Iran–Israel conflict LIVE Updates: Iran conducted its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory on Saturday night, launching a swarm of explosive drones and firing missiles in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate building in Damascus. The Damascus attack resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, including two high-ranking members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
The Israeli defense force’s spokesperson reported that the majority of missiles were intercepted outside Israel’s borders. Some injuries were reported, along with minor infrastructure damage at a military base in the south. Israeli PM Netanyahu spoke with US President Biden following meetings of Israel’s war and security cabinets. Israel has appealed to the UN Security Council to condemn Iran’s attack and designate the Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorists.
Iran-Israel conflict latest updates here
Emirates Airlines announced the cancellation of some of its flights and the re-routing of others, the airline's spokesperson said on Sunday.
Airlines have been cancelling flights and changing routes after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday. (Reuters)
"At present, its too early for us to comment on what could be the potential impact, if any on the Indian automotive industry. Mostly the Iran-Israel conflict should not have much of impact on our industry, but we are keeping a close watch on the developments," said Vinod Aggarwal, President, SIAM.
Israel's chief military spokesperson said on Sunday that France was among the countries involved in defending against Iran's overnight attack on Israel.
"France has very good technology, jets, radar - and I know they were contributing in patrolling airspace," he said, adding that he did not have exact details on whether French jets had shot down any of the missiles launched by Iran. (Reuters)
Israel Defense Forces' posted a video on social media site X that showed an Israeli F-35 jet returning to the base, claiming to have come back after "protecting Israel's airspace".
UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis voiced grave concern over Iran's actions, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter. "The Iranian response compounds the already tense and delicate peace and security situation in the Middle East," he said, adding, "This is a moment that calls for wise and prudent judgement, in which the risks and extended risks are very carefully considered."
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. (Reuters)
Japan's foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa on Sunday condemned the attack by Iran on Israel. “The attack by Iran on Israel worsens the current Middle East situation, strongly condemn this escalation,” Kamikawa said.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated in a televised briefing that over 300 projectiles were fired at Israel overnight, originating from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen; 99% were intercepted. He described Iran's actions as gravely escalating regional tensions and confirmed Israeli armed forces' readiness for potential follow-up operations.
After Iran launched explosive drones and fired missiles directly at Israel on Saturday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today wrote on X, "We intercepted, we repelled, together we shall win."
Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Israel close airspace due to GPS navigation system interference. Flight Radar 24 images depict current airspace restrictions and flight path adjustments.
https://twitter.com/flightradar24/status/1779272245778465179
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Iran's attack on Israel as a "serious escalation", warning against the dire consequences of another war. He called for maximum restraint from all parties to prevent further military confrontations across the Middle East. “I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities,” Guterres said in a statement.
“I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war,” he said.
Iranian Govt issues statement -
“Starting today, all vessels linked to the Zionist regime are banned from operating in the Oman Sea and the Persian Gulf. Any such vessels found in these waters will be confiscated.”
Reuters reports that US President Joe Biden conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the US's opposition to any retaliation against Iran. Iran launched explosive drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday night, marking its inaugural direct assault on Israeli soil. The attack was retaliatory, triggered by an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, which claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals, including two high-ranking members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
“Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel. After supporting Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult.
These attacks demonstrate yet again the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region. We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks.
I am receiving regular updates from the National Security and Intelligence Advisor, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and the Clerk of the Privy Council as the situation develops. We are in contact with allies, and we will continue to monitor closely.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Russia will support Iran if the United States attacks Iran's soil in support of Israel. Putin said, “With the attack on Israel by Iran, hezbollah, and houthis, expect global prices of commodities to go up starting tomorrow. The west was misled to support Israel especially in its attack against Palestine and Gaza citizens. Russia will try everything possible to avoid the possibility of World War 3.”
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister says, "We express our deep concern about the developments of the military escalation in the region and the seriousness of its repercussions. We call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and spare the region and its people the dangers of war."
RAF jets intercepted Iranian drones following Tehran's attack announcement on Israel, risking regional escalation. Aircraft in Iraq and Syria have been deployed to intercept “any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions,” media reports quoted the Ministry of Defence as saying.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reported that most drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles were neutralized outside Israel's borders, with warplanes intercepting over 10 cruise missiles.
Iran launches additional 70 missiles at Israel as per US Officials.
According to a video statement by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "We are prepared for any scenario, both in defence and attack."
https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1779241754392216026
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) retaliates against Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, firing dozens of missiles at Israeli targets.
- First direct attack on Israeli territory by Iran begins on Saturday night around 20:00 GMT.
- Explosions heard in Tel Aviv, West Jerusalem, and over 720 locations as Israeli forces attempt to intercept Iranian projectiles.
- Israeli military reports over 200 drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles launched by Iran, with the majority intercepted outside Israel's borders.
- Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirms a girl wounded in the attack, with no reported fatalities.
- Israel's Home Front Command lifts bomb shelter order for Israelis around 00:00 GMT Sunday.
- Iran's UN mission considers the consulate raid matter "concluded" and warns of a "considerably more severe" response to future Israeli mistakes.
- UN Security Council schedules emergency meeting requested by Israel for Sunday at 4pm New York time. Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel close airspace; airlines suspend regional flights.
Iranian Foreign Minister says, “Attacking military bases in the Zionist entity is a legitimate defence guaranteed by the United Nations Charter. We affirm Iran's determination to firmly defend the country's sovereignty, unity, and national interests in the face of any aggression. We will not hesitate to take further defensive measures to preserve our interests in the face of any aggression. Our resort to defensive measures in exercising the right to self-defence proves our responsible approach to regional security.”
We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy: MEA
We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region: MEA
Airspace closures across the Middle East disrupted air travel on Saturday as Iran launched drones towards Israel. United Airlines, which recently resumed Tel Aviv service after suspending flights due to October's Hamas attacks, cancelled its Newark to Tel Aviv flight.
Jordan and Iraq also closed airspace, reported Jordanian media outlet Al Mamlaka. "We are closely monitoring and prioritizing safety," said United. It's the sole US airline to resume Israel service. Delta plans to restart flights on June 7, while American Airlines hasn't resumed. Iran's actions intensified regional tensions, prompting heightened vigilance and precautionary measures among airlines and authorities.
As per a Reuters report, anonymous US officials have disclosed that American military forces successfully intercepted several Iran-launched attack drones en route to Israel. The effort to thwart the attack is ongoing, as confirmed by a US defense official speaking on condition of anonymity. Since Iran's announced assault on Saturday targeting Israel, air raid sirens have been activated in various regions, including Jerusalem, northern and southern Israel, the Negev region, the Shomron area, and the Dead Sea region.
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene on Sunday following Israel's plea for condemnation of Iran's attack and designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity. The meeting is slated for 4 p.m. ET (2000 GMT), as per a recently issued schedule. Israel's UN ambassador, Gilad Erdan, formally urged an emergency session in a letter to the council's president on Saturday. Erdan emphasized the gravity of Iran's assault, labeling it a significant menace to global peace and security. Iran's unprecedented direct attack on Israeli soil involved a barrage of explosive drones and missiles, heightening tensions. The United States reaffirmed unwavering support for Israel amidst the escalation.
(Inputs from Reuters)
- Iran's first direct attack on Israeli territory utilized a combination of drones and missiles.
- The assault was purportedly in response to an alleged Israeli strike on Iran's Damascus consulate earlier in April.
- Israel promised a retaliation for the attack, which caused minimal damage to a military site.
- The international community, including the United Nations and several nations, condemned Iran's actions due to concerns about heightened regional tensions.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu conversed with US President Joe Biden following the attack.
- Israel's UN ambassador, Gilad Erdan, urged an emergency meeting of the US Security Council.
- Responding to Israel's request, the UN Security Council is scheduled to convene today.
- Thousands of Iranians demonstrated in support of the attack against Israel, showing widespread solidarity.