Israeli Forces Hit Iranian Defence Sites
The Israeli military says it has completed a “broad strike” targeting defence systems in western Iran. The operation follows joint US-Israeli air strikes early Saturday, escalating a conflict that has been building for weeks over Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional tensions.
Iran Strikes Back Across the Gulf
In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on American military assets in nearly every Gulf country except Oman. US President Donald Trump framed the strikes as part of a long-standing grievance with Iran, dating back to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. In a social media video, he urged Iranians to take cover during the attacks and later rise up against their government, calling it a rare opportunity for change.
Global Alarm and Disrupted Air Travel
The escalation has raised international concern, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for restraint. The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet to address the crisis. Meanwhile, several regional countries closed their airspace, causing flight cancellations and forcing aircraft bound for cities like Tel Aviv and Dubai to divert or return to their departure points.
