Latest news with #ImamKhomeiniInternationalAirport
Yemen Online
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists reportedly targeted
The Israeli army has launched a large-scale military operation dubbed 'Rising Lion,' confirming that dozens of fighter jets carried out a 'preemptive' strike on strategic sites deep within Iranian territory. Iranian state television reported that the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran was among the targets, with local media showing images of fire and smoke billowing from the site. Multiple heavy explosions were heard in northern, western, and central Tehran in the early hours of Friday. State-run media also reported that residential areas in Tehran and other cities were hit, with children reportedly among the casualties. Social media images showed damaged residential buildings, and flights were suspended at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport. According to Israeli Army Radio, the air force is continuing operations inside Iran, while Israel's airspace has been closed until further notice. Axios cited an Israeli official stating that the strike targeted high-ranking IRGC commanders and senior nuclear scientists. Israeli news outlet Walla quoted security sources suggesting that key members of Iran's General Staff, including the Chief of Staff, were likely eliminated in the opening wave. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened Israel's security cabinet, stating the campaign 'may last for weeks.' Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency, warning of potential retaliatory missile and drone attacks. The operation comes just two days before a scheduled round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. Iranian officials had previously warned that any military action would trigger a firm and decisive response.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Australia calls for calm as Iran-Israel conflict erupts
Australia is calling for urgent talks amid escalating conflict in the Middle East as Israel and Iran trade strikes. Iran has retaliated with drone attacks after Israel struck nuclear and military targets in the Iranian capital Tehran. Israel hit dozens of sites on Friday as tensions soared after a United Nations agency found Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said any escalation in the region was concerning. "We, of course, are very conscious of the threat that Iran becoming a nuclear state would represent to peace and security in the region as well," he told reporters in Fiji. "We want to see these issues resolved through dialogue and the United States have been playing an important role there." Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the conflict risked further destabilising a volatile region. "We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that ... would further exacerbate tensions," she said. The federal government's Smartraveller website was updated on Friday with a "do not travel" warning for Iran. Iran halted flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country's main airport, Iranian state TV said. Tensions had been building in the region as US efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appeared to be deadlocked. US intelligence previously indicated Israel was preparing for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, as part of ongoing efforts to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling out diplomats from the Middle East. Jessica Genauer, senior lecturer in international relations at Flinders University, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to attack Iran was likely driven by domestic concerns. "Netanyahu faces political dissatisfaction with his handling of the Hamas-Israel war," she said. "Recent suggestions that Trump is turning away from a close friendship with Netanyahu is further eroding Netanyahu's popularity. "By attacking Iran, Netanyahu hopes to reinforce the fear of an external threat to Israel - and support for his government as competent and tough on security." The Iranian regime has been greatly weakened by domestic unrest, economic sanctions and the dismantling by Israel of proxy forces in the region - including Hamas, Hezbollah and Iranian supply routes in Syria. But not responding to the attack would undermine the regime's legitimacy, Dr Genauer said. "So, we can expect Iran to respond ... with drone and missile attacks against Israel," she said. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of "severe punishment" for Israel, accusing it of revealing "its malicious nature even more than before by targeting residential areas", in a post on X. Israel's ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said the "pre-emptive" strike was necessary to neuter Iran's nuclear program. "A nuclear-armed Iran poses an existential threat to the State of Israel and a grave danger to regional and global stability," he said in a statement. Meanwhile, Senator Wong announced Australia would provide an extra $10 million to help with the distribution of urgent medical and food supplies to Gaza. "The situation for the people of Gaza is catastrophic," she said. "Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies, schools, hospitals and homes destroyed." Australia has contributed more than $110 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel in 2023. Australia is calling for urgent talks amid escalating conflict in the Middle East as Israel and Iran trade strikes. Iran has retaliated with drone attacks after Israel struck nuclear and military targets in the Iranian capital Tehran. Israel hit dozens of sites on Friday as tensions soared after a United Nations agency found Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said any escalation in the region was concerning. "We, of course, are very conscious of the threat that Iran becoming a nuclear state would represent to peace and security in the region as well," he told reporters in Fiji. "We want to see these issues resolved through dialogue and the United States have been playing an important role there." Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the conflict risked further destabilising a volatile region. "We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that ... would further exacerbate tensions," she said. The federal government's Smartraveller website was updated on Friday with a "do not travel" warning for Iran. Iran halted flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country's main airport, Iranian state TV said. Tensions had been building in the region as US efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appeared to be deadlocked. US intelligence previously indicated Israel was preparing for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, as part of ongoing efforts to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling out diplomats from the Middle East. Jessica Genauer, senior lecturer in international relations at Flinders University, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to attack Iran was likely driven by domestic concerns. "Netanyahu faces political dissatisfaction with his handling of the Hamas-Israel war," she said. "Recent suggestions that Trump is turning away from a close friendship with Netanyahu is further eroding Netanyahu's popularity. "By attacking Iran, Netanyahu hopes to reinforce the fear of an external threat to Israel - and support for his government as competent and tough on security." The Iranian regime has been greatly weakened by domestic unrest, economic sanctions and the dismantling by Israel of proxy forces in the region - including Hamas, Hezbollah and Iranian supply routes in Syria. But not responding to the attack would undermine the regime's legitimacy, Dr Genauer said. "So, we can expect Iran to respond ... with drone and missile attacks against Israel," she said. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of "severe punishment" for Israel, accusing it of revealing "its malicious nature even more than before by targeting residential areas", in a post on X. Israel's ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said the "pre-emptive" strike was necessary to neuter Iran's nuclear program. "A nuclear-armed Iran poses an existential threat to the State of Israel and a grave danger to regional and global stability," he said in a statement. Meanwhile, Senator Wong announced Australia would provide an extra $10 million to help with the distribution of urgent medical and food supplies to Gaza. "The situation for the people of Gaza is catastrophic," she said. "Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies, schools, hospitals and homes destroyed." Australia has contributed more than $110 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel in 2023. Australia is calling for urgent talks amid escalating conflict in the Middle East as Israel and Iran trade strikes. Iran has retaliated with drone attacks after Israel struck nuclear and military targets in the Iranian capital Tehran. Israel hit dozens of sites on Friday as tensions soared after a United Nations agency found Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said any escalation in the region was concerning. "We, of course, are very conscious of the threat that Iran becoming a nuclear state would represent to peace and security in the region as well," he told reporters in Fiji. "We want to see these issues resolved through dialogue and the United States have been playing an important role there." Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the conflict risked further destabilising a volatile region. "We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that ... would further exacerbate tensions," she said. The federal government's Smartraveller website was updated on Friday with a "do not travel" warning for Iran. Iran halted flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country's main airport, Iranian state TV said. Tensions had been building in the region as US efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appeared to be deadlocked. US intelligence previously indicated Israel was preparing for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, as part of ongoing efforts to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling out diplomats from the Middle East. Jessica Genauer, senior lecturer in international relations at Flinders University, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to attack Iran was likely driven by domestic concerns. "Netanyahu faces political dissatisfaction with his handling of the Hamas-Israel war," she said. "Recent suggestions that Trump is turning away from a close friendship with Netanyahu is further eroding Netanyahu's popularity. "By attacking Iran, Netanyahu hopes to reinforce the fear of an external threat to Israel - and support for his government as competent and tough on security." The Iranian regime has been greatly weakened by domestic unrest, economic sanctions and the dismantling by Israel of proxy forces in the region - including Hamas, Hezbollah and Iranian supply routes in Syria. But not responding to the attack would undermine the regime's legitimacy, Dr Genauer said. "So, we can expect Iran to respond ... with drone and missile attacks against Israel," she said. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of "severe punishment" for Israel, accusing it of revealing "its malicious nature even more than before by targeting residential areas", in a post on X. Israel's ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said the "pre-emptive" strike was necessary to neuter Iran's nuclear program. "A nuclear-armed Iran poses an existential threat to the State of Israel and a grave danger to regional and global stability," he said in a statement. Meanwhile, Senator Wong announced Australia would provide an extra $10 million to help with the distribution of urgent medical and food supplies to Gaza. "The situation for the people of Gaza is catastrophic," she said. "Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies, schools, hospitals and homes destroyed." Australia has contributed more than $110 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel in 2023. Australia is calling for urgent talks amid escalating conflict in the Middle East as Israel and Iran trade strikes. Iran has retaliated with drone attacks after Israel struck nuclear and military targets in the Iranian capital Tehran. Israel hit dozens of sites on Friday as tensions soared after a United Nations agency found Iran was not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said any escalation in the region was concerning. "We, of course, are very conscious of the threat that Iran becoming a nuclear state would represent to peace and security in the region as well," he told reporters in Fiji. "We want to see these issues resolved through dialogue and the United States have been playing an important role there." Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the conflict risked further destabilising a volatile region. "We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that ... would further exacerbate tensions," she said. The federal government's Smartraveller website was updated on Friday with a "do not travel" warning for Iran. Iran halted flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country's main airport, Iranian state TV said. Tensions had been building in the region as US efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appeared to be deadlocked. US intelligence previously indicated Israel was preparing for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, as part of ongoing efforts to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned there was a "chance of massive conflict" involving Iran as Washington began pulling out diplomats from the Middle East. Jessica Genauer, senior lecturer in international relations at Flinders University, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to attack Iran was likely driven by domestic concerns. "Netanyahu faces political dissatisfaction with his handling of the Hamas-Israel war," she said. "Recent suggestions that Trump is turning away from a close friendship with Netanyahu is further eroding Netanyahu's popularity. "By attacking Iran, Netanyahu hopes to reinforce the fear of an external threat to Israel - and support for his government as competent and tough on security." The Iranian regime has been greatly weakened by domestic unrest, economic sanctions and the dismantling by Israel of proxy forces in the region - including Hamas, Hezbollah and Iranian supply routes in Syria. But not responding to the attack would undermine the regime's legitimacy, Dr Genauer said. "So, we can expect Iran to respond ... with drone and missile attacks against Israel," she said. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of "severe punishment" for Israel, accusing it of revealing "its malicious nature even more than before by targeting residential areas", in a post on X. Israel's ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon said the "pre-emptive" strike was necessary to neuter Iran's nuclear program. "A nuclear-armed Iran poses an existential threat to the State of Israel and a grave danger to regional and global stability," he said in a statement. Meanwhile, Senator Wong announced Australia would provide an extra $10 million to help with the distribution of urgent medical and food supplies to Gaza. "The situation for the people of Gaza is catastrophic," she said. "Civilians killed by the thousands, people starving, children going without food and medical supplies, schools, hospitals and homes destroyed." Australia has contributed more than $110 million in humanitarian assistance for civilians affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel in 2023.
Leaders
a day ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Middle East Erupts: Israel Strikes Iran
Israel launched strikes against Iran on Friday, targeting nuclear and military sites, following a warning from US President Donald Trump about potential massive conflict in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the strikes targeted the core of Iran's nuclear enrichment program, including the Natanz facility and nuclear scientists. Netanyahu emphasized that the operation would persist for as many days as needed to achieve its objectives. Iranian state media reported that residential buildings in Tehran were also hit, resulting in civilian casualties including women and children. Fire and smoke were seen at a key site for Iran's Revolutionary Guards, and explosions were heard in Natanyeh city. Iranian media confirmed that the leader of the Guards, Hossein Salami, was killed in the strikes. Air traffic was halted at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport, and neighboring Iraq also closed its airspace and suspended all flights at its airports. Responses and Reactions Israel declared a state of emergency and closed its airspace, with Defense Minister Israel Katz warning of possible retaliatory action from Tehran. Katz stated that following Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against Israel and its civilian population was anticipated soon. An Israeli military official noted that the army believed Iran could strike Israel at any moment. US President Donald Trump indicated that a deal on Iran's nuclear program was close but warned that an Israeli attack could disrupt negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran not to target US interests or personnel, stating that Washington was not involved in the strikes. The United States also announced it was reducing embassy staff in Iraq, a long-standing zone of proxy conflict with Iran. Oil prices surged by as much as 8%, while stocks plummeted following the Israeli strikes, which came after Trump's warning. Trump told reporters at the White House that while he did not want to say an attack was imminent, it looked like something that could very well happen. He also mentioned that a good deal on Iran's nuclear program was close but that an attack could jeopardize it. Historical Context and Ongoing Tensions Israel, which relies on US military and diplomatic support, views Iran as an existential threat and has targeted Iranian air defenses in the past. Netanyahu has vowed less restraint since the unprecedented October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Tehran-backed Hamas, which triggered a massive Israeli offensive in Gaza. The United States and other Western countries, along with Israel, have repeatedly accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, which Iran has consistently denied. Iran's nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, criticized the resolution as extremist and blamed Israeli influence. In response, Iran announced it would launch a new enrichment center in a secure location and replace first-generation machines with advanced sixth-generation machines at the Fordo uranium enrichment plant. Iran currently enriches uranium to 60%, significantly above the 3.67% limit set in the 2015 deal and close to the 90 percent needed for a nuclear warhead. Short link : Post Views: 2
India.com
a day ago
- Politics
- India.com
Israel-Iran War: First showed evidence to the world, then fired missiles on Israel...
Israel-Iran War: First showed evidence to the world, then fired missiles on Israel... Declaring the launch of Operation Rising Lion aimed at foiling Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed on Friday that his country has struck at the heart of the Islamic regime's nuclear programme, including its main enrichment facility in Natanz. In retaliation, Iran also showered missiles on Israel. More information is not yet available. Interestingly, Iran sent a message to the whole world before retaliating. It wrote on X account- 'Remember, we did not start.' Iran expresses its intention After this, Iran Military posted another post and wrote, 'Never invite anyone to war (do not be aggressive in war), but if someone calls you to war, then answer him (and do not show any leniency in war against the enemy), because the one who invites to fight is a tyrant. And the tyrant is always defeated.' A direct war has started between Iran and Israel. Earlier Israel used to fight Iran-backed Hamas and Houthi rebels. But now a new war has started in the Middle East. Israel bombed Iran in the early hours of Friday and destroyed it. There was an explosion at Iran's Natanz and Fordo nuclear sites. Not only this, there is news of an explosion at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport as well. There is panic after the Israeli attack. Iran has declared an emergency. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has also been shifted to a safe place in Israel. However, Israel has called this attack its first phase. At the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel's attack will continue. According to news agency CNN, Israel said that this is not a one-day attack on Iran. Sources say that Iran's Chief of Staff has also been targeted in the attack. At present, updates are awaited. Actually, there was a possibility for many days that Israel would attack Iran. Meanwhile, America said that it has no hand in Israel's attack on Iran.
7NEWS
a day ago
- Politics
- 7NEWS
Fears of all-out war as Israel launches ‘preemptive' strikes against Iran
Israel has attacked Iran's capital, with explosions booming across Tehran as Israel says it targeted nuclear and military sites. The strikes were a 'preemptive, precise, combined offensive' that included 'dozens of targets' across different areas of Iran, an Israeli military official said in a press briefing. The attack early on Friday comes as tensions have reached new heights over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. The Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time in 20 years on Thursday censured Iran over it not working with inspectors. Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site in the country and swap out some centrifuges for more-advanced ones. Israel for years has warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it does not want - though official there have repeatedly warned it could build them. The US has been preparing for something to happen, already pulling some diplomats from Iraq's capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of US troops in the wider Middle East. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel took 'unilateral action against Iran' and that Israel advised the US that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defence. 'We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,' Rubio said in a statement released by the White House. Rubio also issued a warning to Iran that it should not target US interests or personnel. People in Tehran awoke to the sound of the blasts. Both Iran and Israel closed their airspace. It was not immediately clear what had been hit, though smoke could be rising from Chitgar, a neighbourhood in western Tehran. There are no known nuclear sites in that area, but it was not immediately clear if anything was happening in the rest of the country. An Israeli military official says that his country targeted Iranian nuclear sites, without identifying them. The official spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing operation, which is also targeting military sites. Benchmark Brent crude spiked on the attack, rising nearly five per cent on the news. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that his country carried out the attack, without saying what it targeted. 'In the wake of the state of Israel's preventive attack against Iran, missile and drone attacks against Israel and its civilian population are expected immediately,' he said in a statement. Katz 'signed a special order declaring an emergency situation in the home front', the statement said. 'It is essential to listen to instructions from the home front command and authorities to stay in protected areas,' it said. Iran halted flights Friday at Imam Khomeini International Airport outside of Tehran, the country's main airport, Iranian state TV said. Iran has closed its airspace in the past when launching previous attacks against Israel during the Israel-Hamas war. As the explosions in Tehran started, President Donald Trump was on the lawn of the White House mingling with members of Congress. It was unclear if he had been informed but the president continued shaking hands and posing for pictures for several minutes. Trump earlier said he was urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off from taking action for the time being while the administration negotiated with Iran. 'As long as I think there is a (chance for an) agreement, I don't want them going in because I think it would blow it,' Trump told reporters.
