Egypt raises level of preparedness to ensure stability of electricity following military Iranian-Israeli escalation
Egypt's Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Essmat held a meeting with the heads of electricity companies on June 13, 2025 following Israeli attacks on Iran- press photo
CAIRO- 13 June 2025: Amid the ongoing military escalation between Israel and Iran, Egypt's Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Essmat held a meeting with the heads of electricity companies, directing them to raise the level of preparedness to secure the unified power grid and ensure the stability of electricity supply across the country.
During the meeting, the Minister also reviewed fuel reserves required to operate power generation units and discussed plans to increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix in the coming period, according to a statement released by the Ministry on Friday.
He emphasized adopting new operational strategies to optimize fuel usage, maximize the efficiency of kilowatt-hour production, and enhance the economic return on each unit of fuel consumed. All necessary measures will be implemented within the framework of the current national energy plan.
The Minister further instructed the heads of electricity companies to maintain continuous coordination with the control centers within their respective companies and with the regional control centers of the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company. He stressed the importance of ensuring that leadership teams remain on-site around the clock and closely monitor developments in real time to safeguard the unified grid and ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly affirmed that the situation is being closely monitored, the cabinet said in a statement on Friday.
The Prime Minister added that coordination is underway between Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt Hassan Abdullah and Minister of Finance and Ahmed Kouchouk to increase the strategic stockpile of key commodities.
Madbouly also said that a meeting will be held with the Ministers of Electricity and Petroleum to assess potential scenarios and implications resulting from the military developments in the region.
Egypt strongly condemned the military strikes carried out by the Israeli army against Iran in the early hours of June 13, 2025.
Additionally, The Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority (ENRRA) announced that it is closely monitoring the radiological situation and recent developments at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, which was targeted by Israeli attacks at dawn today.
According to coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and relevant national authorities, ENRRA confirmed that radiation levels at the facility remain under control, with no signs of leakage reported so far.
The authority also stated that it is tracking all radiation-related developments through Egypt's national radiation monitoring, early warning, and reporting network, which spans all governorates.
ENRRA emphasized that it continues to monitor background radiation levels around the clock and is coordinating with all concerned parties to ensure the safety of citizens and the environment.
Israel has just carried out airstrikes on several Iranian cities, inclduing nuclear sites, in the early hours of June 13, 2025, killing dozens of Iranian nuclear scientists and military leaders.
The Israeli army said in a statement on Friday that it luanhced a 'preemptive strike against Iran's Nuclear Program' with more than 200 Israeli Air Force fighter jets, operating with precise intelligence from the IDF Intelligence Directorate, conducted coordinated strikes on over 100 targets across Iran. Israeli media outlets reported that the Israeli operation against Iran could last for weeks amid Iranian threat of a severe retaliation.
Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) announced in a statement that The Israeli attack on the Natanz facility in Isfahan, central Iran, is the result of the IAEA's failure to adhere to professionalism and political neutrality. It added that the damage caused by the Israeli attack on the Natanz facility is being assessed.
No casualties were recorded in the attack on the Natanz facility, the AEOI continued, noting that the Israeli attack violates all international resolutions and laws.
'Political and military pressures will not undermine the resolve of Iran's nuclear scientists and experts; on the contrary, they will only strengthen our determination to advance the development of our nuclear industry,' the statement read.
The organization also affirmed that there is no leakage of radioactive or chemical contamination outside the Natanz facility.
The Interntaional Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi addressed the Board of Governors regarding the situation in Iran, saying that the Natanz facility was affected by the strikes, but no radation leackage.Meanwhile, Asfahan facility was not impacted, h eadded.
Additional reporting by Samar Samir
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
an hour ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Gives Field Guidance at Major Munitions Industry Enterprise
Yara Sameh Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, gave field guidance at a major munitions industry enterprise on June 13. The enterprise was visited by Jo Yong Won, Kim Tok Hun, Ri Hi Yong, O Su Yong, Kim Jong Sik and other leading officials of the WPK Central Committee, No Kwang Chol, minister of National Defence of the DPRK, Choe Son Hui, foreign minister, Ko Pyong Hyon, chairman of the Second Economic Commission, Kim Yong Hwan, president of the Academy of Defence Sciences, commanding officers of the large combined units of the Korean People's Army and chief secretaries of the provincial committees of the WPK. Making the rounds of various production sites of the enterprise, including press, spinning and assembly workshops, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un learned in detail about the production of shells, capacity expansion and modernization in the first half of the year 2025. He expressed his great satisfaction over the high enthusiasm for the patriotic deeds and struggle displayed by the workers at the munitions industry enterprise who are kindling the fierce flames of innovation after turning out in the drive to greet the 80th founding anniversary of the WPK and the Ninth WPK Congress with the praiseworthy successes of boosting the military hardware output. Kim praised the development successes of the enterprise which has modernized itself at a high level by rationally relocating all the production lines in hearty response to the plan of the Party Central Committee for rapidly developing our defence industry into a world-level advanced one. He underscored the need to set the development-oriented goal in order to meet the long-term demand of the development of the national defence capabilities and set forth new tasks to be carried out by the enterprise. "In order to satisfy all the requirements of the national defence strategy and increase the output of new-type powerful shells to meet the requirements of the modern warfare, it is necessary to further expand and reinforce the production capacity, arrange the production lines more rationally and steadily raise the level of putting production on an unmanned basis", he said advancing the tasks for doing so. The accompanying visitors felt the civilized way of life of the workers in the munitions industry, looking round the ideological education bases in an educational district of the enterprise where the landscaping has been realized at a high level, and a cultural hall, comprehensive cultural and welfare establishments, modern childcare facilities and cosy dwelling houses built well in the district for workers' living. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Al-Ahram Weekly
5 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Iran launches retaliatory strike by firing hundreds of missiles at Israel - as it happened - Region
The Middle East has woken to an unprecedented and perilous escalation this morning, as Israel launched a large-scale military operation against Iran, targeting critical nuclear facilities, military installations, and even residential areas across the Islamic Republic. Codenamed "Operation Rising Lion" by Tel Aviv, these audacious strikes, which commenced in the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, have profoundly reshaped the decades-long covert conflict between the two regional adversaries. The ramifications are already stark and immediate. Iranian state media has confirmed the tragic loss of top military figures, including the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, and the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri. Additionally, at least six prominent nuclear scientists are reported among the dead, alongside confirmed civilian casualties in residential districts of Tehran. In a swift and direct response, Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israel, prompting widespread airspace closures across the region, including Israel, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan, causing significant global air travel disruptions. While Israeli air defense systems are actively intercepting these drones, some reportedly outside Israeli territory, Jordan's air force is also engaged in downing threats in its airspace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the offensive as a preemptive strike, vital to neutralize an "imminent threat" of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, vowing to continue the operation "as long as it takes." Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised a "harsh response" and a "bitter and painful fate" for Israel, with Tehran quickly appointing interim military leaders and formally halting scheduled nuclear negotiations with the United States. The international community is gripped by alarm, with urgent calls for de-escalation emanating from global powers and regional players alike. While the IAEA confirms the Natanz facility was hit, it reports no increase in radiation levels and states other key Iranian nuclear sites remain untouched. The United States, while acknowledging advance notice, has distanced itself from direct involvement, reiterating its stance against an Iranian nuclear bomb. As the world watches with bated breath, fears of a broader, more devastating conflict are mounting. Oil prices have surged, and both nations are on heightened alert, bracing for further retaliation. Ahram Online begins its live coverage now, bringing you real-time updates as this critical situation unfolds. Stay with us for the latest developments, analyses, and reactions from across the globe. What We Know So Far: In the early hours of Friday, June 13, Israel launched a large-scale military operation, "Operation Rising Lion," targeting various sites across Iran. Targets: Confirmed targets include Iran's main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, as well as other military installations and residential areas in Tehran and other cities like Tabriz and Isfahan. Scale: The Israeli military reported using over 200 aircraft, dropping more than 330 munitions on approximately 100 targets. Israeli operations were confirmed to be ongoing throughout the morning. Justification: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes were preemptive, aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and removing an "existential threat." Iranian Casualties: Top Military Officials Killed: Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, and the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Scientists Killed: At least six Iranian nuclear scientists, including Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, were reported killed. Civilian Casualties: Reports from Iran indicate civilian casualties, including women and children, in residential areas struck in Tehran, with dozens injured. Iranian Response: Drone Launches: Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israel in retaliation for the Israeli strikes. Interim Leadership: Iran quickly appointed interim replacements for its fallen military leaders: Habibollah Sayyari as temporary commander of the Armed Forces and Ahmad Vahidi as temporary IRGC commander. Nuclear Talks Halted: Iran has declared it will not participate in scheduled nuclear negotiations with the United States or any future talks "until further notice." Vowed Retaliation: Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned Israel of a "bitter and painful fate" and promised a "harsh response."Airspace Closures and Travel Disruptions: Regional Closure: Israel, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan have all closed their airspace to commercial flights. Flight Cancellations/Diverted: Major international airlines have canceled or rerouted flights, causing widespread travel disruptions. Drone Interceptions: Both Israeli and Jordanian air forces are actively intercepting incoming Iranian drones, with some interceptions occurring outside Israeli territory. International Reactions: IAEA Monitoring: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed the Natanz site was hit but reported no increase in radiation levels. It also confirmed that the Fordo and Isfahan nuclear sites were not impacted. US Stance: The United States confirmed it had advance notice of the strikes but stated it was not directly involved in the operation. President Donald Trump reiterated that Iran "cannot have a nuclear bomb." Calls for Restraint: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, the UK, and other nations have condemned the escalation and urged immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. Economic Impact: Global oil prices have surged by as much as 13% due to heightened tensions in the critical oil-producing region. Israel's Preparedness: Israel remains on high alert, preparing for further Iranian retaliation. Public events have been canceled, and hospitals have moved services to protected areas. Citizens are advised to stock up on supplies and remain near shelters. 02:30 Fire and heavy smoke billowed from Mehrabad airport in the Iranian capital early Saturday, an AFP journalist said, as local media reported a blast in the area. The local ISNA news agency shared a video showing columns of heavy smoke rising from the area of the airport in western Tehran while Mehr news agency reported a "blast" there. 01:24 Iran has launched a third wave of missiles on Israel. 01:00 One women died and at least 60 injured in Israel, according to Israeli media. 23:10 Iran's airspace will remain closed until Saturday after Israel launched a large scale attack that hit multiple cities, state media reported. "The Civil Aviation Organization... has announced in aviation notices (NOTAM) that the country's airspace will be closed until tomorrow, Saturday," the official IRNA news agency reported. 22:45 The US military is helping intercept missiles that Iran fired in retaliation at Israel, a US official says. The US has been moving assets nearer to Israel to assist in missile intercepts and to provide better protection of US bases in the region. 22:00 Israeli rescuers said that seven people were injured on Friday in the centre of the country, shortly after Iran fired a salvo of missiles at Israel. Speaking on Israel's Channel 12, Eli Bin, the spokesman for the Magen David Adom rescue service, said that seven people were lightly injured in central Israel. Images on Channel 12 showed what appeared to be a building hit by a missile. 21:30 The Israeli army says that dozens of additional missiles were launched toward Israel. 21:25 Iran's state news agency reported that Iran has fired hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel as part of its retaliation for Israel's Friday attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites. 21:19 Israel army says the country is under fire as Iran fires projectiles 🚨All of Israel is under fire as Iran fires projectiles🚨 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 13, 2025 20:44 The Israeli military said it struck on Friday Iran's nuclear facility in Isfahan as it pressed on with its strikes on the Islamic republic. "I can now confirm that we struck the nuclear facility in Isfahan. The operation is still ongoing," military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin told journalists. 19:50 Israel's army chief on Friday said the military was keeping up "full force" to achieve its goals after launching a wave of strikes on military and nuclear sites in Iran. 18:30 Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources activated its pre-prepared emergency plan regarding priorities for natural gas supply following the escalating regional tensions and the halt in gas supplies from the East. 17:20 Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority affirmed that the radiological situation at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility remains under control, with no signs of radioactive leakage reported so far. 17:00 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday he ordered the airstrikes on Iran six months ago, on 24 November, with the operation initially planned for late April but delayed for 'operational reasons.' 'Today's strike was no coincidence,' Netanyahu said in a televised address in Hebrew, claiming that Israel destroyed the Natanz nuclear facility and describing Iran's ballistic missiles as a 'strategic threat.' Netanyahu said Israel acted without US military backing but had briefed Washington beforehand. 'What the United States chooses to do now is up to them,' he said. He did not give a timeline for the operation's end but warned of further strikes, claiming Iran was 'in disarray' and expected to retaliate in 'severe waves.' 16:00 The Israeli spy agency, the Mossad, alleges that the video below captures two agents inside Iran setting up precision-guided attack systems "developed to target and dismantle Iranian air defenses." The authenticity, date, and location of the videos remain unverified by independent sources. Last night, Israeli statements indicated that Mossad was working on the ground inside of Iran while the Israeli air force was striking Nuclear facilities and leadership. Turns out, they were. Mossad built a secret drone base inside of Iran near Tehran, using it to target Iran's… — FUNKER530 (@FunkerActual) June 13, 2025 15:45 Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation has confirmed a radiation leak inside the Natanz nuclear facility following Israeli airstrikes on the site. 'There is internal radioactive contamination at Natanz, but no external radiation has been detected and there is no cause for concern,' the agency said in a statement carried by Al Jazeera on Friday. It said decontamination was under way and damage would be assessed once cleanup was complete. The Natanz site is central to Iran's uranium enrichment programme and has been repeatedly targeted in sabotage operations widely attributed to Israel. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said he was ready to travel to Iran to assess the situation. He confirmed that Iran's Fordow enrichment plant and another nuclear site in Esfahan were not hit. 'There are no elevated radiation levels,' Grossi said, likely referring to external emissions. He urged all sides to avoid further escalation and return to dialogue. File photo: A satellite image shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran. 15:30 A loud blast was heard Friday afternoon near a military airbase in Iran's western Hamedan province, Iran's state media reported, following a major Israeli attack on the country. "A few hours ago, a loud blast was heard near Hamedan," more than 300 kilometres (186 miles) from the capital Tehran, the IRNA state news agency said, adding that "it was heard near the Nojeh airbase". 14:15 President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Iran will make Israel "regret" its deadly attack which targeted multiple areas including nuclear sites. "The Iranian nation and the country's officials will not remain silent in the face of this crime, and the legitimate and powerful response of the Islamic Republic of Iran will make the enemy regret its foolish act," Pezeshkian said in a video statement aired on state TV. 13:55 Israeli forces sealed off Palestinian cities across the occupied West Bank and forcibly cleared worshippers from Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, hours after launching airstrikes on Iranian targets. Witnesses told the Palestinian news agency WAFA that Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa compound after dawn prayers on Friday, expelled worshippers and sealed the mosque's gates. Local sources said it was the first time the site had been fully emptied and closed by Israeli forces since the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking advantage of the world's focus on its attack on Iran, Israeli occupation authorities close the gates leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem, blocking any presence of Muslim worshipers. — Quds News Network (@QudsNen) June 13, 2025 13:45 A Hezbollah official said the Lebanese armed group would not unilaterally launch its own attack on Israel in response to Israeli strikes on Iran. 'Hezbollah will not initiate its own attack on Israel in retaliation for Israel's strikes,' the official told Reuters. A public statement from Hezbollah condemned Israel's strikes and expressed full solidarity with Iran. Earlier, Lebanon's government reportedly informed Hezbollah that it would not tolerate the group joining any Iranian retaliation against Israel. According to Saudi outlet Al Arabiya, officials warned Hezbollah that it would bear full responsibility for dragging the country into war. 'The time when the organisation bypassed the state in deciding to go to war is over,' Lebanese authorities were quoted as saying. 13:30 Airlines in the Gulf cancelled flights to many Middle East destinations on Friday as some governments closed their airspace following Israeli strikes on Iran. Emirates, the Middle East's largest airline, said it had cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran after Israel launched the strikes. Several flights scheduled for Friday and one Tehran flight on Saturday were listed as cancelled on the airline's website. Qatar Airways, the country's national carrier and one of the Middle East's largest, said it had "temporarily cancelled flights to Iran and Iraq due to (the) current situation in the region". UAE airports warned of disruption, with Dubai posting on X that "some flights at @DXB and DWC - Al Maktoum International have been cancelled or delayed due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and Syria". Abu Dhabi airport warned "flight disruptions are expected through today (Friday)" as a result of the Israeli strikes. Kuwait's civil aviation authority posted on X that "some flights at Kuwait International Airport have been diverted, cancelled and rescheduled." Earlier Friday, Jordan and Iraq, which both lie between Israel and Iran, announced they had closed their airspace and grounded all flights after Israel's strikes. Jordan's military said it intercepted drones and missiles that had violated the kingdom's airspace, after Iran vowed there would be "no limits" in its response to Israeli attacks. 13:20 US President Donald Trump urged Iran to "make a deal", warning that there will be more "death and destruction." "There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left... JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," he said. 13:10 Israeli warplanes have reportedly destroyed Tabriz airport in north-west Iran in a fresh wave of strikes targeting Iranian air force assets, according to Israel's Channel 12. 13:00 A senior adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was wounded during Israel's deadly attack, state media reported. "Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to the supreme leader... was injured in today's attack by the Zionist regime," according to state TV. 12:55 A fresh round of explosions was heard in northwestern Iran, state television reported. "A few minutes ago, new explosions were heard in East Azerbaijan," the broadcaster said, as the Tasnim news agency said an earlier wave of strikes had hit 10 sites in the province, killing at least three people. A building damaged in an Israeli strike on Tehran on June 13, 2025. AFP 12:45 EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for all sides to "exercise restraint." "The situation in the Middle East is dangerous. I urge all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. Diplomacy remains the best path forward, and I stand ready to support any diplomatic efforts toward de-escalation," Kallas wrote on X. EU officials said Kallas spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in the "early hours" of Friday following the strikes. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen added her voice to the calls for calm, urging "all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate immediately and refrain from retaliation". "A diplomatic resolution is now more urgent than ever, for the sake of the region's stability and global security," von der Leyen wrote on X. 12:35 Iran says Israel's deady strikes on its military and nuclear facilities were a "declaration of war" and called on the UN Security Council to act. In a letter to the United Nations, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the attack as a "declaration of war" and "called on the Security Council to immediately address this issue," the ministry said. 12:25 Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei swiftly appointed new Revolutionary Guards and armed forces chiefs to replace those killed in targeted Israeli strikes on Friday. In separate decrees, Khamenei named Mohammad Pakpour to replace Hossein Salami as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Abdolrahim Mousavi to replace Mohammad Bagheri as chief of the armed forces general staff. 11:45 'Avoid escalation': World reacts to Israel strike on Iran World leaders urged restraint on Friday after Israel pounded Iran, striking 100 targets including nuclear and military sites, and killing senior figures, including nuclear scientists and the armed forces chief of staff. Here is a roundup of key reactions: 'Cannot have nuclear bomb': United States US President Donald Trump, told Fox News he was aware Israel was going to conduct strikes on Iran before it happened and said: "Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see." Fox News also reported that "Trump noted the US is ready to defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates." 'Maximum restraint': UN UN chief Antonio Guterres asked "both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford," according to a spokesperson. Guterres was "particularly concerned" by Israel's strikes on nuclear installations amid the ongoing US-Iran negotiations. 'Deeply worried': China "The Chinese side... is deeply worried about the severe consequences that such actions might bring," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, calling "on relevant parties to take actions that promote regional peace and stability and to avoid further escalation of tensions". 'Reasonable reaction': Czech Republic Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said Iran "is supporting so many players, including the Hezbollah and Hamas movements, with the intention to destroy the state of Israel, and also seeking a nuclear bomb", that "I see that this was a reasonable reaction from the state of Israel towards a possible threat of a nuclear bomb". 'Avoid any escalation': France - "We call on all sides to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could undermine regional stability," France's foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X. 'Dangerous escalation': Hamas "This aggression constitutes a dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilise the region," said the Iran-backed, Palestinian militant group, whose October 2023 attack on Israel sparked the Gaza war. No 'battleground': Jordan "Jordan has not and will not allow any violation of its airspace, reaffirming that the Kingdom will not be a battleground for any conflict," a government spokesperson told AFP after Jordan closed its airspace. 'Dangerous approach': Oman Nuclear talks mediator Oman said "calls on the international community to adopt a clear and firm position to put an end to this dangerous approach, which threatens to rule out diplomatic solutions and jeopardise the security and stability of the region". 'Strong condemnation': Qatar Gaza mediator Qatar expressed "its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli attack," the Gulf state's foreign ministry said, adding that the "dangerous escalation threatens security and stability of the region and hinders efforts to de-escalate and reach diplomatic solutions". 'Aggressive actions': Turkey "Israel must put an immediate end to its aggressive actions that could lead to further conflicts," Turkey's foreign ministry said in a statement. 'Reduce tensions urgently': UK British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement: "The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region." 'Legitimate right to defend itself': Yemen's Houthi rebels Tehran-backed Huthi rebels said on Telegram they backed "Iran's full and legitimate right to... develop its nuclear programme" and that "we strongly condemn the brutal Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran and affirm its full and legitimate right to respond by all possible means". 11:20 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Friday said it was "crucial" for allies of Israel to work to de-escalate tensions, after Israel struck some 100 targets in Iran, including Tehran's nuclear and military sites. "I think it is now crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work, as we speak, to de-escalate. I know that they are doing that and I think that is now the first order of the day," Rutte told reporters at a press conference in Stockholm. "This was a unilateral action by Israel," Rutte said, speaking alongside Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, while noting it was "obviously a rapidly evolving situation". 11:10 UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi said on Friday that nuclear facilities "must never be attacked" and called "on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation" following Israeli strikes on Iran. "This development is deeply concerning... I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond," Grossi, who heads the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a statement to board members. 11:00 Iran sharply criticised the UN nuclear watchdog on Friday, accusing it of "silence" over Israel's strikes on its nuclear facilities and scientists. In a statement, Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said it considers the "silence" from the International Atomic Energy Agency "as a form of cooperation with the Zionist regime," adding that the Israeli attack was a "defeat for the IAEA resulting from its unjustifiable shortcomings". Shortly afterwards, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi issued a statement saying nuclear facilities "must never be attacked". Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
5 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Iran says it launched hundreds of ballistic missiles towards Israel - International
Iran's state news agency reported that Iran has fired hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel as part of its retaliation for Israel's Friday attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites. IRNA said the Iranian military had dubbed its operation 'Severe Punishment.' Air raid sirens have sounded across Israel ahead following the Iranian missile attack. The rumble of explosions could be heard throughout Jerusalem, and Israeli TV stations showed plumes of smoke rising in Tel Aviv after an apparent missile strike. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The army said dozens of missiles were launched. The army has ordered residents across the country to move into bomb shelters. One women died and at least 60 more people were injured, according to Israeli media. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
