Donald Trump has confirmed that Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes overnight.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” the US president wrote on Truth Social, adding that it is the “single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country”.
It comes after a senior Israeli government source toldThe Independent that the clerical ruler, who has overseen Iran’s transformation into one of the Middle East’s dominant powers since 1989, was killed in a strike that flattened his compound, the source said.
Donald Trump confirmed that the US had carried out “major combat operations” in Iran. The Israeli military later said that around 200 warplanes were involved in the attack.
At least 108 people were killed in a strike on a girls’ primary school in southern Iran, most of whom were children, the local governor said. The Iranian Red Crescent says at least 201 were killed in the US-Israeli strikes, according to Iranian media.
Iranian forces retaliated with strikes on US and Israeli military bases across the Middle East, after cities including Tehran were struck on Saturday morning.
Trump-Iran latest: Key Points
- Trump confirms Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei killed
- At least 108 killed in strike on girls' primary school in Iran, say authorities
- Seven Iranian defense officials killed, claims Israeli military
- Mapped: Where have strikes been launched across the Middle East?
- Luxury Dubai hotel in flames after Iranian missile strike
Four injured after incident at Dubai Airport
22:51 , Alex CroftFour people were injured after an incident occurred at Dubai International Airport, the Dubai media office said on Saturday, as Iran continued to launch strikes on US bases in the region.
"Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained," the media office said on X, without giving further details.
UN chief says chance for diplomacy 'squandered'
22:35 , Alex CroftUN secretary-general Antonio Guterres told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the Iran conflict on Saturday that he deeply regretted that an opportunity for diplomacy had been "squandered."
He also told the 15-member body he was not in a position to confirm Israeli reports of the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
News Analysis | Trump’s unprovoked attack on Iran risks terror, turmoil and the spread of nuclear weapons
22:21 , Alex CroftCitizens in countries across the Middle East have been told to take cover from Iranian airstrikes in retaliation for an unprovoked attack on Iran by America and Israel.
But the shockwaves from blasts as US-made Israeli jets and American pilots unleash their bombs against Iran’s regime – and a nuclear weapons programme that Donald Trump said had already been “obliterated” in the past – will be felt from London to Bangkok.
The strikes – described by President Trump as a “major combat operation” – reaffirm a new age. A rogue order led by the US president that many nations around the world run by authoritarian thugs will relish. They will also look to many Muslims and non-Muslims as an attack on Islam itself.
After killing upwards of 80,000 people in Gaza, flattening the enclave, Israel has continued with land grabs on what small patches of territory remain to Palestinians on the West Bank. The strikes on Iran – as with the war on Gaza – will lead to a violent backlash. It will lead to terrorism.
Our world affairs editor Sam Kiley writes:
Trump’s unprovoked attack on Iran risks terror – and the spread of nuclear weapons
Trump's statement in full
22:05 , Alex CroftHere is Donald Trump’s full statement announcing the death of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump confirms Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei killed
21:52 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has confirmed that Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes.
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” the US president wrote on Truth Social.
“This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS.”
The US president said this is the “single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country”, and warned the “heavy and pinpoint bombing” will “continue uninterrupted throughout the week”.
Suspected Iranian drone strike hits high-rise building in Bahrain
21:38 , Alex CroftStarmer and Trump discuss Iran strikes by phone
21:24 , Alex CroftOur political correspondent David Maddox reports.
A Downing Street spokesperson has said that the prime minister and President Trump have spoken on the phone this evening.
They discussed the situation in the Middle East.
The prime minister set out that the UK was taking part in coordinated regional defensive operations to protect British people and regional partners following Iran’s indiscriminate retaliatory strikes on allies in the region.
At least 108 killed in strike on girls' primary school - Iranian authorities
21:00 , Alex CroftIranian authorities have revised the death toll of a strike on a girls’ primary school in southern Iran to 108, according to the Financial Times.
Most of the victims were school girls, authorities said.
The Shajareh Tayebeh primary school in the coastal city of Minabwas struck at 10:45am on Saturday, said Mohammad Ashouri, governor of Hormozgan province.
Neither the US or Israel have commented on the strike.
Trump says US believes Khamenei is dead
20:44 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has said that the US believes that Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead.
“We feel that that is a correct story,” the US president told NBC News.
He added that the “people that make all the decisions, most of them are gone”.
Seven Iranian defense officials killed, claims Israeli military
20:41 , Alex CroftThe Israeli military has issued a statement claiming that it has killed seven senior members of Iran’s defense leadership.
Among them were the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Mohammad Pakpour, and defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, it said.
These are the officials, and their roles, named by the military:
Ali Shamkhani - Secretary of the Iranian Security Council.
Mohammad Pakpour - Commander of the IRGC .
Saleh Asadi - Head of the Intelligence Directorate of the Khatam al-Anbiya emergency command, according to the IDF.
Mohammad Shirazi - Head of the Military Bureau of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei since 1989, according to the IDF.
Aziz Nasirzadeh - Defense Minister of Iran.
Hossein Jabal Amelian - Chairman of the SPND Organization (defense research and innovation organisation), according to the IDF.
Reza Mozaffari-Nia - Former Chairman of the SPND Organization, according to the IDF.
Iran was playing 'games and tricks' during nuclear talks, claims Trump official
20:29 , Alex CroftThe US became tired with Iran’s “games and tricks” before it carried out its attack, an unnamed senior Trump administration official has said.
The official said that Tehran's lack of seriousness in the nuclear talks left President Donald Trump with no choice but to attack.
"It was very clear that the intent for them was to preserve their ability to do enrichment so that over time, they could use it for nuclear bomb," they told reporters.
20:08 , Alex CroftIsrael resorting to 'mental warfare', says Tehran
20:04 , Alex CroftThe office of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has responded to Israeli claims that the clerical ruler was killed earlier today.
Their response falls short of a rejection of the claims.
"The enemy is resorting to mental warfare, all should be aware," the head of public relations official was quoted as saying.
Ayatollah Khamenei is dead, Israeli government source tells The Independent
20:01 , Alex CroftOur political editor David Maddox reports:
A senior Israeli government source has told The Independent that the Supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei has been killed.
The source confirmed that he had been killed by the joint US-Israeli airstrikes which flattened his compound.
They added: "They just got his (Khamenei's) body out of his home."
Breaking: Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed, senior Israeli official says
19:47 , Alex CroftIran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who turned the country into a powerful anti-US force and extended its military influence across the Middle East while crushing repeated domestic unrest, was killed in Israeli, US strikes, senior Israeli official has said.
We’ll bring you more as it comes in
Trump ally says the US president is preparing for a 30 day war with Iran
19:07 , Alex CroftOur political editor David Maddox reports:
Raheem Kassam, a close ally of Donald Trump, has claimed that the US president is preparing for a 30 day war with Iran.
In a post on X, Washington insider claimed: “Three well placed sources tell me admin is prepared for up to a 30 day Iran campaign
“Thirty days sounds like a lot but it’s really not for a small campaign like this.
He added that it would be “all airstrikes and drones… they are not putting a single troop on the ground, at all. It is not happening, there is no way it’s going to happen.”
Scenes at Dubai hotel are 'awful', says UK foreign secretary
18:59 , Alex CroftThe UK’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, has condemned as “awful” the apparent strike by the Iranian military on Dubai’s The Palm hotel.
In a statement on X, she expressed her solidarity with the UAE following the attack.
“I have just spoken with @ABZayed [Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed] to express our solidarity with the UAE,” she wrote.
“The scenes in the Palm Hotel in Dubai are awful. The UK condemns these indiscriminate Iranian strikes.”
CNN anchor in Abu Dhabi forced to cut broadcast to seek shelter following US-Israeli attack in Iran
18:55 , Alex CroftUS suffered no combat casualties, says CENTCOM
18:55 , Alex CroftThe US military suffered no combat casualties after Iran retaliated against US-Israeli strikes with hundreds of missiles and drones, US Central Command said on Saturday.
"Damage to US installations was minimal and has not impacted operations," the US military's Central Command said.
The United States targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps command and control facilities along with Iranian missile and drone launch sites, the US military said on Saturday.
Qatar suspends public events
18:45 , Alex CroftQatar has suspended its public events and gatherings until further notice, according to a notice from Qatar Tourism.
It has also halted all Ramadan tents and iftars, which hotels and tourist venues typically host for companies, government entities and the public during the holy month of Ramadan.
Starmer speaks to leaders of Qatar and UAE
18:29 , Alex CroftSir Keir Starmer has spoken to the leaders of Qatar and the UAE following Iranian strikes on both countries.
In a call with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Prime Minister expressed his “deep concern” about Iran’s attacks and “reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the defence of Qatar and its allies”.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “They set out their shared resolve to find a path to de-escalation, working with allies to protect civilians and defend regional stability.”
Speaking to UAE president Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sir Keir expressed “solidarity with the UAE and partners across the region in response to the loss of life, casualties and damage that has taken place”.
The spokesperson added that Sir Keir “thanked the president for his efforts to keep British nationals in the UAE safe”.
More than 201 killed in Iran: Iranian media citing Red Crescent
18:16 , Alex CroftAt least 201 people have been killed in US-Israeli attacks which hit 24 provinces, Iranian media has reported, citing the Red Crescent, a non-governmental aid organisation.
Another 747 were injured, it reported.
Supreme Leader and President 'safe and sound', says Tehran
18:04 , Alex CroftA spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry has said supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and president Masoud Pezeshkian are both “safe and sound”.
Speaking to Sky News, the spokesman said they have “some commanders who have been martyred as the result of this terrorist act of aggression”.
It comes despite satellite imagery showing extensive damage from a strike on the supreme leader’s compound.
They added: "But what matters is that the Iranian nation, our armed forces, our brave armed forces are taking necessary measures to defend Iran in the most strongest way possible."
Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had previously told NBC News that the supreme leader was alive “as far as I know”.
At least 85 girls killed in strike on girls' school, says Iran's judiciary
17:44 , Alex CroftWe earlier reported the news that Iranian authorities had said dozens of people were killed in strikes on an girls’ school in southern Iran.
The latest death toll, according to Iran’s judiciary, is 85 people.
The White House and Israel have not yet commented on reports of the strike, after launching a series of attacks across Iran in the early hours of Saturday.
Venezuela condemns Iran attack
17:41 , Alex CroftVenezuela's government is the latest to condemn attacks against Iran as well as reprisals by Iran, following a US-Israeli attack that rocked Tehran.
"Venezuela condemns and regrets deeply that, in a context in which diplomatic efforts and ongoing negotiations are being developed, the military route was opted for, through attacks against Iran," it said in a statement.
The government added that this caused an escalation, including the "undue and condemnable military reprisals against targets located in different countries of the region by Iran."
Venezuela has been an ally of Iran but the U.S. military's capture of Venezuela's president in an attack on its capital last month is testing its diplomatic relations.
France was not told in advance of Iran strikes, says Macron
17:40 , Alex CroftPresident Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that France was neither told in advance nor involved in the strikes against Iran.
"Our absolute priority is the security of our nationals and of our assets," Macron said, adding that "diplomacy must regain the upper hand".
Macron was speaking at the start of a meeting of France's Defence and National Security Council in Paris to discuss the situation in Iran and the Middle East.
Full story: Middle East plunged into conflict after Iran retaliates to major US and Israeli strikes
17:15 , Holly BancroftThe Middle East has been plunged into conflict after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, with Donald Trump declaring the start of “major combat operations” and calling on Iranians to rise up against their government, writes Holly Evans.
Explosions were heard across the country on Saturday morning, including in the capital Tehran, with strikes appearing to target the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has vowed a “crushing retaliation” and launched a wave of missiles towards Israel and US military bases in Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain, sparking concerns the region could be dragged into a major conflict.
Read the full story here:
Middle East plunged into conflict as Iran retaliates to major US and Israeli strikes
Oil companies suspend shipments via Strait of Hormuz
17:02 , Alex CroftSeveral oil companies and tanker owners have suspended crude oil, fuel and liquefied natural gas shipments via the Strait of Hormuz following the eruption of conflict in the region, trading sources have told Reuters news agency.
"Our ships will stay put for several days," one top executive at a major trading desk said. Satellite images from tanker trackers showed vessels piling up next to big ports, such as Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, and not moving through Hormuz.
Multiple vessels in the area have received VHF transmission from Iran's Revolutionary Guards that "no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz", an official with the EU naval mission Aspides told Reuters.
The UK Navy said Iran's orders were not legally binding and advised vessels to transit with caution.
Iran's revolutionary guard tells ships not to pass through Strait of Hormuz, EU official says
16:52 , Holly BancroftAn official from the European Union’s naval mission Aspides said on Saturday that vessels have been receiving VHF transmission from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards saying “no ship is allowed to pass the Strait of Hormuz”.
The strait is the world’s most vital oil export route, which connects the biggest Gulf oil producers, such as Saudia Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Iran has not formally confirmed any such order. About 20 per cent of global oil and gas flows through this narrow shipping lane in the Gulf, and blocking it could have serious consequences for the global economy.
CIA reportedly assessed Khamenei would be replaced by hardline IRC elements if killed
16:45 , Holly BancroftThe US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reportedly assessed that, if Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, he would likely be replaced by hardline figures from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Two sources briefed on the intelligence told Reuters that the assessments looked broadly at what could occur in Iran following a US intervention.
The CIA did not conclude any scenario with certainty, the news agency reported.
All US, Israeli assets in region are legitimate military targets, Iran tells UN
16:33 , Holly EvansIran considers all U.S. and Israeli bases, facilities, and assets in the region to be "legitimate military objectives," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told the United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a letter.
"Iran will continue to exercise its right of self-defense decisively and without hesitation until the aggression ceases fully and unequivocally," he wrote in the letter seen by Reuters.
Watch: Dubai hotel in flames after Iranian missile strike
16:31 , Holly EvansMaritime agency says it received reports on closure of Strait of Hormuz
16:24 , Holly EvansThe UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said on Saturday that it received multiple reports from vessels operating in the Gulf saying they had received messages on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
There was no immediate confirmation from Iran.
The strait is the world's most vital oil export route and connects the biggest Gulf oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Hezbollah expresses 'solidarity' with Iran, doesn't say if it will act
16:18 , Holly EvansLebanon's Hezbollah expressed solidarity with Iran on Saturday as it came under attack from the United States and Israel, warning in a statement of dire consequences for the region without saying whether it would get involved.
Hezbollah, a Shi'ite Muslim militia and political party that has fought numerous conflicts with Israel since being established by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982, was severely weakened by Israel in a war in 2024, when its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed.
Israel had warned Beirut that it would strike Lebanon hard, targeting civilian infrastructure including the airport, if Hezbollah involved itself in any U.S.-Iran war.
In a statement, Hezbollah said the consequences of the U.S.-Israeli plan would "affect everyone without exception if left unchallenged". "We are confident that the American and Israeli enemy will receive a major blow," it said.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he would not accept anyone dragging Lebanon into "adventures that threaten its security and unity", a veiled message to Hezbollah.
In pictures: Five-star Dubai hotel on fire
16:09 , Holly Evans Virgin Atlantic cancels London to Dubai service
16:05 , Holly EvansVirgin Atlantic said on Saturday it had decided to temporarily avoid Iraqi airspace, resulting in some pre-planned rerouting of its flights, following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.
The airline added that, as a precautionary measure, it had also cancelled a number of flights from London Heathrow to Dubai and Riyadh.
"The safety and security of our customers and people always comes first and we continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East with ongoing dynamic assessments and active changes to our flight routings based on the latest information and guidance, if required," a spokesperson said in a statement.
Debris causes fire at luxury Dubai hotel with four injured
15:55 , Holly EvansA fire has broken out at a luxury Dubai hotel after debris reportedly fell from the sky during an Iranian missile attack.
Photos and videos on social media show a large fire and plumes of smoke rising from the five-star Fairmont the Palm hotel, which can be booked through Tui or British Airways.
Dubai’s Media Office said that emergency response teams were responding to the incident and that four individuals had been injured.
UN Security Council to meet on Saturday on Iran conflict
15:49 , Holly EvansThe UN Security Council will meet on Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, plunging the Middle East into a new conflict.
UN diplomats said the 15-member body would meet at 4pm local time in New York (2100 GMT). The meeting will be chaired by Britain, which holds the monthly council presidency.
Russia's UN mission said Russia and China requested an emergency meeting "in connection with the unprovoked act of armed aggression by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran."
It said the meeting was also called for by France, Bahrain, and Colombia.
"During the Security Council meeting, we will demand from the United States and Israel to immediately cease their illegal and escalatory actions and embark on a path toward a political and diplomatic settlement," the Russian statement said.
Watch: Smoke seen billowing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai amid Iran attacks
15:38 , Holly EvansAhead of strikes, Trump was told Iran attack is high risk, high reward
15:27 , Holly EvansAhead of the US attack on Iran, Donald Trump received briefings that not only delivered blunt assessments about the risk of major U.S. casualties but also touted the prospect of a generational shift in the Middle East in favor of U.S. interests, a US official told Reuters.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the briefers described the operation to the president as a high-risk, high-reward scenario.
Trump himself appeared to echo that sentiment when he acknowledged the stakes at the onset of the operation, saying "the lives of courageous American heroes may be lost."
"But we're doing this not for now, we're doing this for the future, and it is a noble mission," Trump said in a video address announcing the start of major combat operations.
The briefings from Trump's national security team help explain how the president decided to pursue arguably the riskiest U.S. military operation since the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Ahead of the strikes, Trump received multiple briefings from officials including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, U.S. General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
On Thursday, Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads U.S. forces in the Middle East as the head of Central Command, flew to Washington to join discussions in the White House Situation Room.
A second U.S. official said that prior to the strikes, the White House had been briefed on a number of risks associated with operations against Iran, including retaliatory strikes on multiple U.S. bases in the region by Iranian missiles that could overwhelm defenses, as well as Iranian proxies attacking U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.
Experts caution that the unfolding conflict could take dangerous turns and the first official said the Pentagon's planning did not appear to guarantee the outcome of any conflict.
Drone targets Kuwait's international airport, state news agency says
15:14 , Holly EvansA drone targeted Kuwait's international airport, causing light injuries to several workers and limited material damage, the Kuwaiti state news agency reported on Saturday as Iran continued to launch strikes targeting U.S. bases in the region.
In the United Arab Emirates, loud bangs and plumes of smoke have been seen in Dubai’s Palm Island neighbourhood.
British nationals in Saudi Arabia advised to stay at home
15:08 , Holly EvansThe Foreign Office has advised British nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain at home.
In an update to its official travel advice, the Foreign Office said: “Due to reports of missile activity in the region, we advise all British nationals to stay at home.
“Remain indoors in a secure location and follow instruction from the local authorities.”
British nationals in Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait have already been advised to “shelter in place” amid ongoing missile exchanges in the region, while the Foreign Office now advises against all travel to Israel and Palestine.
Keir Starmer gives statement on strikes as he announces British planes 'are in the sky' in Middle East
14:59 , Harriette BoucherKeir Starmer has confirmed British planes are “in the sky” in the Middle East in efforts to defend allies.
Speaking from Downing Street, the prime minister said: “As Britain has done before, in line with international law, we've stepped up protections for British bases and personnel to their highest level. We are also reaching out to UK nationals in the region and doing everything we can to support them.
“I've been speaking with leaders today from the E3 and across the region. It is vital that we prevent further escalation and return to a diplomatic process. We want to see peace and security and the protection of civilian life.
“Iran can end this now. They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programs, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people who deserve the right to determine their own future.”
Breaking: British planes in Middle East
14:43 , Harriette BoucherSir Keir Starmer said British planes "are in the sky today" in the Middle East "as part of co-ordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests and our allies".
‘It’s chaos here’: Britons left stranded as flights cancelled after Trump’s strikes on Iran
14:34 , Harriette BoucherThousands of Britons have been left stranded in the Middle East after global airlines grounded hundreds of flights due to US and Israeli strikes against Iran.
Iran and Iraq’s airspaces were closed due to the escalating military action, which has seen blasts reported in multiple countries across the region, and Dubai International Airport, the biggest global aviation hub, suspended all flights on Saturday.
Martin Boreham, who had been on holiday in Dubai with his wife, was due to get the 13:10 British Airways flight back to Heathrow when the captain told the passengers the airspace had been closed.
Mr Boreham spoke to The Independent just after he had disembarked the flight, which stood on the tarmac for three hours. He said: "We were all ready to go, sat there for about 15 minutes, and then the captain came on and said that the airspace was shut. We were on the plane for three hours. We’ve actually just got off and been given instructions to go back into immigration. It’s carnage here.
“British Airways have told us: ‘Go to immigration, pick up your bags and then you’ll get a text message’, which seems a bit wishy washy to be honest. I’m a bit concerned about that."
‘It’s chaos here’: Britons left stranded as flights cancelled after Iran strikes
Key Iranian figures still alive, says foreign minister
14:13 , Harriette BoucherIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said key leaders of the regime were still alive.
He told NBC: “As far as I know, yes, they are alive, all high-ranking officials ... we are handling this situation and everything is fine.
“We may have lost a few commanders but that’s not such a big problem,” he said.
It comes after sources said Israel believed its attacks had killed several senior Iranian officials.
Republican will force Congressional vote on Iranian airstrikes
14:06 , Harriette BoucherMAGA rebel Thomas Massie has said he will force a Congressional vote on Iranian airstrikes Iran when Congress reconvenes.
“I am opposed to this War. This is not ‘America First’,” he said in a post on X.
“The Constitution requires a vote, and your Representative needs to be on record as opposing or supporting this war.”
Trump briefed 'gang of eight' on strikes earlier in week
13:59 , Harriette BoucherUS house speaker Mike Johnson said he was briefed in detail earlier this week about potential military action.
“The Gang of Eight was briefed in detail earlier this week that military action may become necessary to protect American troops and American citizens in Iran.
“I received updates from Secretary Rubio thereafter, and I will remain in close contact with the President and the Department of War as this operation proceeds,” he said.
The gang of eight includes the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives.
“Iran and its proxies have menaced America and American lives, undermined our core national interests, systematically destabilized the Middle East, and threatened the security of the entire West,” Mr Johnson said.
Travel chaos as Dubai and Doha flights suspended after US and Israeli strikes on Iran
13:53 , Harriette BoucherFull statement from Macron, Merz and Starmer:
13:49 , Harriette Boucher“France, Germany and the United Kingdom have consistently urged the Iranian regime to end Iran’s nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile program, refrain from its destabilising activity in the region and our homelands, and to cease the appalling violence and repression against its own people.
“We did not participate in these strikes, but are in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel and partners in the region. We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life.
“We condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. Iran must refrain from indiscriminate military strikes. We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.”
UK, France, and Germany urge Iran to end its nuclear programme
13:48 , Harriette BoucherThe UK, France, and Germany have called for a resumption of negotiations and urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution.
In a joint statement, the leaders of the three countries said they have consistently urged the Iranian regime to end its nuclear programme, as they condemned its attacks on countries in the Middle East.
“We did not participate in these strikes, but are in close contact with our international partners, including the United States, Israel and partners in the region.
“We reiterate our commitment to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life.”
US senator says senate must vote to block use of US forces in hostilities against Iran
13:41 , Harriette BoucherUS Senator Tim Kaine, who has been leading a senate effort to ensure any US action against Iran is explicitly authorised by Congress, has called the strikes a ‘colossal mistake”.
He said the senate should immediately return to session and vote on his War Powers Resolution to block the use of US forces in hostilities against Iran.
“Has President Trump learned nothing from decades of U.S. meddling in Iran and forever wars in the Middle East? Is he too mentally incapacitated to realize that we had a diplomatic agreement with Iran that was keeping its nuclear program in check, until he ripped it up during his first term?
“For months, I have raised hell about the fact that the American people want lower prices, not more war—especially wars that aren’t authorised by Congress, as required by the Constitution, and don’t have a clear objective.
“Every single Senator needs to go on the record about this dangerous, unnecessary, and idiotic action.”
Putin discusses Iran with Russian Security Council
13:35 , Harriette BoucherVladimir Putin has held a video conference meeting with the members of the Russian Security Council to discuss the US and Israel's strikes on Iran, according to Russian state news agencies.
Russia’s foreign ministry earlier today condemned the strikes on Iran and warned the attacks risked triggering “humanitarian, economic and, possibly, radiological catastrophe”.
US-Iran strikes: What flight cancellations and Middle East airspace closures mean for passengers’ rights
13:27 , Harriette BoucherHundreds of thousands of airline passengers have had their travel plans thrown into disarray as airspace in the Middle East was closed to flights following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Cancellations and diversions began after a “major combat operation” was confirmed by Donald Trump on Saturday morning.
Iran and Iraq closed their airspaces in response to the escalating action, which has seen explosions across the Middle East. Soon afterwards, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as well as other Gulf locations, also grounded flights.
Dubai International Airport, the biggest global hub, closed to arrivals and departures shortly before 12 noon GMT. On a typical day, around a quarter of a million passengers fly in and out of “DXB”.
The main airline at Dubai, Emirates, said it had temporarily suspended operations “due to multiple regional airspace closures” and the giant Gulf carrier Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to and from its hub in Doha.
The Independent’s Travel Correspondent Simon Calder reports:
US-Iran strikes: What flight cancellations mean for airline passengers
Trump: 'All I want is freedom for the people'
13:26 , Harriette BoucherDonald Trump has said his main concern is “freedom” for the Iranian people as the U.S. launched military strikes in the country.
“All I want is freedom for the people,” Trump told the Washington Post following his video message on Saturday morning.
“I want a safe nation, and that’s what we’re going to have,” the US president said.
Mapped: Where strikes and explosions have been heard across the Middle East as Iran retaliates
13:09 , Harriette BoucherFour people killed in Syria after an Iranian missile falls on building, state media reports
12:23 , Holly EvansFour people were killed and several others wounded when an Iranian missile struck a building in the southern Syrian city of Sweida on Saturday, the state news agency ANA said.
Other missile debris fell in the city of Quneitra and the Yarmouk Basin in Daraa province in southern Syria, according to Reuters witnesses and videos shared by residents.
The sounds of warplanes were heard repeatedly in the skies over Syria on Saturday, after the United States and Israel announced a military operation against Iran.
Dozens of interceptor missiles were seen in the skies over Damascus, according to two witnesses,
Dubai: flights cease to and from the world's busiest international airport
12:12 , Simon CalderDubai International Airport, the biggest global hub, has suspended flights.
On a typical day, around a quarter of a million passengers fly in and out of “DXB”.
The main airline, Emirates, said: “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.
“We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused, and we are assisting them with rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.”
Other airlines are affected. British Airways passenger Mike Boreham was aboard flight BA108, preparing to depart from Dubai to Heathrow, when the captain announced airspace had closed.
“We were all boarded,” he told The Independent. “The flight is completely full. About 10 minutes after the ‘boarding complete’ announcement we were told airspace is closed.”
After the closure was announced, many flights heading for Dubai returned to their starting points, including Emirates from Dublin, Turkish Airlines to Istanbul and LOT to Warsaw – which was also the landing place for the Emirates inbound flight from Seattle.
Breaking: Trump confirms 'major combat operations' in Iran
07:38 , Holly EvansDonald Trump has confirmed US strikes on Iran in an eight-minute video on Truth Social, stating that Washington had begun “major combat operations”.
In his first comments since Saturday’s strikes, the US president said: “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
He said Tehran's "menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world".
"For 47 years," Trump adds, "the Iranian regime has chanted 'Death to America' and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed."
He continued: "It's been mass terror, and we're not going to take it any longer."