Live! Iran defence minister likely dead; Araghchi calls regime change ‘mission impossible’

Indian embassies issue advisories amid Iran strikes

The Indian Embassy in Iran on Saturday advised its citizens to exercise “utmost caution” and to “remain indoors as far as possible” as tensions escalate in the region.

“In view of the developing situation, all Indian nationals in Iran are advised to exercise utmost caution, avoid unnecessary movements and remain indoors as far as possible,” the embassy said in a post on X.

It added that Indian nationals should monitor news updates, remain socially aware and wait for further guidance from the Embassy of India.

The advisory followed Israel’s pre-emptive military strike on Iran earlier in the day.

US President Donald Trump also called on Iranians to take control of their government, saying the United States had begun “major combat operations in Iran” after Israel’s strikes. He described the attacks as “a noble mission,” citing Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and missile systems capable of reaching the United States.

Separately, the Indian Embassy in Qatar issued guidance to its nationals.

“In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals in Qatar are advised to take due care, follow news and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy and local authorities,” the mission posted on X.

“Our Embassy is continuing to function as usual. Embassy’s 24×7 helpline number is 00974-55647502 and email for addressing any query is [email protected],” it said.

(With agency inputs)

Israel launches new strikes on Western Iran targets

Israel has begun another round of strikes aimed at regime targets in western Iran, the Israeli military said.

The announcement was made roughly three and a half hours after Israel and the United States initiated the first phase of attacks on Iran, reported CNN.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was “conducting a board strike against a number of military targets” linked to the regime in western Iran.

Struck a U.S. military base in Bahrain with missiles: Iran

Iran has claimed to strike a U.S. military base in Bahrain with missiles. "A U.S. military base in Bahrain was targeted by Iranian missile strikes," stated the Iranian embassy in India. 

According to a report in the Bahrain News Agency the service centre of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain has been hit in what it described as a missile attack. The facility, which supports American naval operations in the region, was reportedly targeted amid escalating tensions, added the report.

Authorities have not yet released information about possible damage to the site or whether any personnel were injured in the strike. Further details were not immediately available as officials assess the situation and monitor developments following the reported attack.

Explosions reported in Gulf states hosting US bases

Reports indicate several explosions in Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, each home to US military bases.

Bahrain’s interior ministry called on residents to head to the closest safe location, reported CNN. 

Pentagon names Iran campaign ‘Operation Epic Fury’

The US Department of Defense has designated the joint American and Israeli campaign targeting Iran as “Operation Epic Fury,” after strikes were launched Saturday morning.

“OPERATION EPIC FURY,” the Pentagon wrote on X alongside an image of the US flag.

The previous year’s attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites were conducted under the code name “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

Watchdog says Iran hit by widespread internet shutdown

Iran is facing an almost complete internet shutdown, according to online monitoring group NetBlocks.

“Confirmed: Network data show #Iran is now in the midst of a near-total internet blackout with national connectivity at 4% or ordinary levels,” NetBlocks wrote on its Telegram channel, reported CNN.

“The incident comes amid US and Israeli combat operations and matches measures used during last year’s war with Israel.”

For much of January, internet access across Iran was also largely unavailable, after authorities restricted online communications during a crackdown on anti-government protests.

Netanyahu urges Iranians to overthrow Tehran regime

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday urged regime change in Tehran in his first video address since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

Netanyahu appealed to “all parts of the Iranian people” to “cast off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran.” He added, “Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands.”

During the 12-day conflict with Iran in June, Netanyahu similarly called on Iranians to rise up against their leadership.

He opened his latest remarks by thanking President Donald Trump “for his historic leadership.”

“This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,” Netanyahu said.

Missile alerts sounded in Israel after Iran strikes

Air raid alerts were activated in Israel early Saturday, roughly two hours after the United States and Israel began carrying out strikes on Iran.

A message from Israel’s Home Front Command was sent directly to mobile phones, cautioning that sirens were expected “in a few minutes” and instructing residents to get ready to move into protected spaces, reported CNN.

In a statement, the Israeli military said it had detected missiles fired from Iran toward Israeli territory.

“At this time, the Israeli Air Force is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. “The defense is not hermetic, and therefore it is essential that the public continue to adhere to the Home Front Command’s guidelines.”

Trump announces ‘major combat operations’ in Iran

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States has launched what he described as a sweeping military campaign inside Iran, declaring that American forces had begun “major combat operations” aimed at dismantling what he called imminent threats from Tehran.

“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump said, framing the objective as defending Americans by “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

In a forceful address, Trump cast Iran as a decades-long adversary. “For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted, Death to America,” he said, linking the current operation to past attacks including the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut and assaults on U.S. forces in Iraq. “It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to put up with it any longer.”

Trump reiterated his long-standing position on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. “This terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon.” He pointed to last year’s “Operation Midnight Hammer,” saying the U.S. had “obliterated the regime’s nuclear programme at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.”

The president said the current campaign would be expansive. “We are going to destroy their missiles and raise their missile industry to the ground,” he said. “We are going to annihilate their navy.”

Trump acknowledged the risks to U.S. personnel. “The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties,” he said, calling the effort “a noble mission.”

Addressing Iranian security forces directly, he warned: “Lay down your weapons and have complete immunity… or… face certain death.” He also urged Iranian civilians to “stay sheltered” because “Bombs will be dropping everywhere,” adding that “the hour of your freedom is at hand.”

Explosions reported across Iranian cities

Explosions were reported in multiple cities across Iran, according to Iranian media outlets.

The Fars news agency said blasts were heard in Isfahan, Qom, Karaj and Kermanshah.

It also reported that several missiles struck University Street and the Republic area in the capital, Tehran. The Islamic Republic News Agency said explosions were heard at two sites in Tehran and that smoke was visible over the city centre.