Israel Attack Iran Live: 42 Iranian students killed in Israel–US strikes; Kataib Hezbollah vows to attack US

Forty people, including students were reportedly killed after an elementary girls' school in Minab was attacked in an Israeli strike, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported. Minab is a city located in Hormozgan province in southern Iran.

Tensions escalated in the Middle East on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, leading to swift retaliation from Tehran and triggering explosions and emergency alerts across multiple Gulf countries.

In retaliation for the US-Israel strikes, Iran simultaneously fired ballistic missiles at Israel, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar. The sound of another massive explosion was heard in Dubai, news agency Reuters reported.

Saudi Arabia condemned in the "strongest terms" the Iranian attacks on the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait.

Israel said it carried out pre-emptive strikes against Iranian targets, while US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington was engaged in what he described as a major combat operation. Explosions were reported in several parts of Iran following the strikes.

Meanwhile, Israel's army said sirens were sounded "a short while ago" in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran. Explosions have also been reported in Tel Aviv.

'Now Is The Time To Defend Homeland...': Iran Issues 1st Statement Amid Escalating Tensions After US-Israel Launch Strikes

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday issued a detailed statement for the 'heroic and noble people of the country,' as it said that it is time to defend the homeland and confront the enemy's military aggression. The statement came as the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran, after which Tehran retaliated with strikes on Israel and across multiple Gulf countries.

Iran described the attacks as illegal and aggressive, and said that it has the lawful right under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter to defend itself. It further added that Iranian armed forces will utilise all their capabilities and resources to counter this criminal aggression and repel the enemy's malice.

Israel said it carried out pre-emptive strikes against Iranian targets, while US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington was engaged in what he described as a major combat operation. Explosions were reported in several parts of Iran following the strikes.

The US-Israel-Iran conflict rapidly spread beyond Iran's borders. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said it had launched a "first wave" of drones and missiles aimed at Israel. A nationwide alert was issued in Israel as the military said it was working to intercept the incoming fire. In Bahrain, authorities said a missile strike targeted the US Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters in the island nation. Witnesses reported hearing sirens and explosions in Kuwait, which hosts US Army Central, while blasts were also heard in Qatar.

 UAE says 'successfully intercepted' several Iranian missiles, falling debris kills one Asian individual

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday announced that it has successfully intercepted several Iranian missiles targetting the country.

In a statement released Saturday afternoon, UAE's Ministry of Defence stated that the country was subjected to a "brazen attack" with Iranian ballistic missiles, which the UAE air defences handled with the "highest efficiency" as the security situation in the country remains under control.

It mentioned that fallout of debris in a residential area in the city of Abu Dhabi resulted in some material damage and the death of an individual of Asian nationality.

"The Ministry of Defence announced that the United Arab Emirates was subjected today to a brazen attack with Iranian ballistic missiles, which the UAE air defences handled with the highest efficiency, successfully intercepting several of the missiles. The relevant authorities in the country also dealt with the fallout of debris in a residential area in the city of Abu Dhabi, which resulted in some material damage and the death of an individual of Asian nationality," read the statement issued by UAE's Defence Ministry.

"The competent authorities confirm that the security situation in the country is under control, and all concerned parties are monitoring developments around the clock. The Ministry condemned this attack in the strongest terms, affirming the country's categorical rejection of targeting civilian facilities, installations, and national institutions, emphasizing that such acts represent a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security and safety of civilians and undermines stability," it added.

Abu Dhabi stressed further that this targetting constitutes a "flagrant violation" of national sovereignty and international law, and that the country reserves its full right to respond to this escalation and take all necessary measures to protect its lands, people, and residents, in a manner that ensures the preservation of its sovereignty, security, and stability, and protects its interests and national capabilities.

"The Ministry affirmed that it is on high alert and readiness to deal with any threats, and that it is taking all necessary measures to firmly counter everything that targets the disruption of the country's security and stability, adding that the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors represents an utmost priority that cannot be compromised. The Ministry urges the honorable public to obtain information from official sources in the country and to avoid circulating rumours or unverified information," the statement added.

US President Donald Trump said early Saturday that the US forces are carrying out a "massive and ongoing" attack on Iran to "destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."

"The United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation ...," he said in a video message on his social media platform Truth Social. "We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground."

Air India suspends all flights to Middle East amid 'major combat operations' in Iran

Air India on Saturday said it has suspended all flights to all destinations in the Middle East in the wake of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East.

The announcement came as the US and Israel began "major combat operations" in Iran.

"In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended," Air India said in a statement.

"We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as required. Our teams will be extending all necessary support to passengers," the airline added.

Air India suggested fliers to check the flight status online as well as at "its 24×7 Call Centre at +91 1169329333, +91 1169329999".

"You are also requested to check our website. Thank you for your patience and understanding," said the airline.

The United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran on Saturday, significantly intensifying tensions in the Middle East. The development raised concerns of a widening confrontation that could have far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences.

An Air India Express spokesperson said that in view of the developing situation in parts of the Gulf Region, "Air India Express has suspended all westbound international flights. The safety and security of our guests and crew remain our highest priority".

"We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and will proactively review and adjust our operations as necessary. Our teams are extending all possible support and assistance to impacted guests," said the airline, adding that the impacted guests are being notified directly on their registered contact details.

"Guests are advised to check their flight status on airindiaexpress.com and ensure their contact information is up to date. For change and cancellation waivers on impacted flights, guests may visit the 'Manage Booking' section on our website," said the spokesperson.

Stranded passengers at Israel airport share ordeal amid strikes on Iran

As the United States and Israel launched a major attack on targets across Iran, flights were cancelled and passengers stranded at Ben Gurion Airport shared their ordeal on Saturday and their next steps to ensure their safety. IANS spoke to several passengers at the airport following the sudden disruption.

One passenger said, "We were told to evacuate after an emergency siren went off. My family and I went downstairs and then returned after a few minutes. Now, we have again been instructed to evacuate and go back home. All flights have been cancelled. I have called my cousin, and we will stay at his place until it is safe to return home."

Another passenger, Siri, said, "We were already on the flight when we were informed about the possibility of an attack. Soon after, all flights were cancelled. I just want to cry and go back home to protect myself."

Meanwhile, the United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iran on Saturday, significantly intensifying tensions in the Middle East. The development raises concerns of a widening confrontation that could have far-reaching geopolitical and economic consequences.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday confirmed that Israel and the United States had carried out a joint military operation, dubbed 'Operation Lion's Roar', against Iran, describing the action as necessary to remove what he termed an "existential threat" posed by the Iranian regime.

In a video message addressed to the nation, Netanyahu said the operation was launched to counter the threat emanating from Tehran.

"My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, just an hour ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran," he said.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israel had carried out strikes and announced an immediate state of emergency across the country in response to the rapidly evolving security situation.

The military action follows a month-long US military buildup in the region, which came after President Trump pledged support for protesters who challenged the Iranian regime at the beginning of January.

Meanwhile, Air India's Delhi–Tel Aviv flight also returned to the national Capital after Israel launched what it described as 'preventive' strikes on Iran, triggering airspace closures across parts of the Middle East and disrupting several international services.

Iran Shutters Airspace After Israel Strikes

Civilian flight traffic over Iran was re-routed in a hurry Saturday morning.

Tehran had shut its airspace after 'pre-emptive' missile strikes launched by Israel and the United States hit parts of the city, including areas near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's offices.

It was not immediately clear if the 86-year-old was in his offices at the time.

An unnamed Israeli defence official told Reuters the strikes had been planned for months.

There are no reports of casualties so far.

Sirens have been sounded across Tel Aviv as Israel preps for retaliatory strikes.

Israeli airspace has also been closed.

Iran retaliates with missile strikes on US bases in Gulf 

The Middle East plunged into a fresh and dangerous phase of military escalation on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, leading to swift retaliation from Tehran and triggering explosions and emergency alerts across multiple Gulf countries.

Israel said it carried out pre-emptive strikes against Iranian targets, while US President Donald Trump confirmed that Washington was engaged in what he described as a major combat operation. Explosions were reported in several parts of Iran following the strikes.

In response, Iran warned of crushing retaliation and soon launched missile attacks across the region. The Middle East, already on edge for weeks, saw tensions spiral rapidly as Iranian missiles targeted US and allied military assets.

According to regional reports, Iran attacked a US naval base in Bahrain and the Al-Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates. Explosions were reported in Bahrain's capital, Manama and in Abu Dhabi, with Reuters confirming a loud blast in the UAE capital. Loud explosions were also heard in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain confirmed that the headquarters of the US Navy's 5th Fleet, located in the Juffair area, was targeted by a missile strike. Reuters also reported smoke rising from the vicinity of the base. Earlier, Bahrain's Interior Ministry had issued emergency alerts, urging residents to move to the nearest safe locations.

Further north, Arabic-language broadcaster Al Jazeera reported that explosions were heard in Kuwait, where air-raid sirens were activated as a precaution.

Missile Intercepted In Qatar

In Qatar, the Defence Ministry said an Iranian missile was intercepted mid-air by the Patriot defence system. Qatari authorities issued mobile alerts advising all residents to remain indoors and stay away from military installations.

The rapid spread of hostilities across Iran and the Gulf has raised fears of a wider regional conflict involving multiple US allies and military bases. Governments across the region have moved to heighten security, restrict movement near sensitive sites and prepare for further escalation as the situation continues to evolve.

Op Lion's Roar to remove 'existential threat' posed by 'terror regime' in Iran, says Netayahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday confirmed that Israel and the United States had carried out a joint military operation, dubbed 'Operation Lion's Roar', against Iran, describing the action as necessary to remove what he termed an "existential threat" posed by the Iranian regime.

In a video message addressed to the nation, Netanyahu said the operation was launched to counter the danger emanating from Tehran.

"My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, just an hour ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran," he said.

Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for his support and leadership in the operation.

"I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership," he stated.

The Israeli Prime Minister accused Iran's leadership of decades of hostility and violence.

"For 47 years, the Ayatollahs' regime has chanted 'Death to Israel', 'Death to America'. It has spilt our blood, murdered many Americans, and massacred its own people," Netanyahu said.

Emphasising Israel's long-standing concerns about Tehran's nuclear ambitions, he added, "This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity."

Netanyahu said the joint military action was also intended to create an opening for political change within Iran.

"Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands," he said.

In his address, the Prime Minister appealed directly to various ethnic groups within Iran, including Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch and Ahwazis, urging them to rise against the ruling establishment and portraying the strikes as paving the way for a freer Iran.

"The time has come for all parts of the Iranian people -- the Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch, and Ahwazis -- to cast off the yoke of tyranny and bring freedom and peace-loving values to Iran," Netanyahu said.

He also called on Israeli citizens to strictly follow official safety instructions amid the escalating conflict.

"I call on you, citizens of Israel, to heed the instructions of the Home Front Command. In the coming days, during Operation 'Lion's Roar,' we will all be called upon to show patience and strength of spirit," he said.

"Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel," Netanyahu added, as tensions in the region continued to mount.