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Satellite image showing the Fordow enrichment site in central Iran on June 14, 2025. (Credit: via AFP)

Live MIDDLE EAST

'No danger' to population after US strikes on nuclear sites, targeted facilities were 'obliterated,' says Trump | LIVE

What you need to know

The U.S. struck the Natanz and Isfahan sites with 30 Tomahawk missiles and the Fordow nuclear facility with six bunker-buster bombs.

American citizens and military personnel in the region are now "legitimate targets," threatens a speaker on Iranian state TV.

Iran must "now agree to end this war," wrote Trump after the U.S. attack.

The Israeli army announced heightened security restrictions across the country.


11:54 Beirut Time
11:54 Beirut Time

No radioactive traces have been detected in the environment of Saudi Arabia or other Gulf Arab states following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the Saudi nuclear regulator said in a message posted on X.

11:53 Beirut Time

Israel closes its airspace after the U.S. attack on Iran.

11:53 Beirut Time

Hamas condemns US 'criminal aggression' against Iran

The Palestinian Hamas movement, ruling the Gaza Strip, has condemned the “criminal aggression” of the United States against its Iranian ally, following the US attack on several of Tehran's nuclear sites.

“We condemn this criminal aggression, we consider it a blatant example of the policy of imposing hegemony by force, an aggression based on the law of the jungle, and a violation of all international norms and conventions,” Hamas wrote on its Telegram account, also denouncing a “dangerous escalation.”

11:52 Beirut Time

In a new message on Truth Social after his address to the nation, Donald Trump once again warned Iran of further strikes “if peace is not achieved soon.”

Any retaliation by Iran against the United States will provoke a response carried out with a force “far more powerful” than that of last night's bombings, the U.S. president added.

11:52 Beirut Time

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told Israelis that he has kept his promise to destroy Iran's nuclear program, claiming that the U.S. attack overnight in Iran was carried out in “perfect coordination” with his country.

“Not long ago, in perfect coordination with [U.S. President Donald] Trump and perfect operational coordination between [Israeli forces] and the U.S. military, the United States attacked the three Iranian nuclear facilities [of] Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan,” Netanyahu said in a recorded video message broadcast by television stations.

“You will remember that, from the start of [the war with Iran unleashed by Israel on June 13], I promised you that Iran's nuclear facilities would be destroyed in one way or another." “That promise has been kept," he added.

11:51 Beirut Time

'No danger' for population after US strikes on nuclear sites

The Iranian authorities have declared that there is “no danger” for the population of Qom and areas close to the Fordow uranium enrichment site south of Tehran, targeted by a U.S. air strike.

“There is no danger for the population of Qom and the surrounding areas” of the Fordow underground facility, the regional crisis management service said in a statement, according to the official Irna agency.

11:49 Beirut Time

U.S. President Donald Trump again declared that Iran must now make peace or “we'll go after” other targets.

“There will either be peace, or a tragedy for Iran far greater than the one we've witnessed over the past eight days,” Trump added, before announcing a Pentagon press conference later Sunday.

11:49 Beirut Time

In a speech to the nation after the U.S. strikes on Iran, Donald Trump said he had worked as a team with Netanyahu.

He said that future attacks would be far greater if Iran did not make peace.

According to him, Iran must now make peace. He added that Iran's facilities “have been wiped out” and said that the U.S. objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capability and the end of the nuclear threat.

Trump was flanked in his address by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

11:48 Beirut Time

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today.”

He denounced on X a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the brink and a direct threat to international peace and security.”

“There is a growing risk that this conflict will spiral out of control, with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region and the world as a whole,” Guterres warned, calling on member states “to defuse tensions and respect their obligations under the U.N. Charter and other rules of international law.”

"At this perilous time, it is crucial to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only way forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace," he concluded.

11:46 Beirut Time

The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran again said it expected the international community to condemn “anarchy based on the law of the jungle” and to support Iran “in the realization of its legitimate rights.”

05:36 Beirut Time

An Israeli source said after U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, “we are now ready to talk about an agreement,” but warned, “it is all in Iran’s hands now.”


The source added that if Tehran attacks American bases, Israel is prepared to expand the war.

05:35 Beirut Time

Republican and Democratic members of Congress reacted quickly to the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities early Sunday. Some Republicans criticized the president’s decision, while Democrats called it a “violation of the Constitution.”

05:09 Beirut Time

In a brief national address following the U.S. strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump said he had worked closely with Netanyahu and thanked him.


He warned that future attacks would be far greater if Iran did not make peace, adding that Iran must now choose peace.


Trump said Iran’s nuclear facilities “have been totally obliterated” and emphasized that the U.S. goal is to destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment capability and end the nuclear threat.

05:04 Beirut Time

Iran's Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that the Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites were attacked "by enemies."


The attack "violates international law," said the organization, adding, "We will not allow the development of this 'national industry' to be stopped."


The organization stressed that it had put on its agenda the necessary measures, including legal steps, to "defend the rights" of Iran.

05:01 Beirut Time

Strikes against Iran "risk committing Americans" to war, according to a senior Democrat.

04:51 Beirut Time

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first comment after the U.S. strikes in Iran, called Trump’s “bold decision” to target Iranian nuclear facilities a move that will change history.


"Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities, with the awesome and righteous might of the U.S. will change history," he said.


"History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime, the world's most dangerous weapon," Netanyahu added in a pre-recorded statement cited by Haaretz.

04:50 Beirut Time

Channel 3 of the state broadcaster IRIB reported that entry and exit points at the Fordow nuclear site were damaged in the U.S. attacks.

04:46 Beirut Time

President Donald Trump is expected to say in his address, scheduled in about 15 minutes, that the U.S. is not considering additional strikes on Iran, NBC News told Reuters.

04:37 Beirut Time

Akbar Salehi, the deputy governor of Iran’s Isfahan province, said the nuclear facilities of Natanz and Isfahan were attacked. He said air defenses fired on the “invaders,” according to the Iranian Tasnim news agency, affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

04:35 Beirut Time

According to the New York Times, Mahdi Mohammadi, senior adviser to Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf, said in a social media post that Iran had anticipated the attacks on Fordow for several nights. “The site was evacuated long ago, and the damage is not irreversible,” he said, adding, “You can’t bomb knowledge.”

04:33 Beirut Time

Iran evacuated the nuclear sites hit by the U.S. "some time ago," according to the head of the state media Irib, cited by the Mehr agency.

04:20 Beirut Time

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the strikes, according to a White House official cited by Reuters.

04:19 Beirut Time

A speaker on Iran's state TV channel said that all U.S. citizens and military personnel in the region are now "legitimate targets," according to Reuters.


Where are the U.S. bases in the region? Learn more about the U.S. military presence in the Middle East here.👈

04:18 Beirut Time

In a call with Reuters, President Donald Trump hailed tonight’s strikes as an “incredible success.” He warned Iran to “stop immediately, or they will be hit again,” adding: “They must make peace immediately.”

04:18 Beirut Time

CBS News reported that the United States contacted Iran on Saturday to clarify that the strikes were part of pre-planned operations and that Washington is not seeking regime change.

04:08 Beirut Time

The United States dropped six bunker-buster bombs during the strikes on Fordow, according to the U.S. Fox News channel, cited by Reuters.

04:08 Beirut Time

An informed source told CNN that President Donald Trump is not planning any "additional measures" in Iran.

04:07 Beirut Time

An official of the Iranian Broadcasting Corporation, quoted by Irna, said that the nuclear sites hit by the U.S. do not contain materials that could cause radiation, according to Reuters.

04:06 Beirut Time

Trump said in a phone call to Axios, "We had a great success tonight, your Israel is much safer now," according to Reuters.

04:02 Beirut Time

Security instructions tightened in Israel


The Israeli army announced an "immediate change to the policy of sheltering the home front," as of 3:45 am.


"As part of these changes, it has been decided to bring all areas of the country up to essential working level. Instructions include the banning of educational activities, gatherings and work centers, with the exception of essential work zones."

03:59 Beirut Time

An Iranian official confirmed that attacks have been observed near the Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites, Reuters reported citing Fars news agency.


Another anonymous official said that the Fordow nuclear site had been attacked by "enemy air strikes," according to Iran's Tasnim news agency.

03:57 Beirut Time

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to speak at 10 p.m. (02h GMT, 5 a.m. Beirut time) after the U.S. strikes on Iran, he announced on his platform Truth Social. 

"This is an HISTORIC MOMENT FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISRAEL, AND THE WORLD. IRAN MUST NOW AGREE TO END THIS WAR. THANK YOU!" he concluded.

03:30 Beirut Time

(Credit: Screen grab of Trump's post on Truth Social)

🔴 U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. military attacked three Iranian nuclear sites, including the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow, Reuters reported.


"We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

"A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow."

Trump added that "all planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors."


Earlier, Trump met with his national security team in the White House Situation Room, Axios reported. "An Israeli official said Israel was notified by the Trump administration in advance of the U.S. strikes in Iran," Axios added.

21:21 Beirut Time

Iran refuses to halt nuclear activities regardless of circumstances

“Iran will refuse to reduce its nuclear activities to zero under any circumstances,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said. "We are willing to engage and cooperate to build trust in peaceful nuclear activities, but we do not agree to reduce our nuclear activities to zero under any circumstances,” he added during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, reported by state news agency IRNA.

21:21 Beirut Time

An Israeli strike in western Iran today killed at least five Iranian military personnel and injured nine others, according to Iranian media.

“Five army officers were killed and nine others were wounded in today’s (Saturday) attack by the Israeli regime on the city of Sumar,” in Kermanshah province, Fars reported, citing a local official.

21:21 Beirut Time

Explosions were heard in central and northern Tehran, AFP reported.

21:20 Beirut Time

The United States is deploying B‑2 stealth bombers to Guam in the Pacific, two U.S. officials told Reuters, as President Trump considers possible U.S. involvement in strikes against Iran.

It remains unclear whether the deployment is connected to Middle East tensions. Reports emphasize that no orders have been issued to move the bombers beyond Guam, and it’s not known how many B‑2s are en route.

Experts note that the B‑2 can be outfitted with the GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator—a 30,000‑pound bunker-buster capable of targeting deeply buried facilities, such as Iran’s Fordow site. Some are watching to see if the bombers might transfer to the U.S.-UK base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, which offers strategic reach to the Middle East. B‑2s were previously stationed there until last month, when they were replaced by B‑52 bombers.

21:20 Beirut Time

The Lebanese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it is closely monitoring the situation of Lebanese nationals in Iran and has received updates from Lebanon’s ambassador in Tehran, Hassan Abbas.

21:19 Beirut Time

Israel’s foreign minister says a planned attack on Israeli citizens in Cyprus was foiled, according to Reuters.

21:19 Beirut Time

Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, announced that the State Department has begun organizing assisted departure flights from Israel amid the conflict between Tel Aviv and Tehran. He urged U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents in Israel and the West Bank seeking government assistance to leave to complete a form available on the State Department website.

21:18 Beirut Time

The Israeli military said it struck “dozens of military targets in southwestern Iran with more than 50 munitions,” according to Reuters.

18:26 Beirut Time

The Iranian army stated that the seventh and eighth phases of launching dozens of “destructive” drones toward Israel have been successfully carried out, according to the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

“Information received indicates that most of the drones reached their intended targets,” IRNA added.

18:14 Beirut Time

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have threatened to target U.S. ships and warships in the Red Sea — despite a recent cease-fire agreement — if Washington intervenes in the war waged by Israel against their Iranian ally.

“If the United States takes part in an attack and aggression against Iran alongside the Israeli enemy, the [Houthi]  armed forces will target their ships and warships in the Red Sea,” said the rebel group’s military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, in a video statement.

18:13 Beirut Time

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting in Istanbul.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammad reiterated “Qatar’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli aggression against Iranian territory,” calling it a “violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security” and a breach of international law, according to a statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need for regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions, stating that Qatar is making “vigorous efforts” with its partners to restore dialogue.

17:47 Beirut Time

The bodyguard of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, known as ‘Abu Ali,’ was reportedly killed in Tehran, according to a source close to the party quoted by L’Orient-Le Jour.

The victim had been in Iraq and traveled to Iran with four other individuals, who were also killed.

17:27 Beirut Time

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that a centrifuge production workshop—machines used to enrich uranium — was “hit” following new Israeli strikes on the nuclear site in Isfahan, central Iran.

“We know this facility well. There were no nuclear materials present, and therefore the attack will have no radiological consequences for the environment,” said the head of the UN agency, Rafael Grossi, as quoted in a statement.

17:16 Beirut Time

Germany has temporarily relocated the staff of its embassy in Tehran abroad due to the current threat situation, a foreign ministry official said, according to Reuters.

The embassy remains operational and can be contacted by phone by Germans still in Iran, the official said, adding that it will continue to provide advice on possible options for leaving the country by land.

The United Kingdom took a similar measure yesterday, along with other countries, as Israeli strikes on Tehran continue to intensify.

17:10 Beirut Time

A member of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council threatened today to "deal" with International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi after the war with Israel is over.

The legislative body is tasked with advising Khamenei and resolving disputes between the Guardian Council and the parliament.

"Once the war is over, we will deal with Grossi," Countered Member Ali Larijani said on X.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar responded to Larijani's post, saying, "It would have been unbelievable if it weren't about Iran."

The minister continued, "Now they're openly threatening the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency," calling Iran a "mafia state."

Earlier today, Iran filed an official complaint with the UN Security Council, accusing Grossi of being biased and therefore not condemning the Israeli attacks on the country's nuclear facilities.

Iran Envoy to the UN Amir Saeid wrote in the complaint that Grossi's conduct was not neutral, objective, or professional.

16:46 Beirut Time

European proposals 'unrealistic,' says Iranian official

The discussions and proposals put forward by European powers in Geneva regarding Iran’s nuclear program are unrealistic, and insisting on them will not bring the two sides closer to an agreement, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

“In any case, Iran will examine the European proposals in Tehran and present its responses at the next meeting,” the official said. He added that zero enrichment was a dead end and that Iran would not negotiate over its defensive capabilities, including its missile program.

16:45 Beirut Time

Iran’s Deputy Health Minister, Ali Jafarian, stated that the ministry is preparing to treat any victims affected by ongoing Israeli attacks on nuclear facilities.

“We have not yet received information confirming Israel’s use of unconventional weapons. We are ready to respond to any nuclear leak in the event that reactors are targeted, and we hope it won’t come to that,” Jafarian said. He added that three hospitals have been attacked so far, and the hospital in Kermanshah was completely evacuated.

“All these hospitals are civilian targets. International organizations, especially the World Health Organization and the International Red Cross, must pressure Israel to stop targeting civilians. However, we don’t expect much from them, as we have witnessed their failure to take action in Gaza for over a year and a half.”

Jafarian confirmed that 430 civilians have been killed and more than 3,500 injured after eight days of Israeli “aggression.”

16:45 Beirut Time

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan praised Qatar and Egypt for their efforts toward securing a cease-fire in Gaza, while denouncing Israel’s ongoing attacks against Palestine.

“Israel seeks to expel Palestinians from their lands, has turned the West Bank into a war zone, and aims to undermine the two-state solution,” Fidan told foreign ministers gathered in Istanbul for the summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

“Israel’s attacks and expansionist policies compel us to confront them. These are not problems specific to each country — the problem is Israel alone. We condemn Israel’s attacks, and they must stop immediately. The international community must put an end to these policies, which threaten global stability,” he added.

16:31 Beirut Time

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees will open an office in the Turkish capital, Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced.

Speaking at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul, Erdoğan urged member states to increase their support for the agency following Israel's decision to ban it. “We must not allow UNRWA, which plays an irreplaceable role in caring for Palestinian refugees, to be crippled by Israel,” he said. He added, “We expect our organization and every member state to provide both financial and moral support to UNRWA to counter Israel's maneuvers.”

Erdoğan also stated that the opening of the office would strengthen Turkey's support for the agency. Between 2023 and 2025, Turkey contributed $10 million annually to UNRWA. In 2024, it also transferred an additional $2 million and sent $3 million more through its disaster management authority, AFAD.

16:31 Beirut Time

Local Iranian media report explosions heard in the city of Ahvaz and in the port of Mahshahr, both located in Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran.

The Fars News Agency reported that air defense systems were activated in these areas.

This comes shortly after the Israeli army said it was striking “military infrastructure” in southwestern Iran.

16:30 Beirut Time

Israeli army spokesperson Effie Defrin said that Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir had ordered the army to prepare for a “prolonged campaign” aimed at destroying Iranian targets.

These include nuclear sites, enrichment facilities, and missile infrastructure.

“We are intensifying our strikes night after night and achieving remarkable results,” he said, noting that “we will continue until the threat is eliminated.”

16:30 Beirut Time

Iran-Israel war must not spark new refugee crisis, says UN

The United Nations has stated that the war between Iran and Israel must not lead to a new refugee crisis in the Middle East, warning that once people flee, there is no quick return.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said the intensity of attacks between the two sides is already triggering population movements in both countries.

Such movements have already been reported in Tehran and other parts of Iran, with residents crossing into neighboring countries. Strikes in Israel have also forced people to seek refuge elsewhere within the country, and in some cases, abroad.

“This region has already endured more than its share of war, loss, and displacement. We cannot allow another refugee crisis to take root,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “The time to de-escalate is now. Once people are forced to flee, there is no quick return – and far too often, the consequences last for generations,” he added.

15:42 Beirut Time

The ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries expressed their concerns to Rafael Grossi, Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), about the safety of nuclear facilities near their territories amid the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, Qatar's official news agency reported, according to Reuters.

During a meeting in Vienna, the ambassadors warned Grossi of the “dangerous repercussions” of potential strikes targeting nuclear sites.

This warning comes after the Israeli army claimed on Thursday that it had struck the Bushehr nuclear site, which was built by Russia — only to later retract the statement, calling it an error. Bushehr is Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant, located on the Gulf coast.

Gulf states have long feared the consequences of an attack on this facility, particularly in terms of air and water contamination.

15:17 Beirut Time

Several “powerful explosions” reported in southwestern Iran, according to local media.

15:17 Beirut Time

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on his X account that he spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Macron reiterated his demand for the release of Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, calling their detention “inhumane” and “unjust.” He expressed deep concern about Iran’s nuclear program, emphasizing that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons and must provide full guarantees of peaceful intentions.

Macron stated, “I am convinced there is a path to end the war and avoid greater dangers. To achieve this, we will accelerate the negotiations France and its European partners have started with Iran.”

15:17 Beirut Time

Israel says it struck military infrastructure in southwestern Iran, according to AFP reports.

15:03 Beirut Time

Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck military infrastructure in southwestern Iran, the Israeli army said, according to Haaretz.

14:50 Beirut Time

French President presses Iran on nuclear transparency

French President Emmanuel Macron told his Iranian counterpart that Iran must provide full guarantees that its nuclear program is peaceful, the French presidency said.

14:49 Beirut Time

According to Haaretz, the body of Maria Peshkuryova, a Ukrainian national, has been identified after being found Tuesday in the rubble of a residential building in Bat Yam that was directly hit by an Iranian missile earlier this week.

She was killed along with four members of her family, including her daughter Anastasia. Until now, Maria Peshkuryova had been listed as missing.

14:49 Beirut Time

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that U.S. involvement in the conflict with Israel would be “very dangerous” for all parties involved, Al Jazeera reported.

It would be “very regrettable” and “very dangerous for everyone” if U.S. forces joined the “aggression” against Iran, Araghchi told reporters on the sidelines of an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Istanbul, according to the Qatari outlet.

14:48 Beirut Time

Gulf ambassadors voice nuclear concerns amid Israel-Iran war

The ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have expressed to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, their concerns over the war between Israel and Iran — particularly the safety of nuclear facilities located near their countries, Qatar’s state news agency reported, according to Reuters.

14:48 Beirut Time

The U.S. State Department has urged its citizens not to travel to Iraq “for any reason,” according to Reuters.

14:36 Beirut Time

Israeli military releases images and video of alleged strike on Isfahan nuclear site

“We are showing what the Isfahan nuclear site looks like — a facility used for uranium conversion, the step that follows enrichment in the process leading to nuclear weapons,” said Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesman, in a post on X.

“The Air Force struck this central facility as well as buildings used for centrifuge production. We are continuing our strikes against Iran’s nuclear program,” he added.

14:35 Beirut Time

French President Emmanuel Macron said that European leaders will “accelerate negotiations” with Iran following a call with the Iranian president.

13:45 Beirut Time

The Israeli Air Force said it struck missile and drone launchers in Isfahan overnight between Friday and Saturday.

Forty drones launched from Iran were intercepted, said Avichay Adraee, the Arabic-speaking spokesperson for the Israeli army, on X. In total, Israel has intercepted more than 470 drones since the start of the war with Iran, achieving a success rate of 99 percent.

13:44 Beirut Time

Israel has hit a military installation in the city of Shiraz in Fars province, southern Iran, the country’s semi-official ISNA news agency says.

No casualties were immediately reported while smoke billowed from the site following the hit, the agency said.

13:44 Beirut Time

An Israeli airstrike targeted a military installation in the city of Shiraz, in southern Iran. No casualties have been reported, according to the semi-official news agency Isna.

13:13 Beirut Time

United Nations urges peace efforts to prevail in the Middle East after years of war forcing civilians to flee their homes

“This region has already endured more than its share of war, loss and displacement. We cannot allow another refugee crisis to take root,” said Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. “The time for de-escalation has come. Once people are forced to flee, there is no quick return, and far too often, the consequences last for generations.”

13:09 Beirut Time

Four Revolutionary Guards fighters killed in northwestern Iran

Four fighters from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s ideological army, the Revolutionary Guards, were killed at a training center in the northwest of the country, reported the news agency ISNA.

“Four people died as martyrs and three others were injured in an Israeli attack on a Revolutionary Guards training camp in Tabriz,” ISNA stated. This city has been regularly bombarded by the Israeli military since the conflict began on June 13.

12:48 Beirut Time

Erdogan accuses Israel of trying to sabotage nuclear negotiations with Iran

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that by launching attacks against Iran on the eve of a new round of nuclear talks with the United States, Israel is seeking to sabotage the negotiations. According to him, this move shows that "Israel does not want to resolve disputes through diplomatic means."

Speaking at a meeting of foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul, Erdogan called on countries influential over Israel not to succumb to its "poison" and to promote a peaceful solution through dialogue, while preventing regional escalation.

He also urged Muslim countries to intensify efforts to impose punitive measures on Israel, based on international law and United Nations resolutions.

12:30 Beirut Time

Turkey says Israel dragging region into disaster with attacks on Iran

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his counterparts from Muslim countries that Israel was dragging the region into "total disaster" with its attacks on Iran, and added world powers must prevent the war from spiralling into a wider conflict, Reuters reported.

Speaking at a foreign ministers' meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Fidan called on Muslim countries to stand with Iran against Israel, and said the region had an "Israel problem" after its assault on Gaza and attacks on Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran.

Speaking to the attendees of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu the biggest obstacle to regional peace, al-Jazeera reported.

12:28 Beirut Time

Tehran reports 430 dead and 3,500 injured in Iran since Israel-Iran conflict began

At least 430 people have been killed and 3,500 injured in Iran since the start of the Israel-Iran conflict on June 13, Iranian state media Nour News reported, citing the Ministry of Health.

12:15 Beirut Time

MEA cancels flights to Iraq as airspace remains closed

Lebanese airline Middle East Airlines (MEA) announced today the cancellation of its scheduled flights to Iraq on Saturday and Sunday, as Iraqi airspace remains closed amid escalating and unprecedented military tensions between Iran and Israel, largely tied to disputes over Iran's nuclear program.

MEA advised passengers to contact its call center at 1320 or 1330, or to visit its website for the latest updates.

12:14 Beirut Time

Israel says it killed three Iranian commanders

The Israeli military announced it had killed Saeed Izadi, a commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in an overnight airstrike. Izadi was reportedly in charge of coordinating with “the terrorist organization Hamas,” which Israel is also fighting in Gaza.

The army also claimed to have killed two other IRGC commanders:

- Aminpour Joudaki, described as having led “hundreds” of drone attacks on Israel.

- Behnam Shahriyari, identified as a commander in the Quds Force, the IRGC’s elite foreign operations unit.

11:49 Beirut Time

The Israeli military has acknowledged, according to Haaretz, that it failed to intercept a drone launched from Iran that struck a building in Beit She’an, located in the Jordan Valley in northern Israel.

However, the army reported successfully shooting down another aerial object after air raid sirens were triggered in Ramat Magshimim, in the Golan Heights.

11:48 Beirut Time

A residential building in northern Israel was hit by a drone strike, emergency services said, as the conflict with Iran entered its ninth day.

Following reports from the military of an aerial intrusion over the Beit She’an area, Magen David Adom — Israel’s equivalent of the Red Cross — confirmed that: “A drone strike hit a two-story residential building in the north of the country.” First responders at the scene found no casualties at this stage.

11:47 Beirut Time

NGO estimates 657 killed in Israeli strikes on Iran

Israeli airstrikes in Iran have left at least 657 dead and more than 2,000 injured, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a U.S.-based organization, said yesterday. The group cited media reports and its own sources.

According to HRANA — a human rights organization founded in Iran in 2005 and later exiled to the U.S. — the dead include at least 263 civilians, among them more than 20 children, 164 military personnel and 230 others whose status could not be determined. These deaths occurred across the country since the start of the Israeli offensive on June 13.

As of yesterday, the injured exceed 2,000, the NGO added.

The most recent official toll from Iranian authorities, dated June 15, reported at least 224 deaths, including military commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians. In Israel, at least 25 people have been killed by Iranian retaliatory fire, according to officials.

11:46 Beirut Time

A residential building in northern Israel has been hit by a drone strike, emergency services report.

11:46 Beirut Time

A drone struck a residential building in Beit She’an, in the northern Jordan Valley. According to Haaretz, no casualties have been reported so far.

11:45 Beirut Time

Drone sirens sounded twice in several communities in the Jordan Valley (north Israel) and in one Arava community (south Israel), according to Haaretz.

11:45 Beirut Time

Israel claims to have killed an Iranian commander coordinating with Hamas

The Israeli army says it has killed a commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responsible for coordinating with Hamas, in an overnight airstrike, more than a week into the Israel-Iran war.

"Saeed Izadi was responsible for military coordination between senior IRGC commanders and the Iranian regime with key figures in the terrorist organization Hamas," said the army statement.

Two other IRGC commanders, Behnam Shahriyari and Aminpour Joudaki, were also killed, according to AFP.

11:45 Beirut Time

22 arrested for "espionage" for Israel in Iran's Qom province

Police in Qom province (central Iran) announced Saturday that 22 individuals accused of spying for Israel had been arrested during the eight days of war, according to the Fars news agency.

Since the first Israeli strikes on June 13, “22 individuals have been identified and arrested for alleged ties to Zionist regime intelligence services and for disrupting public opinion,” said the provincial police intelligence chief, cited by the agency.

11:45 Beirut Time

At least five people were killed in Israeli attacks on the Iranian city of Khorramabad, according to local media quoting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Nour News Agency also reported that 15 officers and soldiers from Iran’s air defense forces have died since the beginning of the conflict.

11:44 Beirut Time

Abbas Araghchi arrives in Istanbul for a meeting with Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) counterparts.

“At this meeting, and at Iran's request, the issue of the Zionist regime’s attack on our country will be specifically addressed,” said Iran’s foreign minister, according to Tasnim News Agency.

Roughly 40 diplomats are expected to attend the weekend summit.

11:23 Beirut Time

Toll from the first eight days of strikes

At least 657 civilians and military personnel have been killed and over 2,000 injured in Iran by Israeli strikes since June 13, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Israeli authorities, meanwhile, report 25 deaths from Iranian bombardments.

11:22 Beirut Time

IAEA: Iran not developing nuclear weapons

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated that his organization can “guarantee,” through an “undisputable” inspection system, that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons.

“A diplomatic solution is possible if the political will is there. Elements of an agreement have been discussed,” he told the UN Security Council last night.

11:21 Beirut Time

Diplomatic developments

Yesterday was marked by a meeting in Geneva between the foreign ministers of Germany, France and the UK with their Iranian counterpart. These European countries urged Iran to negotiate without waiting for Israeli strikes to end and encouraged Tehran to continue discussions with the U.S. regarding its nuclear program.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump, who had given himself “two weeks” on Thursday to decide on potential U.S. military involvement in the strikes against Iran, stated: “Iran doesn’t want to talk to Europe. They want to talk to us. Europe won't be able to help on this issue.”

Iranian negotiator Abbas Araghchi said his country was ready to “consider” a return to diplomacy with the U.S. “once Israeli aggression stops.” He added that Iran was still open to discussions with the E3 (Germany, France, UK) and the European Union.

11:19 Beirut Time

Police in Iran’s Qom province announced the arrest of 22 individuals accused of espionage for Israel over the eight days of war, according to the Fars news agency.

On Thursday, Kiumars Azizi, police commander in western Tehran, said 24 people had been arrested for “spying for the Zionist enemy, online and offline, seeking to disrupt public opinion and tarnish the image of the Islamic Republic.”

Yesterday, Tasnim also reported the arrest of a European national accused of being a “spy,” without disclosing the person’s nationality or arrest date.

11:18 Beirut Time

Tehran accuses Israel of targeting Isfahan nuclear site, no leak reported

Iran has accused Israel of targeting a nuclear site in Isfahan (central Iran) during overnight strikes, according to Mehr and Fars news agencies. The reports dismissed any damage or risk to the public.

“During the early morning attack today on the Isfahan nuclear site, most of the noise came from anti-air defense systems and some from enemy strikes,” local officials told the agencies, confirming that “no material leakage was detected.”

11:17 Beirut Time

Israel strikes missile storage and launch sites in Iran
The Israeli army announced this morning that it had launched a new wave of airstrikes against missile storage and launch infrastructure in Iran.

“The air force has now launched a wave of attacks on missile storage and launch infrastructure in central Iran,” the army said on its X (formerly Twitter) account.

11:15 Beirut Time

Welcome to our live coverage of the Israel-Iran war, now in its ninth day this Saturday.