Austria Imposes Restrictions on Unemployment Benefits
Israa Farhan
The Austrian government has
decided
to introduce new measures that will prevent individuals receiving unemployment benefits or emergency assistance from earning any additional income in the future.
The decision was part of a new program announced at the conclusion of intensive government meetings. However, exceptions will be made for elderly individuals and those who have been unemployed for an extended period.
According to the government program, unemployed individuals in Austria are currently allowed to earn supplementary income alongside their benefits from the Employment Service (AMS), with a cap on additional earnings set at €551.10 per month.
The Ministry of Economy, headed by Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, clarified that unemployment benefits will be distributed in phases.
At present, unemployed individuals in Austria are receiving a record 55% of their last earned income as unemployment benefits.
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Daily News Egypt
39 minutes ago
- Daily News Egypt
Egyptian, Turkish leaders warn regional escalation risks ‘catastrophic repercussions'
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, warned in a phone call on Saturday that ongoing Israeli escalation in the region could have catastrophic consequences for regional security and stability. According to a statement from the Egyptian presidency, the two leaders stressed that the current approach to the conflict could expose the resources of the region's peoples to grave danger and risked plunging the entire Middle East into 'overwhelming chaos' with consequences for all nations. Egyptian Presidency Spokesperson Mohamed El Shennawy said the leaders emphasised the need for an immediate halt to military actions. They also called for a return to negotiations between the United States and Iran, with Omani mediation, describing it as the only path to a peaceful resolution of the current crisis. The spokesperson added that Sisi stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to address all security concerns related to nuclear non-proliferation in the region. This would involve achieving the universality of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and establishing a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction that includes all countries in the region. The two presidents also discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip. The spokesman said Sisi reiterated that a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the 'only guarantee' for achieving lasting peace and stability. Sisi called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a position the Turkish president supported. The leaders affirmed their complete rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from their land or the 'liquidation of the Palestinian cause,' and agreed to continue consultation and joint work to restore regional stability. The post Egyptian, Turkish leaders warn regional escalation risks 'catastrophic repercussions' appeared first on Dailynewsegypt.
Daily News Egypt
39 minutes ago
- Daily News Egypt
Israel intensifies strikes on Iran as Tehran retaliates with hundreds of ballistic missiles
Tensions between Israel and Iran reached unprecedented levels on Saturday as Tel Aviv launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites in Tehran, Kermanshah, and Abadan. Both Israeli and Iranian sources reported the killing of several high-ranking Iranian military commanders. According to the Israeli military, over 70 fighter jets took part in the overnight raids. A military spokesperson declared Israel had secured 'aerial freedom of movement' from western Iran to the capital. Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi proclaimed that 'Tehran is no longer safe' and that 'the road to Iran is now open.' In response, Iran launched 'Operation True Promise 3' late Friday night, unleashing a barrage of ballistic missile attacks on dozens of Israeli military targets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the campaign would continue 'until the Zionist enemy regrets its actions,' accusing Israel of killing children in residential areas. Iranian media reported that air defence systems were activated in Tehran, with loud explosions and bright flashes lighting up the night sky. The semi-official Fars News Agency claimed that an Israeli aircraft was downed and its pilot captured—a claim the Israeli occupation forces have denied. Amid the escalating conflict, Israel shut down Ben Gurion Airport and placed Tel Aviv on high alert. CNN reported that hospitals had begun moving patients into fortified underground wards in anticipation of further attacks. In Ramat Gan, the mayor described 'unimaginable destruction' from Iranian missile strikes, which damaged dozens of buildings and caused multiple casualties. In a notable development, Iranian state media quoted official sources saying that Tehran had formally informed the United States, United Kingdom, and France of its plans to launch large-scale attacks on Israel. Tehran warned that any foreign intervention would trigger retaliatory strikes on foreign military bases and naval assets in the Gulf and Red Sea. Iranian officials also hinted at the possible closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a vital route for global oil shipments. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that 'Tel Aviv will not allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons,' confirming a strike on Iran's senior nuclear leadership and describing the attack on the Fordow uranium enrichment site as 'a devastating blow.' Military sources quoted by The Times of Israel said the operation was still ongoing, with several nuclear sites yet to be targeted. The offensive, they stated, is intended to 'degrade Iran's ballistic missile capabilities' and weaken its regional deterrence. Politically, Iran's parliamentary Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy announced a suspension of nuclear talks with the United States, asserting that 'there is no point in negotiating with a party that supports Israel.' Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned what it called 'efforts to justify blatant aggression' by Israel's allies, accusing them of being 'accomplices in war crimes.' On the international stage, China expressed grave concern. Its ambassador to the United Nations condemned Israel for 'violating Iranian sovereignty' and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities. Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the door remained open for Iran to return to negotiations. In a strong statement of solidarity, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif voiced full support for Iran, urging Muslim nations to unite against what he described as 'Israeli aggression in Iran, Yemen, and Palestine.' He called on Islamic countries maintaining ties with Israel to sever them and requested an emergency summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In Iraq, senior security officials told AFP that Baghdad had formally requested Tehran to avoid targeting US interests on Iraqi territory in a bid to prevent broader regional escalation. The post Israel intensifies strikes on Iran as Tehran retaliates with hundreds of ballistic missiles appeared first on Dailynewsegypt.
Al-Ahram Weekly
an hour ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
🔴 LIVE UPDATES: Iran activates defence network as Israeli strikes continue across country - Region
The Middle East has woken to an unprecedented and perilous escalation on Friday, as Israel launched a large-scale military attack on Iran, targeting critical nuclear facilities, military installations, and even residential areas across the Islamic Republic, pushing Tehran to retaliate by hitting Tel Aviv. Related Iran retaliates to Israeli strikes by waves of missiles Iran's Foreign Ministry calls nuclear talks with US 'meaningless' after Israeli attacks Jordan says intercepted drones, missiles in its airspace Overnight, the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated significantly, as Tehran retaliated to Tel Aviv's attacks. Here's a brief rundown: Iranian Missile Barrages on Israel: Iran launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles at Israel through late Friday and into Saturday morning. Air raid sirens blared across Israel, with explosions reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. While Israel's Iron Dome and US aided Israel in interceptions as well, some missiles penetrated, causing damage to buildings and vehicles, particularly in Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan, and killing at least 3 Israelis. Continued Israeli Strikes on Iran: Simultaneously, the Israeli military confirmed it conducted overnight strikes on dozens of targets in Iran, including air defenses in the capital region and missile bases in Kermanshah and Tabriz. Satellite images have begun to confirm damage to Iran's ballistic missile arsenal at these locations. Heightened Alert and Airspace: Israel has paused natural gas supplies to Egypt, leading to energy shortfalls. Jordan reopened its airspace this morning after closing it due to the crossfire. Diplomatic Fallout: Iran's Foreign Ministry has deemed further nuclear talks with the United States "meaningless". Leadership Reactions: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Israel would not "escape safely" from its "great crime," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of "more strikes on the way." 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. 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. Saturday 14 June 22:00 Iran's defence network has started operating in Tehran, Hormozgan, Kermanshah, West Azerbaijan, Lorestan, and Khuzestan, according to the country's Tasnim news agency. The agency also reports that a large number of drones were identified and destroyed during the day in the western provinces and Qom. Footage shared by the agency, which the BBC has not verified, appears to show flashes and explosions in the sky. Earlier, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief spokesperson, Effie Defrin, said, "even at this hour, the Air Force pilots continue to attack and carry out extensive strikes in various areas of Iran." "A series of attacks that has not stopped for nearly 40 hours and includes more than 150 targets. The focus of the attacks in the past 24 hours, Tehran," he added. In a televised briefing, Defrin says Israel targeted an underground site in western Iran "used for storing and launching surface-to-surface missiles and cruise missiles." "This site was attacked and the senior figures who visited it in the past were also eliminated," he said. Defrin added that the missiles stored there were supposed to be launched "against Israeli citizens or even against forces of other Western countries in the Middle East," according to the BBC. 21:30 Azerbaijan on Saturday reassured neighbouring Iran that it would not allow its territory to be used for attacks against Tehran, following unprecedented Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Iran has long expressed concern that Israel -- a close ally of Azerbaijan and a key arms supplier -- could use Azerbaijani territory to stage attacks. "Azerbaijan will never allow its territory to be used for attacks on third countries, including friendly Iran," Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi. In a phone call with Araghchi, Bayramov warned that the "conflict risked engulfing the broader region", and called for " diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation", the Azerbaijani foreign ministry press service told AFP. The ministry added that Azerbaijan had facilitated land transit across its border after Iran closed its airspace in response to the Israeli strikes. 21:05 Iranian state television said air defences were activated Saturday to respond to a drone attack at the strategic port of Bandar Abbas on the second day of Israel's strikes on the country. "The air defence of Bandar Abbas was activated to combat micro-drones," state TV reported without elaborating. Citing an air defence commander, it also said that "over the past hour, 10 hostile Israeli aircraft were shot down in different areas" of the country. 21:00 Britain is deploying assets, including fighter jets, to the Middle East amid tensions between Iran and Israel, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Saturday, heading to Canada for G7 talks. "We are moving assets to the region, including jets, and that is for contingency support," Starmer told reporters travelling with him on his plane to Ottawa. The UK leader said he had spoken with both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since Israel launched its first attacks on Iran early Friday, hitting military and nuclear sites. According to officials, dozens have been killed including top army and Revolutionary Guards commanders as well as civilians. Iran has responded with barrages of drones and missiles fired at Israel overnight Friday into Saturday. Starmer said the situation was "fast-moving" as well as "intense". "We're having ongoing discussions with our allies all of the time, both I and (foreign minister) David Lammy... who also spoke to the Iranians," he said. "Our constant message is de-escalation, and therefore everything we're doing, all discussions we're having are to do with de-escalation." The UK leader said his talk on Friday with Netanyahu had been "good and constructive" and had "included discussions about the safety and security of Israel". Foreign Secretary Lammy said earlier Saturday that he was "alarmed" by further strikes overnight. "We must urgently de-escalate & prevent any further harm to civilians," Lammy said in a post to social media, adding he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi "to urge calm". 20:45 Ali Shamkhani, Iran's top advisor to its supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei, has died in the hospital a day after Israel launched airstrikes across the country, Iranian media reports. Shamkhani had previously served as Iran's top national security official for a decade and had represented Iran in the China-facilitated rapprochement talks with Saudi Arabia. 20:00 Iran's Ministry of Oil stated that Israel attacked two major gas fields in Iran's southern Bushehr province. Quoting eyewitnesses, Iranian outlets said the attack on Phase 14 of South Pars Gas field was carried out by a drone. Another gas company, Fajr Jam Gas Refining Company, has also been targeted in the same province. 19:30 The next round of US-Iran nuclear talks set for Sunday will not go ahead, mediator Oman's foreign minister Badr Albusaidi says. "The Iran-US talks scheduled to be held in Muscat this Sunday will not now take place," he wrote on X. "But diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace." Earlier, Iran's foreign minister said continuing talks with the US is 'unjustifiable' given the current situation. 19:20 Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as efforts towards a Ukraine settlement, in a phone call with US counterpart Donald Trump, Russian state media reported Saturday. "The dangerous escalation in the Middle East was, of course, at the centre of the exchange," the agencies cited the Kremlin as saying. On Friday, Putin condemned Israel's wave of strikes on Iran, the Kremlin said, following separate phone calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Putin "stressed that Russia condemns Israel's actions, which violate the UN Charter and law," the Kremlin said in a statement. He also told Netanyahu of his "readiness to provide mediation services in order to prevent further escalation of tensions." 19:15 Iranian media reported a "massive explosion" on Saturday following an Israeli drone strike on the South Pars refinery in the southern port city of Kangan. "An hour ago, an Israeli drone hit one of the South Pars Phase 14 refineries, causing a massive explosion and fire in the refinery," the Tasnim news agency said. Fars agency reported firefighters were working to extinguish a blaze that had erupted as a result of the attack. BREAKING: Fire Erupts After Israeli Strike on South Pars, the World's Largest Gas Field An Israeli drone strike reportedly hit Phase 14 of Iran's South Pars Gas Field on Saturday, sparking a fire at one of the world's most critical energy sites, according to FARS News Agency.… — Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) June 14, 2025 19:00 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Saturday that there would be a "more severe and powerful response" if Israel continued to strike his country. "The continuation of Zionist aggression will be met with a more severe and powerful response from the Iranian armed forces," Pezeshkian said in a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to the Iranian presidenc. Iranian authorities said that Israel's airstrikes on Friday killed at least 30 military personnel in East Azerbaijan province, according to the news agency ISNA. 'Following the Zionist regime's aggression against this province since Friday morning, 30 military personnel and one Red Crescent member have been martyred in defence of the Islamic homeland, and 55 people have been injured,' ISNA reported on Saturday, quoting East Azerbaijan provincial authorities. An anti-Israel poster, which reads in Persian "look for shelters among the debris", hangs on the side of building in Tehran's Enghlab Square. AFP 18:15 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his country will strike "every site and every target of the ayatollah regime" in Iran. "We have dealt a very severe blow to Iran's main enrichment site and if necessary we will also hit it again," he says in a newly-released video message. "There is a huge threat from ballistic missiles, we have taken action to destroy Iran's ballistic missile production capabilities," he adds. Netanyahu added that Israel's air strikes on Iran had the "clear support" of US President Donald Trump. "Our enemy is your enemy... We're dealing with something that will threaten all of us sooner or later. Our victory will be your victory," Netanyahu said in a video statement addressed to Trump on the US leader's birthday. "This is what Israel is doing with the support, the clear support of the president of the United States, Donald Trump, and the American people and many others in the world." 17:30 Iranian media reported a police chief and another officer were killed in drone strike Saturday, about 300 kilometres (186 miles) west of Tehran, as Israel kept up its air campaign against the Islamic republic for a second day. "This morning police chief Major Habibollah Akbarian, along with second lieutenant Amir Hossein Seifi, were martyred by a drone strike in Asadabad city in the western province of Hamedan," the ISNA press agency reported. 17:00 Iran's foreign minister says continuing nuclear talks with the US is 'unjustifiable'. Abbas Araqchi tells Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, that given the current situation and what he calls the 'savagery' of Israel, talks can't be justified, as reported by the BBC. 16:30 "The Iranian dictator is turning the citizens of Iran into hostages and bringing about a reality in which they -- especially the residents of Tehran -- will pay a heavy price because of the criminal harm to Israeli civilians," said Defence Minister Israel Katz. "If (Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles toward the Israeli home front -- Tehran will burn." The Israeli military claimed its raids had cleared its path to the capital. "We have created aerial freedom of action from west Iran all the way to Tehran... Tehran is no longer immune," said spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin. 16:00 Continuing Iran-US nuclear talks is unjustifiable while 'barbarous' Israeli attacks persist on the country, Iranian state media cited Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi as saying on Saturday. On Friday, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the dialogue with the US over Tehran's nuclear programme is 'meaningless' after Israel's biggest-ever military strike against on Iran, accusing Washington of supporting the attack. 15:44 Russia strongly criticized Israel's attacks on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, labeling the assault as unjustified and illegal. Russia's First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dmitri Polyansky, said that Israel's attack 'totally' violated the UN Charter and international law. He called the strike an act of aggression and said Moscow fully supports Iran's stance. Earlier Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed Moscow's readiness to mediate between Israel and Iran, according to Russian medias. Putin engaged in separate phone calls with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During these discussions, Putin condemned Israel's recent strikes. A statement from the Kremlin also affirmed that Moscow 'strongly condemns' Israel's aggression. 15:41 The Israeli army said that its ongoing air campaign in Iran had now given it an "aerial freedom" for actions from west Iran to Tehran. "Tehran is no longer immune," army spokesman claimed, adding that the Israeli air force "launched a massive strike involving more than 70 fighter jets, targeting objectives in Tehran" overnight. 15:30 Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty condemned the Israeli attacks on Iran saying they represent a dangerous escalation that jeopardizes regional peace and security, in separate phone calls with his Italian and Spanish counterparts, Antonio Tajani and José Manuel Albares. He rejected any violation of state sovereignty or territorial integrity and urged efforts to prevent the conflict from expanding. 15:12 A China-led 10-state regional group said it strongly condemns Israel's strikes on Iran. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a Eurasian security and political group, said Israel's act targeted civilian facilities and nuclear facilities, causing civilian casualties, Reuters reported. 'This seriously violated the principles of international law and the UN Charter, undermined Iran's sovereignty, undermined regional and international security, and had a serious impact on global peace and stability,' SCO said in a statement. 15:00 The Israeli army said that its fighter jets 'were set to resume striking targets in Tehran. Footage shared by an affiliate of Iran's state TV showed a fire after an Israeli strike at Zagros Khodro, a former car manufacturing plant in Borujerd, AP said. The state-run IRNA news agency also reported an Israeli strike on Saturday around Abadan in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province. Other strikes appeared to be happening in Kermanshah near a military barracks. 14:50 The UK's foreign secretary David Lammy spoke to Iran's foreign minister to 'urge calm'. "We must urgently de-escalate and prevent any further harm to civilians," he posted on X. "Following the prime minister's call with Netanyahu, I spoke to Iranian FM Araghchi to urge calm." Lammy is expected to spend the day in talks with counterparts across the Middle East. 14:23 Seven Israeli soldiers were wounded by an Iranian ballistic missile strike in central Israel last night, the Israeli army said, according to AFP. Footage documenting the extent of the destruction in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, after it was targeted by Iranian missiles, in retaliation to the ongoing Israeli attacks. "مشهد غير مسبوق في إسرائيل".. لقطات توثق حجم الدمار في مدينة رمات غان قرب تل أبيب بعد تعرضها للقصف بصواريخ إيرانية — الجزيرة مصر (@AJA_Egypt) June 14, 2025 13:34 Three Revolutionary Guards were killed in an Israeli attack on the northwestern Iranian city of Zanjan, Tansnim news agency reported Saturday. This comes following the assassination of General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the head of the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), by Israel's series of airstrikes in Iran's capital. Israel has also killed three more Iranian nuclear scientists, state television reported Saturday, bringing to nine the total figure. "Three of the country's nuclear scientists -- Ali Bekaei Karimi, Mansour Asgari, and Saeed Borji -- were martyred during the Zionist regime's terrorist attacks," the broadcaster said. Iranian media had said earlier that six others were killed in the Israeli attack. 13:22 Iran has warned the US, UK and France that their military bases and ships will be targeted if they help block the Iranian missile and drone retaliation for Israel's attack. 13:21 Israel's Ben Gurion international airport is closed until further notice, a spokeswoman said on Saturday."There is no date or day set to reopen the airport," airport spokeswoman Lisa Diver told AFP. 13:12 In a major military leadership reshuffle, following the Israeli attacks, Major General Amir Hatami has been appointed Chief Commander of the Iran's army by order of Commander-in-Chief Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, IRNA news agency reported. Hatami has previously served as Defense Minister from 2013 to 2021. Khamenei also appointed a new head of the Revolutionary Guards air arm on Saturday to replace the one killed by an Israeli strike. Majid Mousavi will replace Amirali Hajizadeh as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps aerospace force. 13:00 Following Jordan, Syria and Lebanon reopened their airspace on Saturday, a day after imposing closures as Israel and Iran traded fire. The escalation has led to airspace closures across Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Syria. Global airlines cancelled or rerouted flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran and other destinations in the region amid the shutdown. 12:15 Around 60 people, including 20 children, were killed in an Israeli attack on a housing complex in Iranian capital Tehran, Iran's state TV reported. Iranian Red Crescent volunteers working in a Tehran neighbourhood hit by a reported Israeli strike. AFP 12:05 The UN nuclear watchdog — the International Atomic Energy Agency — confirmed in a post on X that the Isfahan nuclear site in Iran was targeted several times on Friday. 'No increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of now,' the agency said. Esfahan nuclear facilities were targeted several times on June 13. No increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of now. The IAEA remains in close contact with Iran. — IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 14, 2025 12:00 Jordan's civil aviation authority said it reopened its airspace on Saturday, a day after suspending it as Israel and Iran traded fire. Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men look on at a site in Tel Aviv hit by a missile fired from Iran on. AFP 11:25 Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized the urgent need for the United Nations to take swift steps in response to Israel's aggression. In a telephone conversation on Friday with the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Araqchi provided details about Israel's strikes on multiple sites inside Iran, including military bases, nuclear facilities, and residential buildings, Iran's official news agency, (IRNA) said. The top diplomat noted that Iran preserves its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and called on the U.N. to act immediately in line with its duties as per the UN Charter to condemn the Israeli strikes and take necessary measures to hold the regime accountable. 11:10 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel and Iran to halt their military attacks, warning against further escalation and urging a return to diplomacy. 'Israeli bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites. Iranian missile strikes in Tel Aviv. Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail,' Guterres wrote on X on Saturday. Israeli bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites. Iranian missile strikes in Tel Aviv. Enough escalation. Time to stop. Peace and diplomacy must prevail. — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 13, 2025 10:45 Iran's ambassador to the United Nations has warned that Tehran will respond 'decisively and proportionately' to Israeli strikes on Iranian territory, describing them as 'acts of terrorism," the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council session late on Friday, Saeed Iravani said Iran reserves the right to respond 'at a time, in a place, and by means of its choosing.' He said the attacks violated international law and Iranian sovereignty, the news agency added. 10:00 Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman called further nuclear talks with the United States 'meaningless' after Israeli strikes on the country, state television said. 'The U.S. did a job that made the talks become meaningless,' Baghaei was quoted as saying. He added that Israel has passed all Iran's red lines by committing a 'criminal act' through its strikes. However, he stopped short of saying the talks were cancelled. 09:50 Tehran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Israel into Saturday morning, killing at least 3 people and wounding dozens, after a series of blistering Israeli attacks on the heart of Iran. Sirens and the boom of explosions, possibly from Israeli interceptors, could be heard in the sky over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv early Saturday. AP journalists in Tel Aviv could see what appeared to be at least two Iranian missiles hit the ground, but there was no immediate word of casualties. Damaged buildings at a site hit by a missile fired from Iran in the Israeli city of Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv on June 14, 2025. AFP This photo shows rocket trails and intercepts in the sky over the Israeli city of Netanya on June 14, 2025. AFP 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. Members of the Israeli security forces inspect a site hit by a missile fired from Iran, in Ramat Gan on the outskirts of Tel Aviv on June 13, 2025. AFP Friday 13 June 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". 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 claimed 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. 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. 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: 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." 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. 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. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
