Iran, media: Khamenei's son chosen as his successor. Flight landed at Malpensa with students from the Emirates

The IDF detected missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel. Defence systems are operational to intercept the threat. This was announced by the Israeli army on Telegram. The Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive to mobile phones in the affected areas. The population is asked to act responsibly and follow the instructions. The population is asked to enter a protected space and remain there until further notice.

The US Central Command announced that 2,000 targets have been hit since the start of the military operation in Iran. The targets include missile sites, Navy ships, submarines and control centres. Centcom added that the US has used aircraft, including several fighter jets, as well as missile systems and ships.

The Israeli army has launched a "vast wave of attacks" against targets in Iran. This was announced by the IDF on its Telegram channel. The army said the targets of its latest attacks include 'launch sites, air defence systems and additional infrastructure'.

An Iranian drone struck the CIA headquarters at the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday. The Washington Post writes this, citing two well-informed sources. Saudi officials confirmed that two drones hit the embassy compound, collapsing part of the roof, but there were no reports of casualties.

The Israeli army claimed to have detected missiles launched from Iran towards Israel and that air defence systems were deployed to intercept them.

The United Arab Emirates has been exposed to over 1,000 attacks since Iran launched its retaliatory operation in the region. The Emirati Foreign Ministry said this in a note, according to Reuters on its website. The Emirates Foreign Ministry said it had not made any decisions that would change its defensive stance towards Iranian attacks, but it reserves the right to defend itself. (ANSA).

The son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been chosen as his successor. This was reported by media close to the Iranian opposition. Mojtaba Khamenei thus assumes the role of Iran's Supreme Guide.

The Israeli army claimed to have hit a 'secret' underground complex in Minzadehei, northeast of Tehran, where, according to the IDF, Iranian scientists were in the process of developing the 'necessary capabilities' for nuclear weapons. The IDF believes that the Iranians started using this site after Israel damaged important Iranian nuclear sites in the 12-day war in June. "Israeli intelligence continued to track the activities of the scientists and located their new location at this site," thus enabling ''a precise attack on the secret underground complex," the Israeli military said. The IDF added that the attack eliminates a key component of Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons.

"Right now we have just over 1,500, maybe closer to 1,600 Americans asking for assistance and we know that we will be able to help them''. This is how US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to reporters about American citizens who have been in the Middle East since the launch of the military operation against Iran and who need to be evacuated. Their repatriation "will take some time because we don't have control over airspace closures," Rubio said. "If a country closes its airport, in some cases airports have been affected, we can line up planes to leave, but we can't land them," he said.

"We must pray for peace and work for peace", "less hatred and really try to always promote dialogue and find solutions without weapons to solve problems". This was said by Pope Leo, exchanging a joke with journalists at the exit of the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo. The Pope made the same appeal in English.

Papa Leone XIV ANSA / Vatican media press office handout

The US consulate in Dubai is on fire after being hit by a suspected Iranian drone. This was reported by CNN citing a source in the region.

Donald Trump announces that 'if necessary the United States will escort all oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz'. In a post on Truth, the US president ordered, 'effective immediately', 'the United States Development Finance Corporation to provide, at a very reasonable price, insurance against political risks and guarantees for the financial security of all maritime commerce, particularly energy, that crosses the Gulf'.

No casualties were reported in the Israeli air raid on the headquarters of the Assembly of Experts in Qom and the successor to Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will soon be announced. This was reported by the Fars news agency, which confirmed that the headquarters of the Assembly of Experts was attacked, but explained that at the time of the raid there was no meeting taking place. "The experts continued their meetings using a different method of voting," Fars added, citing well-informed sources, who said that "negotiations are taking place in a secure environment'" to constire to choose the new Supreme Leader. "The final stages of the consultations are underway," the news agency continued, announcing that "the outcome of the choice of the new leader could be announced soon." For 'the official announcement of the election results', Fars continued, it will be necessary to wait for 'the coming hours or days', when the cohesion and dynamism of the Islamic system will be 'shown to the world once again'.

The Trump administration is considering providing military protection to oil and gas tankers crossing the Strait of Hormuz in an attempt to cool energy prices, which have soared since Iran warned that it will attack ships that try to pass. Politico writes this, citing sources.

The meeting of the Ipcr - Integrated Political Crisis Response - convened by the Cypriot rotating presidency to discuss the general situation and outlook regarding the latest developments in Iran, as well as to examine potential implications, has concluded. During the meeting, delegations reportedly addressed issues such as possible impacts on the security of Ur citizens in the region, energy, transport, possible economic impacts, including supply chain disruptions, as well as internal security. An update on the consular situation of EU citizens was also provided. Following the meeting, member states, together with the institutions, will continue to coordinate on consular developments and activities. During the meeting, the Cypriot delegation informed the other delegations that the Estia national plan has been activated to provide assistance, if needed, for the evacuation of EU and third country nationals through Cyprus. The Ipcr is ready to meet again, if necessary.

Iran is ready for a long-term war with the US and Israel and has not yet deployed its most advanced weapons. The defence ministry said. "We have the capacity to withstand and follow an offensive defence longer than expected" by the enemy "for this imposed war", Defence Ministry spokesman General Reza Talaï-Nik said. "We are not planning to use all our advanced weapons and equipment in the first few days," he added, quoted by Iran's Irna news agency.

The Spanish government assured that 'Spain is a key member of Nato', which fulfils its commitments and 'contributes significantly to the defence of European territory'. In response to US President Donald Trump's announcement that he would instruct Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut relations with Spain for not fulfilling its commitment to invest 5% of GDP in defence, and for denying the use of military bases in Moron and Cadiz, Andalusia, for the Israeli-Palestinian offensive against Iran, Moncloa sources tell ANSA that Spain 'is also an exporting power in the EU' and 'a reliable partner for 195 countries in the world, including the United States', with which Madrid maintains 'a historic and mutually beneficial commercial relationship'. If the US administration wants to review it, it is reported, "it will have to do so while respecting the autonomy of private companies, international legality, and bilateral agreements between the EU and the United States," the executive sources say.

It was a long-planned meeting between Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz this Tuesday at the White House. However, this face-to-face - the US president's first with a foreign leader since the beginning of the Israeli-American war against Iran - took on a completely new value, ending up being dominated by discussions about attacks. It should be noted that the German government only received what amounted to a courtesy call shortly before the American and Israeli forces launched their operation, while, in general, the European allies were left in the dark about Washington's intentions until last Saturday. "We are on the same page with regard to the elimination of this terrible regime in Tehran," Merz said in the Oval Office. "We all hope that this war will end as soon as possible," he added. "So, let's hope that the Israeli military and the American military are doing the right thing to end this and to have, really, a new government in place, returning to peace and freedom." According to Merz, the need is one: to develop a strategy for the entire Middle East region. 'We are very interested in a common approach, in working together and what we can do. And this is important, not only for the Americans. It is extremely important for Europe and extremely important for Israel and its security. So we are looking forward to finding ways to deal with the next day."

Trump, for his part, said he made the decision to go to war to prevent Iranian attacks. "We were negotiating with these lunatics, and I thought they were going to attack us," he said. "They were going to attack us if we didn't." At the same time, the US president - speaking to reporters - assured that Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not force him to join the campaign against Tehran. "No, maybe I forced their hand," Trump said. 'At most, maybe I forced Israel's hand, but Israel was ready, and we were ready, and we had a very, very powerful impact,' he repeated shortly afterwards. A statement that contrasts with what Secretary of State Marco Rubio told congressional lawmakers this Monday, explaining that the US faced an imminent threat as Israel was about to attack Iran and that Iran was ready to retaliate against US forces. In his first face-to-face with reporters in which he answered their questions since the start of the war, Trump explained that "almost everything has been destroyed" in the country. "They don't have a navy. It's been knocked out. They don't have an air force. It's been knocked out. They don't have air detection, it's been knocked out. Their radar has been knocked out. And practically everything has been knocked out." Asked about the possible worst-case scenario of the conflict, Trump was very blunt: "I guess the worst case would be, after doing this, then someone takes power who is just as bad as the previous leader, right?" And when asked who he would like to see take power, he gave a blunt answer: 'Today there was another blow to the new leadership and it looks like it was pretty substantial. Most of the people we had in mind are dead,' the American reiterated.

The body of the Supreme Guide, Ali Khamenei, will be buried in his hometown Mashad in north-eastern Iran. This was reported by the Fars news agency.

The Israeli armed forces have issued a warning to Iranian officials in Lebanon, urging them to leave the country within 24 hours if they do not want to be the target of possible attacks.

"The IDF warns representatives of the Iranian terrorist regime still present in Lebanon to leave immediately before they are targeted," said army spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee.

The plane that departed from Abu Dhabi with 200 students on board, who had been stranded in Dubai in recent days after the start of US and Israeli military operations against Iran and Tehran's response against the Gulf countries, landed a short while ago at Milan Malpensa. Waiting for them at Terminal 1 of the airport were parents and relatives of the boys. Several are holding bouquets of flowers.

The Israeli army announced it had 'eliminated' the commander of the Lebanon Corps of the Quds Force of the Guardians of the Revolution, Daoud Ali Zadeh, in an attack in Tehran.

Earlier in the day, he had been targeted in one of the raids launched against the Iranian capital. A note issued by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that Ali Zadeh had temporarily replaced Hassan Mahdavi, the former commander of the Lebanese Army Corps of the Quds Force, who was "eliminated in an IDF attack".

Three rockets were fired from Lebanon towards the Tel Aviv and Haifa areas, in what is the first long-range attack claimed by Hezbollah since the start of the new war between the United States, Israel and Iran. Two of the rockets - the IDF specified - were intercepted by air defence systems, while a third hit an open area without causing casualties or significant damage.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for an end to the war in Iran "as soon as possible", underlining the direct impact of the conflict on energy markets and the European economy. Speaking at the White House, where he was received by US President Donald Trump, Merz explained that the escalation triggered by the Israeli and US raids is having repercussions on energy commodity prices, with knock-on effects on international and European economies. Starting with Germany, which is highly exposed to the dynamics of oil and gas.

"It is obvious that this is hurting our economies. It applies to oil prices and gas prices," explained the Chancellor, who then hoped "that the Israeli-American armies will take the necessary measures to put an end to this situation and establish a new government that will restore peace and freedom".

For the second consecutive day, Mount Korek in the Iraqi province of Erbil was targeted by suspected Iranian drones. A local official told the Kurdish broadcaster Rudaw, pointing out that "both times the drones fell near the main tower of Mount Korek, and it seems that the intended target was the large tower on top", owned by several telecommunications companies and used for weather forecasting. The attacks caused no casualties or material damage, the official added.

At least 40 people died and 246 were injured in the Israeli attacks in Lebanon on Monday and Tuesday. This was stated by a Ministry of Health spokesman in Beirut, quoted by local media.

Fights at the 'No War' presidium organised in the late afternoon in front of the US consulate in Milan by CGIL, Anpi and Arci to call for a 'return to diplomacy and negotiation' after the military escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran. There were tense moments and verbal clashes between the participants and a group of Iranian citizens opposed to the initiative. 'This is not a pro-regime presidium,' the organisers reiterated from the stage. But among the protesters were shouts such as 'Long live America, they help us' and 'If American aid ends, they kill our young people'. Some voices from the square accused Iranian citizens opposed to the initiative of being 'Zionists and fascists'. The sit-in is taking place in the same place where other protesters had gathered yesterday to thank Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu for the military intervention against Tehran.

France will deploy anti-missile and anti-drone systems in Cyprus. This was announced by Paris government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis the day after the Iranian attack on a British base located on the island. "The aid from France has been agreed and concerns a frigate equipped with anti-missile and anti-drone systems," Letymbiotis said. Yesterday, the Cypriot government reported that Greece has already sent two frigates and F-16 aircraft and several other countries are expected to rush to Cyprus' aid.

Kuwait's Ministry of Defence announced the death of two soldiers during the attacks. Ynet reports. The two were killed in 'military operations', the ministry added, without specifying the circumstances.

The United Arab Emirates has strategic reserves of air defence systems capable of countering air threats for an extended period. This was stated by a Defence Ministry spokesman as the US-Israeli war against Iran intensifies. The UAE, the spokesman added, will not accept any violation of its sovereignty or the security of its territory. Earlier Axios wrote that Abu Dhabi is considering military intervention against Iran to stop the launching of missiles and drones.

The airport in Bushehr, a city in southern Iran where a nuclear power plant is also located, was damaged by Israeli-American bombing. This was reported by the Mehr News Agency. "As a result of an enemy attack, a shell hit an Airbus plane," the agency writes, and "the aircraft is completely destroyed". The shockwave of the bombing 'caused damage to the airport terminal', Mehr added, pointing out that a second aircraft was also hit.

For the new Iranian leadership, 'most of the people we had in mind are dead'. This was reiterated by US President Donald Trump speaking to reporters in the Oval Office. "Now we have another group. They too may be dead, according to the news," he pointed out.

The Israel Defence Forces have issued an evacuation warning for buildings in the Lebanese coastal city of Tyre, ahead of air strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure. "In the near future, the IDF will strike Hezbollah's military infrastructure in light of its banned attempts to rebuild its operations in the area," said spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee. Civilians in the area have been ordered to keep a distance of at least 300 metres from the building.

The United Arab Emirates is considering attacking Iranian missile sites to stop Tehran's raids against the country. Axios writes this, citing two sources familiar with the matter, stressing that an attack by the Emirates against Iran would be unprecedented. The Emirates have been the country most attacked by Iran since the beginning of the war, even more than Israel. The country 'is considering taking active defensive measures against Iran. Although not involved in the war in any way, the Emirates have nevertheless suffered 800 blows,' said a source familiar with the Emirati political discussions.

British Raf jets shot down drones in the skies over Jordan, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. The drones were supported by a Voyager tanker aircraft. In addition, a British anti-drone unit 'neutralised' other drones in Iraqi airspace as part of what PM Keir Starmer described as London's defensive action in support of allies in the crosshairs of Iran's reaction.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has '"spoken with the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. We discussed developments in the Middle East and the Gulf region'". On 'X' Zelensky wrote that "the Iranian regime is trying to drag the entire region into a war and is destroying lives. This can only be condemned. We stand in solidarity with all those who defend life and seek to force the Iranian regime to abandon its long-standing violence as soon as possible'. With al-Thani, the Ukrainian president said, ''we exchanged views on the outlook and agreed that our teams will remain in contact to determine how we can jointly provide greater protection for people.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the situation in Iran by telephone after the US and Israeli attacks, emphasising 'the serious consequences for the entire Middle East'. This was reported in a note by the Russian Foreign Ministry, quoted by Tass. "The development of the situation in the region following the unprovoked armed aggression of the US and Israel against Iran was discussed," it reads. "It was emphasised that such actions undermine the basic norms of international law and have serious consequences for the entire Middle East. This position was clearly reiterated by the Russian representative at the UN Security Council meeting." Lavrov "reiterated his principled position in favour of de-escalation, abandonment of the use of force and transition to a political and diplomatic solution to the conflict, as well as Russia's readiness to fully support it. The priority of taking measures to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure in all countries in the region was also emphasised," the Russian Foreign Ministry added.

When the conflict against Iran, now in its fourth day, comes to an end, the price of oil will drop further than where it was before the attack launched by the US and Israel.

"As soon as this (conflict) ends, I think those prices will drop even lower than before," Donald Trump said speaking from the Oval Office during the German chancellor's visit.

Spain denied the US the use of the Rota and Morón bases in the offensive against Iran. Speaking in the Oval Office during bilateral talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Donald Trump attacked Spain and announced that he had ordered Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to 'cut all agreements' with Madrid. Following these statements, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will make an institutional statement tomorrow at the Moncloa Palace at 9am

"Nato is doing well, as is Germany, on the military spending front," said the tycoon when meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office. Spain, on the other hand, "is the only Nato country that has not accepted" the cap on defence spending at 5% of GDP. "They said we cannot use their bases" as part of the operation against Iran, but "nobody can tell us not to use the bases. Spain does not have great leadership>, the US president recoiled.

Donald Trump downplayed the possibility that the son of Iran's last Shah Reza Pahlavi might take over the country's leadership, saying he prefers someone from inside Iran to take charge. "Some people appreciate that. I think someone from inside would perhaps be more appropriate,' he said in a meeting with Friedrich Merz.

This was how Donald Trump responded to reporters who asked whether it was Israel that 'forced the president's hand' by pushing him to attack Iran. "We were negotiating with fools and my view was that they would attack first," the president said. "If we didn't, they would have attacked first," he added.

Loud explosions were heard in Dubai - in the Emirates - and in Doha, the capital of Qatar, in the last few minutes. This was indicated by Afp journalists on the spot.

The UK has deployed 'a significant level of defensive capability' at the Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus, which was targeted by Iranian drone attacks yesterday. This was stated by UK PM spokesman Keir Starmer, referring to the radar systems and F-35 jets at the Raf military facility, as well as warships and helicopters. "We keep the protection of our forces under constant review. We will not provide an ongoing report on the exact movements of forces, but the MoD will give updates when our units have taken significant defensive actions," the spokesman added.

French President Emmanuel Macron held talks today with the leaders of Cyprus, Lebanon, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the autonomous region of Kurdistan. With each of them he spoke about the situation in the Middle East. The broadcaster Bfmtv reported this, citing Elysée sources.

The United States has closed its embassy in Beirut "until further notice" due to "ongoing regional tensions". This was stated in a post on X by the diplomatic representation.

If the bombing campaign against Iran by the US and Israel continues, it will lead to retaliation against 'all economic centres' in the Middle East. This was stated by Revolutionary Guards General Ebrahim Jabbari. "We are telling the enemy that if they decide to hit our main centres, we will hit all economic centres in the region," the general said. "We have closed the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, the price of oil is above $80 and will soon reach $200," he added, quoted by the Isna news agency.

The US is 'decimating' Iran's missile capabilities, which is also running out of missile launchers. US President Donald Trump told Politico, assuring that US munitions are 'unlimited' in terms of advanced weaponry. 'We're conserving them and we're producing them,' he said, 'Defence companies are working flat out to build everything we need. They are under emergency order. We are proceeding rapidly. But we have unlimited resources, as stupid as Biden has been, he has not used them."

China condemns the military attacks on Iran and calls for an immediate cessation of military operations to prevent the conflict from spiralling out of control. This was the message that the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, sent to the Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar. This was reported by the Chinese state news agency Xinhua, adding that the phone call was made at Sa'ar's request. "Force cannot truly solve problems, but will instead create new issues and serious consequences," Wang said, stressing that China has always supported a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and that recent talks between Iran and the US were making clear progress before being disrupted by military strikes.

Wang also asked Sa'ar to guarantee the safety of Chinese citizens in Israel.

"Our pilots fly over the skies of Tehran and also those of Lebanon. Hezbollah made a very serious mistake by attacking us". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said this while visiting the Palmachim air base. "We continue to strike Iran and we have already responded forcefully against Hezbollah and we will continue to do so with even greater force''.

Iranian news agencies, picked up by international media, reported that the Assembly of Experts building in Qom was 'razed to the ground' by the attack but that the building had been evacuated before the attack. Images of the aftermath of the attack, relayed by CNN, show the complex and large columns of smoke rising from the area.

The Israeli army said it hit industrial sites "throughout Iran" used for the production of weapons, including ballistic missiles, on the fourth day of a joint US-Israeli attack against the Islamic Republic. "During attacks conducted throughout Iran, the IDF targeted industrial sites used by the Iranian regime to produce weapons, particularly ballistic missiles," the army said in a note.

A large part of the various Italian contingents in the Middle East has been placed in total safety in these hours, sheltered in the bunkers of their respective bases, following the continuing developments due to the war in Iran and Israel's ground operation in Lebanon. This was reported by informed sources. These measures were taken during the course of the day for a few hours, before returning to the surface. The soldiers for whom such protocols were applied today - according to the various alerts - are located, among others, in southern Lebanon, at the Rafah crossing, in Jordan and Kuwait.

The Iraqi Oil Ministry said it will stop production at a major oil field as the ongoing war in Iran has disrupted one of the main waterways to the oil-rich Persian Gulf. The ministry cited a shortage of tankers entering the Gulf, forcing them to 'stop production and pumping' from the southern Rumaila fields near the city of Basra. The shortage of oil tankers has caused 'storage levels in our oil deposits to rise to critical levels'.

US President Donald Trump has opened up the possibility of supporting armed groups in Iran willing to overthrow the regime. This was reported by US sources to the Wall Street Journal, according to which the idea could turn some Iranian factions into forces on the ground at least symbolically supported by Washington.

Trump spoke with Kurdish leaders on Sunday and continues to interface with other local representatives who could use Tehran's weakness to their advantage. The Kurds have significant forces along the Iraq-Iran border, while Israel has bombed positions in Iran's southwest, fuelling speculation about a possible Kurdish advance.

The Qatari government does not at the moment confirm rumours from an Israeli source of attacks by its armed forces against Iran, in response to Tehran's reaction to the US and Israeli raids that involved the emirate as well as other countries where American bases are based. Interviewed by the BBC in Doha, Majed al Ansari, a spokeswoman for the local foreign ministry, claimed only the shooting down of Iranian jets that had trespassed into Qatar's airspace and had allegedly been hit in the 'Gulf' skies. "The pilots had been informed" of the trespass and the rules of engagement "were followed to the letter", he said.

Iran will continue to respond "up to the point where aggression is stopped". This was stated by Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, speaking to reporters about Iran's military action against Israel and the United States. "If a base in a neighbouring country was used to attack and invade other countries, it would be a legitimate target," the ambassador added, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Israel is preparing for the possibility of Saudi Arabia joining the attacks against Iran. A senior official in Jerusalem told public TV Kan: 'We have no doubt that Riyadh will soon attack Iran, after being attacked yesterday'. Two drones hit the US embassy in the Saudi capital last night causing an explosion and later a fire and damage to the building. This morning, following the embassy attack, the US State Department ordered non-emergency government employees in Bahrain, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates to leave the country with their families, in line with a similar order previously issued to employees in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel. At the same time, the US Embassy in Kuwait announced its closure until further notice. The Saudi Al-Hadath channel reported this morning that since the beginning of the fighting last Saturday, Iran has launched 450 missiles and 1,140 drones towards the Gulf states. So far, Iran has attacked several Persian Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Attacks on the Kurdish autonomous region in Iraq have also been reported.

The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, said he was 'deeply shocked by the consequences of the widespread hostilities on civilians and civilian infrastructure since the beginning of the conflict on Saturday', his spokeswoman reported in Geneva, adding that the High Commissioner 'calls on all parties to exercise utmost restraint, prevent any further escalation and take all possible measures to protect civilians'. "The law of war is unequivocal. Civilians and civilian property are protected. All states and all armed groups must respect it," added its spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani. "Attacks directed against civilians or civilian property, as well as indiscriminate attacks," she added, "constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and may qualify as war crimes.

Tehran's Mehrabad International Airport is under bombardment. Iranian media report this.

Western sources reported today that Qatar has attacked Iran in the last 24 hours. This was reported by the Israeli TV Channel 12. No other confirmation is available at the moment.

The office of the Assembly of Experts in Qom was targeted today by US and Israeli missiles, Tasnim reports, while Telegram channels report deaths and injuries among some assembly members, although there is no official confirmation of this. Assembly members are tasked with electing the next leader, following the death of leader Ali Khamenei in Saturday's attacks, and have been holding meetings to that end. The office of the Assembly of Experts in Tehran was also hit last night.

An Israeli-American attack targeted the headquarters of the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for appointing the Supreme Leader, in the city of Qom, south of Tehran. This was reported by the Iranian news agency Mehr.

The Iranian news agency Mehr says that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's late Supreme Guide is still alive. "Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the Supreme Guide, is in full health," Mehr said, adding that Mojtaba, long considered by some analysts to be a potential successor, is also examining "important issues" relating to the country, without giving details. Mojtaba is widely recognised, writes CNN, as a man who wields influence behind the scenes, with deep ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Iran's most powerful military force, as well as to the Basij, its paramilitary network of volunteers. However, any move towards a succession from father to son would clash with Iran's political and religious sensibilities. A dynastic-style transfer of power is frowned upon in the Shia clerical tradition, especially in a system born out of a revolution that overthrew a monarchy. There are also practical obstacles: Mojtaba is not a high-ranking cleric and does not hold any official government office. He was sanctioned by the United States in 2019.

Iran has denied striking Oman, calling it a ''friendly and close'' country. Press TV reports. ''We deny any military attack by our forces against Oman's territory and ports,'' reads a note from the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff press office.

President Emmanuel Macron will address the French tonight at 8pm on the situation in Iran and the Middle East. This was reported by the Elysée Palace.

"We will not have an endless war here. The terrorist regime is at its weakest point since it wrested Iran from the brave Iranian people 47 years ago. This will be swift and decisive action." Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu said this in an interview with Fox News. "I think this will pave the way for many peace treaties with other Arab and Muslim countries. Saudi Arabia will have a lot to gain. All these countries are threatened by Iran, they want the regime to fall, even if they don't say so publicly. If Iran is removed, it is a great gain for Riyadh and these other countries'.

Jordan announces the 'reopening' of its airspace. It is the Petra news agency that reports the decision by the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission after it was decided yesterday to close the airspace overnight. The announced measure concerned "all" aircraft from 6pm to 9am amid the escalation, which has been ongoing since last Saturday, the day of the announcement of US and Israeli operations in Iran.

Iran has banned the export of all foodstuffs as a wartime measure. This was reported by the Tasnim news agency, which cites a government decree, according to which the export of agricultural products is also banned until further notice.

The son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is alive, the Iranian news agency Mehr reported today. Mojtaba Khamenei is in full health and is currently attending to matters related to his deceased family members, as well as studying important issues in the country, the news agency reported. In addition to Ayatollah Khamenei, his mother and other family members about whom there were no details died in the attacks by US and Israeli forces on Saturday from serious injuries. After Saturday's attack, rumours of her death were also circulating. Mojtaba Khamenei was mentioned as one of the main candidates to succeed his father as head of the Islamic Republic

Stop relations with Iran. This is what the head of Israeli diplomacy, Gideon Saar, demanded during a virtual meeting with diplomatic representatives of some 60 countries present in Israel as Israeli military operations against the Islamic Republic continue. "The foreign minister told the ambassadors that after the Iranian regime's attacks against all its neighbours and the massacre of its people, countries around the world must break off their relations" with Tehran, the minister's office let them know.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni 'chaired two government meetings dedicated to developments in the Middle East crisis', with the government and with Eni and Snam. This was stated in a note from Palazzo Chigi. The first meeting was attended by Vice-President and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, Environment and Energy Security Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, and the undersecretaries to the Prime Minister's Office Alfredo Mantovano and Giovanbattista Fazzolari. The meeting 'focused on the latest developments in the crisis, with particular attention to measures to assist and guarantee the safety of Italian citizens in the areas involved, reaffirming the executive's maximum commitment'

The Iranian government has announced a ban on the export of food and agricultural products due to the ongoing conflict with Israel and the US. "The export of all food and agricultural products is banned until a new order is issued," the Tasnim news agency reported, citing a government statement. "The executive gives priority to supplying the population with basic necessities," it added

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad survived an attempt to kill him, was not injured and is in a safe place. This was reported by the Iranian opposition broadcaster, Iran International, citing informed sources. Last weekend, at the beginning of the Israeli-American attack on Iran, some Iranian media had reported the death of the former president, while his family and entourage had denied it.

New loud explosions in the Iranian capital Tehran. This was reported by the Iranian media on the fourth day after the announcement of the start of US and Israeli operations against Iran.

"The European Commission's work on security in the context of the Middle East will be guided by two main, non-exclusive, but fundamental priorities: to support Member States in protecting EU citizens from the consequences and negative impact of ongoing events in Iran and the Middle East, while also ensuring coordination with Member States, of course. In this context, we are considering evacuation and repatriation measures. We are considering the reinforcement of transport monitoring'. A European Commission spokeswoman says this in the daily press briefing. "We are of course looking at energy and, in that context, we will convene an energy task force this week with member states and in liaison with the International Energy Agency, just following yesterday's discussions. There is also the issue of internal security, on which we maintain high vigilance and close cooperation with Europol and, again, with the Member States,' he adds.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a note today that they had hit "several Hezbollah terrorists" in Beirut. The Israeli army indicated that further details on the operation would be provided later.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called for a 'swift, impartial and thorough' investigation into what Iran called an air strike that hit a girls' school in the southern city of Minab. Türk said he was "deeply shocked" by the consequences of the hostilities on civilians and civilian infrastructure in the conflict that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, followed by counterattacks by Tehran and its allies in the region. Alluding to the alleged attack on the girls' school, UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said that "it is up to the forces that carried out the attack to investigate it". She called on these forces to make the results of the investigation public and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that there is compensation for the victims. The UN human rights office made it clear that it is not making an assessment of who might be responsible.

European allies to the rescue of Cyprus, where two drones struck the British base of Akrotiri on the island yesterday. The Cypriot news agency CNA reported that France intends to send anti-drone and anti-missile systems and a second frigate off the island, as agreed in a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. The Times, on the other hand, reported that a British warship was sent to Cyprus as part of the broader strategy to strengthen its military presence in the region.

"The enemy must expect continuous punitive attacks, the gates of hell will open a little wider with every passing moment for the US and Israel". This was stated on Iranian state television by Guardians of the Revolution spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini

Crucial to the outcome of the ongoing conflict is the amount of latest-generation US-made interceptors remaining in the Gulf countries' arsenals and the amount of missiles and attack drones in Iran's arsenals, writes the Wall Street Journal after the allied countries sent reinforcements to the region. Italia is currently considering whether to send a Samp-T system to the United Arab Emirates or Kuwait. According to the American newspaper, at the current rate of use, the time when the Gulf countries will run out of their supplies 'could come very soon'. "No more than another week, probably a couple of days at most," explained Fabian Hoffmann, a missile expert at the University of Oslo. The other part of the equation is the rate of destruction by Israeli and US forces of the projectiles and Tehran's launch capability. The United Arab Emirates alone reported that from Saturday morning to Monday evening it was the target of 174 Iranian ballistic missiles, eight cruise missiles, and 689 drones. The country, however, was not hit by any missiles and only 44 drones. Precisely thanks to the sophisticated American radars and interceptors. Bahrain reported the arrival of 70 ballistic missiles.

"All of Qatar's territory" is in Iran's crosshairs. This was claimed by Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari in statements relayed by al-Jazeera satellite TV. "Iranian targets are not only military, but throughout the territory of Qatar," he said.

'Iran considers it an act of war and complicity with the aggressors'. This is how Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei put it, referring to statements by Germany, France and Great Britain on possible 'defensive actions' against Iranian missiles on their bases in the Gulf countries. Irna reports. "The Europeans have adopted," Baghaei says, "'contradictory' approaches to the ongoing war. They should abandon such indifference, as the consequences of any violation of the law and war are a fire that will soon spread to European countries and the world'.

The war in the Middle East has so far caused the displacement of at least 30,000 people in Lebanon, says UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch at a press conference in Geneva. "Significant population displacements are reported in parts of southern Lebanon, in the Bekaa (valley in eastern Lebanon, ed.) and in the southern suburbs of Beirut, after Israel issued evacuation warnings to the inhabitants of more than 53 Lebanese villages and conducted intense air strikes." The UN agency said there had been no significant movements across Iran's borders with Afghanistan and Turkey.

IDF spokesman Effi Defrin said that the Air Force attacked the Iranian leadership compound, the most important and central headquarters of the ayatollahs' regime. As part of the operation, conducted under the direction of the Intelligence Directorate, government security buildings were hit overnight in the heart of Tehran

During the night, the Israeli Air Force struck the Iranian 'leadership complex' in Tehran. This was announced by the army, quoted by the Times of Israel, according to which about 100 fighter jets dropped more than 250 bombs. The buildings targeted include the Iranian presidential office, the headquarters of the Iranian Supreme National Security Council, a compound used for meetings at the highest levels, as well as an "institution for training Iranian army officers," according to the IDF. "The leadership compound is one of the most secure facilities in Iran and spans several streets in the heart of Tehran," the army says, describing it as the Iranian terrorist regime's "most important and central headquarters." "The terrorist regime's leaders and security officers frequently met in the compound and from there conducted, among other things, assessments of the situation of Iran's nuclear programme and the progress of the plan to destroy the State of Israel," the IDF adds.

Unifil has asked its non-essential personnel to evacuate their positions in southern Lebanon after the Israeli raids and the decision to send ground troops into the south of the cedar country. This was reported by the Lebanese daily L'Orient Le Jour citing local media.

In a statement issued today, the Iranian Foreign Ministry warned European states not to join the US-Israeli war against Iran.

In Iran, in the crosshairs of US and Israeli operations since last Saturday, the Internet remains off. This is what Netblocks reports on X noting how "the Internet blackout in Iran is entering its fourth day, with the nationwide censorship measure in effect for 72 hours". According to the Observatory, 'the gag on authentic Iranian voices fuels a wave of disinformation with pro-regime accounts filling the void with their narrative'.

Iran has launched a new missile attack. This was reported by Iranian state television IRIB. The broadcaster did not specify where the missiles were aimed.

US and Israeli air strikes have killed at least 787 people in Iran since the start of the war, the Iranian Red Crescent said. It released the death toll in a message on X on Tuesday.

The Lebanese Armed Forces have withdrawn their units that were located in various areas in southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel, after the Israeli military 'escalation'. This was confirmed to Afp news agency by a military source after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that he had "authorised" Israeli forces to "take control" of new positions in the south of the Cedar Country. "The Army has redeployed its forces from various positions" set up recently in the south, the source said, speaking of a decision to protect the "security" of the soldiers. The troops, "eight or nine per post, were redeployed to their bases in light of the risks to their security," the Lebanese military said.

At least five people were killed and injured in air strikes in the western Iranian city of Hamadan. This was reported by the state-run Irna news agency. Attacks were also reported in other cities, including Isfahan and Shiraz.

The UAE authorities intervened and extinguished a fire that broke out in the oil industry area of Fujairah. This was stated by the emirate's press office. The fire was caused by debris caused by the shooting down of a drone by air defences. This was reported by Iran International.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced today that they have completed a new wave of attacks against what they describe as Hezbollah 'command centres' in Beirut, including communication components used by the Shia movement's intelligence.

In a note, the IDF claims to have targeted command centres, weapons depots and satellite communications infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters, claiming that these assets operated 'under civilian cover'.

According to Al-Arabiya, Israel conducted a ground operation in Iran last night, using Mossad and special forces.

France plans to send anti-missile and anti-drone systems to Cyprus after a British airbase was targeted by drones. This was reported by the semi-official Cyprus News Agency (CNA). The Akrotiri base, south-west of Limassol, is one of two bases the UK has maintained in the former colony since independence in 1960.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards stated that their naval forces launched four cruise missiles towards the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which was operating about 250-300 km off the Iranian coast, near Chabahar. Pasdaran spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini said the aircraft carrier then headed towards the south-eastern Indian Ocean after the missiles were launched. This was reported by Iran International.

Evacuations of non-emergency personnel and families by the US State Department reached six countries, including the United Arab Emirates. Other countries include Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. "Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and may target tourist locations, transportation hubs, commercial areas, government facilities, places of worship, and particularly places associated with the Jewish and Israeli communities," the US embassy in Abu Dhabi wrote in a note.

China strongly opposes the use of force in international relations and the violation of other countries' sovereignty and security. This was stated by Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a daily press conference today, pointing out that Beijing will protect its energy interests.

Responding to a question that US actions in Venezuela and Iran could hamper oil supplies to China, Mao emphasised that energy security is crucial for the world economy and that all parties should ensure stability and continuity of supply.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is engaged in talks with the ambassadors of the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar to 'reach a ceasefire'. This was reported by the Lebanese newspaper L'Orient Le Jour, after Israeli forces confirmed raids and operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah.

Revolutionary Guards spokesman Mohammad Ali Naeini said today that 650 American soldiers were killed or wounded during the first two days of the US-Israeli war against Iran. "Our missiles and drones have repeatedly targeted the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain," he said, quoted by Mehr, adding, "American casualties include 160 soldiers, killed during Iranian attacks against this military facility." Naeini added: 'The Revolutionary Guards inflicted severe damage on the USNS support ship MST by firing missiles. In addition, four cruise missiles were fired at the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which subsequently withdrew to the south-east Indian Ocean

Thirteen people died following an attack on the Iranian army air force base in Kerman that was hit by an Israeli-US attack. This was reported by the Fars news agency.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the IDF advance into southern Lebanon is aimed at preventing "direct fire" on Israeli communities. "In order to prevent the possibility of direct attacks on Israeli communities, Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and I have authorised the Idf to advance and maintain further dominant territory in Lebanon and defend border communities from there," he said. "The Idf continues to operate against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The terrorist organisation is paying and will pay a high price for firing against Israel," he added.

Heavy explosions were heard in the north of the Iranian capital Tehran as the Israeli and US campaign against Iran is underway. This was reported by journalists of the Afp agency on the spot following confirmation by Israeli forces of 'targeted attacks' against 'military targets' in Teheran and also in the Lebanese capital Beirut.

Units of Israeli forces have entered southern Lebanon. This was reported by the news site Ynet. According to reports, forces from the 91st Division have entered southern Lebanon and "maintain control of several positions in the area" as "part" of the operation to "strengthen forward defence". According to the IDF, Israeli forces are "working to create an additional layer of security for the residents of northern" Israel, "with extensive raids against infrastructure" of the Lebanese Hezbollah, to "foil threats and prevent infiltration attempts into Israeli territory".

The flight from Oman with Italians on board who were stranded in the Gulf countries after the Iranian response to the US and Israeli attacks has landed at Fiumicino. The charter flight departed from Mascate. On board were 127 Italian citizens stranded in Oman or transferred from Dubai to Oman with assistance from the Farnesina. The Italian citizens returned at 9.30 p.m. to Fiumicino airport. They all decided to act autonomously by crossing the border into Oman and from there catch a flight from Muscat. The Italian consulate in Muscat and tour operators helped them. Many stayed in Oman, partly because of the high ticket prices. A trip from Muscat to Rome cost almost all of them between 1400 and 1600 euros.

The US Embassy in Kuwait announces its closure until further notice due to 'regional tensions'

The US operation against Iran is not comparable to the invasions of Afghanistan or Iraq and will not last for years. This was stated by US Vice President JD Vance in an interview with Fox News.

"What is different is that the president has clearly defined what he wants to achieve, and there is no way - I said this before the conflict started and I will say it again - that Donald Trump will allow this country to enter a multi-year conflict with no clear end and no clear objective," Vance said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the conflict with Iran will not be 'an endless war', but 'swift and decisive' action. He said this in an interview with Fox News.

"You will not have an interminable war, it will be a quick and decisive action," Netanyahu said, adding that the operation against Tehran would open "an era of peace that we have not even dreamed of."

The US State Department has ordered the departure of all its 'non-emergency' diplomatic personnel from embassies in Iraq, Jordan, and Bahrain, on the fourth day of the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which also continues to respond to US sites in the region, as was the case overnight with the US embassy in Riyadh. In a message on X, the State Department said it had updated its travel advisories for Bahrain and Jordan 'to reflect the order given to non-emergency US government personnel and members of their families to leave these countries'. In another updated notice for Iraq, the ministry says it 'ordered non-emergency US government personnel yesterday to leave Iraq for security reasons'.

Donald Trump is not worried about Iranian attacks on American bases in the region or possible actions on American soil. "No, it's part of the war, it's part of the war, like it or not, that's the way it is," the US president told the Newsnation network.

US President Donald Trump said, responding to a question from broadcaster NewsNation, that 'very soon' it will be clear who controls Iran. "You will know very soon," the White House chief said, without providing further details.

The United States Central Command (Centcom) announced that it had destroyed Iranian command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone launch sites, as well as bombed several military airfields in Iran. This was reported by Centcom itself in communications circulated on social media.

The Iranian Red Crescent states that the US and Israeli raids have so far claimed at least 555 civilian casualties in Iran, including 171 female students at a primary school that was hit. There is no independent confirmation of the death toll nor immediate comment from the US or Israeli authorities on the reported numbers.

Saudi Arabian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed eight drones near the cities of Riyadh and Al-Kharj. This was announced by the Saudi Defence Ministry in a communication circulated on social media.

According to the note, the unmanned drones were neutralised before reaching their targets. No further details were given on where the drones came from or on any damage or casualties.

The US embassy in Riyadh closed after the Iranian attack at night. The diplomatic representation urged citizens "to avoid the premises until further notice", warning compatriots to "take cover" in Jeddah and Dhahran as well. US President Donald Trump let it be known that there will be a response "soon" to the attack on the embassy, which was hit by two drones. "You will find out soon" how the US will respond, Trump told NewsNation.

US stockpiles of medium- and large-calibre ammunition are 'virtually unlimited', thanks to which Washington could fight 'forever'. This was stated by US President Donald Trump in a message posted on Truth Social. "The United States' stockpile of ammunition, in the mid- to upper-mid-range, has never been higher or in better condition. I was told today that we have a virtually unlimited supply of these weapons. Wars can be fought 'forever', and with great success, using only this stockpile,' Trump wrote, adding that for the higher tier systems the US has good reserves but not yet at the desired level. The president also said that additional high-potential weaponry would be stockpiled in foreign countries. No quantitative details on the cited stockpiles were given.

The US Embassy in Riyadh was hit by two drones, according to an initial assessment by the Saudi Defence Ministry. Authorities reported 'limited fire and minor material damage' to the building. The New York Times writes this today.

The embassy issued a security alert urging US citizens in the kingdom to stay indoors and avoid the diplomatic compound area, extending the recommendation to the cities of Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran. Washington also restricted non-essential travel to military installations in the region.