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PremiumIsrael-Iran Tensions LIVE: US President Joe Biden had a telephonic conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night, after Iran launched a retaliatory drone and missiles attack on Israel, the White House said, adding that it will provide a summary of the call. The US forces has also started shooting down the explosive-laden drones launched by Tehran.
Biden expects Iranian attack on Israel to come "sooner rather than later", warning the Middle Eastern country “don't", while reiterating Washington's commitment to defend Israel and warned Iran that it "will not succeed".
The United Nations Security Council will meet on Sunday after Israel requested the council condemn Iran's attack on Israel and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization. The meeting will take place at 4 pm ET (2000 GMT). “The Iranian attack is a serious threat to global peace and security and I expect the Council to use every means to take concrete action against Iran."
Israel has been on high alert since April 12 about retaliation from Iran and its proxies after it allegedly attacked Iran's embassy in Damascus (Syria) last week. The attack on April 1 claimed the lives of one commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force and six other officers. While Israel has not claimed responsibility, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Israel "must be punished" for what he said was an attack equivalent to an attack on Iranian soil.
Catch all the LIVE Updates on Israel-Iran tensions here
Israel's chief military spokesperson said on Sunday that France was among the countries involved in defending against Iran's overnight attack on Israel.
"France has very good technology, jets, radar - and I know they were contributing in patrolling airspace," he said, adding that he did not have exact details on whether French jets had shot down any of the missiles launched by Iran.
: Israel says its military worked 'closely' with the militaries of the US, UK and France during Iran's attack overnight
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday his country would achieve victory after the military said it shot down almost all the more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran in a sharp escalation of the Middle East conflict.
Jordan and Iraq reopened their airspace on Sunday after closing it late on Saturday as Iran launched drone and missile attacks against Israel, both countries said on Sunday. Jordan's state TV said the country had resumed air traffic operations, citing aviation authorities. The opening of its airspace came more than three hours earlier than scheduled.
An Israeli military spokesman said Sunday the launches numbered more than 300, but 99% of them were intercepted. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base.
Israel's Mossad spy agency said on Sunday that Palestinian militant group Hamas had rejected the latest proposal by international mediators for a truce in the war in Gaza.
"The rejection of the proposal... proves that (Hamas chief in Gaza Yahya) Sinwar does not want a humanitarian deal and the return of the hostages, is continuing to exploit the tension with Iran" and is aiming for "a general escalation in the region", Mossad said in a statement released by the Israeli prime minister's office.
Israel, in a move to protect its citizens, has announced to close all schools and other educational systems, effective Sunday, as the country's defence forces remain on high alert following Iran hitting Israel with over 200 projectiles, the Jerusalem Post reported. Moreover, it further urged the Israeli civilians to be vigilant, to head to shelters upon hearing a warning siren, and to remain there for 10 minutes.
Israel reopened its airspace as of 7:30 a.m. (0430 GMT) on Sunday, the country's airports authority said after an overnight attack by hundreds of Iranian missiles and drones. It said flight schedules from Tel Aviv were expected to be affected and travellers should check flight times.
The F-35I Adir fighter jets return to Nevatim Airbase after successfully protecting Israel’s airspace.
Hamas has rejected the latest proposal for a deal to return Israeli hostages and Israel will continue to pursue its objectives in Gaza "with full force", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.
The statement said that the rejection of the proposals showed that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, did not want a deal and was trying to exploit tensions with Iran and bring about a regional escalation of the conflict.
The Israeli army said on Sunday that Iran's attack on Israel using hundreds of drones and missiles had been "foiled," with 99 percent of them intercepted.
"The Iranian attack was foiled," Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised statement.
Japan strongly condemned a retaliatory attack by Iran on Israel, calling it an escalation of events and saying it was deeply concerned at the situation, in a statement released by the foreign minister on Sunday.
"This attack is one that further worsens the current Middle East situation. We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this sort of escalation," the statement said.
"We are following events in the Middle East with the deepest concern. We are in permanent contact with our embassies in the region which will remain open to support Spaniards in the area."
“Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel. After supporting Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult."
"These attacks demonstrate yet again the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region. We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks."
“I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard."
"The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed."
Israel says 99% of more than 300 Iranian drones, missiles were intercepted, calls it a 'significant strategic success.'
In its support for Israel, US President Joe Biden condemned Iran's attack on Israeli soil, adding that he will convene G7 leaders on Monday to coordinate a united diplomatic response.
"Earlier today, Iran--and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq--launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms," Biden said, according to the White House statement.
China is "deeply concerned" about escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran launched drones and missiles in a retaliatory strike against Israel, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday. Iran's strikes marked its first direct attack on Israeli territory, raising the threat of a wider conflict in the region where China has sought to play a role as a mediator and from where it sources a growing proportion of its energy imports.
Israel will achieve victory after having fended off an Iranian drone and missile salvo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday. "We intercepted, we repelled, together we shall win," he said in a brief post on X.
‘We intercepted, we repelled, and we together shall win’, said Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
After Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Israel, India on Sunday expressed concerns highlighting the threat to the peace and security in the region. lndia called for an immediate de-escalation, urging all parties to exercise restraint, refrain from violence, and return to diplomatic negotiations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the “serious escalation" caused by the large-scale attack on Israel by Iran, cautioning that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.
The UN chief urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.
“I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war," he said.
Axios reports that Biden and his advisers are 'highly concerned' an Israeli response to Iran's attack would lead to 'a regional war with catastrophic consequences'.
'Biden told Netanyahu US will not participate in offensive operations against Iran', CNN reported.
United Airlines cancels three flights to the Middle East.
President Joe Biden on Saturday lauded American forces who helped Israel down “nearly all" of the drones and missiles fired by Iran and vowed to coordinate a global response to Tehran's unprecedented attack.
With regional tensions at their highest since the Israel-Hamas war began six months ago, Biden pledged that American support for Israel's defense against attacks by Iran and its proxies is “ironclad." The attack marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, risking a wider regional conflict.
China says current tensions in the Middle East are a consequence of the Gaza war.
“Earlier today, Iran and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. At my direction, to support the defence of Israel, the US military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week. Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles. I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel...Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack," the White House said.
President Biden told Netanyahu that he should consider tonight a 'win' due to Iran's attacks being ‘largely unsuccessful’ according to CNN reports.
US President Joe Biden said Saturday that US forces helped take down "nearly all" the drones and missiles fired by Iran at Israel, adding that he had reaffirmed his "ironclad" support to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden added in a statement that he would convene his fellow leaders of the G7 group of wealthy nations to coordinate a "united diplomatic response" to Iran's "brazen" attack.
Statement by the President of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, on attacks by Iran against Israel - “I am deeply concerned about the unfolding situation in the Middle East, involving the launch by Iran of drones and missiles against Israel...I strongly call upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation of tension in the region. This is a moment that calls for wise and prudent judgement, in which the risks and extended risks are very carefully considered. I expect that the Iranian authorities will honour their word that by their action today, the matter can be deemed concluded..."
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday condemned Iran's attacks against Israel and said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reaffirm America's "ironclad commitment" to the security of Israel.
"Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack," Biden said in a statement, referring to the Group of Seven Major economies.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has asked his Israeli counterpart for advanced notice if Israel decides to attack Iran, CNN reported.
Iranian attack involved 185 drones and 36 cruise missiles, according to a report published by The New York Times.
"I confirm Israel's request to convene a meeting of the Security Council immediately to unequivocally condemn Iran for these grave violations and immediately act to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization," Israel's permanent representative to UN, Gilad Erdan stated in a letter to the president of the UN Security Council.
“We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region," the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement.
"Death to Israel!" and "Death to America!" chanted demonstrators in Tehran's Palestine Square shortly after the Revolutionary Guards announced the launch of Operation Honest Promise.
A mural saying "the next slap is fiercer" was unveiled in the square where a huge banner has hung for days calling, in Hebrew, for Israelis to "take shelter".
On Sunday, demonstrators waved Iranian and Palestinian national flags alongside banners reading "God's victory is near".
Thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Iran early Sunday in a show of support for the unprecedented drone and missile attack under way against arch foe Israel.
"Death to Israel!" and "Death to America!" chanted demonstrators in Tehran's Palestine Square shortly after the Revolutionary Guards announced the launch of Operation Honest Promise.
Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday after Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushed the Middle East closer to a regionwide war. The attack marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
President Joe Biden and his national security team monitored Iran’s aerial attack against Israel on Saturday as U.S. forces joined efforts to down explosive-laden drones launched by Tehran.
U.S. forces shot down some Iran-launched attack drones flying toward Israel, according to a U.S. defense official and two other U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter.
US President Joe Biden has privately expressed concern that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to drag the U.S. more deeply into a broader conflict, according to NBS News report.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone on Saturday night, the White House said, after Iran launched a retaliatory drone and missile attack on Israel. The White House said it would provide a summary of the call.
US forces have been shooting down drones launched by Iran towards Israel, a defence official told reporters on Sunday. "In accordance with our ironclad commitment to Israel's security, US forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel," a senior US defence official told reporters. "Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect US forces operating in the region," he added.
Seized of the further escalation in the continuing tensions in West Asia, the UN chief said he was deeply alarmed by the events, while urging both the countries to exercise restraint. "I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities. I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation," Guterres said in a statement.
- Iran launched over 200 drones and missiles at Israel, overwhelming majority intercepted before entering Israeli airspace.
- US and British air forces participated in neutralizing threats before entering Israeli airspace.
- Minor damage sustained at Israel military base in the country's south.
- No Israeli fatalities reported at this point.
- Airspaces of several regional countries have been closed, air defenses on high alert.
- Western allies of Israel and UN Secretary General condemn Iranian attack.
- Significant US bi-partisan support for Israel.
- Israel calls for UN Security Council meeting, set to be held later today.
- Israeli officials vow significant retaliation is coming.
Early signs suggest Israel’s vaunted air defenses passed their biggest test yet, repelling an unprecedented barrage from Iran. Israel and its allies intercepted the “vast majority" of the 200 drones and missiles fired by Iran, most before they entered Israeli airspace, military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a briefing. He said the only impacts were to a 10-year-old girl who was badly wounded and minor damage to an army base.
Iran has launched over 200 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles towards Israel and the attack is "ongoing," an Israeli army spokesman said early on Sunday. "The regime in Iran sent a massive swarm of over 200 killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles," Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement. He said a girl had been injured in the attack.
After Iran launched drones into Israel in retaliation to the air strike on its embassy in Syria, the UK moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region, the country's Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday. It said the deployed jets will intercept airborne attacks within range of the UK's existing mission.
Israel aviation authorities will close Israeli airspace to all flights ahead of impending Iranian drone strike
Iranian strikes caused "minor damage" to an Israeli base, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said Sunday, after Iran's state media reported "heavy blows" to the base from its missiles. "Only a few missiles fell in the territory of the state of Israel with slight damage to a military base in the south, with only slight damage to the infrastructure," Rear Admiral Hagari said in a statement.
