Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israel and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Key Points
- Israel launched preventive missile strikes on Iran, with explosions reported in Tehran.
- Israel declared a nationwide special state of emergency and shifted to Essential Activity mode amid fears of retaliation.
- The United States is reportedly involved in the strikes, according to media reports.
- The escalation comes amid ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations, with another round of talks scheduled.
Over 200 people killed in Iran after the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran early on Saturday, which came after days of build-up with US President Donald Trump ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme.
Iranian media, citing the Red Crescent, reported that 201 people were killed and 747 injured in US-Israeli attacks that struck 24 provinces.
Some of the first strikes appeared to hit areas around the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Iranian media reported strikes nationwide.
Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump, announcing the military offensive against Tehran, called on the people of Iran to "take over" the government, saying: It will "probably be your only chance for generations".
The US-Israel joint strikes on Iran came after weeks of negotiations between Washington and Tehran on the Iranian nuclear programme did not produce any tangible outcome.
According a report in The Jerusalem Post, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is not in Tehran and has been transferred to a 'secure location'.
However, it wasn't immediately clear whether the 86-year-old leader was in his offices at the time of the strike.
TPS reported that Defence Minister Israel Katz said the pre-emptive strikes were carried out to remove threats to the country.
The IDF called on the public to stay in proximity to protected spaces.
Attack on an Iranian girls' school kills over 80
Iranian state media reported that at least 80 people were killed at a girls' school in South Iran in the US-Israel strikes.
The attack struck a girls' school in Minab, a city in Iran's Hormozgan province in the Gulf region.
The city of Minab also hosts a base of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has been a focal point in the ongoing conflict.
Officials in Tehran have blamed the deaths on the joint US-Israel military campaign, but neither the US nor Israeli authorities have provided any official details or commentary on the specific attack so far.
Iran retaliates, Israel declares state of emergency
Following the attack by the US and Israel, Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israel and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
The IDF also confirmed that missiles had been launched from Iran toward Israeli territory.
According to the IDF, defensive systems were immediately activated to intercept the incoming threat.
The Home Front Command has issued precautionary directives via mobile phone alerts to citizens in affected areas, instructing them to seek immediate shelter.
Defence Minister Katz declared an immediate nationwide special state of emergency under Israel's Civil Defense Law.
The IDF also said that following a situational assessment, immediate changes were made to the Home Front Command guidelines, shifting all areas of the country from Full Activity to Essential Activity.
The guidelines prohibit educational activities, gatherings, and workplace operations, except in essential sectors.
Iranian state media reported explosions in the capital, Tehran.
Iranian media also reported that mobile phone lines were cut in parts of eastern and western Tehran, and internet connectivity weakened in some areas.
India calls for immediate de-escalation
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region.
"We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians," the MEA said.
"Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected," it said.
The MEA said its missions in the Middle East are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance.
"Our missions in the region are in touch with Indian nationals and have issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in contact with the missions, and follow local security guidance," it said in a statement.
It is learnt that New Delhi is not immediately considering the evacuation of Indian nationals from Iran, Israel or any other country in the Middle East.
India has always favoured a peaceful resolution of issues in the Middle East.
Attack comes amid nuclear talks
The developments come a day after US President Donald Trump described Iran as 'very difficult' and 'very dangerous' as Washington, DC considers its next steps in nuclear negotiations, while emphasising a preference for a peaceful resolution despite ongoing military tensions.
The third round of negotiations between Iran and the United States was held in Geneva on Thursday, with another round scheduled for Saturday.
Trump said the US faces a 'big decision' in talks with Iran and stressed that any deal with Tehran must be 'meaningful'.
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