Israel-Iran Highlights: Trump says it's unclear if Iran has nuclear program, Israel continues attack

Israel-Iran Highlights: A new explosion was heard at a key uranium enrichment site in central Iran on Friday morning, hours after Israel launched air strikes against the Islamic country

10:11 PM

Iraq urges Iran to continue US dialogue amid rising tensions after Israeli strikes

Iraq’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein has called on Iran to persist with diplomatic dialogue with the United States despite recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory.

 

In a statement issued by Iraq’s foreign ministry, Hussein “expressed Iraq’s strong condemnation of the military aggression targeting the Islamic Republic of Iran” and voiced full support for the Iranian government and its people amid what he described as a “dangerous escalation.”

 

He also emphasized the importance of diplomacy, urging Tehran to “continue pursuing dialogue with the United States through Omani mediation to reach solutions that would ease tensions and enhance regional security and stability.”

10:05 PM

Fresh airstrikes hit Tehran as Iran activates air defences

Iran activated its air defence systems on Friday evening following a fresh wave of airstrikes that targeted the capital, Tehran, amid growing tensions in the region, according to Iranian state media. Press TV reported that missiles were intercepted in the southern part of Tehran. Meanwhile, the state broadcaster IRIB said that western areas of the city also came under attack.

 

IRIB further noted that the nearby city of Karaj, located just west of Tehran, was among the locations struck. The origin of the attacks has not been confirmed, and Iranian authorities have yet to release any official information on casualties or damage. These latest attacks come against the backdrop of escalating hostilities in the region, prompting concerns over the possibility of a wider conflict.

9:54 PM

We knew everything: Trump

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."

 

"I tried to save them very hard because I would have loved to have seen a deal worked out. They can still work out a deal however, it’s not too late," he said. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet an Iranian delegation in Oman on Sunday.

 

The US still has a meeting planned with Iran officials on Sunday, he said, but he is not sure it will take place.

5:08 PM

After Israel strikes Iran, airlines divert flights as airspace closed

Airlines cleared out of the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan on Friday after Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers scrambling to divert and cancel thousands of flights. Proliferating conflict zones around the world are becoming an increasing burden on airline operations and profitability, and more of a safety concern. Detours add to airlines' fuel costs and lengthen journey times.

4:55 PM

Israeli strikes on Iran lead to new test of Trump's ability to deliver on 'America first' agenda

Just hours before Israel launched strikes on Iran early Friday, President Donald Trump was still holding onto tattered threads of hope that a long-simmering dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme could be resolved without military action. But with the Israeli military operation called Rising Lion now underway something Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says will go on for as many days as it takes Trump will be tested anew on his ability to make good on a campaign promise to disentangle the US from foreign conflicts. I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal, Trump said in a Friday morning social media post. I told them, in the strongest of words, to just do it,' but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn't get it done."

4:53 PM

Omar Abdullah urges MEA to urgently ensure safety of Kashmiri students in Iran

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged the Ministry of External affairs to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students in Iran after Israel launched a major attack on the country, including nuclear and military sites and killing many. In a post on X, Abdullah said that India stands with Kashmiri students and their families in this “difficult time”. “Requesting @MEAIndia to urgently ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students currently stuck in Iran. Their families are deeply worried, and we stand with them in this difficult time,” Abdullah said.

4:41 PM

Why Israel hit Iran?

Israel has said the strikes were carried out to stop Iran from advancing towards the development of nuclear weapons, as the country nears the threshold for weapons-grade uranium enrichment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the operation targeted the Natanz nuclear facility, key figures in Iran’s nuclear programme, and its stockpile of ballistic missiles.

 

Israeli authorities claim that Iran’s leadership has long called for the destruction of Israel — not just as a political position, but as a central goal. Iran, however, insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. 

3:26 PM

How the decades-long conflict between Iran and Israel escalated into war

Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the new government in Tehran severed all relations with Israel, handed over the Israeli embassy to the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), and declared Israel an enemy of Islam. Ayatollah Khomeini’s regime also began openly backing militant groups opposed to Israel. Read here for a detailed story.

3:12 PM

Israeli action 'unprovoked, unacceptable': Russian foreign ministry

Israeli action 'unprovoked, unacceptable': Russian foreign ministry 

The Russian foreign ministry has said that Israeli strikes on Iran were "unprovoked and unacceptable". It added that Israel's actions damage regional and international security.

Israeli action 'unprovoked, unacceptable': Russian foreign ministry 

2:31 PM

Netanyahu briefs German chancellor on Iran strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about Israel’s strike on Iran during a phone call on Friday morning. The statement affirmed Israel’s right to self-defence and opposed Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. 

1:42 PM

Nato chief Rutte says it is 'crucial' to de-escalate after Israel strikes on Iran

“I think it is now crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work, as we speak, to de-escalate. I know that they are doing that and I think that is now the first order of the day,” Nato secretary general Mark Rutte told journalists at a press conference in Stockholm.

12:50 PM

Israeli military says it began intercepting Iranian drones

Israel's military says it has begun intercepting Iranian drones.Earlier, the military said Iran had launched more than 100 drones at Israel in retaliation for strikes on Tehran and other cities.

 

12:44 PM

News update: Jordanian media says the country's Air Force is intercepting missiles, drones in its air space

11:37 AM

'Now is the time for restraint and a return to diplomacy', says UK PM Keir Starmer

"The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region.Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy," UK PM Keir Starmer said today.

 

11:32 AM

News update: Jordan closes airspace to all flights after Israeli strikes on Iran

10:56 AM

Iran says refineries, fuel depots unaffected by Israel's deadly attack

"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.

10:43 AM

At least 16 Air India flights diverted due to Iran airspace closure after Israel strike

The affected services include multiple flights from New York to Delhi, as well as from Delhi and Mumbai to London and New York, among others. Air India, citing passenger safety, confirmed on X that the Iranian airspace restrictions disrupted several transatlantic and European routes.

10:07 AM

Trump administration seeks to distance US from Israeli strikes on Iran

President Donald Trump's administration sought to distance the United States  from Israel's strikes on Iran, attacks that are likely to complicate Trump's drive for a nuclear deal with Tehran.