US Warns Iran Against Retaliation Following Israeli Strikes

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant regarding Israel's recent precision strikes on military sites in Iran. The US reiterated its unwavering commitment to Israel's security and affirmed Israel's right to self-defense.

Austin stated in a post on X that he emphasized the readiness of the United States to protect its forces and facilities throughout the region. He cautioned that Iran should refrain from responding to Israel’s actions, suggesting that this should signify the conclusion of the recent hostilities.

He also highlighted the potential for diplomatic avenues to reduce tensions in the region, which could include agreements on hostage releases and ceasefire arrangements in Gaza, as well as ensuring the safe return of civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.

Iran Accuses Israel of Using Iraqi Airspace for Attack Iran has accused Israel of utilizing Iraqi airspace to conduct an attack early Saturday morning. According to Iran's mission to the United Nations, Israeli warplanes targeted multiple Iranian military and radar installations from Iraqi airspace, which is situated about 70 miles from the Iranian border. This information was shared in a post on the social media platform X. The Iranian mission also implicated the United States, claiming that Iraqi airspace is under the control and command of the US military. While the US acknowledged receiving advance notice of the strikes, it clarified that it was not directly involved in the attack. In response to the alleged violation of airspace, Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who holds positions as a politician and militia leader, called on the Iraqi government to take prompt diplomatic and political action against Israel.

Qatar Voices Serious Concern Over Israeli Attacks on Iran Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, has voiced significant concern regarding the potential repercussions of Israeli airstrikes on Iran. In a statement released by the Qatari foreign ministry, Sheikh Mohammed condemned the Israeli assaults during a conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, labeling them as a “violation of Iran's sovereignty and the principles of international law.”

Israel launched pre-dawn airstrikes on Saturday targeting military sites in Iran, responding to the barrage of ballistic missiles that the Islamic Republic had fired at Israel earlier this month. This operation represents the first time Israel’s military has explicitly attacked Iran. In the aftermath of the strikes, Iran’s Foreign Ministry asserted its right to self-defense, stating that it is “entitled and obligated to defend against foreign acts of aggression.” The Israeli military reported that the strikes aimed at facilities involved in missile production as well as surface-to-air missile sites. There was no immediate indication that oil or nuclear facilities were targeted, which would have significantly escalated the situation, and Israel did not provide an immediate assessment of the damage caused.

Iran issued a warning on Saturday, stating it would defend itself following Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of at least two soldiers, escalating concerns of a potential full-scale regional conflict in the Middle East. In response, Israel cautioned that Iran would "pay a heavy price" if it retaliated. Meanwhile, the United States, Germany, and Britain urged Tehran to avoid further escalation of the situation. Other nations, including several of Iran's neighbors, condemned Israel's actions, while Russia called for restraint from both sides to prevent what it termed a "catastrophic scenario." The Iranian government affirmed its "right and duty" to defend itself, and its ally Hezbollah announced that it had already launched rocket attacks targeting five residential areas in northern Israel.

India has voiced its concerns regarding the escalating tensions in the Middle East following Israel's recent attacks on Iran. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed, "We are deeply concerned about the evolving situation in West Asia and its implications for peace and stability in the region and beyond. We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and to return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy."

A paramedic affiliated with Hezbollah was killed during Israeli strikes on a medical center in Lebanon, according to the country's health ministry. The attack also left five individuals injured, including three other paramedics linked to Hezbollah. The death toll among rescuers and paramedics in Lebanon since the outbreak of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel has now reached 164, the health ministry reported.

Jerusalem : Israel's military announced early Saturday morning that it had conducted "precise strikes" on military targets in Iran. These airstrikes were described as a response to "months of continuous attacks" from Tehran. Israel confirmed that its operations against military facilities in Iran had concluded, while Iran reported the deaths of two soldiers due to the strikes. Iranian state television also reported that several powerful explosions were heard around the capital, although no official statement was made regarding their source. Later, more explosions were reported in Tehran, which state media attributed to the activation of air defense systems.

As per The Times of Israel. Sirens are sounding in northern communities near the Lebanon border due to suspected drone infiltrations. This follows the IDF shooting down two drones launched from Lebanon. Alerts are active in towns such as Metzuba, Arab al-Aramshe, Shlomi, and others. The warnings coincide with Hezbollah's claim of launching drones at the Tel Nof air base near Tel Aviv.

Hezbollah has announced that it has fired several rockets at Israeli forces in South Lebanon. The Iran-backed group stated that it launched a "salvo of rockets" at Israeli soldiers near the village of Aita al-Shaab, where clashes between Hezbollah and Israel have been ongoing for the past two weeks.It also claimed to have conducted a drone attack on an Israeli air base near Tel Aviv, marking its first reported assault on this facility, as per AFP reports.

Pakistan has condemned Israel's military strikes on targets in Iran early Saturday, asserting that Israel bears "full responsibility" for escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a statement, the Pakistani foreign ministry expressed strong disapproval, describing the strikes as a "dangerous escalation" in an already unstable region. The ministry further emphasized that these actions "undermine efforts toward regional peace and stability," attributing the ongoing cycle of escalation and conflict expansion to Israel's actions.

The few remaining Israelis in a popular surfing destination in Sri Lanka have expressed that they feel safe and intend to remain, despite a warning from Jerusalem advising them to leave immediately due to a potential terrorist threat. On Wednesday, Israel's national security council urged its citizens to vacate tourist areas in the southern part of the Indian Ocean island, citing information about a terrorist threat aimed at beaches and tourist spots. Although the agency did not provide specifics about the threat, it indicated that the warning was particularly relevant to the Arugam Bay area, a favored location for Israeli travelers, as well as other beaches in the south and west of Sri Lanka.

Iran reported on Saturday that an Israeli strike targeting military sites resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. In response, the Israeli military stated that its air strikes targeted Iran's missile manufacturing facilities, missile installations, and other systems across multiple regions. The military issued a warning to Iran, stating it would "pay a heavy price" if it retaliated. Initially, Iran claimed that the damage was "limited," but later, the armed forces confirmed that two soldiers had indeed lost their lives in the attacks.

Early on Saturday, an Israeli airstrike hit several military sites in central and southern Syria, including Damascus, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA. Syrian air defense forces reportedly intercepted missiles launched by Israel "from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Lebanese territory," managing to shoot down some of them.

Israel attacks Iran live updates: Pakistan's foreign ministry has condemned Israel's military strikes on Iran, labeling them a serious violation of sovereignty, the UN Charter, and international law. The ministry stated that such actions destabilize the region and pose a threat to peace. They called on the UN Security Council and the international community to take immediate action to restore peace.

Israel attacks Iran live updates: The Emirati airline flydubai has canceled flights to Jordan, Iran, Iraq, and Israel, while diverting others, according to a company spokesperson. This decision was made following the Israeli airstrikes that occurred in Iran on Saturday morning.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Saturday that Iran should refrain from retaliating against Israeli airstrikes, calling for restraint from all parties involved. "I firmly believe that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression. However, it is crucial to prevent further escalation in the region, and I urge all sides to exercise caution. Iran should not retaliate," he said during a press conference in Samoa.

The Israeli military reported that it intercepted a drone entering Israel from Lebanon on Saturday, shortly after conducting airstrikes on multiple military targets in Iran. "Following sirens that were activated between 08:39 (05:39 GMT) and 08:41 in the Upper Galilee region, the Israeli Air Force intercepted a UAV that crossed into Israel from Lebanon," the military stated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials conducted security assessments following the military's airstrikes on Iran on Saturday. "Prime Minister Netanyahu is reviewing the security situation at the Kirya air force base alongside the defense minister, army chief, Mossad director, and Shin Bet head," his office announced.

According to the semi-official news agency Tasnim, Iran plans to resume normal flight operations starting at 9 a.m. (0530 GMT) on Saturday. The country had previously halted flights following Israeli strikes on military targets. In contrast, Iraq has continued to suspend its flight operations, even after the strikes have ended.

Saudi Arabia condemned the military strikes on Iran, labeling them a "violation of its sovereignty" and international laws. The kingdom urged all involved parties to practice maximum restraint and called on the international community to take action to de-escalate tensions and resolve conflicts in the region. On Saturday, Israel carried out strikes against military bases in Iran, resulting in "limited damage."

In response to inquiries about the U.S. involvement in Israel's strikes on Iran, spokesperson Sean Savett stated, “Our goal is to enhance diplomacy and reduce tensions in the Middle East.” A senior administration official noted that President Joe Biden and his national security team have collaborated with Israeli leaders in recent weeks to advocate for a response that is focused and proportional, minimizing the risk to civilians.

In a televised briefing, Israeli military spokesman Hagari announced that the recent strikes aimed at Iran's air defenses have granted Israel greater freedom to maneuver in Iranian airspace. "The state of Israel now has increased operational latitude in the skies over Iran," he stated.

A Biden administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters, confirmed that communication channels with Iran are open, and the U.S. has clearly conveyed its position both directly and indirectly. Following Israel's offensive against Iran, the Biden administration cautioned Tehran about potential "consequences" if it retaliates.

A representative from Iran's civil aviation authority announced that all flights in Iran have been suspended indefinitely on Saturday. Similarly, Iraq has halted all flight operations following Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and its surrounding regions early Saturday. Iran has vowed to respond to Israel's aggression.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of pro-Iran groups, announced early Saturday that they conducted a drone attack on a "military target" in Israel.

In a statement released on Telegram, the group declared, "Islamic Resistance fighters in Iraq launched a drone strike at dawn on Saturday targeting a military site in Acre," located in northern Israel.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of pro-Iran groups, announced early Saturday that they conducted a drone attack on a "military target" in Israel, according to AFP. In a statement released on Telegram, the group declared, "Islamic Resistance fighters in Iraq launched a drone strike at dawn on Saturday targeting a military site in Acre," located in northern Israel.

According to sources cited by the semi-official state agency Tasnim, Iran is ready to respond to Israeli aggression. The sources emphasized that Israel should expect a proportional reaction for any actions it undertakes. The Iranian government has consistently warned that any attack on its territory will be met with a strong retaliatory response. In the early hours of Saturday, Israeli forces executed “precise strikes” targeting military installations in Iran.

Local media reported that four additional explosions were heard in eastern Tehran on Saturday, indicating that "air defense remains active" in the capital. Israel has initiated a series of strikes against Iran in response to the missile attacks that occurred on October 1. So far, no damages have been reported.

Iraq has announced the closure of its airspace due to security concerns, as stated in an official notice from its civil aviation authority. The closure is scheduled to remain in effect until 11:00 a.m. local time on Saturday (4 a.m. ET).

According to reports, Israel is conducting a second wave of strikes against Iran. Earlier, Iranian state media reported multiple explosions occurring in Tehran early Saturday morning local time.