The United States on Friday (local time) signalled it will press ahead with military operations against Iran, with President Donald Trump rejecting calls for a ceasefire even as tensions deepen across the Gulf. Washington also urged allies and major economies to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route disrupted by the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, Iran warned of wider retaliation, cautioning countries against allowing their territories to be used for attacks and signalling it would exercise its right to self-defence.
Over 20 countries condemn 'de facto closure' of Strait of Hormuz
More than 20 countries have strongly condemned the "de facto closure" of the Strait of Hormuz, expressing readiness to take appropriate steps to ensure safe passage through the critical maritime route amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
In a joint statement issued by leaders of over 20 nations, including the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Romania, Bahrain, Lithuania, and Australia, the countries denounced the recent attacks carried out by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, as well as strikes on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations.
Israel warns to intensify strikes on Iran this week
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Saturday said that military strikes against Iran are set to intensify in the coming week, signalling a further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
According to Times of Israel, the defence minister made these remarks during a meeting with top officers at the Israeli military's underground command centre at the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv. He stated that the strikes that will take place will be jointly conducted by the IDF and the US military.
Israeli Defence Minister warns of significant increase in intensity of strikes on Iran
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Saturday said that military strikes against Iran are set to intensify in the coming week, signalling a further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
According to Times of Israel, the defence minister made these remarks during a meeting with top officers at the Israeli military's underground command centre at the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv.
He stated that the strikes that will take place will be jointly conducted by the IDF and the US military.
Suspected Iranian cluster bomb attack damages Kindergarten in Israel
Two people were injured a kindergarten was damaged in the latest missile attack from Iran towards Israel, the Jerusalem Post reported on Saturday with contribution from Reuters.
As per the Jerusalem Post, the two people were injured in what appears to be an example of a splitting warhead--a challenge for Israel's missile defence shield.
It further mentioned that a kindergarten in Rishon Lezion was reportedly damaged on Saturday after a suspected cluster missile was launched from Iran that targeted the Gush Dan area in central Israel.
"Strike our infrastructure and we will strike more": Iran
Iran on Saturday issued a strong warning to the United States and Israel, stating that any attack on its infrastructure would be met with more extensive retaliatory strikes amid escalating conflict in the region, Iranian State Media Tasnim News Agency reported.
A spokesperson for the Central Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters said that Iran's armed forces are prepared to intensify their response if aggression continues.
"Strike our infrastructure, and we will strike more important and numerous infrastructure of yours. We remain powerful and will remain powerful by the permission of God," the spokesperson said, as quoted by Tasnim News Agency, underlining Iran's readiness to escalate its military response.
Israeli military aviation operations disrupted, claims Iran
ran today claimed that its recent drone strikes disrupted Israeli military aviation operations, saying flights and aerial refuelling were “seriously affected.”
Tehran stated that drones targeted fuel storage facilities and refuelling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
In a statement, Iran’s military said joint operations by the army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also compelled Israel to evacuate several military personnel from targeted sites.
The statement added that such attacks “will continue with force” until what it described as threats to Iran are “eliminated.”
Israeli military aviation operations disrupted, claims Iran
ran today claimed that its recent drone strikes disrupted Israeli military aviation operations, saying flights and aerial refuelling were “seriously affected.”
Tehran stated that drones targeted fuel storage facilities and refuelling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
In a statement, Iran’s military said joint operations by the army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also compelled Israel to evacuate several military personnel from targeted sites.
The statement added that such attacks “will continue with force” until what it described as threats to Iran are “eliminated.”
Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility hit in airstrike
Natanz has once again come under attack in joint US-Israeli strikes, with Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirming that the Shahid Ahmadi Roshan uranium enrichment facility was targeted. The agency condemned the incident as a “criminal attack” carried out by the United States and Israel.
According to the organization, the strike on Saturday breaches international law and violates commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), along with other nuclear safety norms.
Natanz was previously hit during the first week of the conflict, when satellite imagery showed significant damage to multiple structures at the site.
UAE reassures Indian community amid attacks
Even as tensions rise, the UAE has said daily life and economic activity remain unaffected despite Iranian attacks.
In an open letter, UAE Ambassador to India Abdulnasser Alshaali said over 2,000 missiles and drones had been launched, but most were intercepted and essential services continued without disruption.
The envoy stressed that India remains actively engaged during the crisis and assured safety for Indians living in the UAE.
“India is not a bystander in this moment. India is a partner,” he said, adding that supply chains, ports and businesses remain operational.
US weighing options to secure nuclear material: report
According to CBS News, the Trump administration is exploring options to extract Iran’s nuclear material.
Plans under discussion reportedly include deploying elite forces from the Joint Special Operations Command, though no final decision has been made.
Threat of wider regional damage escalates
The same source warned that escalation could spill beyond Iran, suggesting that any destruction of Iranian positions could trigger broader regional fallout.
References were made to potential impacts on coastal areas of the UAE, including major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Iran warns US: ground attack is a ‘red line’
An Iranian military source has issued a stark warning to Washington, calling any ground operation inside Iran a red line.
“A ground attack on Iranian soil is one of our red lines… we will show a surprise,” the source said.
Condolences for Khamenei; call for national unity
The Iranian President also paid tribute to those killed in the strikes, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and urged citizens to unite.
“We must abandon hatred, overcome hardships, and join hands… ensure that our Iran stands proud amidst these storms,” he said.
Tehran blames Israel for regional instability
Pezeshkian directly accused Israel of driving instability across the region, calling it responsible for “turmoil, instability, acts of genocide, terrorism, and sabotage.”
At the same time, he reiterated that Iran does not seek conflict with Muslim nations, calling them “brothers.”
Iran’s president pushes regional unity, rejects ‘foreign presence’
On Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a softer tone outwardly, urging regional cooperation.
“We are not seeking turmoil in the region… we do not want any country to be forced to stockpile weapons,” he said.
He proposed an “Islamic Assembly of the Middle East” and said countries should not “fall into the traps set by our enemies.”
South Korea in talks with Iran, others to secure Hormuz passage
South Korea has said it is in active consultation with multiple countries, including Iran, to stabilise shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
A Foreign Ministry official said Seoul is “closely monitoring developments” while working to “secure energy transport routes” and protect its citizens.
The move comes after Iran signalled it may allow Japan-bound vessels through the route following coordination with Tokyo.
Iran reaches out to Muslim nations, says ‘we do not seek war’
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has attempted to ease tensions with regional neighbours, saying Tehran does not want conflict with Islamic countries.
“We do not seek conflict and war with Islamic states. They are our brothers,” he said, while blaming the US and Israel for rising tensions.
Civilian toll crosses 2,000, claims Iranian academic
Iranian academic Foad Izadi claimed that more than 2,000 civilians have been killed in the strikes, including children.
“We have lost over 2,000 civilians, including 165 little girls… when their school was hit by American Tomahawk missiles,” he told ANI.
He described the conflict as an “unnecessary war” despite diplomatic options being available.
Oil market confusion after US sanctions move
Iran has contradicted a US decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Iranian oil already at sea.
Tehran said it currently has “no floating crude or surplus available,” calling the US move an attempt to manage market sentiment.
The US, however, says the measure could release around 140 million barrels into global markets to ease supply pressure.
Global pressure builds over shipping route security
South Korea has joined a group of seven countries - including Japan and major European nations - in condemning Iran’s actions in the Gulf and the effective disruption of the Strait of Hormuz.
The joint statement stressed the need for “freedom of navigation” and warned of the impact on global energy supply, with the route handling nearly 20 per cent of oil and gas flows.
Strait of Hormuz remains open, but restricted
Amid fears of a global oil choke point, Iran has clarified that the Strait of Hormuz is not fully shut.
“We have not closed the strait. It is open,” Araghchi said, while confirming restrictions on vessels from countries involved in attacks.
Tehran has also offered safe passage to countries like Japan if coordination is maintained.
Iran rejects truce calls, demands ‘lasting end to war’
Tehran has pushed back against calls for a temporary ceasefire, insisting any resolution must include guarantees against future attacks and compensation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is seeking “not a ceasefire, but a complete, comprehensive and lasting end to the war.”
He described the conflict as an “illegal, unprovoked act of aggression” and said Iran’s response would continue “for as long as it takes.”
No ceasefire on the table, says Trump
US President Donald Trump has made it clear Washington is not looking to pause the conflict.
“We can have dialogue, but I don't want to do a ceasefire… you don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side,” he said before leaving the White House.
He added that US operations could “wind down” only after military objectives are achieved.
Iran signals ‘zero restraint’ if infrastructure is hit
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran will show “zero restraint” if its infrastructure comes under attack again.
“We have intelligence on Israeli plans to strike infrastructure… zero restraint if our infrastructure is attacked,” he said in a post on X.
He added that Iran’s earlier response used only “a fraction” of its capabilities, and any future escalation would be far stronger.
Iran says it does not seek war with Muslim states
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran does not want conflict with Islamic nations and called for a regional security framework without foreign involvement.
Iran denies role in attacks on Turkey, Oman
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said recent attacks in Turkey and Oman were not carried out by Iranian forces, warning of possible “false flag” operations to create regional divisions.
UAE intercepts missiles, dismantles Iran-linked network
The UAE said it intercepted four ballistic missiles and 26 drones launched from Iran, while also dismantling a network allegedly linked to Hezbollah and Tehran. Authorities said the group was operating under a commercial cover.
Iran warns of attacks on global targets amid escalation
Iran’s military has warned that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide could be targeted, raising fears of asymmetric attacks beyond West Asia.
Iran launches drone strikes on Kuwaiti refinery: Report
Two waves of Iranian drones struck the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery in Kuwait, triggering a fire at one of the region’s largest oil facilities, according to reports.
Iran warns UK over bases, says it will ‘exercise right to self-defence’
Iran’s Foreign Minister cautioned Britain that allowing US access to bases would be seen as participation in aggression, warning Tehran would respond if escalation continues.
US allows sale of stranded Iranian oil to ease supply pressure
The US Treasury approved a temporary measure to release Iranian oil stuck at sea, aiming to stabilise global markets and ease supply disruptions.
Global leaders condemn attacks on shipping in Hormuz
Over 20 countries, including UK, France, and Japan, condemned attacks on commercial vessels and called for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Expert warns conflict entering prolonged ‘war of attrition’
Analysts say expectations of a quick resolution are fading, with the conflict now entering a prolonged phase marked by repeated retaliation cycles.
Trump claims Iran ‘finished’ as US nears military objectives
Trump said Iran’s military capabilities have been largely destroyed and claimed the US is “weeks ahead of schedule” in achieving its objectives.
Trump presses allies to secure Hormuz, questions NATO’s role
Trump urged countries dependent on the Strait of Hormuz to take the lead in securing it, saying the US “does not need it” and criticising NATO for failing to act.
Trump rules out ceasefire, says US ‘not looking to pause’ operations
US President Donald Trump said Washington is not considering a ceasefire, stating, “You don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.”