Latest news with #NovaPeris
Sydney Morning Herald
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Iran hits back: Missiles pound Israel as crisis grows
'In the last hour, dozens of missiles have been launched at the state of Israel from Iran, some of which were intercepted,' it said, adding that rescue teams were working at a number of locations across the country where fallen projectiles were reported. A hospital in Tel Aviv treated seven people wounded in the second Iranian barrage; all but one of them had light injuries. Israel's Fire and Rescue Services said they were injured when a projectile hit a building in the city. A spokesperson for Beilinson Hospital said one woman was killed. Australian Olympic medallist and former Labor senator Nova Peris posted on social media from Tel Aviv, calling the experience 'extremely frightening and distressing'. 'It's after 2am here in Israel. I'm with 11 other Australians, including several First Nations brothers and sisters,' wrote Peris, who has been outspoken in her support of Israel and received an award for opposition to antisemitism from an Israeli university last week. 'Like so many here, we're just doing what Israelis do every day, seeking shelter, staying strong, and praying for peace,' she said. Hours later, an Iranian missile struck near homes in the central Israeli city of Rishon Lezion, killing two people and injuring 19, according to Israel's paramedic service Magen David Adom. Israel's Fire and Rescue Service said four homes were severely damaged. Israeli strikes continued in Iran, where sirens and several explosions were heard in the capital Tehran, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The sound of explosions and Iranian air defence systems firing at targets echoed across central Tehran shortly after midnight on Saturday. The Fars news agency, which is linked to the Iranian Republican Guard, said two projectiles hit Tehran's Mehrabad airport, with flames reported there. The airport is close to Iranian leadership sites and hosts an air force base with fighter jets and transport aircraft. Iran's UN ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani told the UN Security Council on Friday that Israel's attacks killed 78 people and injured more than 320 others. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, announced the start of the retaliatory attack in a recorded message carried by state television. 'We will not allow them to get away with this great crime they committed,' he said. 'The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic will deal heavy blows to this enemy.' Iran denies that its uranium enrichment activities are part of a secret weapons program, although Western countries have long accused Iran of refining uranium there to levels suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Threat of war escalates Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack had been planned since November and strikes would continue until the nuclear threat posed by Iran was removed. Israel's operation 'will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat', he said in a TV address. 'Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future.' He called for regime change in Iran. 'As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom,' adding: 'Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you. This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard.' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Iran to halt their attacks on one another, while calling for diplomacy. Loading '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. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said on Saturday the government had confirmed Australia's officials and small number of military staff in Iran and Israel were all safe at present. He called for de-escalation from all sides of the conflict in the Middle East and made a direct plea to Iran to temper its actions. 'The government is deeply concerned about events which are unfolding in the Middle East and specifically, we are concerned about the risks of escalation,' he said. 'We specifically call on Iran to exercise restraint in their actions so as not to risk any broader conflict.' US military defends Israel from missiles American air defence systems and a Navy destroyer helped Israel shoot down incoming ballistic missiles on Friday, US officials said. The US has both ground-based Patriot missile defence systems and Terminal High Altitude Air Defence systems in the Middle East that are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. A Navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean Sea also shot down Iranian missiles heading towards Israel, one official said. The United States is also shifting military resources, including ships, in the Middle East in response to the strikes. US President Donald Trump said Iran has a second chance to negotiate a nuclear deal and stave off 'even more brutal' attacks being planned by Israel in coming days. In a series of short phone interviews with US media, Trump indicated he was fully aware of Israel's operations in advance, and said that Iran must make a deal that forbids it from developing a nuclear weapon 'before there is nothing left'. 'We knew everything,' Trump told Reuters of Israel's attack plans. 'I tried to save Iran humiliation and death. I tried to save them very hard because I would have loved to have seen a deal worked out. They can still work out a deal, however. It's not too late.' The Israeli strikes on Iran throughout the day and the Iranian retaliation raised fears of a broader regional conflagration, though Iran's allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been decimated by Israel. Ayatollah Khamenei accused Israel of starting a war. A senior Iranian official said nowhere in Israel would be safe and revenge would be painful. Iran's UN envoy Iravani accused the US of being complicit in the attacks and said it shared full responsibility for the consequences. Loading Israel's UN envoy, Danny Danon, said intelligence had confirmed that within days Iran would have produced enough fissile material for several bombs. He called Israel's operation 'an act of national preservation'. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. The UN nuclear watchdog concluded this week that it was in violation of its obligations under the global non-proliferation treaty. Tehran had been engaged in talks with the Trump administration on a deal to curb its nuclear program to replace one that Trump abandoned in 2018. Tehran rejected the last US offer.
The Age
20 hours ago
- Politics
- The Age
Iran hits back: Missiles pound Israel as crisis grows
'In the last hour, dozens of missiles have been launched at the state of Israel from Iran, some of which were intercepted,' it said, adding that rescue teams were working at a number of locations across the country where fallen projectiles were reported. A hospital in Tel Aviv treated seven people wounded in the second Iranian barrage; all but one of them had light injuries. Israel's Fire and Rescue Services said they were injured when a projectile hit a building in the city. A spokesperson for Beilinson Hospital said one woman was killed. Australian Olympic medallist and former Labor senator Nova Peris posted on social media from Tel Aviv, calling the experience 'extremely frightening and distressing'. 'It's after 2am here in Israel. I'm with 11 other Australians, including several First Nations brothers and sisters,' wrote Peris, who has been outspoken in her support of Israel and received an award for opposition to antisemitism from an Israeli university last week. 'Like so many here, we're just doing what Israelis do every day, seeking shelter, staying strong, and praying for peace,' she said. Hours later, an Iranian missile struck near homes in the central Israeli city of Rishon Lezion, killing two people and injuring 19, according to Israel's paramedic service Magen David Adom. Israel's Fire and Rescue Service said four homes were severely damaged. Israeli strikes continued in Iran, where sirens and several explosions were heard in the capital Tehran, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. The sound of explosions and Iranian air defence systems firing at targets echoed across central Tehran shortly after midnight on Saturday. The Fars news agency, which is linked to the Iranian Republican Guard, said two projectiles hit Tehran's Mehrabad airport, with flames reported there. The airport is close to Iranian leadership sites and hosts an air force base with fighter jets and transport aircraft. Iran's UN ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani told the UN Security Council on Friday that Israel's attacks killed 78 people and injured more than 320 others. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, announced the start of the retaliatory attack in a recorded message carried by state television. 'We will not allow them to get away with this great crime they committed,' he said. 'The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic will deal heavy blows to this enemy.' Iran denies that its uranium enrichment activities are part of a secret weapons program, although Western countries have long accused Iran of refining uranium there to levels suitable for a bomb rather than civilian use. Threat of war escalates Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack had been planned since November and strikes would continue until the nuclear threat posed by Iran was removed. Israel's operation 'will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat', he said in a TV address. 'Generations from now, history will record our generation stood its ground, acted in time and secured our common future.' He called for regime change in Iran. 'As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom,' adding: 'Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you. This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard.' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Iran to halt their attacks on one another, while calling for diplomacy. Loading '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. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said on Saturday the government had confirmed Australia's officials and small number of military staff in Iran and Israel were all safe at present. He called for de-escalation from all sides of the conflict in the Middle East and made a direct plea to Iran to temper its actions. 'The government is deeply concerned about events which are unfolding in the Middle East and specifically, we are concerned about the risks of escalation,' he said. 'We specifically call on Iran to exercise restraint in their actions so as not to risk any broader conflict.' US military defends Israel from missiles American air defence systems and a Navy destroyer helped Israel shoot down incoming ballistic missiles on Friday, US officials said. The US has both ground-based Patriot missile defence systems and Terminal High Altitude Air Defence systems in the Middle East that are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. A Navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean Sea also shot down Iranian missiles heading towards Israel, one official said. The United States is also shifting military resources, including ships, in the Middle East in response to the strikes. US President Donald Trump said Iran has a second chance to negotiate a nuclear deal and stave off 'even more brutal' attacks being planned by Israel in coming days. In a series of short phone interviews with US media, Trump indicated he was fully aware of Israel's operations in advance, and said that Iran must make a deal that forbids it from developing a nuclear weapon 'before there is nothing left'. 'We knew everything,' Trump told Reuters of Israel's attack plans. 'I tried to save Iran humiliation and death. I tried to save them very hard because I would have loved to have seen a deal worked out. They can still work out a deal, however. It's not too late.' The Israeli strikes on Iran throughout the day and the Iranian retaliation raised fears of a broader regional conflagration, though Iran's allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been decimated by Israel. Ayatollah Khamenei accused Israel of starting a war. A senior Iranian official said nowhere in Israel would be safe and revenge would be painful. Iran's UN envoy Iravani accused the US of being complicit in the attacks and said it shared full responsibility for the consequences. Loading Israel's UN envoy, Danny Danon, said intelligence had confirmed that within days Iran would have produced enough fissile material for several bombs. He called Israel's operation 'an act of national preservation'. Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. The UN nuclear watchdog concluded this week that it was in violation of its obligations under the global non-proliferation treaty. Tehran had been engaged in talks with the Trump administration on a deal to curb its nuclear program to replace one that Trump abandoned in 2018. Tehran rejected the last US offer.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Who is Nova Peris? Former Australian Olympian and senator shelters in Israel amid Iranian missile barrage
Nova Peris , a former Australian Olympian and senator, is one of the Australians trapped in Israel. She, along with media personality Erin Molan , on June 13 took refuge in bomb shelters after Iran launched multiple missile waves against Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The escalation followed Israel's preemptive strikes on Iran's nuclear and military sites earlier on June 12 and 13. Peris, currently stuck in Israel with 11 others, says the past 24 hours have been 'deeply confronting.' She described the shelter stay as 'extremely frightening and distressing,' recalling repeated missile waves hitting across the region. She expressed solidarity with all civilians, including Israel's 2 million Arab citizens, praising the Israeli defence systems. She thanked those checking on the group and said, 'We can't wait to come home. But for now, we're safe, in bomb shelters, we're together…'. The group includes Peris's husband, Scott Appleton, Indigenous leaders, and professionals touring Israel under the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is in contact with them. Australia's Defence Minister confirmed the consular service is monitoring the situation. Live Events Who is Nova Peris? Nova Peris rose to international prominence as a star athlete. She won a gold medal for Australia in the women's field hockey team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. With this victory, she became the first Indigenous Australian to win an Olympic gold medal. She later also competed as a sprinter at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, making her the first Australian to represent the country in two different sports at the Olympics. In 2013, Peris became the first Indigenous woman elected to the Australian Federal Parliament. She served as a Labor Senator for the Northern Territory until 2016. She focused on Indigenous health, education, and reconciliation during her term. Since leaving politics, Peris has remained active in public life. She has been involved in youth outreach programs, served as an ambassador for Aboriginal communities, and continued work in sports media and advocacy. On June 12, Israel launched a major military operation, 'Operation Rising Lion,' targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure and military facilities. Iran reported 78 deaths as a result and vowed retaliation. Iran responded with three waves of missile attacks, launching approximately 150 missiles toward Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Nova Peris, Erin Molan trapped in Israel as Iran bomb hit
Former Australian Olympian and Labor Senator Nova Peris and media personality Erin Molan are both trapped in Israel as Iranian rockets rain down on the Jewish state. The pair, posting to X, are both in Tel Aviv, which has been hit by bombs and rockets in the past 24 hours. 'The past 24 hours have been deeply confronting,' Ms Peris said. 'We spent the early hours of yesterday in a bomb shelter, and much of today there too. 'The last four to five hours have been extremely frightening and distressing.' The Middle East is on edge after Israel launched what it called 'pre-emptive' strikes on the Iranian capital Tehran overnight. Iran reportedly launched about 150 missiles in retaliatory strikes, nine of which landed in Israel. Ms Peris said she had bunkered down with 11 other Australians in a bomb shelter. According to The Australian, the other members of the group are Ms Peris' husband Scott Appleton, Aboriginal education manager Maurice Goolagong, eye surgeon Kris Rallah-Baker, Kimberley elder Ian Trust, Indigenous leaders Jody Hampton and Renee Fowlestone, The Australian's Indigenous affairs correspondent Paige Taylor, filmmakers Annette and Eliya Cohen, lawyer Fred Linker and Middle East expert Bren Carlill. The group is reportedly touring Israel as part of a delegation hosted by the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council Foreign Minister Penny Wong is reportedly in contact with the group. 'We can't wait to come home. But for now, we're safe, in bomb shelters, we're together, and our hearts are with all those living through this terror,' Ms Peris said. 'We've witnessed the unrelenting ballistic missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and across Israel. 'There have now been three waves of missiles fired directly from Iran, targeting civilians, destroying homes and causing widespread devastation.' Ms Molan, who was previously a Sky News host and Daily Telegraph columnist, said in a video recorded from her shelter that the past few hours had been 'like a movie'. 'I'm just in a shelter at the moment. 'Apparently, missiles have hit in Tel Aviv, I can hear the sounds around us. 'We're just kind of relying on different updates that are coming in, but there were Houthi missiles incoming, but I'm not sure if these are Houthi or if they're direct from Iran. But yeah, there's a significant amount of activity happening now in Tel Aviv where we are now. You can hear missiles hitting.' Global leaders have called for de-escalation of the conflict including UN chief Antonio Guterres. 'Israeli bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites,' Mr Guterres said. 'Iranian missile strikes in Tel Aviv. 'Enough escalation. 'Time to stop. 'Peace and diplomacy must prevail. Just last week Ms Peris posted on social media that she had 'returned to the Holy Land'. This is her third visit to Israel since the October 7 attacks in 2023, which triggered war between Israel and Hamas. The posts show a wide-ranging tour of the country, including a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Originally published as Nova Peris, Erin Molan trapped in Israel as Iran rocket terror hits
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Former Aussie Olympian Nova Peris stuck in Israel as bombs from Iran rain down on capital
Former Northern Territory Olympian Nova Peris has spoken about a frightening night spent sheltering in Jerusalem as Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles toward Israel. Peris said she and 11 other Australians were forced to bunker down in a bomb shelter during the early hours of Friday. Peris won Olympic gold in hockey at the 1996 Atlanta Games, becoming the first Aboriginal Australian to do so. She later switched to athletics, winning two gold medals at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Peris also competed in track events at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Now she is part of a group of Australians in Israel for a reception hosted by the Israel-Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Chamber of Commerce, set to take place in Tel Aviv on Sunday. Posting on X on Saturday, Peris described the experience as 'deeply confronting' and said much of the previous 24 hours had been spent in the shelter amid the escalating violence. Nova Peris reflected after a harrowing night in a bomb shelter with fellow Australians in Jerusalem 'We've witnessed the unrelenting ballistic missile attacks in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and across Israel,' she posted to X. 'There have now been three waves of missiles fired directly from Iran, targeting civilians, destroying homes, and causing widespread devastation. 'Like so many here, we're just doing what Israelis do every day, seeking shelter, staying strong, and praying for peace. 'We also stand with the two million Arab citizens of Israel who rely on the same protection from the IDF's defence systems. This isn't just about one people, it's about humanity.' She thanked those who reached out and urged people to keep Israel and its people in their thoughts. 'We can't wait to come home,' Peris said. 'But for now, we're safe, in bomb shelters, we're together, and our hearts are with all those living through this terror.' The conflict between Israel and Iran has spanned decades. This past week marked one of the most dangerous escalations yet. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a major operation - codenamed Operation Rising Lion - targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iranian officials confirmed dozens of casualties, including a top commander, and widespread damage to the Natanz nuclear site. Iran responded by firing over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv. While many were intercepted, some caused significant damage and injuries. The strikes have also worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 100 Palestinians were reported killed in a 24-hour period amid ongoing Israeli operations. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed further retaliation, warning Israel it 'will not escape safely' from the consequences. The United Nations has called for immediate de-escalation, but regional tensions remain high. The United States has moved military assets closer to the region, preparing for the possibility of a broader conflict.
