Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE Updates: Biden tells Netanyahu US won't take part in counter strike against Tehran

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: G7 condemns attack, calls for restraint

Leaders of G7 nations condemned Iran's unprecedented attack on Israel and called for "restraint" from all sides on Sunday. 

"We unanimously condemned Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel. We will continue all our efforts to work towards de-escalation. Ending the crisis in Gaza as soon as possible, notably through an immediate ceasefire, will make a difference", European Council President Charles Michel wrote on X.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Syria backs ally, says Tehran exercised ‘right to self-defence’

"Iran's response... is a legitimate right to self-defence" against Israel, Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad told his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian by phone, according to a report carried by state news agency SANA.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Lufthansa suspends flights to and from Tel Aviv, Amman, Erbil

Lufthansa has suspended its flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel, Amman in Jordan, and Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan following Iran's missile attack. A spokesman told AFP that the German airline is “constantly monitoring the situation in the Middle East”. Flights to and from Beirut and Tehran continue to remain suspended till at least April 18 as per earliern announcements. 

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Israel calls off retaliatory strike after Biden-Netanyahu phone call

According to a New York Times report, Israel had initially planned to carry out a retailtory attack on Tehran on Sunday morning. However this was cancelled after a phone call took place between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the situation.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Biden tells Netanyahu US won't take part in counter strike against Tehran

US President Joe Biden has reportedly told his Israeli counterpart that Washington will not join a counter strike against Iran. Top White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told ABC's This Week program on Sunday that the United States will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war with Iran.

“And as the president has said many times, we don't seek a wider war in the region. We don't seek a war with Iran. And I think I will leave it at that. We don't seek escalated tensions in the region. We don't seek a wider conflict,” Kirby said.

"I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel," a statement shared on the White House website had quoted Biden as saying on Saturday.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: EU ministers to discuss attack on Tuesday

“Following the Iranian attacks against Israel, I have called an extraordinary... meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers on Tuesday. Our objective is to contribute to de-escalation and security of the region. The EU condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian drone and missile attacks against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a threat to regional security. The EU reiterates its commitment to the security of Israel. In this highly tense regional situation, further escalation can be no one's interest. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint,” foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote on X.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Tehran tells US that attack ‘will not go further’

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: G7 leaders hold virtual meeting

Leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized nations are currently holding a video conference meeting to discuss the unprecedented Iranian attack against Israel. US President Joe Biden said the meeting is "to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.” 

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: US does not want to see crisis ‘escalate’

“We don't want to see this escalate. We're not looking for a wider war with Iran,” said White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on NBC's Meet the Press.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Major Middle East airlines to resume flights

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Israeli Minister says country will ‘exact price from Iran when time is right’

“We will build a regional coalition and exact the price from Iran in the fashion and timing that is right for us,” war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said in a statement.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Analysts expect volatility in Indian stock market

Analysts anticipate that the Indian stock market may experience heightened volatility as investors navigate through the evolving geopolitical landscape. 

“The escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, alongside supply concerns, have propelled crude prices upward, impacting overall market sentiment. Indian markets may consolidate amidst worries over delayed US rate cuts, escalating Middle East tensions driving oil prices up, and subdued Q4 earnings projections,” " said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Air India temporarily suspends flights to Tel Aviv

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Ukraine condemns Iran attack

“Ukraine condemns Iran’s attack on Israel using Shahed drones and missiles. We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same Shahed drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes…The sound of Shahed drones, a tool of terror, is the same in the skies over the Middle East and Europe. This sound must serve as a wake-up call to the free world, demonstrating that only our unity and resoluteness can save lives and prevent the spread of terror worldwide,” tweeted Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Ukrainian leader likened Iran's actions to that of Russia and contended that “regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world.” He also stressed the need to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East.

“The world cannot wait for discussions to go on. Words do not stop drones and do not intercept missiles. Only tangible assistance does. The assistance we are anticipating. We must strengthen security and resolutely counter all those who want to make terror a new normal. It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen America's allies at this critical time,” he urged.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Israeli war cabinet to hold meeting

Reuters quoted an Israeli official to report that the Israeli war cabinet is due to meet at 3:30 pm (6:00 pm in India) to discuss a response to the drone and missile attack launched by Iran.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Iran stresses ‘inherent right of self-defense’

“The Iranian legal and legitimate response in targeting Israeli military infrastructures last night was based on the inherent right of self-defense and in response to the Zionist regime's military attack in targeting the Iranian embassy. We hope that the Zionist Regime has learned a lesson. No doubt if it repeats its evil and terrorist actions again, it will face a decisive response from Iran. The responsibility for escalating the situation lies with Israel. The Islamic Republic of Iran has stated many times in its official positions and diplomatic interactions within the framework of principles that it does not want to develop conflicts in the region and has proven this position in practice through restraint,” said Iraj Elahi, the Ambassador of Iran to India.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Iran says it informed the US its attacks on Israel will be 'limited'

Iran informed the US that its attacks against Israel will be "limited" and for self-defence, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran on Sunday.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Israel strikes Hezbollah site in east Lebanon

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: PM Sunak says British jets shot down Iranian drones

“I can confirm that our planes did shoot down a number of Iranian attack drones. If this attack had been successful, the fallout for regional stability would be hard to overstate. We stand by the security of Israel and the wider region, which is of course important for our security here at home, too. What we now need is for calm heads to prevail. It's important that we coordinate with allies and we'll be discussing next steps at that moment,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told broadcasters.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Bitcoin rebounds from drop sparked by Iran escalation

Bitcoin recovered from the steepest selloff in more than a year, an early indication of impending volatility across asset markets as investors digest the prospects of a military escalation in the Middle East. The largest cryptocurrency rose as much as 5.9% and traded around $64,600 as of 11:40 a.m. in London on Sunday. Smaller coins like Polkadot and Uniswap rallied more than 10%.
(via Bloomberg)

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Tehran says ‘no intention of continuing defensive operations, but…’

“Exercising the right of legitimate defense shows Iran's responsible approach to regional and international peace and security. At this point, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no intention of continuing defensive operations, but if necessary, it will not hesitate to protect its legitimate interests against any new aggression,” read a social media post from Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Sunday.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Iran summons French, British, German envoys over reactions to Israel attack

"The British, French and German ambassadors to Tehran were summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the irresponsible positions of certain officials of these countries regarding Iran's response to the actions of the Zionist regime (Israel) against the nationals and interests of our country," the official IRNA news agency said.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Pope Francis calls for halt to 'spiral of violence' in Middle East

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Embassy of India in Tehran activates additional helpline numbers

The Embassy of India in Tehran has urged people to contact the following numbers if they require any assistance: 

+989128109115 

+98993179567 

+989932179359 

+98-21-88755103-5

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Indian mission in Tel Aviv issues new advisory after Iran missile attack

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Macron condemns attack in the ‘strongest terms’

“I condemn in the strongest terms the unprecedented attack launched by Iran against Israel, which carries the risk of destabilising the region. This is an expression of my solidarity with the Israeli people and of the importance we attach to the security of Israel, of our partners and to regional stability. France is working with its partners towards de-escalation and calls for restraint,” he wrote on X.

Israel-Iran

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said that 33,729 Palestinians have been killed and 76,371 injured since the Israeli military offensive began in Octover 2023. 

Israel-Iran Tensions: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warns Israel and its allies against ‘reckless’ actions

Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi has warned Israel and its allies against any "reckless" actions following the drone and missile attack.

“If the Zionist regime (Israel) or its supporters demonstrate reckless behavior, they will receive a decisive and much stronger response,” he said in a statement.

Israel-Iran Tensions: G7 group set to hold virtual meeting

Leaders from the G7 will hold a video conference on Sunday early afternoon to discuss the Iranian strikes against Israel. 

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Israel hails 'success' in blocking Iran's unprecedented attack

Israel on Sunday hailed its successful air defenses in the face of an unprecedented attack by Iran, saying it and its allies thwarted 99% of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched toward its territory. But regional tensions remain high, amid fears of further escalation in the event of a possible Israeli counter-strike.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel

An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Jordan says intercepted 'flying objects' during Iran attack on Israel

Jordan on Sunday said it had intercepted "flying objects" that breached its airspace overnight as Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel. 

"Some flying objects that entered our airspace last night were dealt with and confronted," the government said in a statement, stressing that the military "will confront anything that would expose the security and safety of the nation... to any danger or transgression by any party".

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Three decades of alleged Iranian attacks on Israeli targets

For more than three decades before Iran launched its unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel, Tehran had been accused of targeting Israeli interests and individuals abroad.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Ukraine condemns Iranian air attack on Israel

Ukraine's foreign ministry said Kyiv "strongly condemns Iran's massive air attack" saying it could lead to "further grave acceleration in the Middle East". 

"The attack also demonstrates why it is critical that all of the free world's forces are consolidated to defend the global borders of democracy."

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: ‘There was one casualty’, says Israel Ambassador to India

On Iran's retaliatory attack against Israel and civilian casualties, Ambassador of Israel to India Naor Gilon says, "...Iran is the financer, trainer of Hamas...What happened yesterday is that Iran turned it from a war by proxy to a direct attack on Israel...They fired 331 different kinds of rockets, cruise missiles...with the help of some friends of our region, but mostly by the capability of Israeli defence forces and air force, we were able to intercept 99% of incoming rockets...There was unfortunately 1 casualty..."

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Israeli airstrikes on targets in eastern Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes on targets in eastern Lebanon

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Iran army says attack on Israel 'achieved all its objectives'

The Iranian army said Sunday its drone and missile attack on Israel, in retaliation for a deadly strike on Iran's Damascus consulate, has "achieved all its objectives". 

"Operation Honest Promise... was completed successfully from last night to this morning and achieved all its objectives", Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian armed forces' chief of staff, told state TV.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Flights from Israel resume after airspace reopened

Israeli airlines said operations were returning to normal on Sunday after an overnight attack by Iranian missiles and drones closed the airspace and led to flight cancellations. Israel reopened its airspace as of 7:30 a.m. (0430 GMT) on Sunday, adding that flight schedules from Tel Aviv were expected to be affected and travellers should check flight times before going to Ben Gurion International Airport.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: India likely to suspend flight operations to Israel amid rising tensions between Iran, Israel

Indian airline companies are likely to announce the suspension of flight operations to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel. Iran and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq launched more than 200 projectiles at Israel on Saturday night, including dozens of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. 

According to the sources, "Flight operations to and from Israel are likely to be suspended, an official announcement will follow."

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: ‘Israeli retaliation will be met with…’, says Iran's military chief

Iran's military chief of staff says that an Israeli retaliation will be met with a bigger Iranian attack than the one overnight

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Iran says retaliation 'concluded,' warns Israel not to respond

Iran on Sunday urged Israel not to retaliate militarily to an unprecedented attack overnight, which Tehran presented as a justified response to a strike that destroyed its consulate building in Damascus earlier this month. "The matter can be deemed concluded," Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a post on X just a few hours after the start of the operation late Saturday.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: India issues advisory for Indian nationals in Israel

Iran has launched a drone and missile attack on Israel on Saturday night. 

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Iran says retaliation 'concluded,' warns Israel not to respond

Iran on Sunday urged Israel not to retaliate militarily to an unprecedented attack overnight, which Tehran presented as a justified response to a strike that destroyed its consulate building in Damascus earlier this month. 

"The matter can be deemed concluded," Iran's mission to the United Nations said in a post on X just a few hours after the start of the operation late Saturday.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Italy calls for G7 leaders meet to discuss Iranian attack

Italy has called a video meeting of G7 leaders on Sunday to discuss the Iranian attack, on Israel, sources in the prime minister's office said. The call will be held in the early afternoon, European time. Italy currently holds the rotating G7 presidency.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: Airlines confront new Iran-Israel risks as disruption grows

Airlines are weighing an ever narrowing set of options to fly between Europe and Asia after grappling with airspace shutdowns in the wake of the first direct Iranian attack on Israel from its soil. 

Several Middle Eastern countries including Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon announced closures of their airspace as Iran launched drones and missiles. Both Israel and Iran also imposed restrictions on airline traffic over their airspace.

Israel-Iran Tensions LIVE: 'Vicious cycle of attack and counter-attack will lead nowhere', says UNGA president on Iran's attack on Israel

United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis said while expressing deep concerns on Sunday in response to the Iran's attack on Israel, that this vicious cycle of attack and counter-attack will lead nowhere, but inevitably, to more death, suffering and misery. 

Francis said in a press release, "I am deeply concerned about the unfolding situation in the Middle East, involving the launch by Iran of drones and missiles against Israel."