Israel, Iran trade drone, missile strikes intensify conflict.
Israel Attacks Iran: Indian Embassies Issue Travel Advisories Amid Escalating Tensions – LIVE Updates
Tensions flared in the Middle East on Friday morning as Israel reportedly launched a series of strikes targeting Tehran, prompting a swift and powerful response from Iran. According to reports from Israeli defense officials, Iran has retaliated by launching more than 100 drones towards Israel, escalating fears of a broader regional conflict.
The rapid escalation has prompted several countries, including India, to issue advisories for their citizens. The Indian embassies in both Iran and Israel released statements urging Indian nationals to remain calm, stay indoors, and avoid unnecessary travel until the situation stabilizes. Citizens have been advised to closely monitor official embassy communications and local news updates.
The exact details of the Israeli strikes in Tehran remain unclear, but local Iranian media reported loud explosions near military installations. Israeli officials have not confirmed the exact targets but emphasized the strikes were part of a broader defensive operation.
International leaders have expressed concern over the growing hostilities, calling for restraint and diplomacy to prevent further bloodshed in an already volatile region. Global markets and energy prices also saw early morning fluctuations amid fears of supply disruptions.
Israel-Iran Attack News Live Updates: Regional Conflict Escalates After Israeli Strikes on Tehran, Iran Vows ‘Harsh Punishment’
The Middle East is on edge as tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated dramatically following an intense exchange of military strikes. In a fast-developing situation, Israel carried out a significant offensive on Iranian soil, targeting what it called “strategic military infrastructure,” including nuclear development facilities. Iran responded swiftly, launching more than 100 drones toward Israeli territory in what it described as a “legitimate act of defense.”
Israel’s military spokesperson, Brigadier General Effie Deffrin, said on Friday that Israeli forces had successfully intercepted a vast majority of the drones launched by Iran. “The attacks are still ongoing, and we remain prepared for any escalation. Our objective is to degrade Iran’s capabilities to threaten Israeli civilians.”
Iran’s Response: Khamenei Vows Revenge
several high-ranking Iranian military figures. Among those reportedly killed were General Hossein Salami, the commander of Iran’s elite paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s Chief of Staff.
Iranian officials have accused the United States of being directly involved in planning and executing the Israeli offensive. Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, appeared on state television declaring, “This act of aggression will not go unanswered. Israel and the United States will pay a heavy price for their crimes.” Iranian state media has also reported mass mobilization of air defense systems and emergency sessions of the National Security Council.
The assassination of top military leaders has stunned Iran and drawn condemnation from key allies including Syria, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and several Iraqi militias.
Diplomatic Fallout: US-Iran Talks Suspended
Aladdin Boroujerdi, a senior Iranian lawmaker and a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, told state media that the sixth round of nuclear negotiations with the United States has now been postponed indefinitely.
“This is not the environment for peace talks,” Boroujerdi said. “The United States has shown once again that it supports aggression and destabilization in the region.”
Earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox News, admitted he had prior knowledge of the Israeli strikes. “We were aware of the operation and have been in communication with our ally,” he said, adding, “there were no surprises.” However, the U.S. government appears divided on the matter. from the Israeli strikes, stating, “We had no role in the attacks, and we urge Iran not to escalate the conflict or endanger American personnel or facilities in the region.”
The U.S. Department of Defense has reportedly raised its alert levels at bases across the Middle East and ordered a limited evacuation of non-essential staff from its embassies in Baghdad, Riyadh, and Doha.
Global Reactions and Concerns
The international community has reacted with deep concern over the escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement calling for “immediate de-escalation” and warned that continued hostilities could lead to a broader regional war.
The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, condemned the violence on both sides and urged all parties to return to dialogue. Civilians in Israel, Iran, and neighboring countries will pay the price unless both sides restrain themselves.”
China and Russia, key players in the Iran nuclear deal, have called emergency meetings of their foreign policy councils.
Meanwhile, India, which maintains strong diplomatic relations with both countries, has issued a travel advisory for its citizens in Iran and Israel. The Indian embassies in both countries have urged nationals to avoid all non-essential travel, remain indoors, and maintain contact with the embassy. External Affairs Minister
Regional Security at Risk
With Hezbollah signaling possible action from Lebanon, and reports of Iraqi militias moving closer to U.S. bases in Iraq, there is growing concern that the conflict could spiral into a multi-front regional war. Additionally, oil prices surged by more than 8% in early Friday trading, reflecting fears of disruption to major energy supply chains.
Iran, meanwhile, has placed its military on full alert and continues to issue strong threats against Israeli and U.S. assets in the region.
Conclusion
With both nations vowing continued military action and diplomatic ties unraveling, the Israel-Iran conflict appears to be entering a dangerous new phase. While the international community scrambles for solutions and calls for restraint, the possibility of a broader regional war looms large. The coming hours and days will be critical in determining whether the region can step back from the brink or descend into deeper chaos.