LiveDeath toll rises to four in Israel's overnight airstrikes on Iran

India has voiced deep concern over rising tensions in the Middle East after Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a statement on Saturday, saying, “We are deeply concerned by the evolving escalation in West Asia and its ramifications for peace and stability in the region and beyond. We reiterate our call to all concerned to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.”

The MEA further noted, “The ongoing hostilities are to nobody’s benefit, even as innocent hostages and civilian populations continue to suffer. Our Missions in the region are in contact with the Indian community.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released video and photos showing F-15 and F-16 fighter jets departing for strikes on Iran conducted last night. The images feature some of the four female navigators from Israeli Air Force squadrons who took part in the operation.

According to the IDF, dozens of aircraft, including fighter jets, refuelers, and spy planes, participated in the strikes, which took place approximately 1,600 kilometers from Israel. The aircraft returned safely following what the military described as a complex operation.

Following the Israeli airstrikes on Iran, the EU has called for all involved parties to act with restraint to prevent further escalation.

"While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense, the EU calls on all parties to exercise utmost restraint to avoid an uncontrollable escalation, which is in no one’s interest," the EU stated in a Saturday release.

It further said, "The EU remains fully committed to lowering tensions and contributing to de-escalation and, to this end, remains in close contact with all relevant actors."

The death toll from Israel’s overnight airstrikes on Iran has risen to four, according to Iranian media. All casualties have been identified as members of Iran’s army. They are Mohammad-Mehdi Shahrokhi and Hamzeh Jahandideh, both working for missile units, as per the IRGC-linked Tasnim website, along with Sajjad Mansouri and Mehdi Naghavi.

Various countries have reacted to Israel's strikes on Iran. Switzerland condemned the escalation of violence in the Middle East, specifically noting the airstrikes on Iran, and urged all parties to de-escalate tensions.

Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attacks, calling for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and reduce regional tensions.

The Taliban condemned Israel's strikes on military targets in Iran, saying that these actions would further intensify violence in the Middle East.

The CEO of Imam Khomeini Airport City in Tehran refuted reports of damage to the airport's air defense system, calling the report "completely false." Saeed Chalandari said that Imam Khomeini Airport is a passenger facility without any air defense systems. This follows a New York Times report, citing two Iranian officials, who told Israel targeted the Russian-made S-300 air defense system at the airport.

While the Islamic Republic’s establishment downplays Israel’s air strikes as ineffective and praises Iran’s air defenses, many hardliners are pushing for a retaliatory response—one that risks triggering further reciprocal attacks.

Details of the Israeli attack are still unclear. The only certainty is that the air strikes targeted air defense systems and missile production facilities, but exactly how many targets were hit and what the damage was, has not yet been disclosed.

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A video circulating on social media reveals damage from Israeli airstrikes on a building in Shamsabad Industrial City, Tehran Province. The building reportedly belongs to Taksaz Industrial Innovators, a company specializing in engineering services and equipment manufacturing, according to its website.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Israel informed Germany about its "precise and targeted attacks" on Iranian military sites in response to recent missile attacks on Israel.

Scholz wrote that efforts were made to minimize personal injuries, adding, "This offers the opportunity to avoid further escalation."

In a post on X, Scholz addressed Iran, saying, "We cannot continue with massive reactions of escalation. This must end now." He also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, stressing, “The same applies to Lebanon. UN Resolution 1701 remains the benchmark… We expect Hezbollah to withdraw behind the Litani River."

Russia voiced concerns over an “explosive escalation” following Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian military targets. “We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint, stop the violence, and prevent events from developing into a catastrophic scenario,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Earlier, Sky News Arabia reported that Russia had alerted Iran hours before the strikes.

Esmail Kowsari, an ultraconservative lawmaker and former IRGC general, commented on Israel's attacks on Iranian targets, saying, “Our armed forces will respond to Israel with greater determination, strength, and resolve, and this response will come at the appropriate time.”

Abolfazl Zohrevand, a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee, said that Israel’s attack was "symbolic and superficial," but emphasized that the Islamic Republic reserves the right to respond, adding that this response would be designed differently from previous operations.

Following Israel’s airstrikes on the Islamic Republic early Saturday, several Iranian citizens shared videos with Iran International, capturing scenes from various cities. Many citizens blamed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for the current situation in Iran.

In messages sent to Iran International, some described being jolted awake by explosions and held Iran’s leader accountable for the turmoil and public distress. They emphasized that the Islamic Republic shows little regard for citizens' lives.

Member of the Israeli Knesset, Avigdor Liberman praised the Israeli Air Force’s precision and professionalism in targeting Iran’s military sites but argued that the strikes failed to “exact a real price” from Iran. In a post on X, he stressed that Iran would persist in its nuclear ambitions and continue funding groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.

Liberman criticized the Israeli government for being “content with showmanship” and urged stronger action reflecting Israel's strength. He recently pointed to a Hezbollah drone incident near Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence as proof of Iran’s unchecked aggression, calling for strikes on Iran’s strategic facilities and leadership.

Iranian media published images of two individuals killed in Israeli strikes. The army identified the casualties as Major Hamzeh Jahandideh and Sergeant Major Mohammad Mehdi Shahrokhifar. Hamshahri reported that Hamzeh Jahandideh was killed in Mahshahr, south of Iran.

The New York Times reports that Israel’s overnight strikes included targets like the S-300 air defense system at Imam Khomeini International Airport near Tehran and at least three IRGC missile bases, as confirmed by Iranian officials. Drones also hit the Parchin military base on Tehran’s outskirts.

Strategic analyst Hossein Aghaie told Iran International that Israel chose limited targets in Iran, influenced by recommendations from the US and regional Arab countries.

Aghaie explained that Israel conducted the operation to reinforce its operational freedom and prepare for potential future actions if necessary.

He added that the attack on military facilities revealed Iran's air defense as ineffective against Israeli strikes, adding, “Israel managed to maintain its deterrence advantage, even with limited objectives.”

Iranian MP Ahmad Ajjam, a member of the National Security Commission of Parliament, commenting on the Israeli attacks on targets in Iran, said, "We have the right to defend ourselves and will respond accordingly. However, we will adhere to a key principle: we will not act with hesitation or haste."

Likewise, MP Hamid Rasai wrote on X, saying, "The Islamic Republic must respond as it has declared, but not at the same level; instead, we should adopt the strategy of 'for every one you strike, you will receive ten in return.'"

"As the Supreme Leader has said, we will neither hesitate nor act hastily. What is logical, reasonable, and correct will be executed by the military and political decision-makers in due time, just as it has been done in the past and will be done again in the future if necessary," MP Malek Shariati was quoted as saying by domestic media on Saturday.

In a statement on Saturday, following the overnight Israeli attacks on targets in Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Iran is "entitled and obligated to defend against foreign aggressive actions, based on the inherent right of self-defense, which is also reflected in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasizing the use of all material and spiritual capabilities of the Iranian people to defend its security and vital interests, also acknowledges its regional peace and security responsibilities. It highlights the individual and collective responsibility of all countries in the region to safeguard peace and stability," the statement read.

No military aircraft from any conflicting regional parties were permitted to enter Jordanian airspace, an armed forces source told Jordanian state media on Saturday, following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military targets.

The CEO of Iran Grid Management Company said on Saturday that the overnight airstrikes in Iran had no impact on the national power grid, which has "remained fully stable and operational under normal conditions nationwide."

The CEO of Abadan Oil Refining Company in southern Iran said that no missiles or shells were fired at the refinery, and "all oil facilities are intact and fully operational."

"The sound that residents heard was the air defense firing. There is no issue at the Abadan refinery," Hakim Ghayem said on Saturday.

Several Iranian domestic media outlets report that Hamzeh Jahandiddeh, a member of Iran’s armed forces, was among those killed in Mahshahr during the overnight Israeli strikes.

In a statement issued Saturday, Hamas condemned the Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites, describing them as "a blatant violation of Iran's sovereignty."

"We commend the vigilance of Iran's air defenses and their effective response to the Zionist attack, which successfully neutralized its impact. This action reinforces the stance of free nations, their courageous resistance, and their struggle against Zionist and American dominance," the statement read.

The Pakistan Foreign Office condemned Israel's overnight strikes on Iran, labeling it a "dangerous escalation" in the region. It called on the UN Security Council to take immediate action to halt what it described as Israeli "recklessness," urging global intervention to prevent further destabilization.

The Iranian army said in a statement that two of its forces were killed during the overnight Israeli attack on military sites in Iran.

"Last night, two of our fighters made the ultimate sacrifice while confronting missiles launched by the criminal Zionist regime," the statement said, though it withheld the identities of the individuals.

On Saturday, the United Arab Emirates condemned the military targeting of Iran, stressing the importance of exercising "maximum restraint" to prevent escalation, following Israeli airstrikes on military sites in Iran.

"It is essential that the public remains calm," government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said following Israeli overnight attacks on military sites in Iran.

"As the official statements from the national air defense indicate, only limited damage has been incurred," she continued.

"The country is currently in a normal state, and even flights have resumed regular operations as of 9 a.m.," Mohajerani added.

The Emirati airline flydubai canceled flights to Iran, Jordan, Iraq, and Israel and diverted others on Saturday, a company spokesperson confirmed, following Israeli strikes on military targets in Iran.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iran to refrain from retaliating to the overnight Israeli strikes, calling for restraint from all sides.

"I am clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression. I'm equally clear that we need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all sides to show restraint. Iran should not respond," Starmer said on Saturday.

"The Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran was more a reflection of their fear and retreat than a display of power," Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Expediency Council and former IRGC commander, tweeted on Saturday following Israeli overnight attacks on Iranian military sites.

The White House has expressed the belief that the overnight Israeli attack on Iran should mark the conclusion of direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran.

According to the New York Times, a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the Israeli airstrike as extensive yet precise, with the strikes intended to effectively deter future Iranian attacks.

Iraq has announced the reopening of its airspace and the resumption of flights, the state news agency INA reported on Saturday, citing the Ministry of Transportation. This follows a brief suspension, which Iraq had attributed to heightened regional tensions.

"Iran's strength will humiliate and weaken the enemies of our homeland," Iran's Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref tweeted Saturday following Israeli attacks on Iran's military sites overnight.

The IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency, quoting an anonymous informed source, reported that no IRGC military facilities in Tehran were targeted.

"The Israeli military's claim of targeting 20 locations within the country is inaccurate, and the number of enemy targets is significantly lower than this figure," according to the outlet.

"The Israeli attack "was carried out from outside the country’s borders and caused limited damage," Tasnim added.

The spokesperson for Tehran Oil Refining Company said on Saturday that it was not targeted during the Israeli overnight airstrikes.

“There has been no attack on this refinery’s facilities, and production at this refining unit is continuing as normal,” Shaker Khafaei told domestic media.

Saudi Arabia on Saturday condemned the military targeting of Iran as a "violation of its sovereignty" and international laws, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint. The kingdom also called on the international community to take decisive steps toward de-escalation and the resolution of regional conflicts.

The spokesperson for Iran's Civil Aviation Organization announced that flights will return to normal as of 9 a.m. local time, following Israeli overnight attacks on military sites in Iran.

The US on Saturday called on Iran to cease its attacks on Israel to break the cycle of violence, following Israeli overnight strikes on military sites in Iran.

"We urge Iran to cease its attacks on Israel so that this cycle of fighting can end without further escalation," US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett told reporters.

"Their response was an exercise in self-defense and specifically avoided populated areas and focused solely on military targets, contrary to Iran's attack against Israel that targeted Israel's most populous city," he added.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Saturday that the objectives of the overnight operation against Iran were successfully achieved.

“The reprisal strike was completed, and its objectives were achieved,” Hagari said during a press conference.

The IDF operation targeted Iranian missile manufacturing facilities and air defense batteries, according to Times of Israel.

“Now, Israel has broader freedom of action within Iran. Iran struck Israel twice... and has paid the price for that,” he said.

“We remain focused on the objectives of the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. It is Iran that continues to push for broader regional escalation,” Hagari added.

Iran's Ministry of Education spokesperson announced that schools nationwide are open on Saturday, with “educational activities proceeding as usual.”

The Iranian National Air Defense Headquarters issued a statement on Saturday confirming Israeli airstrikes targeting military installations in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces.

“The nation’s integrated air defense system effectively intercepted and countered this hostile action, though limited damage was reported in select locations,” the statement read, adding that “the scope of the incident remains under thorough investigation.”

The news outlet Axios is reporting that Israel sent a message to Iran ahead of its retaliatory airstrikes warning the Iranians not to respond, three sources with knowledge of the issue told reporter Barak Ravid.

The Israeli military said in a statement:

"A short while ago, the IDF completed precise and targeted strikes against military targets in a number of areas in Iran. Our planes have safely returned home.

The strike was conducted in response to the attacks by the Iranian regime against the State of Israel and its citizens in recent months. The retaliatory strike has been completed and the mission was fulfilled.

Based on intelligence, IAF aircraft struck missile manufacturing facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran fired at the State of Israel over the last year. These missiles posed a direct and immediate threat to the citizens of the State of Israel.

Simultaneously, the IDF struck surface-to-air missile arrays and additional Iranian aerial capabilities, that were intended to restrict Israel's aerial freedom of operation in Iran."

Israel's public broadcaster said the country's operation against Iran had concluded after three waves of strikes.

Israel's attacks in Iran had ended by about 5 AM Israeli time after hitting around 20 sites during the night, the New York Times reported citing two Israeli officials.

A spokesperson for Iran's aviation authority has announced that there will be no flights to or from Iran until further notice.

CNN says the Israeli attack against Iran may last “several more hours”. First explosions were heard in Tehran just after 2 am local time. A second wave of blasts were reported three hours later.

The video appears to show flying objects intercepted by Iran's defense system over capital Tehran on early Saturday.

Saturday is the first day of the week in Iran. Iranians will be starting their week with two rounds of Israeli air strikes. No official reaction yet from Tehran.

A second wave of explosions were heard over Tehran in a video obtained by Iran International.

Israel's attack on Iran was expected to last a single night, ABC news reported citing a source.

There were as yet no Israeli casualties or damage to war planes reported, the source added.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, Reuters reported citing a US defense official says.

No details on the contents or length of the call were disclosed.

A US official said in a statement received by Iran International: "The United States is not participating in this Israeli military operation."

New sounds of explosions were heard in Tehran according to the official Mizan News agency.

Blasts were also heard in the southwestern cities of Ahvaz and Abadan in Khuzestan province, residents told Iran International, as Israel appeared to carry out a second wave of attacks in Iran.

i24 News reported that 140 warplanes took part in recent Israeli airstrikes targeting sites in Iran.

A video released by the Israeli government shows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu overseeing air strikes against Iran.

Omid Memarian, journalist and political analyst, commented on recent Israeli airstrikes, saying that while the extent of the attacks remains unclear, they reportedly involved precise hits on military bases.

Memarian added in an interview with Iran International TV that in the past, the Islamic Republic has often concealed or downplayed significant military strikes against its facilities.

He said that if Iran’s leaders and IRGC commanders minimize the impact or costs of these attacks, it could signal a desire to reduce tensions and avoid a military response.

Iran has closed its airspace until 9:00 a.m. local time on Saturday (1:30 a.m. Eastern Time). During the attacks, however, Iran’s airspace was open, and the flight-tracking site Flightradar24 showed at least four flights over Iran.

Alerts for suspected drones have been activated in the Israel northern coastal cities of Nahariya and Acre, the Times of Israel reported.

Israel is launching a second wave of air strikes on Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported citing a US official.

Israel notified officials in the US administration of President Joe Biden before carrying out air strikes on Tehran, a US official cited by The New York Times said.

The official declined to say how much warning was given, the newspaper reported.

A video obtained by Iran International shows an explosion near the grave of Rouhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, in Kahrizak, south of Tehran.

An Iranian citizen is heard saying, "Army warplanes are flying over Tehran," in a video obtained by Iran International.

"Iran's claim that the explosions were the result of air defenses responding to the Israeli airstrikes is a lie," Ynetnews reported citing an Israeli official.

A group of Iran International viewers reported internet disruptions in Tehran and Karaj amid the ongoing Israeli strikes.

IRNA, citing Tehran emergency sources, reported that as of 3:22 a.m. Saturday (local time), “no incidents” requiring emergency assistance had been reported in the capital or surrounding areas.

Tasnim News, affiliated with the IRGC, reported that no missiles or strikes have hit IRGC military sites in west and southwest Tehran.

The sounds heard were from army air defenses engaging Israeli actions at three points around Tehran, reported Tasnim.

Unverified social media footage circulated by the Jordan News Agency appeared to show Israeli jets flying over the country en route to Iran.

The IDF released a photo of Chief of Staff Lt. General Herzi Halevi directing strikes on Iran from the Israeli Air Force command center, alongside IAF Chief Major General Tomer Bar.

Israeli media, citing their sources, reported that during Friday night attacks on Iran, Israel bombed air defense radars in Iraq and Syria, as well as military sites in Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the Defense Minister and top military officers as the country carried out an air attack on Iran on Friday, according to handout image to Israeli media.

Fars News website, affiliated with the IRGC, reported that several military bases in the west and southwest of Tehran were targeted by an Israeli attack. The report mentioned that some of the sounds were from anti-aircraft fire.

“We’re targeting things that might have threatened us in the past or could do in the future,” NBC news quoted an Israeli official saying

Israel is not striking Iranian nuclear facilities or oil fields and is focusing on military targets, NBC cited the official saying.

US National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in a statement on Friday: “(Israel's) targeted strikes on military targets ... (are) an exercise of self-defense and in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack against Israel on October 1.”

Loud sirens were heard in the Sadeghiyeh (Aryashahr) neighborhood in western Tehran as Israel began its airstrikes, according to a video obtained by Iran International.

Syrian state TV SANA cquotes orrespondent saying "Our air defenses are confronting hostile targets in the skies around Damascus."

A video sent to Iran International by a citizen shows a huge fire in Eslamshahr, southwestern Tehran, amid the ongoing Israeli airstrikes.

Citizens in Tehran and Karaj have flocked to gas stations following Israel's strikes on Iran.

Open-source live airline maps appeared to show almost no civilian aircraft in the skies between Israel and Tehran as the Jewish state confirmed it had begun air strikes.

Israeli military Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a video recording posted on X:

"In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel – right now the Israel Defense Forces is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran.

The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly attacking Israel since October 7th – on seven fronts – including direct attacks from Iranian soil.

Like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and the duty to respond.

Our defensive and offensive capabilities are fully mobilized.

We will do whatever necessary to defend the State of Israel and the people of Israel."

Citizens have shared images of firefighting trucks dispatched to western Tehran near Shahriar. Other photos show fires and smoke rising from various locations across Tehran.

A US official told Iran International that Israeli airstrikes on the Islamic Republic began hours ago and are still underway. Earlier, reporters from Axios and Fox News also reported the start of Israeli attacks on Iran.

Iran's state TV confirmed some strong explosions around Tehran. Several Iranian domestic media outlets also confirmed hearing explosion sounds in Tehran and Karaj.