Israel-Iran conflict LIVE: UK to withdraw embassy staff from Iran

Dozens injured in northern Israel after Iran's missile salvo

Dozens of people have been injured in the latest in northern Israel in the wake of Iran’s latest missile salvo, Israel’s emergency services authorities have said. Out of the injured, three are in serious condition, stated the Magen David Adom (MDA), as quoted by the BBC. MDA further states that the three critically injured include two men respectively aged 40 and 54 and a 16-year-old boy. Another 20 are in a "mild condition", MDA said as per the BBC report.

UK withdraws Tehran embassy staff amid Iran-Israel conflict

Given the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the UK has said that it was withdrawing its staff from the embassy in Tehran. "We have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily withdraw our UK staff from Iran," the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office says in a statement reported BBC. He also said that the embassy office is continuing to function remotely.

UN secretary general Guterres warns Iran-Israel conflict 'racing towards crisis'

As diplomatic talks between European Union Foreign Ministers and their Iranian counterpart are on the way in Geneva, the UN Security Council members are meeting in New York to discuss the Iran-Israel conflict.

Addressing the meeting, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his opening remark, said that the conflict was "racing towards" a crisis.

"The expansion of this conflict could light a fire that no one can control," he said, adding thatthe  “nuclear question” remains the crux of the conflict, reports the BBC.

"Iran has repeatedly stated that it is not seeking nuclear weapons. But let's recognise there is a trust gap," he said as per the BBC report.

Iran launches another ballistic missile barrage: IDF

Omar Abdullah questions reason behind Israel's attack on Iran

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday asserted that war anywhere is not a good thing as he questioned Israel's compulsion to attack Iran.

The National Conference leader also said that Jammu and Kashmir should have the right to use its waters and underlined that, as of now, there is no intention to divert surplus water to other states.

Abdullah was interacting with the media after inaugurating an outreach office -- Raabta -- in Jammu to ensure efficient grievance redressal and informed decision-making through data-driven monitoring and strategic communication.

Asked about the Israel-Iran conflict, Abdullah said, "This is not a good thing. War anywhere is not a good thing. What exactly did Iran do that forced Israel to attack? The sooner this conflict ends, the better".

Taking a dig at Israel, he said, "Two months ago, Israel’s intelligence chief said that Iran is nowhere close to building a nuclear bomb. That was the evidence then. And now, after two months, Israel has suddenly launched an attack on Iran." He said that although the war is between Iran and Israel, more than 6,000 Indians have been trapped.

"We are evacuating them one by one. Ninety students (from J-K) have already been brought out, and another 400 have reached safer locations. Efforts are on to evacuate more than 6,000 students, out of which 1,400 are from Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Asked about some of the 90 students -- who landed in Delhi on Thursday morning after being evacuated from Iran -- complaining about the condition of buses in which they were taken to Kashmir, he admitted that the vehicles arranged initially "weren’t up to the mark".

"As soon as we were informed, we arranged proper vehicles, and they are now reaching their homes... Officials there have been told to be more careful in the future," he said. PTI

Macron urges Iran to negotiate, offers four-part proposal

France's president, Emmanuel Macron, has said that Iran has to show willingness to join the platform for negotiations that are on the table.

"Iran must show that it is willing to join the platform for negotiations we are putting on the table," Macron told reporters in Le Bourget, near Paris, reported the BBC.

He also said that France and other European nations will provide Iran with a four-part proposal. First, the IAEA will resume its work to ensure "zero enrichment" of uranium. Second, there will be oversight of Iran’s ballistic missile development.

Third, Iran’s financing of proxy militant groups active in the region. Fourth, Iran has to free “hostages” or foreign nationals languishing in its prisons.

UK to arrange charter flights for British nationals in Israel: David Lammy

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday (June 20) said that his country will arrange a charter flights for British nationals stranded in Israel and who want to return home. The main international airport of Israel, at Tel Aviv, has been shut to passengers since last week. Lammy made the remarks in Geneva to hold talks with his Iranian counterparts.

"As part of our efforts to support British nationals in the Middle East, the government is working with the Israeli authorities to provide charter flights from Tel Aviv airport when airspace reopens, based on levels of demand from British nationals,” he said as quoted by BBC.

"British nationals should register their presence in Israel and the OPTs to be contacted with further guidance on these flights,” he added.

He also said, “Land routes out of Israel remain open and UK staff are on hand to support British nationals who have crossed the border. This will include providing transport, subject to demand, to nearby airports for onward commercial flights."

Iran to open airspace for evacuation of stranded Indians

 A day after New Delhi announced that it will initiate evacuation of Indian citizens in Israel, Iranian Deputy Chief of Mission Javad Hosseini as reported by The Hindu has said that Tehran was cooperating with India in its effort to bring back 1,000 Indian citizens by three special flights, staring on Friday (June 20) night. The report further stated that Iran will open its airspace to facilitate the evacuation flights. 

Kremlin: Israel guarantees the safety of Russian workers at Busheh to Putin

A day after Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Israel not to strike Iran’s nuclear power plant in Bushehr, the Kremlin said that Israel has assured him of the safety of Russian workers at the power plant, reported Reuters.

The power plant is run by nuclear fuel provided by Russia, which, after being spent, is taken back by Moscow to prevent nuclear proliferation.

No talks with the US, until Israel stops attack: Iranian Foreign Minister

There will be no negotiations with the US until Israel stops attacking Iran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday.

According to an AFP report, in an interview with the state TV channel, Araghchi said “The Americans have repeatedly sent messages calling seriously for negotiations. But we have made clear that as long as the aggression does not stop, there will be no place for diplomacy and dialogue.”