WEBDESK: Iran-Israel hostilities continue to escalate after Israel’s unprovoked attack on Iran.
Iran confirms firing new wave of ballistic missiles at Israel
Iran’s state media says ballistic missiles have been fired at Israel.
The announcement came shortly after the Israeli military reported a fresh missile strike from Iran and urged people to take shelter in safe zones.
New explosions rock Tehran, media reports
Reports are emerging of fresh explosions across multiple areas of Tehran, as Israeli strikes on the Iranian capital appear to intensify.
According to initial reports, the attacks have reportedly targeted locations in Niavaran in northern Tehran, as well as near Valiasr Square and Hafte Tir Square in the city centre.
Germany, France, UK urge Iran to restart nuclear talks
Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have offered to hold immediate talks with Iran over its nuclear programme, as part of efforts to ease growing tensions in the Middle East.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who is currently visiting the region, said he is aiming to support efforts to reduce the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD on Saturday night, Wadephul said, “I hope that’s still possible. Germany, together with France and Britain are ready. We’re offering Iran immediate negotiations about the nuclear programme, I hope (the offer) is accepted.”
He noted that Iran had previously missed chances to take part in meaningful discussions, but expressed hope that this time Tehran would engage.
Wadephul added, “This is also a key prerequisite for reaching a pacification of this conflict, that Iran presents no danger to the region, for the state of Israel or to Europe.”
The comments come as fears grow over further escalation between Iran and Israel, following a series of strikes and counterstrikes in recent days.
Tehran oil refinery not damaged: Iranian media
Iran’s Student News Network has rejected claims that the Shahr Rey oil refinery in southern Tehran was hit, saying the site is operating as usual without any disruptions.
However, the outlet did confirm that a fire broke out at a fuel tank located outside the refinery. It said the incident was unrelated to the facility itself.
Death toll rises to six in central Israel, reports media
According to the reports of The Times of Israel and the YNet News, the death toll due to Iranian missile strikes on the city of Bat Yam has now risen to six.
Herzog: Israel mourning ‘terrible loss’ after missile strikes
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has said the country is going through a “very sad and difficult mourning” following the deadly missile attacks by Iran that killed at least eight people and left many others injured.
Calling the strikes “criminal Iranian attacks”, Herzog wrote on X that he is praying for the recovery of those who were hurt and for the safe return of the Israelis who are still missing.
Earlier, Israeli news outlets reported that many people were unaccounted for after one of the missiles hit Bat Yam, a city just south of Tel Aviv.
Houthis claim responsibility for missile attack on central Israel
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have now confirmed that they were behind the missile strikes that hit central parts of Israel earlier.
The Israeli military had earlier said that some of the missiles came from Yemen. The Houthis later released a statement through Al Masirah TV, saying the attacks were carried out in coordination with Iran’s military.
According to them, the strikes used several “Palestine 2 hypersonic ballistic missiles” and targeted “sensitive” locations in the “occupied Jaffa area”.
At least four people lost their lives in the central Israeli strikes, and many others were injured. Another four were killed in an earlier wave of attacks on the country’s north.
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