Israeli Airstrikes Target Iranian Defences
The Israeli military says it carried out a broad attack on defence systems in western Iran early Saturday, following joint US-Israeli airstrikes. The operations mark a significant escalation after weeks of heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran Hits Back Across the Gulf
In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes on American military sites throughout the Gulf region, sparing only Oman. US President Donald Trump framed the strikes as addressing long-standing grievances dating back to 1979, and urged Iranians to eventually rise up against their government.
Global Concerns and Travel Disruptions
World leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, called for restraint, and the UN Security Council plans to meet to address the crisis. Several countries in the region closed airspace, leading to flight cancellations and forcing planes headed to cities such as Tel Aviv and Dubai to return or divert to other destinations.
