israel late on Saturday.

The Iranian attack in response to a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran's embassy compound in Damascus on April 1 has raised the threat of a wider regional conflict.

UK PM Rishi Sunak condemns Iran’s ‘reckless’ attack against Israel, deploys jets

Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has condemned Iran’s attack against Israel as “reckless” and pledged that the UK would stand up for security in the region after Tehran launched dozens of aerial drones and cruise missiles overnight on Saturday and into Sunday.

The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) said late on Saturday that several additional Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets had been moved to the region to help intercept the drone attacks.

The aircraft and air-fuelling tankers are being deployed as part of the UK's ongoing Operation Shader against the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group in the region.

Hamas says Iran's attack on Israel was 'natural right'

 The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, which has been locked in a war with Israel in Gaza for more than six months, defended Iran's attack on Israel that began on Saturday.

"We in Hamas regard the military operation conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran a natural right and a deserved response on the crime of targeting the Iranian consulate in Damascus and the assassination of several leaders of the Revolutionary Guards," said Hamas in a statement.

(Source: Reuters)

Iran's Foreign Ministry summons ambassadors of UK, France and Germany

Iranian demonstrators attend an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, April 14, 2024.

Via The Spectator Index

IRGC chief says overnight attack part of a 'new equation'

Iranian Revolutionary Guards chief says overnight attack is part of a 'new equation', where if Israel 'attacks our interests, assets, personalities, and citizens, anywhere and at any point we will retaliate against them'.

Tehran informed Washington that attack on Israel will be 'limited & in self-defence,' Foreign Minister says

Iran informed the US that its attacks against Israel will be "limited" and for self-defence, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran on Sunday.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.

Air India temporarily suspends Tel Aviv flights

Air India on Sunday decided to temporarily suspend flights to Tel Aviv amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

An official said the direct flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv will be suspended for now.

Air India operates four weekly flights between the national capital and Israeli city.

The Tata group-owned carrier recommenced services to Tel Aviv on March 3 after a gap of nearly five months.

Air India suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, starting October 7, 2023, in the wake of the Hamas attack on the Israeli city.

An Air India aircraft.

Turkey calls on Iran to avoid further escalation with Israel

Turkey does not want further escalation of tension in the region after Iran's drone and missile attack against Israel, Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan told his Iranian counterpart in a phone call on Sunday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told Fidan that its "retaliatory operation" against Israel had ended, adding that Iran would not launch a new operation unless it was attacked, Turkish diplomatic sources said.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan and Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi shake hands following a press conference in Ankara, Turkey January 24, 2024.

Iran's attack on Israel stirs admiration among Gaza Palestinians

Iran's attack on Israel drew applause from many Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday as rare payback for the Israeli offensive on their enclave, although some said they suspected Tehran had staged the assault more for show than to inflict real damage.

"For the first time, we saw some rockets that didn’t land in our areas. These rockets were going into the occupied Palestine,” said Abu Abdallah, referring to land that became Israel in 1948 rather the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

“We are hopeful that if Iran or any other country enters the war a solution for Gaza might be nearer than ever. The Americans may have to resolve Gaza to end the roots of the problem,” said Abu Abdallah, 32, using a nickname rather than his full name.

Many in Gaza have felt abandoned by Middle East neighbours since Israel began an offensive that has killed more than 33,000 people in response to attacks on Israeli soil by Hamas, who killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostage on Oct. 7.

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel.

Israel will 'exact price' from Iran 'when time is right,' minister Gantz says

Israel will exact a price from Iran in response to its mass missile and drone attack when the time is right, centrist war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said on Sunday.

"We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us," Gantz said in a statement as the Israeli war cabinet was due to convene to discuss Israel's response to Iran's attack.

FILE PHOTO: Israeli Emergency cabinet minister and opposition politician Benny Gantz.

Israel reopens airspace as airlines cancel flights due to Iran attacks

Israeli airlines said operations were returning to normal on Sunday after an overnight attack by Iranian missiles and drones closed the airspace and led to flight cancellations.

Israel reopened its airspace as of 7:30 a.m. (0430 GMT) on Sunday, though flight schedules from Tel Aviv were expected to be affected and travellers were advised to check flight times before going to Ben Gurion International Airport.

Flag carrier El Al said it had resumed operations and was "working to stabilise the flight schedule as soon as possible".

Biden tells Netanyahu US won't take part in offensive response against Iran

President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in any Israeli counter-offensive against Iran, a White House official said on Sunday.

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Iran risks 'uncontrollable regional escalation', warns G7

Leaders of the G7 nations condemned Iran's attack on Israel and said on Sunday that they would work to try to stabilise the situation in the Middle East.

"With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided," a statement issued by G7 president Italy said after a video conference involving the group's leaders.

Syria's foreign minister says Iran's action against Israel was 'legitimate act of self defence'

Iran's action against Israel was a "legitimate act of self defence", Syria's foreign minister told his Iranian counterpart in a phone call on Sunday, referring to Iran's attack on Israel on Saturday, Syrian state media reported. 

G7 leaders condemn Iran's 'unprecedented' overnight attack, express 'full solidarity and support to Israel'

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations issued the following statement on Sunday after a video call to discuss Iran's attack on Israel.

"We, the Leaders of the G7, unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran's direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack.

We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security.

With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided.

We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives.

We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and (to) deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need."